Patten Ex Rel. Patten v. Patrick

McGIVERIN, Justice.

This is a child custody case in which both the natural father, Larry D. Patten, and the legal guardian and maternal grandmother, Mary Roberta Patrick (Roberta), desire custody of Baby Boy Patten, who is also known as “Guber” and Patrick. In Larry’s absence Roberta was appointed Patrick’s legal guardian. Upon Larry’s subsequent effort to regain custody, the trial court left custody with the grandmother, subject to visitation by the father. We modify and affirm.

Patrick was born April 11, 1971 to the marriage of Larry and Mary Elizabeth, the daughter of Roberta. He lived with…