Matter of Marriage of Meier

This case arises from a motion by a mother to modify the decree of dissolution which awarded her custody of a minor child. By that motion the mother sought permission to move with the child to Ontario, Canada. The trial court, after hearing testimony, denied that motion. The Court of Appeals reversed. 36 Or App 685, 585 P2d 713 (1978). We granted review.

The basic facts in this case are not in dispute. The parties were married in 1969, and one child, Justin, was born in 1970. On February 20, 1974, the father petitioned for divorce and requested custody of Justin. At that time the father also…