Meldrum v. Novotny

[¶ 63.] Because I believe the best interest of the child should always be paramount, I would reverse and remand for a determination of this issue.8

[¶ 64.] A child’s welfare should be of utmost importance, even when evaluating a custody battle between a parent and non-parent. There is a plethora of cases in this state placing “the best interest of the child” on a pedestal above all other considerations in custody battles. See, e.g., In re W.G., 1999 SD 85, ¶ 22, 597 N.W.2d 430, 434 (stating “[t]he best interest of the children must always prevail.”); Zepeda v. Zepeda, 2001 SD 101, ¶ 13, 632…