Ex Parte Couch

This case involves the custody of the two minor children of Carol van Elkan (formerly Carol Couch) and William F. Couch. The Court of Civil Appeals affirmed the trial court's order giving the father custody of the two minor children, whose ages are six and eight, 521 So.2d 985 (Ala.Civ.App. 1987). The mother's application for rehearing was overruled, and we granted her petition for certiorari; we affirm.

The final judgment divorcing the parents was entered in November 1984. Incorporated into the divorce judgment was a separation agreement giving the parents joint legal and shared physical…