In Re the Custody of Mason

BROCK, Judge.

In determining child custody wide discretion is necessarily vested in the trial judge, who has the opportunity to see the parties and hear the witnesses, and his decision ought not to be upset on appeal absent a clear showing of abuse of discretion. In re Custody of Pitts, 2 N.C. App. 211, 162 S.E. 2d 524. It is perfectly clear from the findings of the trial judge why he did not award custody of the child to respondent (mother); therefore, his award of custody to petitioner (father) should not be upset on this appeal. The welfare of the child is always open to inquiry by the…