Evelyn H. v. David H.

OPINION OF THE COURT

James P. Dawson, J.

This matrimonial action was commenced in 1995 with *133plaintiff seeking a divorce and various ancillary relief including custody of the four minor children of the marriage: A., now age 16, D., now age 14, Dn., now age 11, and R, now age 7.

In a previous order rendered in 1996, the Court granted temporary custody of the four children to the plaintiff and awarded her temporary child support and spousal maintenance. Thereafter, both parties urged the Court to conduct a permanent child custody hearing in advance of the divorce trial, representing that an order…