Simonson v. Simonson

OTIS, Justice.

The narrow issue in this appeal is whether or not it is in the best interests of a minor child to be in the custody of a mother who is cohabiting with a person who has a record of sexually molesting children. A divided panel of the district court affirmed an award of custody to the mother by a county court. We reverse.

On June 19, 1978, the County Court of Olmsted County dissolved the marriage of the respondent Pamela Kay Simonson and the appellant Donnie James Simonson. In granting custody to the mother, the trial court expressed its concern regarding her relationship with one…