In re the Dissolution of the Marriage of Reynolds

Mother appeals from a determination changing custody of her nine-year-old daughter to husband. The parties’ marriage was dissolved in 1975 as a result of a default judgment in favor of father. As per his petition, custody of the daughter was awarded to mother.

Both parties remarried. Mother moved to southern California where she resided with her new husband and daughter. From August 1976 to December 1976 mother’s 16-year-old stepson also resided with them, living in a camper adjacent to the family’s rented two-bedroom house. He has not lived there since Christmas 1976. Mother testified that if…