In Re Marriage of Forest

UHLENHOPP, Justice.

The decision in this appeal turns on whether the interests of two children will best be served by granting custody of them to Connie Sue Forest, their mother, or to Kenneth Wayne Forest, their father.

The parties were married in 1960. Two children were born to them, a boy aged 10 at time of trial in 1971 and a girl aged eight. During most of the marriage the parties had a normal family life, although Mr. Forest was somewhat inattentive. Of the two parents, Mrs. Forest was considerably closer to the children. She participated more in their home, school, and other activities…