N.S.

Background Information and Proceedings In May 2022, following a trial on custody and visitation, the family court (Judge Birchak) granted father sole physical custody of the children. Except for granting father sole authority to initially determine their school and primary medical providers, it granted the parties joint legal custody. The court granted father’s motion to move the children from mother’s Washington state residence to father’s San Diego residence. It ruled as to the parents’ religious practices: “Neither parent has demonstrated any detriment to the other parent exposing the children to their religious beliefs. Therefore, each parent may involve the children in their religious practices and beliefs. Neither parent may prohibit the other from doing so.” In September 2022, following a grant of mother’s petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO), the family court awarded mother sole legal and physical custody of the children, and denied father visitation rights. In October 2022, the family court amended the TRO and ordered joint legal custody, with father having physical custody of the children. In December 2023, the family court denied both parties’ requests for…