Marriage of Skinner CA4/1

BACKGROUND

Skinner and McSherry divorced in 2000. Since that time, their many disputes over

the custody, visitation, and support of their two minor children have necessitated family

court intervention. McSherry has also obtained domestic violence restraining orders

against Skinner.

In April 2012, the family court held an evidentiary hearing on Skinner's request

that the custody and visitation orders be modified and McSherry's request that the

restraining order against Skinner be made permanent. Skinner requested his son, then

years old, testify at the hearing about spending more time with Skinner. The court denied

the request on the ground it would not be in the son's best interests to testify at the

hearing. (Fam. Code, § 3042; Cal. Rules of Court, rule 5.250.) Several witnesses

testified at the hearing, and reports and other documents were introduced.

After receiving the evidence and hearing arguments from the parties and counsel

appointed for the minor children, the court entered a comprehensive order regarding

custody, visitation, and related matters. As pertinent to this appeal, the court made the

following rulings: (1) McSherry was given sole…