In Re Marriage of Slayton
Slayton v. Biggums-Slayton
Opinion
Opinion
Richli, J.
Peggy Sue Biggums-Slayton (Mother) appeals from an order granting custody of her minor son to her former husband, Timothy E. Slayton, Sr. (Father). We affirm the order.
I
Factual and Procedural Background
The parties were married in 1980. Their first child, Timothy, Jr., was bom in 1981. The child whose custody is at issue, Turhan, was born in January 1995.
In May 1997, Father left the marital residence, and in June 1998 he petitioned for dissolution. The court ordered the marriage dissolved in May 1999. Turhan continued to reside with Mother, with visitation granted to Father.
On December 13, 1999, apparently while serving an eviction notice, the police found Turhan, who was then four years old, alone at Mother’s residence. Turhan was taken to child protective services and subsequently released to Father. On December 14, 1999, Father applied for and was awarded temporary custody of Turhan in an ex parte proceeding. Mother’s petition to regain custody was denied after a full hearing on March 27, 2000.
II
Discussion
A. Standard of Review
“The standard of appellate review of custody and visitation orders is the deferential abuse of discretion test. [Citation.] The…