In re L.A. CA2/4
Opinion
Opinion
Collins, J.
INTRODUCTION
Marlene A. (mother) appeals from the dependency court’s orders terminating the court’s dependency jurisdiction over her daughter, L.A., giving joint legal and physical custody of L.A. to mother and Hector A. (father),1 and ordering the parents to work out a schedule regarding custody. Mother contends the court abused its discretion in awarding joint custody to father and allowing him to have unmonitored contact with L.A., because previously he had only monitored contact, L.A. indicated she was afraid of him, and circumstances had not substantially changed since the court’s finding of abuse by father precipitated L.A.’s removal from his custody. Moreover, mother claims it was unreasonable to leave the specifics of custody for the parents to work out where they had repeatedly demonstrated an inability to work together or put their daughter’s interests ahead of their own contentious custody dispute. We reverse and remand this matter to the dependency court to either retain jurisdiction or issue appropriate exit orders regarding custody and visitation consistent with this opinion and the current circumstances of the case.