Marr. of Olson

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS BELOW

On October 12, 2011, Christopher filed a petition for dissolution of marriage to obtain a divorce from Heather, his wife of nine years. Heather did not file a response, and on February 19, 2013, the court granted the divorce in a default judgment. Heather was present in court as a witness. The court granted a judgment of dissolution of the marriage and granted the parties joint legal custody of their twin seven-year-old daughters. Each parent was entitled to physical custody of the children approximately half the time. The judgment reserved spousal and child support to be determined at a later date. The relationship between Christopher and Heather subsequently deteriorated, and in June 2014, Heather filed a petition to modify joint custody. Heather proposed that Christopher have custody of the twins only on Thursday nights and alternate weekends.

1 We refer to the parties as Christopher and Heather for clarity. No disrespect is intended. 2 The remainder of the week, they would stay with Heather. Christopher opposed Heather’s request, arguing for the existing joint custody schedule to remain in effect. Christopher also filed a separate petition in…