A.R.

BACKGROUND

On July 18, 2011, father commenced this paternity action against mother to establish a parental relationship with the parties’ minor child. The parties entered into a stipulation establishing father’s paternity on September 30, 2011. Thereafter, the litigation became contentious, with numerous modifications of the court’s temporary custody and visitation orders. The trial on custody took place on April 24, 25, May 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2014. On July 10, 2014, the trial court issued a lengthy statement of decision providing the parties with joint legal and physical custody of the child, and establishing a visitation schedule. The statement of decision reserved decision on the issues of child support and attorney fees. The trial court’s statement of decision specified: “Orders for child support and attorney fees are not included in this Statement of Decision and will be addressed separately.” The statement of decision also provided that mother was to prepare a judgment within 20 days. No judgment or notice of entry of judgment was initially included in the appellate record, though at oral argument, we granted father’s request to lodge a copy of the August 15, 2014 custody…