In Re Frazier

This proceeding was instituted to recover from the respondents the custody of Gulda Ramona Sill, a minor child about nine years of age.

It is alleged that petitioner, who is the mother of the child, placed her in the custody of respondents in order that they might enjoy her comfort and companionship, but without any intent to abandon the child, and that respondents have not adopted the child, but now unjustly claim the right to retain her custody. Further allegation is made that a petition for a writ of habeas corpus to recover the custody of the minor was filed by this petitioner against the respondents here in the superior court of Santa Barbara County, which, upon a hearing in that court, was denied.

Respondents set forth in their return that, on or about the thirteenth day of July, 1911, the petitioner abandoned the child to their care and custody, since which time the mother has visited the child but three times, and has never contributed anything to her support. They aver that when the little girl was placed in their keeping it was agreed that petitioner should secure a divorce from her husband, from whom she was then separated, and that thereupon the respondents could…