A.S.

FACTS

Mother and Father are the parents of Antonio, age eight. Father filed a petition seeking custody of his child. In 2015, the parents stipulated and the court ordered that the parents “share joint legal custody” of the child in “such a way so as to assure the child continuing contact with both parents.” One provision provided Antonio would be with Mother “every other week

1 beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday until 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.” In April 2021, Mother filed a “request for order” claiming Antonio “has been suffering” because of Father’s physical and mental abuse. She requested “sole legal and physical custody.” Father denied her accusations. He testified Mother violated the trial court order by interfering with his custody rights and not cooperating in custody arrangements. Antonio wanted to live with him and was not afraid of him. Father did not abuse the child. On one occasion, he slapped him one time on the buttocks with his open hand. The child deserved that discipline. Mother testified that at Christmas Antonio was crying. Antonio said his “dad hit him.” Mother followed the court order and cooperated with Father. The court mediator’s conclusion that Antonio was…