In re J.G. CA2/2

BACKGROUND

1. The Family Son is father’s only child. Son’s mother, L.G. (mother), and son both tested positive for amphetamines at son’s birth. Mother has one other child, a six-year-old daughter, son’s half sister (half sister). Although not half sister’s biological parent, father has been a father

2 figure to half sister. Mother and half sister are not parties to this appeal and are mentioned only to the extent relevant. 2. Events Preceding the Petition In August 2021, when son was two years old, the family court issued a custody order granting father sole physical custody of son and joint legal custody of son to mother and father. Mother was granted reasonable visitation. On September 8, 2021, soon after the family court issued its custody order, father met mother at a motel to discuss mother’s visits with son. At the time, son was at home with his paternal grandmother and aunt, with whom father lived. Half sister was with mother at the motel. While at the motel, father and mother began arguing over the family court order. According to father, mother became aggressive, causing father to react in self-defense. Father said mother threatened to use pepper spray, which…