Ross v. Ross

CAMPBELL, J.,

pro

tem.

This is an appeal from an order denying defendant’s motion to modify a decree of divorce. The notice of motion, eliminating that part merely formal, is that defendant will move the court “to modify the decree and orders herein so that defendant shall pay the sum of $15 per month for the support of the minor child of plaintiff and defendant, instead of the sum of $25 per month as previously ordered herein; that'said child of said parties shall be known as Aileen Boss; that said child shall be taught respect and love for her father,” etc.

During the course of the argument in this court counsel for appellant waived the question of a reduction of the monthly allowance for the support and maintenance of the minor child and conceded the amount of $25 per month to be a proper allowance, but - insists that the trial court should have entered its order directing that the child be known by the name of “Boss” and not “Callahan”—the mother’s name by reason of a subsequent marriage—and that the child be taught to respect and love her father.

It is difficult to see how the court could enforce its order in this respect, if made. If the mother were teaching the child disrespect of her father or in any manner so conducting herself that she is not a fit and proper person to have the care and custody of the minor child, the court could modify its decree changing such custody from the mother to the father, but there is no claim that the mother is not a fit. and proper person to have the care and custody of such minor.

The evidence contained in the record, however, strongly supports the conclusion that the mother, while not teaching the child to disrespect the father, has encouraged respect and has never denied the right of the father to see the child on

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all proper and convenient occasions. It is true that the child was registered at school under the name of “Aileen Callahan,” but the mother notified the school authorities that her name was “Aileen Boss,” and the proper correction has been made.

The code has not provided explicit rules in regard to the exercise of the trial court’s discretion in awarding custody of children and providing for their support and maintenance. It is manifest that the legislature intended to confide to trial courts a very extensive discretion in this respect with a view of the best interest of such minors, and its conclusion will not be set aside in the absence of a clear abuse of that discretion