45 Wash. 652 | Wash. | 1907
On April 13, 1906, the plaintiff in this cause was granted a divorce from the defendant. The court
It is next urged that the court erred in refusing to modify the decree of divorce so as to give the custody of both children to the mother. After a thorough reading of all the evidence submitted at the hearing upon the petition to modify, we think we should not disturb 'the court’s order. It relates to the present custody of the children, and is subject to further modification upon a showing which satisfies the court that conditions may have changed so as to make a change proper in the best interest of either or both of the children. We are not satisfied that such a showing has been made at this time. The trial court saw these people and their witnesses. The same judge who heard the divorce case after-wards heard the application for the modification of 'the decree, and even after this second hearing the mind of the court was still impressed with the belief that the disposition of the children as provided in the decree was substantially correct. It is true, it is not usual to take the custody of such small children from the mother, but it will be remembered that the younger one — two years of age — was left with the mother. The evidence before us shows that the older one, who was left
It is also assigned that the court erred in making the order of modification which it did make. Respondent joins appellant in this, and consents that the order may be vacated. We shall, however, not disturb the modification. Upon further reflection the court doubtless concluded that the child should be taken to her mother as often as once in every six weeks. While a visit of twenty-four hours may seem short, yet, as it is repeated every six Aveeks, it may be reasonable under all the circumstances. We belieAre the trial court, after two hearings from these parties, has carefully tried to serve the best interests of the children; and inasmuch as there is no evidence before us Avhich satisfies us that there is a better way, the judgment is affirmed.
Rudkin, Fullerton, Crow, Root, Mount, and Dunbar, JJ., concur.