201 S.E.2d 131 | S.C. | 1973
In this domestic case, the respondent wife obtained a divorce from the appellant husband on the grounds of physical cruelty, gained custody of the two minor children of the parties, and support for the minor children. When the suit was instituted, the husband interposed a counterclaim alleging adultery on the part of the wife and that she was unfit to have the custody of the children. He sought a divorce, custody of the children and prayed that the wife be barred from alimony.
When the case came on for a hearing, December 21, 1972, with, all parties consenting, the court first took testimony
Following such decree, the husband became dissatisfied, discharged his counsel and retained other counsel who, on January 29, 1973, filed a. motion in the Family Court praying that the court reopen the case and grant a hearing on the question of custody of the children of the parties, on the grounds that there had been no adequate hearing thereabout, it being asserted that it would be to the best interests of the children for the court to specifically inquire into the matter of custody and to determine the same upon an adequate evidentiary showing. The motion was supported by a petition verified by the husband to the effect that in withdrawing from further participation in the December hearing, he did not understand that he was in any way waiving his rights to contest the custody of his children.
Upon hearing the motion to reopen, the judge denied the same in a somewhat lengthy order, in which he reviewed the entire controversy. We quote from the order the following summary of the conclusions reached by the court.
“The court concludes from his prior observation of the parties, the prior testimony and arguments in this case, and the matters alleged in the petition, that’ no present danger or detriment exists with respect to the children sufficient to require the court to reopen the matter sua sponte. To reopen
From such order the husband appeals on several exceptions imputing error to the court below. We have carefully reviewed the record and briefs of counsel and conclude that the appellant husband has failed to demonstrate any reversible error on the part of the Family Court. We do not deem that a detailed discussion of the facts or the contentions of the husband would serve any useful purpose or have any precedential value, and we accordingly refrain from doing so.
Affirmed.