In Re Marriage Of Carney

24 Cal.3d 725 (1979)

Facts

William and Ellen were married in 1968. Both were teenagers at that time. Two sons were born and the parties separated shortly thereafter in 1972. W relinquished custody of the children to H by written agreement. H eventually moved to the west coast and began living with a young woman named Lori Rivera, who acted as a stepmother to the boys. H and Lori had a daughter, and Lori proceeded to raise all the children as her own. In 1976, H was injured while serving in the military reserve. H was left a quadriplegic although he had impaired use of his arms and hands. H spent several years in a military hospital and the children visited him. H eventually bought a van with a wheelchair lift and hand controls. In May of 1977, H filed for a dissolution of the marriage to W. W did not once visit her sons or make a contribution to them from 1972-1977. About the only contact that W had with the boys was by telephone, a few letters, and packages. The trial court gave custody of the boys to W and W was allowed to move them back to New York. H appealed.