Iowa Supreme Court Held Husband was Properly Awarded Joint Physical Care

The Iowa Supreme Court held that father was properly awarded joint physical care notwithstanding mother’s testimony alleging communication problems and the parties contentious relationship. The court gave deference to the district court’s finding that mother’s testimony lacked credibility. The court noted that the children had thrived under the joint physical care arrangement for the past two years, i.e. the daughter was doing well in school, the son was developing well for his age, both children benefited from frequent contact with both parents, and both parents had been actively involved in caring for the children and their activities. Accordingly, the Supreme Court held that joint legal custody and shared physical care were in the best interests of the children. In re Marriage Harris, No. 12-1969 (Iowa 2013).