Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Srader v. Midkiff

Trial court did not err in issuing a final judgment without receiving the minor's testimony or appointing a guardian ad litem, because it heard the grandparents' and father's testimony.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Pamela and Dennis Srader filed a petition seeking custody of or visitation rights to their granddaughter, Megan Midkiff. Following a hearing, the trial court entered a judgment in favor of the child’s father, Shawn Midkiff. The Sraders appeal, claiming that the trial court erred in denying their request for visitation rights without i properly considering the child’s best interests, ii assigning the case to mediation, or iii making written findings of fact required by OCGA § 19-7-3 c. The Sraders also allege the trial court erred in imposing sanctions pursuant to OCGA § 9-15-14 without providing them with notice and the opportunity to be heard. For the reasons described below, we affirm the trial court’s denial of the Sraders’ request for visitation rights, but we reverse the award of attorney fees and remand the case to the trial court for further proceedings on that issue. The record shows that Megan was born on August 12, 2002 to Syble Srader and Shawn Midkiff, who were not married. Ms. Srader and Mr. Midkiff lived together with the child until approximately April 2003, and Mr. Midkiff filed a petition to legitimate the child in September 2003. In November 2003, the trial court granted the legitimation petition, provided that primary physical custody of the child would remain with Ms. Srader, awarded visitation rights to Mr. Midkiff, and ordered him to pay child support.

From November 2003 until January 2008, Mr. Midkiff exercised his visitation rights with the child, keeping her on alternating weekends, and sharing custody on holidays and during the summers. During this time, Mr. Midkiff married, and he adopted his wife’s three daughters.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
GlobeSt. Women of Influence (WOI) 2024
July 22, 2024 - July 24, 2024
Lake Tahoe, CA

GlobeSt. Women of Influence Conference celebrates the women who drive the commercial real estate industry forward.


Learn More
New York Legal Awards 2024
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
African Legal Awards 2024
September 06, 2024
Johannesburg

The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Client Services/Hospitality Representative - Florida Office

CLIENT SERVICES/Hospitality REPRESENTATIVE-FLORIDA OFFICE Prominent mid-Atlantic law firm with multiple regional office locations seeks a f...


Apply Now ›
Legal Practice Assistant - Florida Office

Prominent mid-Atlantic law firm with multiple regional office locations seeks a legal practice assistant (LPA) for our Boca Raton, FL. Offic...


Apply Now ›
Litigation Associate - Philadelphia, PA

Description: Fox Rothschild has an opening in the Philadelphia, PA office for a litigation associate. The ideal candidate will have two to t...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs
Lawyers of Distinction
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
SMGQ Law
06/21/2024
Daily Business Review

Full Page Announcement


View Announcement ›
Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari
06/14/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
Go to Professional Announcements