In Re: Skyler J. H.

The father of a young child born out of wedlock petitioned the juvenile court to be awarded custody of the child. The mother responded by asking the court to award custody to her. After many delays, the juvenile court referee conducted a lengthy hearing and granted the father’s petition, holding that although it was a close question, it was in the child’s best interest for the father to exercise custody. The mother appealed to the Juvenile Court Judge, who reached the same conclusion after another hearing. The mother now appeals to this court, contending that custody should have been awarded to her for several reasons, including the operation of the tender years doctrine. We affirm the trial court.