Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District / Apr 23, 2024
Derek Maxwell, Respondent, vs. Christina Maxwell, Appellant.
Mother appealed the trial court's judgment granting Father sole legal and physical custody of their three minor children. Mother contended the trial court erred by failing to enter judgment upon her consent to the custody arrangements in Father's original petition and by proceeding with trial, arguing the court lacked jurisdiction. The appellate court affirmed the judgment, holding that a trial court has an independent duty to determine custody in the best interests of the children, even if parties have previously consented, and that the parties were no longer in agreement at the time of trial.