Dunkle v. Dunkle’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

33 state decisions

Most-quoted passages

The sentences later courts lift from this opinion, ranked by how many decisions quote each — the parts of the opinion doing the work. These counts are smaller than the citation total above because most of the 35 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “(1) The wishes of the child’s parents as to custody and the proposed parenting plan submitted by both parties; (2) The needs of the child for a frequent, continuing and meaningful relationship with both parents and the ability and willingness of parents to actively perform their functions as mother and father for the needs of the child; (3) The interaction and interrelationship of the child with parents, siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interests; (4) Which parent is more likely to allow the child frequent, continuing and meaningful contact with the other parent; (5) The child’s adjustment to the child’s home, school, and community; (6) The mental and physical health of all individuals involved, including any history of abuse of any individuals involved. If the court finds that a pattern of domestic violence as defined in [S]ection 455.010 has occurred, and, if the court also finds that awarding custody to the abusive parent is in the best interest of the child, then the court shall enter written findings of fact and conclusions of law. Custody and visitation rights shall be ordered in a manner that best protects the child and any other child or children for whom the parent has custodial or visitation rights, and the parent or other family or household member who is the victim of domestic violence from any further harm; (7) The intention of either parent to relocate the principal residence of the child; and (8) The wishes of a child”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. In the Interest of Sutton v. McCollum

2. “[b]ecause Rule [130.13] is silent as to a motion to amend the judgment, it does not supersede the normal civil procedure rules with respect to that type of motion. Thus, even in cases heard by a family court commissioner, ... the parties have 30 days from the entry of the judgment in which to file a motion to amend the judgment.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Lenz v. Lenz

3. “Imperative to the best interests of the child in a joint custody arrangement are `[t]he commonality of beliefs concerning parental decisions and the ability of parents to cooperate and function as a parental unit.'”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Ljs Ex Rel. Ach v. Frs