- 5 -
both Laura Coats and Shawona Higgins satisfied the age
requirement. Respondent concedes that Laura Coats satisfied the
relationship test.
Respondent argues that Laura Coats did not satisfy the
residency requirement. Respondent contends that school records
reflect that Laura Coats lived at the South Green residence, not
petitioner’s West Potomac residence, during 1998. Respondent
also contends that the distance between Wentworth Elementary
School and the South Green residence as compared to the distance
between Wentworth Elementary School and petitioner’s West Potomac
residence reflects that Laura Coats lived at the South Green
residence.
Petitioner argues that Laura Coats satisfied the residency
requirement in 1998. Petitioner testified that Laura Coats lived
at petitioner’s West Potomac residence for more than 9 months in
1998. Petitioner testified that 1998 was a volatile year in the
neighborhood surrounding the South Green residence. Petitioner
testified that as a result of that volatility, and out of concern
for the well-being of the children, Laura Coats and Shawona
Higgins lived with petitioner. He further testified that “it
wouldn’t have been just to take them out of school. We thought
it was best just to commute back and forth for their sake.”
We find petitioner’s testimony credible. We find
convincing petitioner’s explanation for the discrepancy between
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011