December 1996 - The Custody of and Behavior Concerning "Pork Rind"

This marvelous contribution comes from U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater, who received it from his life-long friend, Stephen R. Bowers (who is a sole practitioner in Elkhart, Ind.). Somehow Stephen uncovered the docket sheet in a 1998 divorce case in Elkhart Superior Cort - which records the agreed order concerning custody of the couple's minor child and of "Pork Rind the family pig" (who "apparently was a very sensitive swine"):

10-21-88. Cause coming on for hearing. Both parties appear in person and by their respective counsel. On husband's petition for modification of provisional orders, by agreement of the parties both parties are awarded joint custody of Robert J. Junior, the minor child of the parties and Pork Rind the family pig. Husband shall have actual physical custody of both, wife to have rights of reasonable visitation, temporary custody. Wife shall pay support in the amount of $35 per week effective September 30th, any pre-existing arrearage shall be fully liquidated within 30 days of this date. Husband shall be responsible for the support of the pig. Both parties admonished to conform their conduct to the highest moral standards while in the presence of the pig.
- posted by texasbar @ 10/06/2009