Young v. Hector

Hector (plaintiff), a high-earning attorney, and Young (defendant), who had been unemployed, divorced after Young became the children's primary at-home caregiver for three years once Hector raised the idea of divorce. At trial, the judge asked Young why he hadn't found work; he explained his architecture background hadn't kept pace with new computer skills. The guardian ad litem recommended Hector receive custody based on her economic stability, her presence in the children's lives, and Young's temper, and the trial court granted her custody based on that report. Young appealed, arguing the decision reflected gender bias.

Whether a court may consider the gender of the parents in making a custody determination based on the best interests of the child.