Wanda and Homer Barton have been married for 6 years and have one child: Samantha, 4 years old. She is the light of both their lives, but, sadly, they cannot live together anymore for a number of reasons. They have limited funds and want your firm to represent both of them. Each of them wants custody of Samantha who is involved in gymnastics, tap and piano.

Wanda is a southern Baptist, originally from Alabama. She is now disabled, having suffered a debilitating car accident 2 years prior. She spends 4 hours each morning at therapy sessions. However, she gets along quite well in her wheel chair when she is at home, and loves Samantha dearly. Currently, she is unemployed, but hopes to be getting a job at the Wells Halfway House, working with abused women from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Homer received an inheritance 2 years prior and does not need to work. He is willing and able to spend time with Samantha in these important pre-school years. Homer's new religion Maxtoroastrianism, requires that he use marijuana as a sacrament and that he engage in sex with multiple partners at his home during the daylight hours.

Wanda and Homer have come to your firm as a couple and asked you to represent both of them in order to save on legal fees. Your attorney employer asks you to submit a written paper outlining the following issues and making a recommendation:

1)Are we able to represent both clients under these circumstances? Why? Why not?

2)What are the principal custody issues as between Homer and Wanda that would likely impact the custody case? Explain.

3)Considering your answers to Nos. 1 & 2 above, what is the likely outcome of a dispute for custody as between Homer and Wanda? Explain.

4) What law is being challenged in this scenario? Explain