A joint custody case involving a same sex couple comes to Missoula this week, as Montana's Supreme Court justices hear arguments in the dispute.

The case involves two women who lived together for 10-years, during which time one of the women adopted a couple of children. Michelle Kulstad and Barbara Maniaci shared their home for a decade and Maniaci adopted the two children at the heart of the dispute. When their relationship ended, Kulstad sought joint custody of the children.

The Montana District Court subsequently awarded Kulstad a parental interest in the children, with joint decision-making authority and regular visitation. She was also awarded a portion of Maniaci's property.

Friday, the Supreme Court justices will hear arguments in the appeal during a special hearing at the University of Montana campus. The hearing begins at 9:30 in the University Theater and is open to the public.

-Dennis Bragg reporting from KPAX in Missoula