Golan-Elliott v. Elliott

[Cite as Golan-Elliott v. Elliott, 2017-Ohio-8524.]

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
UNION COUNTY

VIRGINIA GOLAN-ELLIOTT,

PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, CASE NO. 14-17-01

v.

G. RALPH ELLIOTT, OPINION

DEFENDANT-APPELLANT.

Appeal from Union County Common Pleas Court
Domestic Relations Division
Trial Court No. 15-DR-0076

Judgment Affirmed

Date of Decision: November 13, 2017

APPEARANCES:

Aaron E. Michel for Appellant

Anthony W. Greco ad Aaron E. Kenter for Appellee
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ZIMMERMAN, J.

{¶1} Defendant-Appellant, G. Ralph Elliott (“Ralph”) appeals the January

26, 2017 Final Judgment Entry/Decree of Divorce issued by the Union County

Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, granting him a divorce from

Virginia Golan-Elliott (“Virginia”). On appeal, Ralph assigns as error: (1) the trial

court’s denial of temporary support and subsequent spousal support award of $250

per month; (2) the trial court’s failure to make findings of fact, failure to identify

and classify assets, and failure to credit Ralph with transferring assets to Virginia;

(3) the trial court’s determination that the antenuptial and separation agreements

were inapplicable; (4) the trial court’s denial of Ralph’s motion to add an expert to

his witness list; and (5) the trial court’s classification and valuations of Virginia and

Ralph’s respective residences and their marital debt in regard to the distributive

award. For the reasons that follow, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Facts

{¶2} Ralph and Virginia were married on July 3, 1997. (Doc. No. 66 at 1).

They signed an antenuptial agreement the day of their marriage and both were

represented by counsel when the agreement was signed. (11/01/2016 Tr., Vol. II,

at 8-9; Def. Ex. No. B). At the time of their marriage, Ralph was 61 and Virginia

was 37. (Doc. No. 40 at 3). No children were born as issue of their marriage. (Doc.

No. 66 at 1).

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{¶3} During the course of their marriage, both Ralph and Virginia were

professional realtors and were actively engaged in the selling of real estate. (Id. at

2). Also during their marriage, Ralph inherited an interest in real property, a portion

of which ultimately became the parties’ marital residence. (Id. at 3).

{¶4} In 2013, the parties decided to terminate their marriage by dissolution

and filed a petition and separation agreement in Logan County, Ohio. (Id. at 2).

However, Ralph failed to appear for the final dissolution hearing and the case was

dismissed. (Id.).

Procedural History

{¶5} This instant action commenced in Union County when Virginia filed

her complaint for divorce on May 26, 2015 in case number 15-DR-0076. Ralph filed

his answer on June 18, 2015. However, Ralph also filed a complaint for divorce in

Union County on May 20, 2015, together with a request for temporary spousal

support, in case number 15-DR-0067. On June 24, 2015 the trial court consolidated

the divorce cases, and designated Virginia as the Plaintiff and Ralph as the

Defendant in case number 15-DR-0076. On May 5, 2016 the trial court denied

Ralph’s motion for temporary spousal support.

{¶6} The matter proceeded to a contested final hearing on October 31st and

November 1st, 2016. (Doc. No. 66 at 1). From this hearing the trial court issued its

Final Judgment Entry/Decree of Divorce (the “Decree”) on January 26, 2017. In

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the Decree Virginia and Ralph were granted a divorce from each other on the

grounds of incompatibility. (Id.).

{¶7} It is from this Decree that Ralph appeals, presenting the following

assignments of error for our review:

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. I

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF THE
HUSBAND BY DENYING TEMPORARY SUPPORT AND
SUBSEQUENTLY AWARDING $250 PER MONTH IN
SPOUSAL SUPPORT TO START YEARS AFTER THE START
DATE UNDER THE SEPARATION AGREEMENT.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. II

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF THE
HUSBAND BY FAILING TO MAKE FINDINGS OF FACT AS
TO THE BUSINESS ASSETS, FAILING TO IDENTIFY AND
CLASSIFY THESE ASSETS, AND FAILING TO CREDIT THE
HUSBAND FOR THE TRANSFER OF THOSE ASSETS TO
THE WIFE BY MEANS OF A DISTRIBUTIVE AWARD AND
SUPPORT.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. III

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF THE
HUSBAND BY CONCLUDING THAT THE ANTENUPTIAL
AND SEPARATION AGREEMENTS WERE INAPPLICABLE
IN DETERMINING SUPPORT AND EQUITABLE
DISTRIBUTION OF MARITAL AND SEPARATE PROPERTY
AND LIABILITIES.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. IV

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF THE
HUSBAND WHEN IT DENIED THE HUSBAND’S MOTION
TO ADD AN APPRAISAL EXPERT TO THE WITNESS LIST

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AND ADMISSION OF HIS REPORTS ON THE VALUE OF
THE RESIDENCES OF THE PARTIES.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. V

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF THE
HUSBAND IN ITS DETERMINATION OF THE
CLASSIFICATION AND VALUE OF THE WIFE’S AND
HUSBAND’S RESIDENCE AND MARITAL DEBT AND
DISTRIBUTIVE AWARD.

{¶8} Due to the nature of the assignments of error, we elect to address them

out of order, starting with Ralph’s third assignment of error first.

Third Assignment of Error

{¶9} In his third assignment of error, Ralph argues that the trial court erred

by concluding that the parties’ antenuptial and separation agreements were

inapplicable in determining support and an equitable distribution of marital and

separate property. Specifically, Ralph asserts that because both parties entered into

the antenuptial agreement in 1997 and were represented by counsel, the agreement

must be enforced. With respect to the separation agreement, Ralph argues that since

each party was represented by counsel at the time they entered into the agreement,

and because the agreement provided that it would remain in effect even if no final

decree was issued by the trial court, he was entitled to have it enforced. For the

reasons that follow, we disagree.

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Trial Court’s Ruling on the Agreements

{¶10} The trial court addressed the parties’ Antenuptial and Separation

Agreements together in its final divorce decree. (Doc. No. 66 at 2). The trial court

found that even though the Antenuptial Agreement may have received some “lip

service” in the divorce pleadings, the agreement was never attached to or made a

part of any pleading until the final hearing. (Id.). With regards to the Separation

Agreement, the trial court found that such agreement was entered into by Ralph and

Virginia as part of their dissolution proceeding and was voided by Ralph when the

petition was dismissed due to his failure to appear at the final dissolution hearing.

(Id.). Specifically, as to each agreement, the trial court ruled as follows:

The Trial Court is of the view that neither party has abided by either
agreement and both have demonstrated their intent not to comply with
the terms thereof. The Court finds it would be inequitable to both
parties to selectively enforce all or any part of either the antenuptial
or separation agreements and finds both agreements inapplicable in
this divorce.

(Emphasis added). (Id.).

Antenuptial Agreement

{¶11} “It is well settled in Ohio that public policy allows the enforcement of

prenuptial agreements.” Fletcher v. Fletcher, 68 Ohio St.3d 464, 466, 1994-Ohio-

434, 628 N.E.2d 1343. The Ohio Supreme Court has held that “[s]uch agreements

are valid and enforceable (1) if they have been entered into freely without fraud,

duress, coercion, or overreaching; (2) if there was full disclosure, or full knowledge

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and understanding of the nature, value and extent of the prospective spouse’s party;

and (3) if the terms do not promote or encourage divorce or profiteering by divorce.”

Gross v. Gross, 11 Ohio St.3d 99, 464 N.E.2d 500 (1984), paragraph two of the

syllabus. “Although a prenuptial agreement must meet these three ‘special’

conditions, in all other respects, prenuptial agreements are contracts, and the law of

contracts will generally apply to their application and interpretation.” Johnson v.

Johnson, 2nd Dist. Miami No. 2010 CA 2, 2011-Ohio-500, ¶ 10 citing Fletcher at

467. An appellate court will affirm a trial court’s interpretation of such contract if

the record contains competent evidence to support it. Id. “The primary role of the

court in reviewing a contract is to ascertain and give effect to the intent of the

parties.” Id. at ¶ 11, citing Hamilton Ins. Serv., Inc. v. Nationwide Ins. Cos., 86

Ohio St.3d 270, 273, 1999-Ohio-162, 714 N.E.2d 898 (1998). In ascertaining the

intent of the parties, the court must look to the language of the contract. Id. If the

contract language is clear and unambiguous, no interpretation or construction is

necessary, however, if the contract is susceptible to two or more reasonable

interpretations, it is ambiguous. Id. “Whether a contract’s terms are clear or

ambiguous is a question of law for the court.” Id. citing Westfield Ins. Co. v. HULS

Am., Inc., 128 Ohio App.3d 270, 291, 714 N.E.2d 934 (10th Dist.1998).

{¶12} “The parties to an antenuptial agreement are in a fiduciary relationship

to one another and, thus, are under a mandatory duty to act in good faith with a high

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degree of fairness and disclosure of all circumstances which materially bear on the

antenuptial agreement.” Rowland v. Rowland, 74 Ohio App.3d 415, 420, 599

N.E.2d 315 (4th Dist.1991) citing Gross, supra. See also, Cohen v. Estate of Cohen,

23 Ohio St.3d 90, 491 N.E.2d 698 (1986). “‘Although antenuptial agreements are

not per se invalid, they must meet certain minimum standards of good faith and fair

dealing. If the agreement is fair and reasonable under the circumstances, it will be

deemed enforceable.’” Id. quoting Zimmie v. Zimmie, 11 Ohio St.3d 94, 98, 464

N.E.2d 142 (1984).

{¶13} As an initial matter, we find that while both Ralph and Virginia filed

separate and competing complaints for divorce, neither party attached a copy of the

Antenuptial Agreement to their divorce complaint. Further, Ralph failed to attach

the Antenuptial Agreement to his answer to Virginia’s complaint for divorce and

neither party addressed the Antenuptial Agreement in any substantive fashion prior

to the filing of their pretrial statements. (Doc. No. 60; Doc. No. 63). More

specifically, neither Ralph nor Virginia filed a motion with the trial court, at any

time, to enforce or challenge the validity of the Antenuptial Agreement. As such,

the trial court’s characterization that the parties’ only gave “lip service” to the

antenuptial agreement is on target and representative of the parties’ lackadaisical

approach to the enforcement of their antenuptial agreement.

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{¶14} Nevertheless, the trial court was on notice that an antenuptial

agreement existed between the parties presenting property issues for it to consider.

{¶15} However, as noted by the trial court in its Decision, Virginia and Ralph

only sought selective enforcement of their prenuptial agreement. As such, the trial

court stated:

The Court is of the view that neither party has abided by either
agreement and both have demonstrated their intent not to comply with
the terms thereof. The Court finds it would be inequitable to both
parties to selectively enforce all or any part of either the Antenuptial
or Separation Agreements, and finds both agreements inapplicable in
this divorce.

(Doc. No. 66 at 2).

{¶16} “It is a fundamental rule of equity that he who seeks equity should not

be allowed to profit from his own wrongdoing.” Langer v. Langer, 123 Ohio

App.3d 348, 355, 704 N.E.2d 275 (2nd Dist.1997), cause dismissed, 80 Ohio St.3d

1473, 687 N.E.2d 470 (1997) citing Klaustermeyer v. Cleveland Tr. Co., 89 Ohio

St. 142, 148, 105 N.E. 278 (1913). In conducting our review of whether or not the

trial court erred by declaring the parties’ Antenuptial Agreement “inapplicable,”

we are guided by the principles set forth by the Ohio Supreme Court in Cohen that

the requirements of good faith and fair dealing in the making of an Antenuptial

Agreement also exist in the performance of it. Cohen, supra. And in this matter the

trial court determined that neither Virginia nor Ralph had abided by its terms.

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Thus, we find the trial court acted within its discretion to determine the

parties’ Antenuptial Agreement was “inapplicable.” Accordingly, we overrule this

portion of Ralph’s Assignment of Error.

Separation Agreement

{¶17} “A separation agreement is a contract and its interpretation is subject

to the same rules of construction as other contracts.” Urban v. Spriestersbach, 3rd

Dist. Seneca No. 13-94-26, 1995 WL 81975, * 2. “‘A contract is generally defined

as a promise, or a set of promises, actionable upon breach. Essential elements of a

contract include an offer, acceptance, contractual capacity, consideration (the

bargained for legal benefit and/or detriment), a manifestation of mutual assent and

legality of object and consideration.’” Kostelnik v. Helper, 96 Ohio St.3d 1, 2002-

Ohio-2985, 770 N.E.2d 58, ¶ 16 quoting Perlmuter Printing Co. v. Strome, Inc., 436

F. Supp. 409, 414 (N.D.Ohio 1976). “Issues concerning contracts, including

separation agreements, are subject to a de novo standard of review on appeal.”

Avakian v. Avakian, 11th Dist. Portage No. 2014-P-0036, 2015-Ohio-2299, ¶ 27.

Under a de novo standard of review, “an appellate court may substitute, without

deference, its judgment for that of the trial court.” Arnett v. Precision Strip, Inc.,

2012-Ohio-2693, 972 N.E.2d 168, ¶ 10 (3rd Dist.).

{¶18} However, “R.C. 3105.10(B)(2) provides the authority for trial courts

to enforce a separation agreement, stating: ‘a separation agreement that was

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voluntarily entered into by the parties may be enforceable by the court of common

pleas upon the motion of either party to the agreement, if the court determines that

it would be in the interests of justice and equity to require the enforcement of the

separation agreement.’” (Emphasis added). McAninch v. McAninch, 3rd Dist.

Union No. 14-02-10, 2002-Ohio-5580, ¶ 9 quoting R.C. 3105.10(B)(2).

“Consequently, the decision to enforce a separation agreement is discretionary and

will not be reversed on appeal absent an abuse of discretion.” Id. citing Schneider

v. Schneider, 110 Ohio App.3d 487, 491, 674 N.E.2d 769 (11th Dist.1996). “The

term ‘abuse of discretion’ implies that the court’s attitude is unreasonable, arbitrary,

or unconscionable.” Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 219, 450 N.E.2d

1140 (1983). “A trial court will be found to have abused its discretion when its

decision is * * * unreasonable, not supported by the evidence, or is grossly

unsound.” Mackenbach v. Mackenbach, 3rd Dist. Hardin No. 6-11-03, 2012-Ohio-

311, ¶ 7.

{¶19} After reviewing the record, we cannot say that the trial court abused

its discretion by concluding that the parties’ behavior during the divorce

proceedings demonstrated a lack of willingness to be bound by or comply with the

terms contained in their Separation Agreement. Again, we note that the parties’

Separation Agreement was filed in Logan County as part of a dissolution proceeding

and was ultimately dismissed because Ralph failed to appear at the final hearing and

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proceed with the dissolution1. (10/31/2016 Tr., Vol. I, at 46). Further, Ralph’s

following testimony at trial provides evidence of his behavior and lack of intent to

be bound by or comply with the Separation Agreement:

Q. (Cross Examination by Attorney Greco) Okay. So, let me
ask you this. Is it true that you did not want to enforce the
Separation Agreement at the dissolution hearing?

A. (Ralph) I got to thinking that way after I was into it for
awhile.

Q. Okay. And so, as far as what you’re asking the Court to do,
are you asking the Court to enforce that now?

A. I don’t know.

Q. You don’t know?

A. No.

(11/01/2016 Tr., Vol. II, at 87). In light of this testimony at trial and the fact that

the dissolution proceeding was dismissed because Ralph failed to appear at the final

hearing, his argument that the Separation Agreement should be enforced is

disingenuous.

{¶20} Further, and as we noted above, a person “who seeks equity should not

be allowed to profit from his own wrongdoing.” Langer, supra. Ralph’s failure to

appear for the dissolution hearing in Logan County supports the trial court’s finding

1
Outside of the Separation Agreement and the testimony produced at the final hearing regarding the
dissolution in Logan County, we are not privy to the record in the dissolution case.

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that he had no intent to comply with the Separation Agreement. As such, the trial

court chose not to selectively enforce the Separation Agreement of the parties.

{¶21} Accordingly, we overrule Ralph’s third assignment of error.

First Assignment of Error

{¶22} In his first assignment of error, Ralph asserts that the trial court erred

by denying his request for temporary support and by only awarding him spousal

support in the amount of $250 per month. For the reasons that follow, we disagree.

Standard of Review

{¶23} “‘As part of a divorce proceeding, a trial court has equitable authority

to divide and distribute the marital estate, and then consider whether an award of

sustenance alimony would be appropriate.’” Heitzman v. Heitzman, 3rd Dist.

Crawford No. 3-05-11, 2005-Ohio-4622, ¶ 3 quoting Kunkle v. Kunkle, 51 Ohio

St.3d 64, 67, 554 N.E.2d 83, (1990). “A trial court’s order granting or denying

spousal support will not be reversed on appeal absent an abuse of discretion.” Cox

v. Cox, 3rd Dist. Logan No. 8-06-17, 2007-Ohio-5769, ¶ 15. The term ‘abuse of

discretion’ connotes more than an error of law or judgment; it implies that the

court’s attitude is unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable.” Blakemore, 5 Ohio

St.3d 217, 219, 450 N.E.2d 1140 (1983).

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Analysis

{¶24} In our review of the record, we find that the trial court did not abuse

its discretion in its spousal support award of $250 per month for 36 months

commencing February 1, 2017. In determining whether a spousal support award is

appropriate and reasonable, a trial court must consider the statutory factors listed

under R.C. 3105.18(C)(1). R.C. 3105.18(C)(1) requires consideration of:

(a) The income of the parties, from all sources, including, but not
limited to, income derived from property divided, disbursed, or
distributed under section 3105.171 of the Revised Code;
(b) The relative earning abilities of the parties;
(c) The ages and the physical, mental, and emotional conditions of
the parties;
(d) The retirement benefits of the parties;
(e) The duration of the marriage;
(f) The extent to which it would be inappropriate for a party,
because that party will be custodian of a minor child of the marriage,
to seek employment outside the home;
(g) The standard of living of the parties established during the
marriage;
(h) The relative extent of education of the parties;
(i) The relative assets and liabilities of the parties, including but not
limited to any court-ordered payments by the parties;
(j) The contribution of each party to the education, training, or
earning ability of the other party, including, but not limited to, any
party’s contribution to the acquisition of a professional degree of the
other party;
(k) The time and expense necessary for the spouse who is seeking
spousal support to acquire education, training, or job experience so
that the spouse will be qualified to obtain appropriate employment,
provided the education, training, or job experience, and employment
is, in fact, sought;
(l) The tax consequences, for each party, of an award of spousal
support;

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(m) The lost income production capacity of either party that resulted
from that party’s marital responsibilities;
(n) Any other factor that the court expressly finds to be relevant and
equitable.

(Doc. No. 66 at 6); R.C. 3105.18(C)(1).

{¶25} Herein, the trial court made the following findings in support of its

award of spousal support:

Plaintiff’s income is about $7,200 per month while Defendant’s
income is about $5,500 per month. The length of the marriage is 17
years, 9 months due to the de facto termination date of April 1, 2013.
The Defendant is 25 years older than the Plaintiff, however, both are
able to work as real estate agents and have no relevant impairments to
work. According to the testimony, the parties’ standard of living
during the marriage was beyond their means. The parties’ education
is similar and neither has any retirement. The Defendant’s assets and
liabilities may be somewhat better than Plaintiff’s due to Plaintiff’s
debt situation but taking all factors into consideration, the Court
believes some spousal support for some time is reasonable and
appropriate. Therefore, the Court orders the Plaintiff to pay the
Defendant spousal support in the amount of $250.00 per month for 36
months commencing February 1, 2017. The Court does not retain
jurisdiction over the amount or duration of spousal support, however,
the same will termination upon the death of either Plaintiff or
Defendant.

(Doc. No. 66 at 6). In our review of the trial court’s award of spousal support we

find that the trial court considered the required statutory factors under R.C.

3105.18(C)(1)(a)-(n), that contained a sufficient review of the spousal support

factors under the statute. Thus, we find that the trial court considered the statutory

factors with sufficient analysis to support its spousal support order. Munroe v.

Munroe, 119 Ohio App.3d 530, 541, 695 N.E.2d 1155 (8th Dist.1997).

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Furthermore, as Ralph had sufficient income from farming and from working as a

realtor during the pendency of the divorce, we cannot say that the trial court abused

its discretion in denying him temporary spousal support, as Ralph failed to

demonstrate a need justifying an award of temporary spousal support. Accordingly,

we find that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in its award of spousal support

and denial of temporary support.

{¶26} The decision of whether to retain jurisdiction to modify spousal

support post-decree is a matter within the Domestic Relations Court’s discretion.

Smith v. Smith, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-98-1027, 1998 WL 904941, *1, citing Johnson

v. Johnson, 88 Ohio App.3d 329, 331, 623 N.E.2d 1294 (5th Dist.1993). As

previously noted, the trial court engaged in an analysis of the issue of spousal

support, indicating the weight it was giving to each statutory factor in fashioning

the spousal support award. (Doc. No. 66 at 6).

{¶27} For the reasons discussed, we are unpersuaded by Ralph’s argument

that the trial court abused its discretion in making his award of spousal support under

the facts and circumstances of this case, and we find no reversible error in the

decision not to retain jurisdiction on the issue. For the reasons stated herein, we

overrule Ralph’s first assignment of error.

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Second Assignment of Error

{¶28} In his second assignment of error, Ralph asserts that the trial court

erred by failing to make findings of fact as to business assets: by failing to identify

and classify those assets; and by failing to credit Ralph for the transfer of assets to

Virginia in its distributive award. Specifically, Ralph asserts that because he gifted

Virginia his business when he was 72, and because Virginia fired him from the

business when he was 79, he (Ralph) is entitled to a credit in the trial court’s

distributive award.

{¶29} R.C. 3105.171(B) requires that “[i]n divorce proceedings, the court

shall. . . determine what constitutes marital property and what constitutes separate

property. In either case, upon making such a determination, the court shall divide

the marital and separate property equitably between the spouses, in accordance with

this section.” R.C. 3105.171(B). A trial court has broad discretion to equitably

divide marital property. Martin v. Martin, 18 Ohio St.3d 292, 294, 480 N.E.2d 1112

(1985) citing Berish v. Berish, 69 Ohio St.2d 318, 319, 432 N.E.2d 183 (1982).

{¶30} On her marital balance sheet, Virginia listed her business interests as:

Consultants Realty, LLC; Excel Realty; N.W. Select Title, LLC; and Virginia

Golan, LLC. (Ex. No. 39). Virginia testified that the first three business interests

are essentially investments. (10/31/2016 Tr., Vol. I, at 86-87). Virginia also

testified that Virginia Golan, LLC is a holding company that holds investments and

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that apart from the investments, Virginia Golan, LLC has no independent value. (Id.

at 87).

{¶31} While Ralph argues that Virginia’s business as a realtor is a “business”

subject to valuation and division, Virginia’s testimony demonstrated that there is no

independent value to her business as a relator. More importantly, Ralph failed to

present any contrary evidence demonstrating a value to Virginia’s business activity

as a realtor that could be subject to division.

{¶32} Where a party fails to present evidence regarding the value of an asset,

that party waives the right to appeal the trial court’s valuation of the asset. Dindal

v. Dindal, 3rd Dist. Hancock No. 5-09-06, 2009-Ohio-3528, ¶ 9; see also Hruby v.

Hruby, 7th Dist. Columbiana No. 93-C-9, 1997 WL 321608, *4 (June 11, 1997).

“Where a party fails to present evidence relative to property division, the party has

essentially forfeited its argument as to division.” Shelter v. Shelter, 5th Dist. Stark

No. 2012 CA 00126, 2013-Ohio-5860, ¶ 14. “If a party fails to present sufficient

evidence of valuation, that party has presumptively waived the right to appeal the

distribution of those assets because the trial court can only make decisions based on

the evidence present.” Kautz v. Kautz, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2011CA00034, 2011-

Ohio-6547, ¶ 16. Further, a party who fails to present evidence as to the value of

the asset is precluded from raising the issue on appeal under the invited error

doctrine as well. Dindal, supra. Because Ralph presented no evidence as to the

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alleged value of Virginia’s business as a realtor, and Virginia testified that there is

no such value, the trial court did not err by determining that Virginia’s business as

a realtor is not an asset with a value that can be divided.

{¶33} Additionally, Ralph’s argument that the trial court erred in failing to

equalize the value of the business interests between the parties is without merit.

“Although an equal division is a starting point when allocating marital property and

debt, a decision need not be equal to be equitable.” Dindal, supra. The trial court

specifically found “little disparity between the parties’ values as related to personal

property and business interest.” (Doc. No. 66 at 4). The trial court then equitably

divided the parties’ personal property and business assets, awarding each party bank

accounts, furniture, household goods, motor vehicle, insurance, investments, and

retirement accounts, and business interest in his or her possession. (Id. at 4). “The

trial court is not required by R.C. 3105.171 to divide marital property equally if an

equitable division of property would be more appropriate.” Szerlip v. Szerlip, 129

Ohio App.3d 506, 514, 718 N.E.2d 473 (5th Dist.1998). Accordingly, the trial court

was within its discretion to divide the property in equitable fashion. Having found

no error prejudicial to Ralph, we accordingly overrule his second assignment of

error.

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Fourth Assignment of Error

{¶34} In his fourth assignment of error, Ralph alleges that the trial court erred

when it denied his motion to add an expert to his witness list together with the

expert’s reports on the values of the residences of the parties. Specifically, Ralph

asserts that the trial court should have granted his October 11, 2016 “Motion for

Leave to Add Expert Witness for Trial.” We disagree.

Standard of Review

{¶35} “A trial court has broad discretion in the admission and exclusion of

evidence, and will not be reversed absent an abuse of that discretion which

materially prejudices a party.” Spicer v. Spicer, 3rd Dist. Marion No. 9-01-13,

2001-Ohio-2137, *1 citing Krischbaum v. Dillon, 58 Ohio St.3d 58, 66, 567 N.E.2d

1291 (1991). Additionally, “the decision of whether to exclude a witness’s

testimony based on a failure to disclose the witness’s name lies within the trial

court’s sole discretion.” State v. Valdez, 3rd Dist. Marion No. 9-16-01, 2017-Ohio-

241, ¶ 114. The term ‘abuse of discretion’ implies that the court’s attitude is

“unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable.” Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 219,

450 N.E.2d 1140 (1983). “A trial court will be found to have abused its discretion

when its decision is * * * unreasonable, not supported by the evidence, or is grossly

unsound.” Mackenbach, 3rd Dist. Hardin No. 6-11-03, 2012-Ohio-311, ¶ 7.

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Analysis

{¶36} In its May 5, 2016 entry, the trial court issued an order setting: “June

20, 2016 as the disclosure date for witnesses; August 19, 2016 as the discovery cut-

off date and September 30, 2016 as the final pretrial date.” (Doc. No. 61).

Additionally, the May 5, 2016 entry notified the parties that the scheduled dates

were “inflexible and would not be changed except on Motion and for good cause

shown.” (Id.). On October 11, 2016, Ralph filed a “Motion for Leave to Add Expert

Witness for Trial,” which the trial court overruled on October 20, 2016 stating:

Defendant has failed to comply with the June 20, 2016 disclosure
date; the August 19, 2016 discovery cut-off date and made no mention
of the need for an appraisal at the September 30, 2016 final pretrial.
Nowhere in his motion does he provide good cause for changing the
inflexible dates set forth in the May 5, 2016 Order of the Court. To
allow the same would unfairly prejudice the party who has complied
with the dates in the May 5, 2016 order.

(Doc. No. 56, 61).

{¶37} In addition to having broad discretion to admit or exclude evidence, a

trial court also has discretion to set a deadline by which the parties must disclose

their expert witnesses and to enforce its order by excluding all testimony from

experts not disclosed by the deadline. Huffman v. Pioneer Basement Water

Proofing Co., 5th Dist. Tuscarawas No. 2007 AP 08 0048, 2008-Ohio-7032, ¶ 33.

{¶38} Ralph’s argument directs us to the trial court’s Local Rule 18.07,

entitled “Expert Discovery Cut Off Date, Notice of Depositions, and Request for

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Appointment of a Guardian ad Litem,” which states as follows: “[i]n all divorce

actions, unless otherwise set by the Court for good cause shown, any valuation of

property by an expert * * * shall be submitted for expert determination within 90

days of the filing of the Answer unless extended or otherwise set by the court by

pretrial order.” (Emphasis added). However, as is evident by the record, the trial

court deviated from the local rule and scheduled its own dates for discovery and

witness disclosure. (See Doc. No. 61). Thus, because the local court rule clearly

permitted the trial court to set its own cutoff dates for discovery and witness

disclosure, we cannot say that the trial court abused its discretion by overruling

Ralph’s motion to add an expert witness to his witness list that was filed shortly

before trial and well after the discovery deadline passed. See Mynes v. Brooks, 4th

Dist. Scioto No. 08CA3211, 2009-Ohio-5017, ¶ 41 (trial court did not abuse its

discretion in excluding an expert witness that was disclosed eleven days before

trial); Vaught v. Cleveland Clinic Found., 98 Ohio St.3d 485, 2003-Ohio-2181, 787

N.E.2d 631, ¶ 12 (trial court did not abuse its discretion in not allowing expert

witness to testify when his status as an expert witness was revealed a week before

trial). Thus, since Ralph failed to comply with the trial court’s pre-trial orders of

May 5, 2016, we find no abuse of discretion by the trial court in overruling Ralph’s

motion for leave to add an expert witness.

{¶39} Ralph’s fourth assignment of error is overruled.

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Fifth Assignment of Error

{¶40} In his final assignment of error, Ralph asserts that the trial court erred

in its valuations and classification of the parties’ residences; the amount of marital

debt; and the distributive award. Ralph presents four separate issues for our review

under this assignment of error, specifically asserting that: (1) the de facto

termination of the marriage was April 1, 2013, and as a result, he is entitled to have

the 2013 valuations of the parties’ residences used to determine the equity in the

homes; (2) he is entitled to have his inherited property treated as separate property;

(3) he is entitled to a credit of $70,000 for his payment of a marital debt made after

the de facto termination date; and (4) since the trial court’s distributive award forces

him to sell his residence, he is entitled to have the cost of its sale taken into

consideration in determining the amount of the distributive award. We will discuss

each issue, in turn.

Valuation of Property

{¶41} Ralph asserts in his first issue presented under this assignment of error

that the trial court should have used the 2013 valuations of his and Virginia’s

residences to determine the equity. Specifically, Ralph claims that: the trial court

erred by using property evaluations from 2016 instead of 2013; the trial court erred

by deflating the equity in Virginia’s home; and the trial court erred by inflating the

equity in his home. For the reasons that follow, we disagree.

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Standard of Review

{¶42} “In making an equitable division of property, a trial court must first

determine the value of marital assets.” Meeks v. Meeks, 10th Dist. Franklin No.

05AP-315, 2006-Ohio-642, ¶ 8. “The valuation of property in a divorce case is a

question of fact.” Schwarck v. Schwarck, 3rd Dist. Auglaize No. 2-11-24, 2012-

Ohio-3902, ¶ 27 citing Herron v. Herron, 3rd Dist. Allen No. 1-04-23, 2004-Ohio-

5765, ¶ 23. “Accordingly, a trial court’s decision pertaining to the valuation of

property will be reviewed under a manifest weight of the evidence standard and will

not be reversed so long as it is supported by some competent and credible evidence.”

Id.

Analysis

{¶43} R.C. 3105.171 governs property division in divorce actions. It

requires no specific way for the trial court to determine value. Meeks, at ¶ 8. The

trial court, in its Decree, found that “at the time of the de facto date of the

termination of the marriage, the value of the Restoration Drive property (belonging

to Virginia) [was] $166,500 and the value of the Maple Ridge Road property

(belonging to Ralph) [was] $415,840.” Doc. No. 66 at 3. The trial court further

determined that the net equity as of the date of the de facto termination of the

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marriage of the Restoration Drive property was $16,000 and of the Maple Ridge

Road property was $100,840, respectively.2 Id. at 3-4.

{¶44} Despite the realization that the trial court may have mis-added the

Restoration Drive equity by $500 as set forth in Plaintiff’s Exhibit No. 39, such

miscalculation (of $500) is insufficient to sustain Ralph’s argument that the trial

court’s valuation of property was against the manifest weight of the evidence. We

find that the trial court’s final entry specifically directs us to the evidence considered

to support its valuations. Furthermore, we note that while Ralph cites Burkhart v.

Burkhart in support of his argument that the trial court’s ruling on the valuation of

the properties was incorrect, we find Burkhart is distinguishable from the case

before us. See, Burkhart v. Burkhart, 2013-Ohio-157, 986 N.E.2d 45, ¶¶ 26-29

(10th Dist.). In Burkhart the parties entered into a stipulation as to the payment of

marital debt and the assets from which the obligation originated. With such

stipulation the amounts agreed to by the parties were conclusively proven, and

bound the trial court to such values. See generally, State v. Robbins, 176 Ohio St.

362, 364, 199 N.E.2d 742 (1964) (finding that stipulations are binding upon the

parties to civil actions). That is not what occurred here, as the parties never

2
Plaintiff’s Exhibit No. 39, entitled “Division of Marital Property: Property division report for Virginia
Golan-Elliot and G. Ralph Elliot,” recites the marital equity in the Restoration Drive property as $16,500 and
the marital equity in the Maple Ridge Road at $100,840.

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stipulated to the values of their properties or the respective financial obligations to

each property, which resulted in the trial court rendering a factual finding as to each.

{¶45} Further, Virginia offered evidence of the property values through an

expert and through the county auditor, as opposed Ralph’s personal opinion. (See,

Pl.’s Ex. Nos. 1, 2, and 39; 10/31/2016 Tr., Vol. I, at 192). Ralph’s failure to present

greater evidence other than his opinion, (as to the 2013 values of the marital

property) restricts his ability to challenge the trial court’s determination of the

values of the property. See generally, Dindal v. Dindal, 3rd Dist. Hancock No. 5-

09-06, 2009-Ohio-3528, ¶ 9. Accordingly, we find no merit as to Ralph’s first issue

presented under this assignment of error.

Classification of Property

{¶46} Ralph asserts in the second issue to this assignment of error that the

property he inherited during the course of the marriage should have been treated as

separate property by the trial court. We disagree.

Standard of Review

{¶47} An appellate court reviews the trial court’s classification of property

as marital or separate property under a manifest weight of the evidence standard.

Brandon v. Brandon, 3rd Dist. Mercer No. 10-08-13, 2009-Ohio-3818, ¶ 11 citing

Gibson v. Gibson, 3rd Dist. Marion No. 9-07-06, 2007-Ohio-6965, ¶ 26 quoting

Eggeman v. Eggeman, 3rd Dist. Auglaize No. 2-04-06, 2004-Ohio-6050, ¶ 14.

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“Accordingly, the trial court’s judgment will not be reversed if the decision is

supported by some competent, credible evidence.” Gibson, supra. “In determining

whether competent, credible evidence exists, ‘[a] reviewing court should be guided

by a presumption that the findings of the trial court are correct, since the trial judge

is best able to view the witnesses and observe their demeanor, gestures, voice

inflection, and use those observations in weighting the credibility of the testimony.”

Id.

Analysis

{¶48} Ralph asserts that the trial court erred when it classified his residence

as marital property as opposed to separate property. It is not disputed that Ralph

inherited a large tract of land from his mother during the course of the marriage.

(11/01/2016 Tr., Vol. II, at 12). After such inheritance and during the marriage

Ralph took out a loan for $600,000 to buy out four of his five siblings’ interests in

the land. (Id. at 15). After buying out such interests, Ralph and his fifth sibling (his

sister Sherry) subdivided the property into lots and sold them. (Id. at 16). Ralph

realized a profit from the process. He also chose to keep part of the inherited land,

a 26-acre lot, upon which he and Virginia built a home (Maple Ridge Property). (Id.

at 21). Construction of the Maple Ridge home was finished in September, 2010.

Virginia lived in the home briefly, moved out, and then returned to the residence

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where she remained until 2013. (Id.) The trial court determined the property was

marital, Ralph argues it should be separate.

{¶49} In our review of the record, we find that Virginia played a role in

increasing the value of the inherited property. Virginia produced into evidence an

Open Deed Mortgage, dated on April 26, 2001, listing her and Ralph (together with

Ralph’s sister and her husband) as mortgagors on the $600,000 loan that bought out

the interest of Ralph’s four siblings. (10/31/2016 Tr., Vol. I, at 64; Pl. Ex. No. 3-

D). In addition to that Mortgage Deed, Virginia also introduced a General Warranty

Deed in which her and Ralph’s interest in the real property was transferred into a

limited liability company (LLC), created by Ralph and his sister to hold the profits

of the sale of the inherited land. (Id. at 65, Pl. Ex. No. 3-F). Further, Virginia

testified that she hired the surveyor to divide the inherited real estate into lots and

(that) she had actively pursued the sale of the lots through her real estate brokering

skills. (Id. at 67-68). Furthermore, after the divided lots were sold, the LLC issued

a quit-claim deed of the 26-acre lot to Ralph and Virginia.3 (Id. at 70-71; Pl. Ex.

No. 3-H). Virginia also introduced into evidence a second mortgage, executed by

her and Ralph on December 11, 2009 for $250,000, to build the marital residence

on the lot. (Id. at 72; Pl. Ex. No. 3-K). Virginia also produced a Mortgage and a

Note, both dated July 29, 2013, which was executed and signed by both Ralph and

3
This lot eventually became the Maple Ridge Road residence.

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Virginia. (Id. at 72-75; Pl. Ex. Nos. 3-M, 3-N). These documents represented the

parties refinancing (of their 2009 mortgage) on the property for improvements.

{¶50} In its ruling on the classification of the Maple Ridge Road property (as

marital or separate) the trial court determined that:

The Defendant [Ralph] inherited a fractional share of a larger tract of
land upon which the Maple Ridge Road home is located several years
ago but during the parties’ marriage. Over the years, Plaintiff
[Virginia] and Defendant acquired additional fractional interests
which were divided and sold all but the 26+ acres on which the Maple
Ridge home is located. Since both parties were active realtors, they
sold these lots and other real estate and with those and other proceeds
generated by both parties during the marriage, co-mingled such
proceeds so as to make them equitably untraceable. Since the other
property, Restoration Drive [belonging to Virginia], was acquired
during the marriage and the Maple Ridge property was built and
maintained during the marriage by the efforts of both parties, the
Court finds both Restoration Drive and Maple Ridge Road, properties
are marital property.

(Doc. No. 66 at 3).

{¶51} In his appeal, Ralph argues that because his residence (the Maple

Ridge Road property) was constructed on part of the land that he inherited from his

mother, the property is separate property, subject to R.C. 3105.171(A)(6)(a)(1).

{¶52} R.C. 3105.171(A)(6)(a)(1) states: “‘[s]eparate property’ means all real

and personal property and any interest in real or personal property that is found by

the court to be any of the following: An inheritance by one spouse by bequest,

devise, or descent during the course of the marriage.’” R.C. 3105.171(A)(6)(a)(1).

However, R.C. 3105.171(A)(6)(b) provides that: “the commingling of separate

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property with other property of any type does not destroy the identity of the separate

property as separate property, except when the separate property is not traceable.”

R.C. 3105.171(A)(6)(b).

{¶53} “Thus, traceability is the key to determining whether separate property

has lost its separate character after being commingled with marital property.” Reed

v. Reed, 3rd Dist. Allen No. 1-09-63, 2010-Ohio-4550, ¶ 10. “The party seeking to

have a particular asset classified as separate property has the burden of proof, by a

preponderance of the evidence, to trace the asset to separate property.” Id. citing

Peck v. Peck, 96 Ohio App.3d 731, 734, 645 N.E.2d 1300 (12th Dist. 1994). A

“preponderance of the evidence means the greater weight of the evidence that is

necessary to destroy the equilibrium.” Id. citing State v. Stumpf, 32 Ohio St.3d 95,

102, 512 N.E.2d 598 (1987). “It is that proof which leads the trier of fact to find

that the existence of the contested fact is more probable than its nonexistence.” Id.

{¶54} After reviewing the trial court’s determination that the Maple Ridge

property was marital, we find that Ralph failed to prove, by a preponderance of the

evidence, that the property could be traced back to his separate inheritance.

Specifically, Ralph failed to produce any evidence to the trial court demonstrating

that the portion of his inherited land retained its separate character. We further find

that competent and credible evidence exists in the record supporting the trial court’s

determination that the inherited land was comingled and was “equitably

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untraceable.” Thus, we find Ralph’s second issue under this assignment to be

without merit.

Division of Property

{¶55} In the third issue presented under this assignment, Ralph asserts that

he was entitled to a credit of $70,000 for money he used to pay off the 2009

mortgage because the refinancing occurred after the de facto termination date of the

marriage.

{¶56} In regards to the division of property in a divorce, the trial court is

granted broad discretion in determining how to award an equitable division

according to the circumstances of each case before it, and therefore the division of

property in a divorce action shall be reviewed under an abuse of discretion standard.

DeWitt v. DeWitt, 3rd Dist. Marion No. 9-02-42, 2003-Ohio-851, ¶ 10. In

determining whether the trial court’s decision amounts to an abuse of discretion, it

must be found that the court’s attitude was unreasonable, arbitrary, or

unconscionable. Id. The term ‘abuse of discretion’ implies that the court’s attitude

is “unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable.” Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 219,

450 N.E.2d 1140 (1983). “A trial court will be found to have abused its discretion

when its decision is * * * unreasonable, not supported by the evidence, or is grossly

unsound.” Mackenbach, 3rd Dist. Hardin No. 6-11-03, 2012-Ohio-311, ¶ 7.

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{¶57} Specifically, Ralph alleges that had the trial court correctly classified

the Maple Ridge Road property as separate property, and had properly valued the

property based upon his 2013 valuation (which Ralph failed to produce at trial) the

trial court should have granted him a credit of $70,000 (the amount he paid to pay

off the mortgage that was refinanced after the de facto marriage termination date)

from its distributive award. We disagree. Ralph’s argument fails (to the extent that

we are able to construe this issue as a legal argument) because he did not meet his

burden in proving that the Maple Ridge Road property was separate property.

Further, Ralph did not present competent and credible evidence to the trial court

regarding the 2013 value of the Maple Ridge Road property. See, Reed, 3rd Dist.

Allen No. 1-09-63, 2010-Ohio-4550, ¶ 10. Thus, his argument as to this issue fails.

{¶58} Accordingly, we find the third issue presented under this assignment

to be without merit.

Sale of Ralph’s Residence

{¶59} In Ralph’s final issue under assignment of error number five, Ralph

argues that the distributive award can only be paid by sale of the Husband’s

residence, and as such, he is entitled to have the cost of the sale taken into

consideration in determining the distributive award. However, after a thorough

review of the record, we find no order from the trial court directing Ralph to sell his

residence, and further find no evidence to support Ralph’s argument that he can only

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pay the distributive award through the sale of his residence. Accordingly, we

dismiss this issue and overrule Ralph’s fifth assignment of error in its entirety.

{¶60} Having found no error prejudicial to the appellant herein in the

particulars assigned and argued, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Judgment Affirmed

WILLAMOWSKI and SHAW, J.J., concur.

/jlr

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