[Cite as Jones v. Jones, 2013-Ohio-3660.]
COURT OF APPEALS
TUSCARAWAS COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
HEATHER JONES : JUDGES:
:
: Hon. John W. Wise, P.J.
Plaintiff-Appellant : Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
: Hon. Craig R. Baldwin, J.
-vs- :
: Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018
:
CARL JONES :
:
:
Defendant-Appellee : OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Appeal from the Tuscarawas County
Court of Common Pleas, Case No.
2011TC 02 0053
JUDGMENT: AFFIRMED
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: August 15, 2013
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellant: For Defendant-Appellee:
DAN GUINN RICHARD FOX
118 W. High Ave. 122 S. Wooster Ave.
New Philadelphia, OH 44663 Strasburg, OH 44680
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 2
Delaney, J.
{¶1} Plaintiff-Appellant Heather Jones appeals the March 26, 2013 judgment
entry of the Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
{¶2} Plaintiff-Appellant Heather Jones and Defendant-Appellee Carl Jones
were married on July 18, 1992. Four children were born as issue of the marriage: K.J.
born November 17, 1994; D.J. born May 12, 1998; P.J. born January 5, 2002; and
E.J.D. (age of majority at the time of divorce).
{¶3} Wife and Husband originally resided in Kimball, Michigan. The extended
family of Husband and Wife live in Michigan. Wife and Husband were both employed in
Michigan, but Husband lost his job in 2008. At the time, Husband was earning $87,000.
Wife started working outside of the home in 2006. At her job in Michigan, Wife was
earning $60,000. Wife found new employment in Ohio in 2009 where she was hired as
a human resources manager at Graphics Packaging in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. In
2012, Wife was on track to earn $90,000 per year. Wife moved to Ohio, Husband
stayed in Michigan with the children from May to August 2009, and then they moved to
Ohio to be with Wife.
{¶4} Husband could not find employment in his field of mechanical engineering
and took a job with Case Farms as a general laborer in June 2010. He earned $6.80
per hour.
{¶5} During the marriage, Husband and Wife entered into a debt consolidation
loan. The loan was to pay off credit card debt for credit cards issued in Husband’s
name, but allegedly, due to Wife’s spending.
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 3
{¶6} In December 2010, Husband and Wife separated. Wife obtained a civil
protection order against Husband on January 7, 2011. The three minor children
remained with Wife. In 2011, Wife began a romantic relationship with a coworker at
Graphics Packaging.
{¶7} In May 2011, Husband found employment in Michigan as a mechanical
engineer where he was on track to earn $80,000 per year in 2012. Husband moved
back to Michigan and resided in the marital home located in Kimball, Michigan.
Husband’s and Wife’s adult daughter and her husband reside in the marital home with
Husband.
{¶8} On February 9, 2011, Wife filed a complaint for divorce in the Tuscarawas
County Court of Common Pleas. The magistrate held an in camera interview with the
minor children on September 21, 2011. No record exists of the interview. Husband
filed a proposed shared parenting plan naming Husband as the primary residential
parent and legal custodian to D.J. and P.J. and Wife primary residential parent and legal
custodian of K.J.
{¶9} A trial before the magistrate was held on March 14, 2012.
{¶10} On March 30, 2012, Husband placed flyers on the windshields of vehicles
parked in the parking lot of Wife’s place of employment. The flyers had photos of Wife
and her boyfriend alleging their relationship destroyed families. The magistrate
convened a hearing and admonished Husband.
{¶11} On June 12, 2012, the magistrate filed her decision. The parties filed
objections to the magistrate’s decision. Upon consideration of the parties’ objections,
the trial court rejected the magistrate’s decision because it found the findings of fact and
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 4
conclusions of law were insufficient to conduct a proper review. The trial court
remanded the matter to the magistrate.
{¶12} On January 31, 2013, the magistrate issued her decision. Relevant to this
appeal, the magistrate denied both parties’ requests for spousal support; awarded
Husband $6,732.70 from Wife’s 401(K) plan; awarded Husband certain personal
property in possession of Wife; made Wife responsible for the debt consolidation loan;
and adopted Husband’s shared parenting plan naming Husband as the primary
residential parent. The parties filed objections to the magistrate’s decision. The trial
court overruled the objections and adopted the recommendations of the magistrate’s
decision on March 26, 2013. It is from this decision Wife now appeals.
ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
{¶13} Wife raises six Assignments of Error:
{¶14} “I. THE COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION IN FAILING TO AWARD
SPOUSAL SUPPORT TO WIFE.
{¶15} “II. THE COURT ERRED IN AWARDING THE AMOUNT OF $6,732.70
TO THE HUSBAND FROM THE WIFE’S RETIREMENT.
{¶16} “III. THE COURT ERRED IN AWARDING PERSONAL PROPERTY THAT
WAS IN THE WIFE’S POSSESSION SINCE THE PARTIES SEPARATION TO THE
HUSBAND.
{¶17} “IV. THE COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION IN AWARDING
ATTORNEY FEES TO BE PAID BY THE WIFE TO THE HUSBAND’S ATTORNEY.
{¶18} “V. THE COURT ERRED IN ORDERING THE WIFE TO BE SOLELY
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PARTIES’ DEBT CONSOLIDATION.
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 5
{¶19} “VI. THE COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION IN ADOPTING THE
SHARED PARENTING PLAN OF THE FATHER, THUS NAMING HIM THE PRIMARY
RESIDENTIAL PARENT AND LEGAL CUSTODIAN OF THE PARTIES’ MINOR
CHILDREN.”
ANALYSIS
I. SPOUSAL SUPPORT
{¶20} Wife argues in her first Assignment of Error that the trial court abused its
discretion in denying Wife spousal support. We disagree.
{¶21} A trial court's decision concerning spousal support may be altered only if it
constitutes an abuse of discretion. Kunkle v. Kunkle, 51 Ohio St.3d 64, 67, 554 N.E.2d
83 (1990). An 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 v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 450 N.E.2d 1140 (1983). R.C.
3105.18(C)(1)(a) through (n) sets forth the factors a trial court is to consider in
determining whether spousal support is appropriate and reasonable, and in determining
the nature, amount, terms of payment, and duration of spousal support:
(C)(1) In determining whether spousal support is appropriate and
reasonable, and in determining the nature, amount, and terms of payment,
and duration of spousal support, which is payable either in gross or in
installments, the court shall consider all of the following factors:
(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;
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 6
(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;
(m) The lost income production capacity of either party that resulted from
that party's marital responsibilities;
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 7
(n) Any other factor that the court expressly finds to be relevant and
equitable.
{¶22} Trial courts must consider all the factors listed in R.C. 3105.18(C).
However, this court has previously held that a trial court need not acknowledge all
evidence relative to each and every factor listed in R.C. 3105.18(C), and we may not
assume that the evidence was not considered. Hutta v. Hutta, 177 Ohio App.3d 414,
2008-Ohio-3756, 894 N.E.2d 1282, ¶ 27 (5th Dist.), citing Clendening v. Clendening, 5th
Dist. Stark No. 2005CA00086, 2005-Ohio-6298, ¶ 16, citing Barron v. Barron, 5th Dist.
Stark No. 2002CA00239, 2003-Ohio-649. The trial court need set forth only sufficient
detail to enable a reviewing court to determine the appropriateness of the award. Id.,
citing Kaechele v. Kaechele, 35 Ohio St.3d 93, 518 N.E.2d 1197 (1988).
{¶23} The parties in this case were married for twenty-one years. During the
marriage, Wife worked in the home, but returned to the outside work force as a full-time
employee in 2006. In 2009, Wife was employed as a human resources manager with
Graphics Packaging. In 2010, Wife earned $79,375.80. In 2011, Wife earned
$83,571.08. In 2012, Wife was on track to earn $90,000.00.
{¶24} Husband was employed full time until 2008 when he lost his job. At the
time, he was earning $87,000.00 per year. Husband was unemployed from 2008 to
June 2010, when he became employed at Case Farms as a general laborer. During his
unemployment, the parties used Husband’s retirement benefits to supplement the
household’s income. In 2010, Husband earned $18,100.27. He became employed in
Michigan as a mechanical engineer and was on track in 2012 to earn $80,000.00.
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 8
{¶25} No evidence was presented during the March 14, 2012 hearing as to the
parties’ ages or any limitations on their ability to work based on education or physical
condition.
{¶26} Wife argues that because of the long-term marriage and the asset and
debt distribution ordered by the trial court, Wife is entitled to spousal support. Based
upon the record and our further analysis of the remaining Assignments of Error as to the
distribution of debt, we find no abuse of discretion in denying Wife’s request for spousal
support and not retaining jurisdiction over the issue of spousal support.
{¶27} Wife’s first Assignment of Error is overruled.
II. DIVISION OF INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS
{¶28} Wife argues in her second Assignment of Error, the trial court abused its
discretion when it ordered Wife to pay Husband $6,732.70 from Wife’s IRA. The
magistrate outlined the parties’ investment accounts in the findings of facts: (1) Wife had
a 401(K) through Fidelity Investments for $21,368.80; (2) Husband had an IRA with
Principal Life Insurance for $7,391.42; (3) Husband had a flexible premium adjustable
life insurance policy valued at $511.97; and (4) Wife’s bank account balance was
$2,548.12 and Husband’s bank account balance was $300.00. There was no dispute of
fact that Husband and Wife depleted Husband’s retirement account during his
unemployment to fund the families’ living expenses.
{¶29} The trial court equally divided the 401(K), IRA, and life insurance cash
value between Husband and Wife. In order to accomplish an equal division, the trial
court found Husband should receive $6,732.70 of Wife’s 401(K) via a QDRO.
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 9
{¶30} R.C. 3105.171(B) requires the trial court to 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 * * *.” R.C. 3105.171(B). The Revised Code further requires that
a trial court divide the marital property equally unless an equal division would be
inequitable, in which case “the court shall not divide the marital property equally but
instead shall divide it between the spouses in the manner the court determines
equitable.” R.C. 3105.171(C)(1). The court may make a distributive award to facilitate,
effectuate, or supplement a division of marital property. R.C. 3105.171(E)(1).
{¶31} Trial courts have “broad discretion to determine what property division is
equitable in a divorce proceeding.” Cherry v. Cherry, 66 Ohio St.2d 348, 421, 421
N.E.2d 1293 (1981), paragraph two of the syllabus. A trial court's decision allocating
marital property and debt will not be reversed absent an abuse of discretion. “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 v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio
St.3d 217, 219, 450 N.E.2d 1140 (1983).
{¶32} There is no dispute in this case that the investment accounts are marital,
not separate, property. The trial court divided the investment accounts equitably. In
order to accomplish the division of the marital property, the trial court made a
distributive award. We find no abuse of discretion in the division or distributive award.
{¶33} Wife’s second Assignment of Error is overruled.
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 10
III. PERSONAL PROPERTY DIVISION
{¶34} Wife contends in her third Assignment of Error the trial court erred when it
awarded Husband the personal property listed in Husband’s Exhibit W. At trial,
Husband introduced Exhibit W. The first page of Exhibit W lists eleven pieces of
property in Wife’s possession that Husband requested from Wife: queen bed frame with
mattress, seven drawer dresser with mirror, Gateway desk top computer with monitor,
Epson printer, computer desk, one twin bed set from bunk bed set, daybed with
mattress, five drawer dresser, dining table with six chairs, Dyson vacuum cleaner, and
weed trimmer. The second page of Exhibit W is a complete list of the marital property.
The trial court ordered that Husband receive the items of personal property listed on
Husband’s Exhibit W. Husband states in his appellate brief that the property division
consists of the first page of Exhibit W.
{¶35} Wife argues that since the parties’ separation, Wife has been in
possession of the property listed in Exhibit W. Husband resides in Michigan in a fully
furnished home and does not require the property items listed in Exhibit W.
{¶36} R.C. 3105.171(C) mandates an equal division of marital property unless
such would be inequitable under the circumstances. A trial court enjoys broad
discretion in fashioning an equitable division of marital property. Blakemore, 5 Ohio
St.3d at 218. In dividing marital assets and in deciding whether to order an unequal
award, a trial court must consider all relevant factors, including those listed in R.C.
3105.171(F). However, the Supreme Court has directed that the appellate court not
engage in piecemeal appeals, regarding specific items or categories of property. “The
appropriate consideration is whether the trial court's disposition of these items resulted
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 11
in a property division, which, viewed in its entirety, was an abuse of discretion.” Briganti
v. Briganti, 9 Ohio St.3d 220, 222, 459 N.E.2d 896 (1984).
{¶37} Reviewing the two pages of Exhibit W, we find no abuse of discretion as to
the division of the eleven pieces of marital property.
{¶38} Wife’s third Assignment of Error is overruled.
IV. DISCOVERY SANCTION
{¶39} On November 30, 2011, Husband filed a motion to compel discovery
requests from Wife. He requested reasonable attorney fees in the amount of $500.00
or more. The trial court granted the motion on December 2, 2011 and held the amount
of attorney fees would be determined at the final hearing. At the March 14, 2012 trial,
Husband presented Exhibit S, which was an itemized billing statement from Husband’s
counsel.
{¶40} Wife argues in her fourth Assignment of Error that the trial court failed to
hold a hearing on the award of sanctions. We disagree and find the matter was heard
at the March 14, 2012 trial. Husband presented evidence as to his attorney fees and
the magistrate considered the evidence to determine Husband was entitled to
$1,000.000 in attorney fees as a discovery sanction. The discovery rules give the trial
court great latitude in crafting sanctions to fit discovery abuses. Burnem v. Burnem, 5th
Dist. Tuscarawas No. 2000AP020019, 2000 WL 1476110, *4 (Sept. 28, 2000). A
reviewing court's responsibility is merely to review these rulings for an abuse of
discretion. Nakoff v. Fairview General Hosp., 75 Ohio St.3d 254, 256, 662 N.E.2d 1
(1996). Based on the evidence presented, we find no abuse of discretion.
{¶41} Wife’s fourth Assignment of Error is overruled.
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 12
V. DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOAN
{¶42} Wife contends in her fifth Assignment of Error that the trial court abused its
discretion when it ordered that Wife was responsible for the debt consolidation loan.
We disagree.
{¶43} R.C. 3105.171(B) requires the trial court to 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 * * *.” R.C. 3105.171(B). The Revised Code further requires that
a trial court divide the marital property equally unless an equal division would be
inequitable, in which case “the court shall not divide the marital property equally but
instead shall divide it between the spouses in the manner the court determines
equitable.” R.C. 3105.171(C)(1). The court may make a distributive award to facilitate,
effectuate, or supplement a division of marital property. R.C. 3105.171(E)(1).
{¶44} Trial courts have “broad discretion to determine what property division is
equitable in a divorce proceeding.” Cherry v. Cherry, 66 Ohio St.2d 348, 421, 421
N.E.2d 1293 (1981), paragraph two of the syllabus. A trial court's decision allocating
marital property and debt will not be reversed absent an abuse of discretion. “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 v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio
St.3d 217, 219, 450 N.E.2d 1140 (1983).
{¶45} The debt consolidation loan originated in 2010 in the amount of
$56,320.00, including service fee. At trial, Husband testified the debt consolidation loan
was to consolidate credit card debt. He stated the credit cards were in his name, but
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 13
the balances were due to Wife’s spending. Husband did not know what the credit card
charges were for. The monthly payment on the loan was approximately $600.00. Since
the parties’ separation, Husband and Wife have each been paying one-half of the loan
payment. There was no testimony as to the balance of the debt consolidation loan in
2012 or if the parties have missed payments or made additional payments.
{¶46} The trial court reviewed the parties’ other marital debt. Wife testified she
had a student loan in the amount of $55,000.00, a credit card in the amount of
$4,000.00, and a car loan in the amount of $3,000.00. Husband was residing in the
marital home in Kimball, Michigan. The first mortgage on the property was $132,572.25
and the second mortgage on the property was $1,036.99.
{¶47} The magistrate recommended Wife be responsible for her student loan,
credit card, car loan, and debt consolidation loan. Husband was awarded the marital
home in Michigan and the mortgage debt associated with the home.
{¶48} Wife’s argument on appeal is the debt consolidation loan was marital debt
and should be divided equally between the parties. The trial court examined the parties’
total marital and separate debt. While no testimony was presented as to the current
balance of the debt consolidation loan, it is logical the loan balance is less than the
original balance in 2010. The trial court made an equitable division of the marital debt
based on the evidence presented. We find no abuse of discretion.
{¶49} Wife’s fifth Assignment of Error is overruled.
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 14
VI. SHARED PARENTING PLAN
{¶50} The trial court adopted, with modifications, the shared parenting plan
submitted by Husband. The shared parenting plan named Husband as the primary
residential parent and legal custodian to the minor children, D.J. and P.J., and Wife as
primary residential parent and legal custodian to K.J. Wife did not submit a proposed
shared parenting plan. Wife argues the trial court abused its discretion in adopting
Husband’s shared parenting plan because the evidence showed it would not be in the
best interests of the minor children.
{¶51} R.C. 3109.04 governs allocation of parental rights and responsibilities and
shared parenting:
(A) In any divorce, legal separation, or annulment proceeding and in any
proceeding pertaining to the allocation of parental rights and
responsibilities for the care of a child, upon hearing the testimony of either
or both parents and considering any mediation report filed pursuant to
section 3109.052 of the Revised Code and in accordance with sections
3127.01 to 3127.53 of the Revised Code, the court shall allocate the
parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the minor children of the
marriage. Subject to division (D)(2) of this section, the court may allocate
the parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the children in either
of the following ways:
***
(2) If at least one parent files a pleading or motion in accordance with
division (G) of this section and a plan for shared parenting pursuant to that
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 15
division and if a plan for shared parenting is in the best interest of the
children and is approved by the court in accordance with division (D)(1) of
this section, the court may allocate the parental rights and responsibilities
for the care of the children to both parents and issue a shared parenting
order requiring the parents to share all or some of the aspects of the
physical and legal care of the children in accordance with the approved
plan for shared parenting. If the court issues a shared parenting order
under this division and it is necessary for the purpose of receiving public
assistance, the court shall designate which one of the parents' residences
is to serve as the child's home. The child support obligations of the
parents under a shared parenting order issued under this division shall be
determined in accordance with Chapters 3119., 3121., 3123., and 3125. of
the Revised Code.
***
(G) Either parent or both parents of any children may file a pleading or
motion with the court requesting the court to grant both parents shared
parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the children in a
proceeding held pursuant to division (A) of this section. If a pleading or
motion requesting shared parenting is filed, the parent or parents filing the
pleading or motion also shall file with the court a plan for the exercise of
shared parenting by both parents. If each parent files a pleading or motion
requesting shared parenting but only one parent files a plan or if only one
parent files a pleading or motion requesting shared parenting and also
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 16
files a plan, the other parent as ordered by the court shall file with the
court a plan for the exercise of shared parenting by both parents. The plan
for shared parenting shall be filed with the petition for dissolution of
marriage, if the question of parental rights and responsibilities for the care
of the children arises out of an action for dissolution of marriage, or, in
other cases, at a time at least thirty days prior to the hearing on the issue
of the parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the children. A
plan for shared parenting shall include provisions covering all factors that
are relevant to the care of the children, including, but not limited to,
provisions covering factors such as physical living arrangements, child
support obligations, provision for the children's medical and dental care,
school placement, and the parent with which the children will be physically
located during legal holidays, school holidays, and other days of special
importance.
{¶52} R.C. 3109.04(F)(1) as the statute setting forth the factors a court must
consider when determining the best interest of the child when it allocates parental rights
and responsibilities.
(F)(1) In determining the best interest of a child pursuant to this section,
whether on an original decree allocating parental rights and
responsibilities for the care of children or a modification of a decree
allocating those rights and responsibilities, the court shall consider all
relevant factors, including, but not limited to:
(a) The wishes of the child's parents regarding the child's care;
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 17
(b) If the court has interviewed the child in chambers pursuant to division
(B) of this section regarding the child's wishes and concerns as to the
allocation of parental rights and responsibilities concerning the child, the
wishes and concerns of the child, as expressed to the court;
(c) The child's interaction and interrelationship with the child's parents,
siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best
interest;
(d) The child's adjustment to the child's home, school, and community;
(e) The mental and physical health of all persons involved in the situation;
(f) The parent more likely to honor and facilitate court-approved parenting
time rights or visitation and companionship rights;
(g) Whether either parent has failed to make all child support payments,
including all arrearages, that are required of that parent pursuant to a child
support order under which that parent is an obligor;
(h) Whether either parent or any member of the household of either parent
previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any criminal offense
involving any act that resulted in a child being an abused child or a
neglected child; whether either parent, in a case in which a child has been
adjudicated an abused child or a neglected child, previously has been
determined to be the perpetrator of the abusive or neglectful act that is the
basis of an adjudication; whether either parent or any member of the
household of either parent previously has been convicted of or pleaded
guilty to a violation of section 2919.25 of the Revised Code or a sexually
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 18
oriented offense involving a victim who at the time of the commission of
the offense was a member of the family or household that is the subject of
the current proceeding; whether either parent or any member of the
household of either parent previously has been convicted of or pleaded
guilty to any offense involving a victim who at the time of the commission
of the offense was a member of the family or household that is the subject
of the current proceeding and caused physical harm to the victim in the
commission of the offense; and whether there is reason to believe that
either parent has acted in a manner resulting in a child being an abused
child or a neglected child;
(i) Whether the residential parent or one of the parents subject to a shared
parenting decree has continuously and willfully denied the other parent's
right to parenting time in accordance with an order of the court;
(j) Whether either parent has established a residence, or is planning to
establish a residence, outside this state.
(2) In determining whether shared parenting is in the best interest of the
children, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not
limited to, the factors enumerated in division (F)(1) of this section, the
factors enumerated in section 3119.23 of the Revised Code, and all of the
following factors:
(a) The ability of the parents to cooperate and make decisions jointly, with
respect to the children;
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 19
(b) The ability of each parent to encourage the sharing of love, affection,
and contact between the child and the other parent;
(c) Any history of, or potential for, child abuse, spouse abuse, other
domestic violence, or parental kidnapping by either parent;
(d) The geographic proximity of the parents to each other, as the proximity
relates to the practical considerations of shared parenting;
(e) The recommendation of the guardian ad litem of the child, if the child
has a guardian ad litem.
{¶53} In determining the parental rights and responsibilities, the magistrate
examined the evidence presented at trial through witness testimony and the parties’
credibility.
{¶54} The family is originally from Michigan but moved to Ohio for Wife’s
employment. The parties’ extended family resides in Michigan. There is no family
residing in Ohio. Before moving to Ohio, the children resided with Husband from May to
August 2009. Wife visited family in Michigan for a weekend after Husband moved back
to Michigan, but did not allow Husband to see P.J. and D.J.
{¶55} A teacher testified at trial that P.J. is a good student and did not believe
P.J. would have trouble adjusting to a new school.
{¶56} Wife did not have concerns about Husband’s parenting skills. She
expressed concern about Husband’s temper. She stated in the past he punched a wall
in anger. Husband admitted that during the marriage, he punched the wall or a
punching bag in anger. The magistrate found this to be an isolated incident and did not
reflect on Husband’s parenting skills.
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 20
{¶57} The parties communicate through the eldest daughter. The daughter
testified she has heard Wife say negative statements about Husband in front of the
minor children. The eldest daughter is married and she and her husband live with
Husband in Michigan.
{¶58} Wife is in a romantic relationship. The magistrate found Wife to be less
credible as to when the relationship began and how the relationship affects her time
with her children.
{¶59} The magistrate conducted an in camera interview with the minor children.
The children expressed their desire to live with their mother.
{¶60} The magistrate concluded, based on the testimony of the parties, it was in
the best interests of the children to reside with Husband. It is well settled the finder of
fact is in the best position to determine the credibility of the witnesses. Based on the
record before us, we cannot say the trial court abused its discretion in adopting the
magistrate’s recommendation that Husband’s shared parenting plan be adopted.
{¶61} Wife’s sixth Assignment of Error is overruled.
Tuscarawas County, Case No. 2013 AP 04 0018 21
CONCLUSION
{¶62} The six Assignments of Error of Plaintiff-Appellant Heather Jones are
overruled.
{¶63} The judgment of the Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas is
affirmed.
By: Delaney, J.,
Wise, P.J. and
Baldwin, J., concur.
HON. PATRICIA A. DELANEY
HON. JOHN W. WISE
HON. CRAIG R. BALDWIN
Jones v. Jones
Combined Opinion