[Cite as Sovern v. Sovern, 2016-Ohio-7542.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
UNION COUNTY
JASON SOVERN,
PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, CASE NO. 14-16-09
v.
KINSEY E. SOVERN, OPINION
DEFENDANT-APPELLANT.
Appeal from Union County Common Pleas Court
Domestic Relations Division
Trial Court No. 14-DR-0192
Judgment Affirmed
Date of Decision: October 31, 2016
APPEARANCES:
Heather R. Gall for Appellant
John C. Ruiz-Bueno for Appellee
Case No. 14-16-09
PRESTON, J.
{¶1} Defendant-appellant, Kinsey E. Sovern (“Kinsey”), appeals the March
15, 2016 judgment entry of the Union County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic
Relations Division, granting divorce from plaintiff-appellee, Jason Sovern
(“Jason”). On appeal, Kinsey challenges the trial court’s: (1) allocation of parental
rights and responsibilities; (2) child-and-spousal-support determinations; and (3)
division of the parties’ assets and liabilities. For the reasons that follow, we affirm.
{¶2} Jason and Kinsey were married on July 30, 2006. (Doc. No. 2). One
child, R.S., was born as issue of this marriage. (Id.). Jason filed a complaint for
divorce on November 13, 2014. (Id.). Jason filed motions that same day requesting
that the trial court issue ex parte orders: (1) granting a temporary restraining order
against Kinsey; (2) granting Jason temporary custody of R.S.; (3) ordering Kinsey
to pay Jason temporary child support for R.S.; and (4) ordering Kinsey to pay Jason
temporary spousal support. (Doc. Nos. 3, 4). The trial court issued an ex parte
mutual temporary restraining order on November 13, 2014. (Doc. No. 9).1 On
December 1, 2014, Jason filed a motion requesting that the trial court order Kinsey
to show cause for violating the temporary restraining order. (Doc. No. 15). On
December 1, 2014, Jason filed a motion for exclusive use of the marital residence.
(Doc. No. 16).
1
The trial court issued a second ex parte mutual temporary restraining order when Kinsey filed her answer
on December 8, 2014. (Doc. No. 31).
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{¶3} Kinsey filed her answer on December 8, 2014. (Doc. No. 22). That
same day, she filed memorandums in response to Jason’s motions to show cause for
violating the mutual temporary restraining order and for exclusive use of the marital
residence. (Doc. Nos. 19, 20). Kinsey filed a motion on December 8, 2014
requesting that the trial court issue ex parte orders: (1) granting Kinsey temporary
custody of R.S.; and (2) ordering Jason to pay Kinsey temporary child support for
R.S. (Doc. No. 24).
{¶4} On December 22, 2014, Jason filed a summary of his previous motions
and a motion for psychological evaluations of both parties. (Doc. Nos. 37, 38).
{¶5} After a hearing on December 22, 2015, the trial court’s magistrate, at
the partial agreement of the parties, ordered on January 5, 2015: (1) shared
parenting and a parenting-time schedule for R.S.; (2) Jason to have exclusive use of
the marital residence; (3) neither Jason nor Kinsey to remove R.S. from Ohio; (4)
Jason and Kinsey to “consult and cooperate on all matters relating to the health,
welfare, and care of [R.S.],” and Jason to maintain health insurance for R.S.; and
(5) Jason and Kinsey to submit to psychological evaluations. (Doc. No. 39). The
magistrate denied Jason’s show-cause motion. (Id.). On January 7, 2015, the trial
court issued a “partial agreed entry on temporary orders.” (Doc. No. 41).
{¶6} On January 15, 2015, Kinsey filed an objection to the magistrate’s
January 5, 2015 temporary orders. (Doc. No. 47). After a hearing on February 9,
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2015, the magistrate issued an order on February 11, 2015 regarding Jason’s and
Kinsey’s parenting time of R.S. (Doc. No. 51).
{¶7} On February 17, 2015, Kinsey filed a motion requesting that the trial
court appoint a guardian ad litem (“GAL”) for R.S. (Doc. No. 55). The magistrate
appointed a GAL on February 27, 2015. (Doc. No. 56).
{¶8} On March 25, 2015, Kinsey filed a motion requesting temporary child
support because she was “still searching for full time employment.” (Doc. No. 57).
{¶9} On July 24, 2015, Kinsey filed a motion for shared parenting and
submitted a proposed shared parenting plan. (Doc. No. 66).2
{¶10} The GAL filed his report on August 10, 2015. (Doc. No. 67). In his
report, the GAL recommended shared parenting; however, he noted,
If Shared Parenting is not an option, * * * it is [his] recommendation
that [Kinsey] be granted custody of the child, as she has been the
primary caregiver of the child since birth, and that [Jason] be granted
an allocation of parenting time that allows the child to spend as nearly
as possible equal time with each of her parents while she grows up.
(Id.).
2
According to the GAL’s report, Jason initially supported shared parenting, “but after seeing the results of
[Kinsey’s] Psychological Evaluation, [Jason] now wants full custody of [R.S.], with [Kinsey] receiving
standard visitation.” (Doc. No. 67).
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{¶11} On August 17, 2015, Jason filed a “Pre-Trial Statement” in which he
requested that the trial court name him residential parent and legal custodian of R.S.
(Doc. No. 71). That same day, Jason filed a motion requesting that the trial court
conclude that October 21, 2014 is the de facto termination date of the marriage.
(Doc. No. 74). Also that day, Kinsey filed her “Pre-Trial Statement.” (Doc. No.
75). On August 19, 2015, Kinsey filed an addendum to her pre-trial statement
asserting that she obtained employment to begin on August 28, 2015 at Der
Dutchman at a rate of $9.00 per hour. (Doc. No. 76).
{¶12} After a hearing on August 24-25, 2015, the magistrate issued his
decision on October 6, 2015 and a nunc pro tunc decision on October 16, 2015.
(Doc. Nos. 91, 97).
{¶13} After being granted an extension of time, Kinsey filed her objections
to the magistrate’s decision on October 30, 2015. (Doc. Nos. 100, 108). Jason filed
his reply to Kinsey’s objections on November 9, 2015. (Doc. No. 109). The trial
court issued its entries addressing Kinsey’s objections on December 8 and 14, 2015
and January 25, 2016. (Doc. Nos. 112, 114, 120).
{¶14} The trial court issued a final divorce decree on March 15, 2016. (Doc.
No. 126).
{¶15} Kinsey filed her notice of appeal on April 13, 2016. (Doc. No. 135).
She raises four assignments of error for our review. For ease of our discussion, we
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will address together Kinsey’s first and second assignments of error, then Kinsey’s
third and fourth assignments of error.
Assignment of Error No. I
The Trial Court Erred in Using the Custody and Parenting Time
Orders to Punish Appellant.
Assignment of Error No. II
The Trial Court Abused its Discretion in Ignoring the Manifest
Weight of the Evidence that Supported Custody to Appellant and
an Equal Parenting Time Schedule.
{¶16} In her first and second assignments of error, Kinsey argues that the
trial court abused its discretion by concluding that it is not in the best interest of R.S.
for Kinsey to be her residential parent and legal custodian. In those assignments of
error, Kinsey also challenges the trial court’s parenting-time order.
{¶17} “Revised Code 3109.04 governs the trial court’s award of parental
rights and responsibilities.” August v. August, 3d Dist. Hancock No. 5-13-26, 2014-
Ohio-3986, ¶ 22, citing King v. King, 3d Dist. Union No. 14-11-23, 2012-Ohio-
1586, ¶ 8. “The statute requires that in allocating the parental rights and
responsibilities, the court ‘shall take into account that which would be in the best
interest of the child[].’” Id., quoting Self v. Turner, 3d Dist. Mercer No. 10-06-07,
2006-Ohio-6197, ¶ 6, quoting R.C. 3109.04(B)(1). “It further provides for options
available to the trial court when allocating parental rights and responsibilities:
‘primarily to one of the parents’ (R.C. 3109.04(A)(1)), or ‘to both parents’ (R.C.
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3109.04(A)(2)).” Id., citing Fisher v. Hasenjager, 116 Ohio St.3d 53,
2007-Ohio-5589, ¶ 23-24 and R.C. 3109.04(A), (D), (F), (G). “Under R.C.
3109.04(D)(1)(a)(iii), where, as here, ‘only one parent makes a request’ for shared
parenting and the trial court determines that shared parenting is not in the best
interest of the child, the trial court may deny a party’s motion requesting shared
parenting and proceed as if the request for shared parenting had not been made.” Id.
{¶18} “Where neither party files a pleading or motion requesting shared
parenting in accordance with R.C. 3109.04(G),” or where the trial court concludes
that a shared parenting plan is not in the best interest of the child,
“the [trial] court, in a manner consistent with the best interest of the
child[], shall allocate the parental rights and responsibilities for the
care of the child[] primarily to one of the parents, designate that parent
as the residential parent and the legal custodian of the child, and divide
between the parents the other rights and responsibilities for the care
of the child[], including, but not limited to, the responsibility to
provide support for the child[] and the right of the parent who is not
the residential parent to have continuing contact with the child[].”
Walker v. Walker, 3d Dist. Marion No. 9-12-15, 2013-Ohio-1496, ¶ 48, quoting
R.C. 3109.04(A)(1) and citing Frey v. Frey, 3d Dist. Hancock No. 5-06-36, 2007-
Ohio-2991, ¶ 28.
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{¶19} “Further subsections of [R.C. 3109.04] spell out ten factors that the
court shall consider to determine the best interest of the child, and five more factors
to determine whether shared parenting is in the child’s best interest.” August at ¶ 23,
citing R.C. 3109.04(F)(1) and (2). “Any additional relevant factors shall be
considered as well.” Id., citing R.C. 3109.04(F)(1) and (2).
“In determining the best interest of a child [under R.C. 3109.04],
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;
(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;
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(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 oriented offense
involving a victim who at the time of the commission of the offense
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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.”
Id., quoting R.C. 3109.04(F)(1).
“In determining whether shared parenting is in the best interest of the
child[], the court shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not
limited to, the factors enumerated in division (F)(1) of this section, the
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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;
(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.”
Id., quoting R.C. 3109.04(F)(2).
{¶20} “‘Decisions concerning child custody matters rest within the sound
discretion of the trial court.’” Krill v. Krill, 3d Dist. Defiance No. 4-13-15, 2014-
Ohio-2577, ¶ 26, quoting Walker, 2013-Ohio-1496, at ¶ 46, citing Wallace v.
Willoughby, 3d Dist. Shelby No. 17-10-15, 2011-Ohio-3008, ¶ 22 and Miller v.
Miller, 37 Ohio St.3d 71, 74 (1988). “‘“Where an award of custody is supported by
a substantial amount of credible and competent evidence, such an award will not be
reversed as being against the weight of the evidence by a reviewing court.”’” Id.,
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quoting Walker at ¶ 46, quoting Barto v. Barto, 3d Dist. Hancock No. 5-08-14,
2008-Ohio-5538, ¶ 25 and Bechtol v. Bechtol, 49 Ohio St.3d 21 (1990), syllabus.
“‘Accordingly, an abuse of discretion must be found in order to reverse the trial
court’s award of child custody.’” Id., quoting Walker at ¶ 46, citing Barto at ¶ 25
and Masters v. Masters, 69 Ohio St.3d 83, 85 (1994). “‘An abuse of discretion
suggests the trial court’s decision is unreasonable or unconscionable.’” Id., quoting
Brammer v. Meachem, 3d Dist. Marion No. 9-10-43, 2011-Ohio-519, ¶ 14, citing
Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 219 (1983).
{¶21} “The trial court ‘has discretion in determining which factors are
relevant,’ and ‘each factor may not necessarily carry the same weight or have the
same relevance, depending upon the facts before the trial court.’” Id. at ¶ 29,
quoting Brammer v. Brammer, 3d Dist. Marion No. 9-12-57, 2013-Ohio-2843, ¶ 41,
citing Hammond v. Harm, 9th Dist. Summit No. 23993, 2008-Ohio-2310, ¶ 51. “A
trial court is not limited to the listed factors in R.C. 3109.04(F), but may consider
any other relevant factors in making a determination of child custody.” Brammer
at ¶ 41, citing Shaffer v. Shaffer, 3d Dist. Paulding No. 11-04-22, 2005-Ohio-3884,
¶ 20. “Although the trial court must consider all relevant factors, there is no
requirement that the trial court set out an analysis for each of the factors in its
judgment entry, so long as the judgment entry is supported by some competent,
credible evidence.” Krill at ¶ 29, citing Meachem at ¶ 30, citing Portentoso v.
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Portentoso, 3d Dist. Seneca No. 13-07-03, 2007-Ohio-5770, ¶ 22. “‘[A]bsent
evidence to the contrary, an appellate court will presume the trial court considered
all of the relevant “best interest” factors listed in R.C. 3109.04(F)(1).’” Meachem
at ¶ 32, citing Goodman v. Goodman, 3d Dist. Marion No. 9-04-37, 2005-Ohio-
1091, ¶ 18.
{¶22} “Additionally, we note that the trier of fact is in the best position to
observe the witnesses, weigh evidence, and evaluate testimony.” Walton v. Walton,
3d Dist. Union No. 14-10-21, 2011-Ohio-2847, ¶ 20, citing Clark v. Clark, 3d Dist.
Union No. 14-06-56, 2007-Ohio-5771, ¶ 23, citing In re Brown, 98 Ohio App.3d
337 (3d Dist.1994). “Therefore, ‘“[a] reviewing court should not reverse a decision
simply because it holds a different opinion concerning the credibility of the
witnesses and evidence submitted before the trial court. A finding of an error in law
is a legitimate ground for reversal, but a difference of opinion on credibility of
witnesses and evidence is not.”’” Id., quoting Clark at ¶ 23, quoting Seasons Coal
Co., Inc. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St.3d 77, 81 (1984).
{¶23} After reviewing the R.C. 3109.04(F)(1) and (2) factors, the magistrate
and trial court concluded that shared parenting is not in R.S.’s best interest and that
it is in R.S.’s best interest that Jason have residential and legal custody of R.S.
{¶24} In his October 6, 2015 decision and October 16, 2015 nunc pro tunc
order, the magistrate considered the R.C. 3109.04 factors in concluding that shared
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parenting is not in R.S.’s best interest and that it is in R.S.’s best interest that Jason
have residential and legal custody of R.S. In concluding that shared parenting is not
in R.S.’s best interest, the magistrate found: (1) “the hostility between the parties
and their differences of opinion regarding parenting make shared parenting not
viable in the present case”; (2) “there is good reason to be concerned about the
judgment and behavior of both parties”; (3) “[b]oth parents have demonstrated
personal priorities that are inconsistent with the best interest of the child”; and (4)
“[a]lthough intelligent and apparently capable of being wonderful residential
parents, both parties have engaged in utter nonsense showing anger or selfishness
toward one-another that is harmful to [R.S.]” (Doc. No. 91).
{¶25} Regarding its conclusion that it is in R.S.’s best interest that Jason have
residential and legal custody of R.S., the magistrate found the following R.C.
3109.04(F)(1) factors: R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(a), Kinsey requested shared parenting
and Jason argued that shared parenting is not in R.S.’s best interest because he and
Kinsey cannot cooperate and make joint decisions concerning R.S., and, in the
alternative, both Jason and Kinsey wished to be R.S.’s residential parent and legal
custodian; R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(b), no in camera interview was conducted; R.C.
3109.04(F)(1)(c), R.S. has a good relationship with Jason and Kinsey, and R.S. does
not have any close family living in Ohio; R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(d), R.S. is thriving and
doing well; R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(e), Jason and Kinsey were evaluated by a
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psychologist, Dr. Richard Bromberg (“Dr. Bromberg”), who concluded that Jason
and Kinsey both suffer from psychological disorders; R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(f), Jason
and Kinsey complied with all companionship orders, but both engaged in forms of
bad behavior during custody transfers causing stress for R.S.; R.C.
3109.04(F)(1)(g), there is no child-support order; R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(h), neither
party has been convicted of domestic violence; however, Kinsey maintains a civil
protection order [“CPO”] against Jason in the State of Iowa and has accused Jason
of domestic violence; but, Kinsey’s allegation of domestic violence against Jason
where her arm was broken is “devoid of merit”; R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(i), while neither
party has deprived the other parent’s right to parenting time, “the court is concerned
with [Kinsey] maintaining the protection order in Iowa as a potential weapon against
[Jason]”; R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(j), while neither party established, or is planning to
establish, a residence outside of Ohio, “currently [Kinsey] has no anchors in Ohio
that would preclude [her] from removing the child to the State of Iowa” because she
“has no fixed place of residence in Ohio nor has she sought employment
commensurate with her education and experience.” (Id.).
{¶26} The magistrate further found that Dr. Bromberg concluded that shared
parenting is not a viable option and that Jason “should be named residential parent
and legal custodian of [R.S.] with substantial parenting time allocated to [Kinsey].”
(Id.). Also, the magistrate found that the GAL concluded that shared parenting is
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not in R.S.’s best interest and that Kinsey should be R.S.’s residential parent and
legal custodian “because she has been [R.S.’s] primary caregiver and [the GAL] did
not detect in [Kinsey] the mental issues of concern to Dr. Bromberg.” (Id.).
{¶27} The magistrate noted that “the court is troubled by [Kinsey’s]
manipulation and lack of candor.” (Id.). Specifically, the magistrate noted a
concern that Kinsey would “remove the child to Iowa in an attempt to find refuge
behind the civil protection order. Although [Kinsey] has denied an intention to go
to Iowa, the retention of that order is considered a sign of bad faith.” (Id.). The
magistrate further noted that he afforded “great weight” to the GAL’s
recommendation but rejected the GAL’s discount of Dr. Bromberg’s opinion, and
the magistrate rejected Kinsey’s challenge to Dr. Bromberg’s scientific methods.
(Id.).
{¶28} In its January 25, 2016 decision overruling Kinsey’s objections to the
magistrate’s decision relating to parental rights and responsibilities, the trial court
also concluded that shared parenting is not in R.S.’s best interest and that it is in
R.S.’s best interest that Jason have residential and legal custody. The trial court
concluded that the magistrate “expressly evaluated each and every statutory factor,”
and the trial court “approve[d] and adopt[ed] the findings and recommendations of
the Magistrate.” (Doc. No. 120).
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{¶29} The trial court specifically addressed Kinsey’s objection to the
magistrate’s decision in which she challenged the magistrate’s statutory findings as
“deficient or incorrect” and argued that “ultimately her wishes are more credible
and should be given more weight.” (Id.). (See also Doc. No. 108). In her objection
to the magistrate’s custody conclusion, Kinsey conceded the magistrate’s findings
as to R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(b)-(d), (f)-(g). (Doc. No. 108). Kinsey’s objection related
to the magistrate’s findings under R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(a), (e), (h)-(j). In particular,
Kinsey objected: R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(a), “that ultimately her wishes are more
credible and should be given more weight”; R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(e), “the
Magistrate’s reliance on the Dr. Bromberg’s [sic] report and testimony were
misplaced and inconsistent, given the totality of the evidence presented at trial”; and
R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(h)-(j), “the Magistrate has placed improper weight on the
protection order in Iowa and [Kinsey’s] alleged lack of anchors in Ohio.” (Id. at 5,
11, 19).
{¶30} In dismissing her objections, the trial court concluded that Kinsey’s
“objection to the Magistrate’s recommendation on the allocation of parental rights
and responsibilities does not allege any error of law or improper consideration or
exclusion of evidence. It is but an appeal for the court to reweigh the evidence in
light of [Kinsey’s] arguments.” (Doc. No. 120). The trial court first addressed
Kinsey’s argument that the magistrate failed to consider that she sought counseling
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in response to Dr. Bromberg’s diagnosis, while Jason did not seek any counseling.
The trial court concluded that Kinsey’s “testimony on the course of counseling was
substantially uninformative of facts and self-serving.” (Id.). The trial court next
addressed Kinsey’s argument regarding the Iowa CPO and concluded that the
magistrate’s inference as to Kinsey’s credibility “is rationally based upon facts and
existing circumstances that together with other evidence call into question Mother’s
credibility and commitment to nurture the parent-child relationship between [Jason]
and [R.S.]” (Id.).
{¶31} The trial court adopted “the reasons and findings identified in” its
January 25, 2016 entry overruling Kinsey’s objections to the magistrate’s decision
and adopted the “reasons and findings” of the magistrate’s decision in its final
divorce decree. (Doc. Nos. 120, 126).
{¶32} In her first assignment of error, Kinsey argues that “the trial court
clearly used the custody and parenting time orders to punish” her because of her
“lack of full-time employment in an engineering position” and because she
“obtained a CPO in Iowa.” (Appellant’s Brief at 3). In support of her argument,
Kinsey relies on Marshall v. Marshall, in which this court concluded that the trial
court abused its discretion in its custody decision because it “placed undue emphasis
on the fact that [the mother] left Ohio and established a residence out of state” while
disregarding that the mother was the primary caregiver for the children. 117 Ohio
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App.3d 182, 187-188 (3d Dist.1997). That case is distinguishable from the facts in
this case.
{¶33} In Marshall, this court concluded that the trial court abused its
discretion by granting custody of the children to their father because the trial court’s
determination appeared “to be an attempt to hold [the mother] in contempt for her
failure to abide by the prior court order to return to Ohio.” Id. at 186. In particular,
we concluded that “the trial court placed undue emphasis on the fact that [the
mother] left Ohio and failed to return” despite the fact that the mother was the
primary caregiver for the children. Id. at 186-187. More specifically, we concluded
that the trial court’s custody determination in Marshall was based on only one of
the best-interest factors—the mother’s “nonresidence” in Ohio. Id. at 187. That is
not the case here; rather, the trial court weighed all of the best-interest factors.
{¶34} Similarly, in her second assignment of error, Kinsey argues that the
trial court abused its discretion by concluding that it is in R.S.’s best interest for
Jason to be her residential parent and legal custodian because that conclusion is not
supported by a substantial amount of competent, credible evidence and is against
the manifest weight of the evidence.3 We reject her argument. The trial court did
not use the custody and parenting time orders to “punish” Kinsey. Notwithstanding
Kinsey’s misplaced arguments, the trial court’s findings as to the best-interest
3
Because Kinsey does not challenge the trial court’s shared-parenting decision, we will not address it.
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factors challenged by Kinsey—R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(a), (e), (h)-(j)—are supported by
some competent, credible evidence.
{¶35} Kinsey’s argument boils down to a plea for this court to reweigh the
evidence. Indeed, Kinsey’s arguments pertain to credibility determinations of the
trial court, not any specific errors of law. As we noted above, the trial court is in
the best position to observe witnesses, weigh evidence, and evaluate testimony, and
this court will not reverse a trial court’s decision based on a difference of opinion
on the credibility of witnesses or evidence. See Meachem, 2011-Ohio-519, at ¶ 20.
As such, it is not our duty to reexamine which parent’s desire to be R.S.’s legal
custodian and residential parent under R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(a) is more credible.
{¶36} Indeed, the record makes clear that the magistrate did not find Kinsey
credible. In addition to the magistrate’s decision in which he plainly stated that he
did not find Kinsey credible, the magistrate stated regarding Kinsey’s credibility:
Ms. Sovern, I’m going to ask you please, I feel like you are
playing games with these answers. Answer the question that he’s
asking you. I don’t want to hear you don’t recall every word. That’s,
you’re being evasive. Answer the question.
Do you recall being asked about it? And do you recall the
testimony? It’s a yes or no, okay? None of this gamey business.”
(Aug. 24, 2015 Tr., Vol. I, at 54-55).
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{¶37} Further, with regard to R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(e), which requires the trial
court to consider the mental health of all persons involved, the trial court’s
conclusion that Kinsey’s “testimony on the course of counselling was substantially
uninformative of facts and self-serving [and] tantamount to no evidence on the
specifics of her on-going counseling at all” is supported by a substantial amount of
competent, credible evidence. (See Doc. No. 120). (See also Aug. 24, 2015 Tr.,
Vol. I, at 109, 111-121). Stated differently, the trial court did not find Kinsey’s
testimony regarding her course of counseling credible.
{¶38} Kinsey testified that she sought psychological counseling with Dr.
Guthrie in March 2015 after receiving Dr. Bromberg’s report. (Aug. 24, 2015 Tr.,
Vol. I, at 107-108). She testified that she is working on “[s]elf-confidence, sleep
hygiene, and * * * prioritizing worry” with Dr. Guthrie. (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol.
III, at 319). However, she testified that she was not working with Dr. Guthrie on
the issues raised by Dr. Bromberg’s report; rather, she was working with Dr. Guthrie
on personal improvement—namely, self-confidence. (Aug. 24, 2015 Tr., Vol. I, at
109). Kinsey also testified that she was seeing Dr. Shelly Soviak (“Dr. Soviak”) for
counseling. (Aug. 24, 2015 Tr., Vol. II, at 261-262). When asked what she worked
on with Dr. Soviak, Kinsey responded, “I don’t recall precisely. We worked on
similar issues to that [sic] I already reported for Dr. Guthrie, like, self-confidence,
and it was one of the most important ones.” (Id. at 262). Furthermore, Kinsey
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testified that she refused to sign a release for counseling records which would
corroborate that she was receiving counseling and what she was addressing through
counseling. (Aug. 24, 2015 Tr., Vol. I, at 121).
{¶39} Because the trial court did not find her testimony credible, it was
within the trial court’s discretion to not weigh this factor in Kinsey’s favor. Rather,
the trial court’s consideration of R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(e) is supported by a substantial
amount of competent, credible evidence—namely, the psychological-evaluation
report of Dr. Bromberg in which Dr. Bromberg recommends granting Jason legal
and residential custody of R.S. (See Aug. 24, 2015 Tr., Vol. I, at 162). That Kinsey
challenges the legitimacy of Dr. Bromberg’s findings and the credibility of his
testimony are also matters of evidentiary value for the trial court to weigh. See
Walton, 2011-Ohio-2847, at ¶ 31 (“Here, the credibility of Dr. Lowenstein and the
weight to be given to his testimony and report was a matter for the trial court, as the
trier of fact, to determine, and we will not second guess its determination.”), citing
State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d 230 (1967) and In re R.N., 10th Dist. Franklin No.
04AP-130, 2004-Ohio-4420, ¶ 55.
{¶40} Although she did not specifically assign it as error, Kinsey further
argues under her first and second assignments of error that the trial court “abused
its discretion in failing to allow for proper cross-examination of the psychologist[.]”
(Appellant’s Brief at 10). Specifically, she argues that her trial counsel was
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prevented from cross-examining Dr. Bromberg regarding “the guidelines for
psychological evaluations from the Associate of Family and Conciliation Courts”
and “his failure to discuss the domestic violence with [Jason].” (Id. at 14). Kinsey
argues that this cross-examination would have questioned Dr. Bromberg’s
reliability as a witness.
{¶41} A trial “court shall exercise reasonable control over the mode and
order of interrogating witnesses and presenting evidence so as to (1) make the
interrogation and presentation effective for the ascertainment of the truth, (2) avoid
needless consumption of time, and (3) protect witnesses from harassment or undue
embarrassment.” Evid.R. 611(A). The trial court shall allow cross-examination “on
all relevant matters and matters affecting credibility.” Evid.R. 611(B). The scope
of cross-examination and the admissibility of evidence during cross-examination
are matters which rest in the sound discretion of the trial judge, which will not be
reversed absent an abuse of discretion. O’Brien v. Angley, 63 Ohio St.2d 159, 163
(1980).
{¶42} As an initial matter, we note that Kinsey did not allege this error in her
objections to the magistrate’s decision. See Civ.R. 53. Civ.R. 53(D)(3)(b)(iv)
provides:
Except for a claim of plain error, a party shall not assign as error on
appeal the court’s adoption of any factual finding or legal conclusion,
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whether or not specifically designated as a finding of fact or
conclusion of law under Civ.R. 53(D)(3)(a)(ii), unless the party has
objected to that finding or conclusion as required by Civ.R.
53(D)(3)(b).
See also Hamilton v. Hamilton, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 14AP-1061, 2016-Ohio-
5900, ¶ 4-6 (discussing the consequences of the failure to object to a magistrate’s
decision). “‘[I]n appeals of civil cases, the plain error doctrine is not favored and
may be applied only in the extremely rare case involving exceptional circumstances
where error seriously affects the basic fairness, integrity, or public reputation of the
judicial process itself.’” Hamilton at ¶ 8, quoting Uretsky v. Uretsky, 10th Dist.
Franklin No. 02AP-1011, 2003-Ohio-1455, ¶ 7, citing Goldfuss v. Davidson, 79
Ohio St.3d 116 (1997), syllabus.
{¶43} The circumstances of this case are not exceptional and do not give rise
to plain error. Based on our review of the portions of the record to which Kinsey
directs us, the magistrate did not prevent or limit Kinsey’s cross-examination of Dr.
Bromberg. Indeed, in the first instance to which Kinsey directs us, the magistrate
stated, “I’m having an incredibly difficult time even how [sic] that rule is applicable
to this case. There’s no foundation for that.” (Aug. 24, 2015 Tr., Vol. II, at 201).
Kinsey’s trial counsel responded, “Okay. I’ll do foundation. I’ll try to do it better”
and proceeded to continue her cross-examination of Dr. Bromberg regarding the
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guidelines for psychological evaluations from the Associate of Family and
Conciliation Courts. (See id.). In the second instance to which Kinsey directs us,
the magistrate admonished Kinsey’s trial counsel—as the magistrate is required to
do under Evid.R. 611(A)—that her line of questioning regarding the incident in
which Kinsey’s hand was fractured “ha[d] turned argumentative.” (Id. at 214). The
magistrate further instructed Kinsey’s trial counsel that she “can stand up and argue
[her point about the incident with regard to Dr. Bromberg’s report] at [her] leisure
at the right time[.]” (Id.). Kinsey submitted her closing argument in writing on
September 15, 2015, in which she had the opportunity to make that argument. (See
Doc. No. 89). Thus, Kinsey failed to demonstrate that the trial court committed
plain error.
{¶44} The trial court’s finding as to R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(h), which permits
the trial court to consider certain prior criminal convictions of the parties, is
supported by a substantial amount of competent, credible evidence. That is, there
is no evidence in the record that either party had been convicted of or pled guilty to,
or even indicted for, any offense. (See Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol III, at 320). The
evidence reflects that Kinsey’s hand was fractured when Jason was taking R.S.’s
car seat out of the car, and Kinsey grabbed onto the car seat to prevent Jason from
taking it out of the car, and Kinsey’s hand was twisted as each tried to take control
of the car seat. (Dec. 20, 2014 Depo. at 19, 23-24, 64-65). (See also Aug. 25, 2015
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Tr., Vol. III, at 451-453); (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. IV, at 514). Kinsey testified that
she reported that incident, as well as an incident in which she alleged Jason was
“squeezing [her] neck,” to the Union County Sheriff’s Office. (Dec. 20, 2014 Depo.
at 23, 43). There is no evidence of any charges against Jason resulting from those
allegations or any crimes contemplated by R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(h) or otherwise.
Because there is no evidence in the record that Jason pled guilty to or was convicted
of a crime involving child abuse or domestic violence, there is a substantial amount
of competent, credible evidence supporting the trial court’s finding as to R.C.
3109.04(F)(1)(h).
{¶45} Moreover, in Heilman v. Heilman, despite the plain language of the
statute, we incorrectly inferred that evidence of “an incident of physical violence
between [the spouses] giving rise to a CPO” satisfied the best-interest factor under
R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(h). 3d Dist. Hardin No. 6-12-08, 2012-Ohio-5133, ¶ 29.
However, according to the plain language of the statute, evidence sufficient to
satisfy R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(h) includes convictions or guilty pleas to offenses
involving child abuse or domestic violence. While evidence of physical violence
giving rise to a CPO is not properly considered under R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(h), that
evidence may be properly considered as other relevant evidence for the trial court’s
custody determination. See Brammer, 2013-Ohio-2843, at ¶ 41. Moreover, based
on our discussion above, the trial court’s rejection of Kinsey’s domestic-violence
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allegation giving rise to the CPO as meritless is supported by a substantial amount
of competent, credible evidence.
{¶46} Because they involve similar issues, we will address R.C.
3109.04(F)(1)(i) and (j) together. There is a substantial amount of competent,
credible evidence supporting the trial court’s findings as to R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(i)
and (j). The trial court adopted the magistrate’s finding that neither parent
continuously and willfully denied the other parent’s right to parenting time in
accordance with a court order, which is supported by the record. And the trial court
adopted the magistrate’s finding that neither parent established or planned to
establish a residence outside of Ohio, which is also supported by the record.
{¶47} Nonetheless, the trial court concluded that the evidence in the record
“call[s] into question [Kinsey’s] credibility and commitment to nurture the parent-
child relationship between [Jason] and [R.S.].” (Doc No. 120). Notwithstanding
his findings under R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(i) and (j), the magistrate weighed Kinsey’s
credibility regarding her intentions to remain in Ohio because she “has no anchors
in Ohio that would preclude [her] from removing the child to the State of Iowa.”
(Id.). In particular, the trial court considered that Kinsey “has no fixed place of
residence in Ohio nor has she sought employment commensurate with her education
and experience.” (Id.). The trial court adopted the magistrate’s findings. The trial
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court is permitted to consider this evidence in making its custody determination.
Brammer, 2013-Ohio-2843, at ¶ 41.
{¶48} While we will not second guess the trial court’s credibility
determination, the trial court’s findings underlying its credibility determination are
supported by a substantial amount of competent credible evidence. Indeed, Kinsey
submitted to the trial court on August 19, 2015 that she obtained part-time
employment at Der Dutchman making doughnuts to begin on August 28, 2015 at a
wage of $9.00 per hour. (Doc. No. 76); (Aug 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. IV, at 518-520,
527). Kinsey testified that she obtained that job after being admonished by the trial
court to seek employment. (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. IV, at 516-518). She further
testified regarding her start date, “Right now tentatively scheduled for the 28th
pending what happens this week with the Court proceedings.” (Id. at 520).
Likewise, she testified that she accepted the donut-making job because the work
schedule “works around the current custody schedule, allowing Jason that overnight
time with [R.S.]” (Id. at 524).
{¶49} Kinsey testified that she obtained a mechanical engineering degree
from Iowa State University and was employed at Honda until she was terminated
for poor performance in 2012. (Id. at 501-502, 527). Kinsey testified that she made
$86,257.00 in the last full year she was employed at Honda. (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr.,
Vol. III, at 315-316). Moreover, Kinsey testified that she will “ultimately” be able
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to find a job commensurate to her engineering position at Honda. (Id. at 317).
Specifically, she testified, “I would like to continue working in a part time capacity
for Der Dutchman right now. Eventually finding some segue into a slightly different
market for my engineering skills and be able to apply the engineering skills.” (Aug.
25, 2015 Tr., Vol. IV, at 527). Yet, she testified that she desired to obtain an
engineering position “in about three years” because R.S. “will be in school full time”
at that point. (Id. at 529). Indeed, she testified that she rejected two engineering
job offers after R.S. was born. (Id. at 507-508). Kinsey testified that she did not
provide any job-search information from the automatic searches she established on
“Monster” and “Career Builder,” correspondence documenting her job search, a list
of names of people that she contacted in her job search, or copies of her resume that
she submitted to prospective employers as she indicated that she would. (Aug. 24,
2015 Tr., Vol. II, at 270-273).
{¶50} Kinsey testified that, at the time she filed her answer, she indicated
that she was a resident of Iowa. (Aug. 24, 2015 Tr., Vol. I, at 28). She testified that
she left—with R.S.—the marital residence on October 21, 2014 to go to her parent’s
house in Iowa, where she remained until November 16, 2014. (Id. at 29-30). Kinsey
was served with Jason’s divorce complaint when she returned to Ohio on November
16, 2014. (Id. at 30). She testified that, after being served the complaint, she again
left Ohio with R.S. despite the trial court’s restraining order that directed her not to
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remove R.S. from the jurisdiction of the trial court. (Id. at 36-37, 107); (Doc. No.
9). Kinsey further testified that she obtained the CPO against Jason on November
10, 2014 precluding him from going to Kinsey’s parents’ house in Iowa. (Id. at 39-
40, 61). She testified that she intended to maintain that protection order “[f]or the
current time period.” (Id. at 40).
{¶51} Despite her deposition testimony that she wanted to move to Iowa with
R.S., Kinsey testified that she did not want to move to Iowa with R.S. “at this
moment of time”; however, Kinsey testified that her “family lives there [and she]
would like [R.S.] to visit there and visit [her family] there as much as possible.”
(Aug. 24, 2015 Tr., Vol. II, at 274). She further testified that she did not intend to
establish a residence outside of Ohio. (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. III, at 320). At the
time of trial, she testified that she was living with another couple and their children
in Ohio. (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. IV, at 544).
{¶52} The trial court was in the best position to observe the parties during
the proceedings, and the record supports the trial court’s findings. Based on our
discussion above, the trial court’s best-interest findings are supported by a
substantial amount of competent and credible evidence. As such, the trial court’s
custody determination is not against the manifest weight of the evidence.
Accordingly, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by concluding that it is in
R.S.’s best interest that Jason have residential and legal custody of R.S.
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{¶53} Kinsey also challenges the trial court’s parenting-time order. In
particular, she argues that she should have been granted more parenting time with
R.S. than the trial court’s standard parenting time.
{¶54} R.C. 3109.051 governs visitation rights of non-residential parents and
provides, in pertinent part:
If a divorce * * * proceeding involves a child and if the court has not
issued a shared parenting decree, the court * * *, in accordance with
division (C) of this section, shall make a just and reasonable order or
decree permitting each parent who is not the residential parent to have
parenting time with the child at the time and under the conditions that
the court directs, unless the court determines that it would not be in
the best interest of the child to permit that parent to have parenting
time with the child and includes in the journal its findings of fact and
conclusions of law. Whenever possible, the order or decree permitting
the parenting time shall ensure the opportunity for both parents to
have frequent and continuing contact with the child, unless frequent
and continuing contact by either parent with the child would not be in
the best interest of the child.
R.C. 3109.051(A). See also Walton, 2011-Ohio-2847, at ¶ 21; Braatz v.
Braatz, 85 Ohio St.3d 40, 44-45 (1999).
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{¶55} To determine whether a parenting schedule is in the child’s best
interest, R.C. 3109.051(D) directs the trial court to consider the following factors:
(1) The prior interaction and interrelationships of the child with the
child’s parents, siblings, and other persons related by consanguinity
or affinity, and with the person who requested companionship or
visitation if that person is not a parent, sibling, or relative of the child;
(2) The geographical location of the residence of each parent and the
distance between those residences, and if the person is not a parent,
the geographical location of that person’s residence and the distance
between that person’s residence and the child's residence;
(3) The child’s and parents’ available time, including, but not
limited to, each parent’s employment schedule, the child’s school
schedule, and the child’s and the parents’ holiday and vacation
schedule;
(4) The age of the child;
(5) The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community;
(6) If the court has interviewed the child in chambers, pursuant to
division (C) of this section, regarding the wishes and concerns of the
child as to parenting time by the parent who is not the residential
parent or companionship or visitation by the grandparent, relative, or
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other person who requested companionship or visitation, as to a
specific parenting time or visitation schedule, or as to other parenting
time or visitation matters, the wishes and concerns of the child, as
expressed to the court;
(7) The health and safety of the child;
(8) The amount of time that will be available for the child to spend
with siblings;
(9) The mental and physical health of all parties;
(10) Each parent’s willingness to reschedule missed parenting time
and to facilitate the other parent’s parenting time rights, and with
respect to a person who requested companionship or visitation, the
willingness of that person to reschedule missed visitation;
(11) In relation to parenting time, whether 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 the adjudication; and whether there is reason to
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believe that either parent has acted in a manner resulting in a child
being an abused child or a neglected child;
(12) In relation to requested companionship or visitation by a person
other than a parent, whether the person 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
the person, 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 the
adjudication; whether either parent previously has been convicted of
or pleaded guilty to a violation of section 2919.25 of the Revised
Code 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 previously has been
convicted of an 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 the person has acted in a manner resulting in a
child being an abused child or a neglected child;
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(13) 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;
(14) Whether either parent has established a residence or is planning
to establish a residence outside this state;
(15) In relation to requested companionship or visitation by a person
other than a parent, the wishes and concerns of the child's parents, as
expressed by them to the court;
(16) Any other factor in the best interest of the child.
R.C. 3109.051(D). See also Walton at ¶ 21.
{¶56} “A trial court’s establishment of a non-residential parent’s [parenting-
time] rights is within its sound discretion and will not be disturbed on appeal absent
a showing of an abuse of discretion.” Walton at ¶ 19, citing Fordham v. Fordham,
3d Dist. Logan No. 8-08-17, 2009-Ohio-1915, ¶ 18, citing Elson v. Elson, 3d Dist.
Shelby No. 17-04-16, 2005-Ohio-3228, ¶ 11, citing Appleby v. Appleby, 24 Ohio
St.3d 39, 41 (1986); Booth v. Booth, 44 Ohio St.3d 142, 144 (1989). “The trial
court’s discretion over [parenting time] in this situation is broader than the court’s
discretion regarding child custody matters.” Walton at ¶ 19, citing Elson at ¶ 11,
citing State ex rel. Scordato v. George, 65 Ohio St.2d 128 (1981). “Furthermore,
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the trial court must exercise its discretion in the best interest of the child.” Id.,
citing Bodine v. Bodine, 38 Ohio App.3d 173, 175 (1988).
{¶57} In his October 6, 2015 decision and October 16, 2015 nunc pro tunc
order, the magistrate specifically stated that he considered the R.C. 3109.051 factors
in recommending parenting time for Kinsey. (Doc. No. 91). In particular, the
magistrate found that he could only order equal parenting time if Kinsey remained
underemployed; however, he concluded that Kinsey’s underemployment is not in
R.S.’s best interest. (Id.). In overruling Kinsey’s objection to the magistrate’s
finding, the trial court weighed the “high parental conflict” between Jason and
Kinsey and concluded that the trial court’s standard parenting-time schedule is in
R.S.’s best interest because it limits “frequent changes of physical custody proposed
by the parties [which] would create more opportunities for the parents to impose
almost nonstop stress on [R.S.]” (Doc. No. 120).
{¶58} Kinsey argues that the trial court abused its discretion by not granting
her more parenting time than the time allotted by the trial court’s standard parenting-
time schedule because the trial court’s findings are not supported by the record. She
argues that the trial court “failed to consider or completely disregarded most of the
factors in [R.C.] 3109.051” because the trial court disregarded “the fact that the
evidence and factors overwhelmingly supported * * * equal parenting time to the
parties.” (Appellant’s Brief at 19). Specifically, Kinsey argues that the trial court
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abused its discretion by not ordering an equal parenting time schedule because “the
testimony and evidence at trial – specifically the psychologist’s report, the majority
of the psychologist’s testimony, the report and testimony of the GAL, the testimony
of [Kinsey] and her witnesses, and even much of the testimony of [Jason] –
overwhelmingly support an equal parenting time schedule[.]” (Id. at 9-10).
Likewise, similar to her argument regarding the trial court’s custody determination,
Kinsey argues that the trial court used its parenting-time order to punish Kinsey for
her employment status and for maintaining the CPO. (See id. at 3, 5).
{¶59} Again, Kinsey disregards the best-interest analysis that the trial court
is required to conduct when establishing a parenting-time order. In determining the
parenting-time schedule that is in R.S.’s best interest, the trial court considered the
harm suffered by R.S. during the custody exchanges. The trial court stated
regarding the magistrate’s finding pertaining to Kinsey’s underemployment, “While
the cost of child care or the health of a child are factors in a parent’s employment
decision, those factors are properly weighed on the issue of voluntary
underemployment itself and are not issues of record in the present case.” (Doc. No.
120). Further, the trial court did not so much as mention the CPO in its parenting-
time analysis.
{¶60} The trial court did not abuse its discretion by ordering the trial court’s
standard parenting-time schedule because the trial court’s best-interest
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determination is supported by competent, credible evidence. Walton, 2011-Ohio-
2847, at ¶ 35. Indeed, the parties testified to the difficulties they had during the
exchanges of custody—namely, their inability to communicate with one another and
R.S.’s stress from the exchanges of custody. (See Aug., 24, 2015 Tr., Vol. II, at
276-281); (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. III, at 321, 342-343, 346-348, 354-358, 360, 370,
419-424, 467-468, 481); (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. IV, at 535-538, 547). Jason
recalled one exchange where he called the police because Kinsey stayed in her car
“watching” as Jason prepared R.S. to leave with him. (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. III,
at 423-424). According to Jason, Kinsey’s behavior “was creating difficulties to
complete the transfer and * * * Kinsey was distracting [R.S.], and it was making it
difficult for [him] to be able to leave.” (Id.). Jason further testified that calling the
police as a result of that incident was “a mistake” because he “didn’t see [Kinsey’s
behavior] as a threat.” (Id. at 424). And Kinsey recalled an incident where she did
not feel comfortable going to Jason’s residence to pick up R.S., so she waited at the
end of the driveway and Jason “walked out to the end of the driveway where [she]
was sitting and, and [sic] handed off [R.S.]. [Jason] walked back to the house, and
[R.S.] was upset at that point[.]” (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. IV, at 547).
{¶61} In particular, regarding the parties “equal” parenting time exercised
during the pendency of the case, Dr. Bromberg testified that
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the arrangement that has been going, been operating is not working.
It’s creating problems; and, again, child is the first one to feel the
impact of that, and I would suggest that an alternative that would be
better would likely be less transitions. Probably * * * what would
normally be called a standard type of visitation agreement.
***
But because of the less than healthy arrangement that has been
continuing between the two in terms of visitation for [R.S.] * * *, with
both her parents, I would say that there needs to be less pressure on
everyone until we see some significant changes in both the co-
parenting capabilities; and, therefore, I would say that it would be
more safe and more protective of, [sic] [R.S.] to have something more
of a standard order of visitation[.]”
(Aug. 24, 2015 Tr., Vol. I, at 166, 167). Dr. Bromberg further testified that “the
intensity was so great between” Jason and Kinsey that he had to ensure that they
were “in two different offices about 50 yards apart” “just to move their daughter
down the hall from one room to another and just to figure out how the daughter was
going to go home on the day that [he] had both parents in [his] office.” (Id. at 156).
He testified, “I could tell that [R.S.] was affected by this one moment of bad
transition that was going on at the time.” (Id. at 157-158). According to Dr.
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Bromberg, he was concerned that R.S. would suffer because “[t]here was so much
animosity involved in these transitions.” (Id. at 157).
{¶62} The GAL testified that “there should be visitation in excess of what
the standard visitation is” and that there should be an equal division of parenting
time. (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. IV, at 622, 630-631). However, when asked whether
he thought the parties will “cooperate with whatever plan is recommended best for
[R.S.],” he testified, “I don’t believe either one of these parties is going to be able
to, to do that.” (Id. at 629). Regarding holidays, the GAL testified that the local
parenting-rule “would work best.” (Id. at 634). Finally, the magistrate asked the
GAL, “[H]ow do we accommodate [parenting time in excess of the standard
schedule] and spare the child the anticipated stress from the transition periods?” to
which the GAL responded, “I don’t know how we’re going to do that. Absent both
these parents being more mature and handling it properly for the benefit of the child,
I don’t know what else we can do.” (Id. at 635).
{¶63} Kinsey argues that the trial court abused its discretion “by failing to
take the GAL’s report and recommendation regarding parenting time into
consideration, and by failing to give it appropriate weight.” (Appellant’s Brief at
16). “‘[A] trial court is not bound to follow a guardian ad litem’s
recommendation.’” Bomberger-Cronin v. Cronin, 2d Dist. Greene No. 2014-CA-
4, 2014-Ohio-2302, ¶ 27, quoting Lumley v. Lumley, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 09AP-
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556, 2009-Ohio-6992, ¶ 46. See also Castanien v. Castanien, 3d Dist. Wyandot No.
16-12-08, 2013-Ohio-1393, ¶ 26. “‘The function of a guardian ad litem is to
consider the best interests of a child and to make a recommendation to the court, but
the ultimate decision in any proceeding is for the judge, and the trial court does not
err in making an order contrary to the recommendation of the guardian ad litem.’”
Koller v. Koller, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 22328, 2008-Ohio-758, ¶ 24, quoting In
re D.W. and D.W., 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 21630, 2007-Ohio-431, ¶ 24 .
“As the fact finder, the trial court determines the guardian ad litem’s
credibility and the weight to be given to the guardian ad litem’s
recommendation. Because assessment of the credibility and weight
of the evidence is reserved for the trial court, we will not second guess
the court’s decision to disregard the guardian ad litem’s
recommendation.”
Cronin at ¶ 27, quoting Lumley at ¶ 46, citing Davis v. Flickinger, 77 Ohio St.3d
415, 419 (1997). The same assessment of the credibility and weight of the evidence
applies to expert witnesses, including psychologists. See Walton, 2011-Ohio-2847,
at ¶ 31, citing DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d 230 and In re R.N., 2004-Ohio-4420, at ¶ 55.
{¶64} The primary factor considered by the trial court in concluding that
awarding Kinsey more parenting time would not be in R.S.’s best interest is the
stress endured by R.S. during custody exchanges due to Kinsey and Jason’s
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animosity for one another and their inability to communicate. Despite Dr.
Bromberg’s and the GAL’s recommendations that Kinsey be given more parenting
time, we cannot find that the trial court abused its discretion with respect to those
recommendations since both recognized Kinsey and Jason’s inability to effectively
communicate with one another and R.S.’s stress from Jason and Kinsey’s animosity
toward one another during exchanges. See Walton at ¶ 32. Therefore, the trial court
did not abuse its discretion by ordering the trial court’s standard parenting-time
schedule.
{¶65} Based on the foregoing, Kinsey’s first and second assignments of error
are overruled.
Assignment of Error No. III
The Trial Court Erred in Imputing Income, Failing to Award
Spousal Support and Incorrectly Calculating Child Support.
{¶66} In her third assignment of error, Kinsey argues that the trial court erred
by ordering her to “pay guideline child support based on an imputed income, and
failed refused [sic] to award spousal support, finding that [she] was underemployed
in her current position at Der Dutchman restaurant and that she should be working
full-time as an engineer.” (Appellant’s Brief at 23). She further argues that the trial
court “erred in making support retroactive to the first trial date.” (Id. at 24).
{¶67} It is well established that a trial court’s decision regarding child-
support obligations falls within the discretion of the trial court and will not be
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disturbed absent a showing of an abuse of discretion. Long v. Long, 162 Ohio App.
3d 422, 2005-Ohio-4052, ¶ 8 (3d Dist.), citing Booth v. Booth, 44 Ohio St.3d 142,
144, (1989). As we noted above, an abuse of discretion suggests the trial court’s
decision is unreasonable or unconscionable. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d at 219.
{¶68} “Before computing child support, the trial court must determine each
parent’s income.” Clark v. Clark, 3d Dist. Henry No. 7-15-09, 2015-Ohio-3818, ¶
29, citing Drummer v. Drummer, 3d Dist. Putnam No. 12-11-10, 2012-Ohio-3064,
¶ 24, citing Thacker v. Thacker, 3d Dist. Marion No. 9-10-26, 2010-Ohio-5675, ¶
55. “Where the calculation of child support involves a parent who is unemployed
or underemployed, the trial court must consider the parent’s gross income and,
relevant to the instant case, the parent’s potential income, R.C. 3119.01(C)(5)(b),
which is income the parent would have earned if he or she had been fully employed.”
Id., citing R.C. 3119.01(C)(11)(a). “In determining the parent’s potential income
and whether it may impute that income, the trial court must engage in a two-part
analysis.” Id., citing Theurer v. Foster-Theurer, 12th Dist. Warren Nos. CA2008-
06-074 and CA2008-06-083, 2009-Ohio-1457, ¶ 83, citing Badovick v. Badovick,
128 Ohio App.3d 18, 23 (8th Dist.1998). “First, the trial court must determine
whether the parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.” Id., citing
Theurer at ¶ 83 and Smart v. Smart, 3d Dist. Shelby No. 17-07-10, 2008-Ohio-1996,
¶ 21. “If the trial court determines that the parent is voluntarily unemployed or
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underemployed, then the potential income to be imputed to the parent must be
determined in accordance with the factors enumerated under R.C.
3119.01(C)(11)(a).” Id., citing Theurer at ¶ 83.
{¶69} R.C. 3119.01(C)(11)(a) provides:
(a) Imputed income that the court or agency determines the parent
would have earned if fully employed as determined from the
following criteria:
(i) The parent’s prior employment experience;
(ii) The parent’s education;
(iii) The parent’s physical and mental disabilities, if any;
(iv) The availability of employment in the geographic area in which
the parent resides;
(v) The prevailing wage and salary levels in the geographic area in
which the parent resides;
(vi) The parent’s special skills and training;
(vii) Whether there is evidence that the parent has the ability to earn
the imputed income;
(viii) The age and special needs of the child for whom child support
is being calculated under this section;
(ix) The parent’s increased earning capacity because of experience;
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(x) The parent’s decreased earning capacity because of a felony
conviction;
(xi) Any other relevant factor.
{¶70} As an initial matter, we note that Kinsey challenges only the trial
court’s finding that she is voluntarily underemployed. Kinsey does not challenge
the amount of imputed income. As such, our review is limited to determining
whether the trial court abused its discretion in finding that Kinsey is voluntarily
underemployed. See Drummer at ¶ 25.
{¶71} The magistrate reviewed the R.C. 3119.01(C)(11)(a) factors and
imputed an income of $63,315.00 to Kinsey after concluding that she is voluntarily
underemployed. In particular, the magistrate found that Kinsey earned $86,257.80
in 2011, her last full year of employment as an engineer with Honda. The magistrate
further found that Kinsey’s current income, based on a 40-hour work week, to be
$18,720.00. However, the magistrate found her current income potential to be
$63,315.00 based on her vocational assessment.4 The magistrate found Jason’s
income for child-support purposes to be $84,198.00. In support of his conclusion
to impute income to Kinsey, the magistrate found that
4
The trial transcript reflects that Kinsey stipulated to Joint Exhibit 4, the vocational-assessment report
indicating that Kinsey’s current income potential is $63,315.00. (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. III, at 298-299).
However, we note that the parties’ exhibits admitted at trial are absent from the record on appeal apparently
due to an error of the trial court’s clerk. Nonetheless, there is evidence in the appellate record for us to
properly determine the merits of the assignment of error. As such it is not necessary for us to order a
correction of the record. See In re Holmes, 104 Ohio St.3d 664, 2004-Ohio-7109, ¶ 19.
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it is undisputed that [Kinsey] left employment at Honda of America
during 2012 at the insistence of the company. Thereafter, [Kinsey]
went through her pregnancy and the birth of [R.S.]. After [R.S.] was
born, she did not consider it to be in the child’s best interest that she
resume fulltime employment. Since this matter has been pending,
[Kinsey] has been disingenuous and misleading with the court
regarding her employment and job search. It is undisputed that the
only employment [Kinsey] has accepted is her new job making
donuts.
(Doc. Nos. 91, 97).
{¶72} Kinsey objected to the magistrate’s decision regarding his child-
support determination. (Doc. No. 108). In particular, Kinsey argued that the
magistrate disregarding “Dr. Bromberg’s testimony when he testified that [Kinsey]
should seek a job that is not high stress, specifically a part-time job, with low stress
and good supervision. (Id. at 31).
{¶73} In overruling Kinsey’s objection to the magistrate’s child-support
determination, the trial court reviewed the record and the magistrate’s findings and
concluded that Kinsey is voluntarily unemployed and imputed $63,315.00 in
income to her. (Doc. No. 114). The trial court notes, “when asked by the Magistrate
what if any impact her psychopathology might have on [Kinsey’s] ability to acquire
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and maintain employment at her level of education and experience, Dr. Bromberg
testified ‘I think she is capable of doing that at this time. I do not feel that she is
under a lot of stress. But I do think actually there may be some therapeutic benefit
to her.’”5 (Doc. No. 114, quoting Aug. 24, 2015 Tr., Vol. II, at 246).
{¶74} Based on our review of the record, the trial court’s decision is based
on the relevant R.C. 3119.01(C)(11)(a) factors. We discussed Kinsey’s education
and employment experience in her first and second assignments of error. (Aug. 24,
2015 Tr., Vol. III, at 315-316); (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. IV, at 501-502, 527). R.C.
3119.01(C)(11)(a)(i)-(ii), (vi), (ix). In particular, we noted that Kinsey testified that
she rejected two jobs in her career field after R.S. was born, and that Kinsey offered
disingenuous testimony regarding her job-search efforts despite the trial court’s
admonishment to her to seek employment. (Aug. 24, 2015 Tr., Vol. II, at 270-273);
(Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. IV, at 507-508). Most pertinently, in light of that evidence,
we addressed Kinsey’s testimony regarding the employment she secured at Der
Dutchmann at a rate of $9.00 per hour. (Doc. No. 76); (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. IV,
at 516-520, 524, 527).
{¶75} As Kinsey argued in her objection to the magistrate’s decision, Kinsey
argues that R.C. 3119.01(C)(11)(a)(iii) weighed against finding that she is
voluntarily underemployed based on Dr. Bromberg’s testimony. Yet, as discussed
5
The trial court misquoted Dr. Bromberg’s testimony. He testified, “I do feel that she is under a lot of stress.”
(Aug. 24, 2015 Tr., Vol. II, at 246).
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by the trial court, Dr. Bromberg testified that Kinsey is able to secure employment
commensurate with her education and experience and that such employment “may
be therapeutic” for her. (Aug. 24, 2015 Tr., Vol. II, at 246).
{¶76} Accordingly, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by imputing
income to Kinsey, in its child-support calculation, or by ordering Kinsey to pay child
support. See Clark, 2015-Ohio-3818, at ¶ 34.
{¶77} Kinsey further argues in her third assignment of error that the trial
court erred by not awarding her spousal support. As with child-support awards,
“trial courts are granted broad discretion concerning awards of spousal support,”
which “will not be reversed on appeal absent an abuse of that discretion.”
Roychoudhury v. Roychoudhury, 3d Dist. Union No. 14-14-19, 2015-Ohio-2213, ¶
12, citing Kunkle v. Kunkle, 51 Ohio St.3d 64, 67 (1990). “[W]hen awarding spousal
support, the ‘trial court is provided with broad discretion in deciding what is
equitable upon the facts and circumstances of each case.’” Id., quoting Kunkle at
67.
{¶78} “The award of spousal support is not based solely on the ‘need’ of the
party, but on what is ‘appropriate and reasonable’ under the factors listed in R.C.
3105.18(C)(1).” Id. at ¶ 13, citing Welch v. Welch, 3d Dist. Union No. 14-14-05,
2015-Ohio-1595, ¶ 18. R.C. 3105.18(C) provides:
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(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;
(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;
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(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;
(n) Any other factor that the court expressly finds to be relevant and
equitable.
(2) In determining whether spousal support is reasonable and in
determining the amount and terms of payment of spousal support,
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each party shall be considered to have contributed equally to the
production of marital income.
{¶79} Kinsey argues that the trial court abused its discretion by not awarding
her spousal support based on “the parties’ 10-year marriage and her need for support
before she can effectively re-enter the workforce.” (Appellant’s Brief at 24).
However, we conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion by not
awarding Kinsey spousal support. The magistrate thoroughly analyzed and weighed
the statutory factors in his decision and concluded that “an award of spousal support
is not reasonable or appropriate.” (Doc. Nos. 91, 97). In particular, the magistrate
found:
(1) In 2014, [Jason] had an earned income of $84,198.00. [Kinsey]
has just started a new job making donuts earning $9.00 per hour.
In that position, her potential annual income is approximately
$18,720.00 based upon a 40-hour work week.
(2) [Kinsey] was previously employed by Honda of America
earning $86,257.80 her las [sic] full year of employment there in
2011. She was released in 2012 based [sic] performance
evaluations not related to character. Based upon a vocational
assessment. [sic] [Kinsey] has a present earning ability of
$63,315.00, more or less. [Kinsey] has a stated intention of
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maintaining her current job for 3 years until [R.S.] starts
preschool, [Kinsey] is not seeking work consistent with her
education and experience until that time. For the purpose of
spousal support analysis, [Kinsey] is not working at her full
potential.
(3) Both parties are in their early thirties. Neither party has any
physical or mental health issues that prevent them from being
employed; however, Dr. Bromberg, the psychologist evaluated
both parties with respect to parenting [sic] opined that a lower
stress job could be beneficial to [Kinsey].
(4) The parties have comparable retirement assets at present.
[Jason’s] retirement accounts can be expected to grow while
[Kinsey] will not generate any significant growth in her
retirement accounts by employer contributions in her new job.
(5) The parties have been married for 9 years – DOM: July 30, 2006.
(6) There is one toddler child. [Kinsey] argues that it is not in the
child’s best interest for [Kinsey] to maintain fulltime
professional employment. According to [Kinsey], it is for the
child’s benefit for her to work-part time [sic] with a reduced
earning ability until the child is in pre-school. [Kinsey] offered
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no evidence in support of this position other than her own
opinion.
(7) Both parties have college degrees as engineers. The marital
standard of living was middle class-professional. Neither party
contributed to the education of the other.
(8) Neither party is seeking additional education or training.
(Id.).
{¶80} In overruling Kinsey’s objection to the magistrate’s decision
denying her request for spousal support, the trial court concluded that the
magistrate “correctly considered each of the factors set forth in R.C. 3105.18” and
that Kinsey “has the present ability to be self-supporting and provide herself with
a comparable life style to that enjoyed prior to the divorce.” (Doc. No. 114).
{¶81} Based on our review of the record, the trial court considered the R.C.
3105.18 factors. The record further supports the trial court’s findings that Kinsey
voluntarily remains underemployed despite having a college degree, being in her
thirties, and not having any physical or mental-health issues that would prevent her
from being employed. See Wagner v. Wagner, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2004CA00037,
2005-Ohio-226, ¶ 42. Therefore, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by
concluding that spousal support is not appropriate or reasonable in this case.
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{¶82} Finally, Kinsey argues under her third assignment of error that the trial
court “erred in making [child] support retroactive to the first trial date.”
(Appellant’s Brief at 24). In support of that argument, Kinsey failed to cite any
authority or to the record in support of her claim. “[A]n appellate court may
disregard an assignment of error pursuant to App.R. 12(A)(2): ‘if the party raising
it fails to identify in the record the error on which the assignment of error is based
or fails to argue the assignment separately in the brief, as required under App.R.
16(A).’” Rodriguez v. Rodriguez, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 91412, 2009-Ohio-3456,
¶ 4, quoting App.R. 12(A); Hawley v. Ritley, 35 Ohio St.3d 157, 159 (1988).
{¶83} App.R. 16(A)(7) requires that Kinsey include in her brief: “An
argument containing the contentions of the appellant with respect to each
assignment of error presented for review and the reasons in support of the
contentions, with citations to the authorities, statutes, and parts of the record on
which appellant relies. The argument may be preceded by a summary.”
{¶84} “‘It is not the duty of an appellate court to search the record for
evidence to support an appellant’s argument as to any alleged error.’” Rodriguez at
¶ 7, quoting State v. McGuire, 12th Dist. Preble No. CA95-01-001, 1996 WL
174609, *14 (Apr. 15, 1996). “An appellate court is not a performing bear, required
to dance to each and every tune played on an appeal.” Id., citing State v. Watson,
126 Ohio App.3d 316, 321 (12th Dist.1998) and McGuire at *14.
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{¶85} Because Kinsey failed to cite any legal authority or to the record in
support of her argument, we decline to review it.
{¶86} For these reasons, Kinsey’s third assignment of error is overruled.
Assignment of Error No. IV
The Trial Court Erred in Failing to Equitably Divide All of the
Parties’ Assets and Liabilities.
{¶87} In her fourth assignment of error, Kinsey argues that the trial court
failed to equitably divide the parties’ assets and liabilities. Specifically, Kinsey
argues that the trial court “awarded all of the contents to each party’s home to that
party despite the fact that many of [Kinsey’s] personal items – including clothing,
school papers and professional documents – are still located at the marital home
where [Jason] resides.” (Appellant’s Brief at 24).
{¶88} Aside from a general reference to R.C. 3105.171, the statute governing
the division of marital and separate property, Kinsey failed to cite any legal
authority or any portion of the record in support of her argument. See App.R.
16(A)(7). Further, she makes no argument relative to how the trial court failed to
divide the parties’ liabilities. As such, we decline to review Kinsey’s fourth
assignment of error.
{¶89} Even if we were to consider her argument, Kinsey waived appellate
review of her argument. See Richardson v. Richardson, 10th Dist. Franklin No.
01AP-1236, 2002-Ohio-4390, ¶ 46. Kinsey not only stipulated to the division of
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the personal property to which she now complains, but Kinsey did not object to the
magistrate’s division of the household goods and furnishings, which would have
presumably included the “personal” items Kinsey is now challenging—namely
because the appraisal was performed at her request with respect to her terms. (See
Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol. IV, at 637-639); (Doc. No. 91, Ex. 1); (Doc. No. 108).
Indeed, the magistrate noted in his decision, “By agreement of the parties, the parties
are each allocated the household goods and furnishings set forth on Joint Exhibit 7
attached hereto and incorporated by reference as Exhibit 1.” (Doc. No. 91). That
exhibit reflects that it was a “personal property appraisal * * * performed at the
request and on the terms of [Kinsey’s] counsel.” (Doc. No. 91, Ex. 1). At the
hearing, the parties stipulated as to the division of their personal property—that is,
they stipulated as to what personal property is separate and what personal property
is marital as well as to that property’s equitable division. (Aug. 25, 2015 Tr., Vol.
IV, at 637-639); (Doc. No. 91, Ex. 1). That stipulation was filed in writing and
signed by the parties and their attorneys. (Doc. No. 91, Ex. 1). See Tisci v. Smith,
3d Dist. Hancock No. 5-15-30, 2016-Ohio-635, ¶ 24 (discussing the binding effect
of a stipulation on the parties). Accordingly, Kinsey waived her argument. See
Richardson at ¶ 46 (concluding that parties’ stipulation to the value of the marital
property waived that issue for appeal).
{¶90} Kinsey’s fourth assignment of error is overruled.
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{¶91} 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
SHAW, P.J. and ROGERS, J., concur.
/jlr
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