Herb v. Herb , 2012 Ohio 854 ( 2012 )

[Cite as Herb v. Herb, 2012-Ohio-854.]
COURT OF APPEALS
LICKING COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
JUDGES:
RANDI M. HERB : Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, P.J.
: Hon. W. Scott Gwin, J.
Plaintiff-Appellee : Hon. Julie A. Edwards, J.
:
-vs- :
: Case No. 2011-CA-00071
STEVE HERB :
:
Defendant-Appellant : OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Civil appeal from the Licking County Court
of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations
Divisions, Case No. 10DR00370RPW
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: March 1, 2012
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellee For Defendant-Appellant
KAREN H. WENTWORTH RAYMOND L. EICHENBERGER
51 N. 3rd Street, Suite 401 7620 Slate Ridge Blvd.
PO Box4805 Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Newark OH 43055
[Cite as Herb v. Herb, 2012-Ohio-854.]
Gwin, J.
{1} Defendant-appellant Steve Herb appeals a judgment of the Court of
Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, of Licking County, Ohio, which granted a
divorce to appellant and plaintiff-appellee Randi M. Herb, divided the marital assets and
debts, and established parental rights and obligations for the parties’ two minor children.
Appellant assigns four errors to the trial court:
{2} “I. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AS A MATTER OF LAW AND ABUSED
ITS DISCRETION BY: 1) FAILING TO ADOPT THE PROPOSED SHARED
PARENTING PLAN OF DEFENDANT STEVE HERB AND 2) CONDITIONING THE
PARENTING TIME OF DEFENDANT STEVE HERB WITH HIS MINOR TEENAGE
CHILDREN BASED ON THE DESIRES OF THE CHILDREN.
{3} “II. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AS A MATTER OF LAW AND ABUSED
ITS DISCRETION IN AWARDING ATTORNEY’S FEES TO BE PAID BY DEFENDANT
STEVE HERB. THE DEFENDANT WAS AND IS RECEIVING UNEMPLOYMENT
COMPENSATION BENEFITS AND HAS NO FINANCIAL MEANS FROM WHICH TO
PAY SUCH AN EXORBITANT AWARD.
{4} “III. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AS A MATTER OF LAW AND ABUSED
ITS DISCRETION BY FAILING TO INCLUDE IN THE DIVORCE DECREE JUDGMENT
ENTRY A DIVISION OF ALL OF THE DEBT OF THE PARTIES-DEBT TESTIFIED TO
BY DEFENDANT STEVE HERB WAS NOT SPECIFICALLY ALLOCATED IN THE
COURT’S DIVISION OF DEBT.
{5} “IV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AS A MATTER OF LAW AND ABUSED
ITS DISCRETION DIVIDING THE MARITAL TANGIBLE PROPERTY (HOUSEHOLD
Licking County, Case No. 2011-CA-00071 3
GOODS AND FURNISHINGS) AFTER THE PARTIES HAD ALREADY AGREED TO
THE DIVISION OF SAID PROPERTY AND BY ORDERING THE DIVISION AND
REIMBURSEMENT OF THE VALUE OF THE PIANO, WHICH WAS CLEARLY PRE-
MARITAL PROPERTY OWNED BY DEFENDANT STEVE HERB.”
{6} For the reasons that follow, we find none of these assignments of error are
well taken, and we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
{7} The trial court found the parties were married in 1982, and had six children,
two of whom were minors. The daughter was sixteen at the time of the final hearing
and the son was fifteen. The trial court’s judgment decree of divorce is twenty pages
long plus the child support computation worksheet.
{8} Our standard of reviewing decisions of a domestic relations court is
generally the abuse of discretion standard, see Booth v. Booth, 44 Ohio St. 3d 142, 541
N.E.2d 1028 (1989). The Supreme Court made the abuse of discretion standard
applicable to alimony orders in Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St. 3d 217, 450 N.E.2d
1140 (1983); to property divisions in Martin v. Martin, 18 Ohio St. 3d 292, 480 N.E.2d
1112 (1985); to custody proceedings in Miller v. Miller, 37 Ohio St. 3d 71, 523 N.E.2d
846 (1988); and to decisions calculating child support, see Dunbar v. Dunbar, 68 Ohio
St 3d 369, 533-534, 1994-Ohio-509, 627 N.E.2d 532. The Supreme Court has
repeatedly held the term abuse of discretion implies the court’s attitude is unreasonable,
arbitrary or unconscionable, Blakemore, supra, at 219. When applying the abuse of
discretion standard, this court may not substitute our judgment for that of the trial court,
Pons v. Ohio State Med. Board, 66 Ohio St.3d 619, 621, 1993-Ohio-122, 614 N.E.2d
748.
Licking County, Case No. 2011-CA-00071 4
I.
{9} In his first assignment of error, appellant argues the trial court should have
ordered shared parenting rather than naming appellee the residential parent of the two
children. Appellant does not contest the court’s order for him to have parenting time
pursuant to Loc. R. 19, comprising one weekday evening per week and alternate
weekends. Appellant argues, however, the court erred in finding the overnight portions
of appellant’s companionship time would be at the discretion of the children.
{10} The trial court property cited 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. The court made findings as to each factor.
With regard to the factor (a), the wishes of the parents, the court found appellee wished
to be the residential parent and legal custodian while appellant sought equal time
shared parenting. With regard to factor (b), the court found it interviewed the teenage
children in chambers and took the children’s wishes into account.
{11} With regard to factor (c), the child’s interaction and interrelation with the
parents, siblings, and any other persons, the court found the children have a close
relationship with appellee and their older siblings, and their relationship with the
appellant is good but currently strained because in part of the divorce litigation. As to
factor (d), the child’s adjustment to the child’s home, school and community, the court
found the children had an excellent adjustment to their home with appellee, their school,
and their community. The court noted both parties reside in the school district where
the children attend.
Licking County, Case No. 2011-CA-00071 5
{12} As to factor (e), the mental and physical health of all persons involved, the
court found there was no credible evidence presented that either party or the children
have any physical or mental issues. As to (f), regarding which parent was more likely to
honor and facilitate the court-approved parenting time, rights or companionship rights,
the court found appellee had not interfered with appellant’s companionship time, neither
actively discouraging nor encouraging the children to spend time with appellant.
Regarding (g) whether either parent had failed to make any child support payments, the
court found appellant was in arrears of his temporary child support obligation.
{13} The court found there was no evidence presented regarding factor (h),
which has to do with physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse. (i) factor deals with
whether one of the parents was continuously and willfully denied the parents right to
parenting time, the court again found appellee had not willfully denied appellant his
parenting time. Regarding (j), whether either parent had established a residence or was
planning to establish a residence outside the state, the court found no evidence was
presented that either parent intended to move from the state.
{14} In rejecting appellant’s shared-parenting proposal, the court correctly cited
R.C. 3119.23 as setting forth the factors, and again the court made findings as to each.
Regarding (a), the ability of the parents to cooperate and make joint decisions, with
respect to the children, the court found the parents had demonstrated no ability to
cooperate, communicate or make joint decisions. As to factor (b), the ability of each
parent to encourage love, affection and contact between the child and the other parent,
the court reiterated there was no credible evidence that appellee neither encouraged
nor discouraged the children’s relationship with appellant. Factor (c) refers to history or
Licking County, Case No. 2011-CA-00071 6
potential for child abuse, spouse abuse, domestic violence, and parental kidnapping;
the court found there was no credible evidence appellee was abusive, but there was
evidence appellant had been physically abusive to one of the emancipated daughters
and to appellee. Factor (d) refers to the geographic proximity of the parents to one
another as a practical consideration of shared parenting. The court found the parties
lived in close proximity to one another. As to factor (e), the recommendation of the
guardian ad litem, the court found there had been no guardian ad litem appointed.
{15} Having considered the governing statutes and making meticulous findings,
the court concluded that appellee should be the residential parent, with appellant
enjoying standard visitation as cited supra. The court found the overnight time on the
weekends would be at the discretion of the children because of their age. The court
found both children are actively involved in normal teenage extracurricular activities,
which may reduce the amount of time they spend with appellant. The court found both
children are of sufficient maturity to have input into companionship time, and the court
advised all parties and the children that the contentious atmosphere during the divorce
has had an impact on appellant’s time with the minor children. The court encouraged
everyone to work towards reestablishing the children’s relationship with appellant.
{16} The court cited R.C. 3109.05 as containing the factors which govern the
granting of companionship time. The court found in addition to its previous findings,
supra, that appellee worked fairly standard hours, including some evenings and
weekends. Appellant worked from home. The court found the children are busy on
weekdays, weeknights, and weekends with school work, extracurricular activities, jobs
Licking County, Case No. 2011-CA-00071 7
and social schedules. The court also noted the children are healthy and safe in both
parties’ care.
{17} Appellant argues appellee was guilty of marital fault, and should not have
been given full custodial rights. He argues evidence presented at trial showed appellee
exercised poor judgment by exposing the children to her relationship with another man.
{18} Appellant cites us to Eddy v. Eddy, 7th Dist. No. 10-HA-05, 2011-Ohio
4315, where the court of appeals for Harrison County found a court does not err in
ordering a shared-parenting plan if it finds it is in the child’s best interest, even if the trial
court finds communication between the parties is less than acceptable or appropriate,
because it was essential to the child’s well being that the parties establish suitable
communication. The child in question was approximately two years old at the time.
{19} Nothing in the Eddy case demonstrates the trial court here failed to further
the best interest of these children by refusing to order shared parenting. In Haynes v.
Haynes, 5th Dist. App. No. C2010-CA-01, 2010-Ohio-5801, this court found a court does
not err in rejecting a shared-parenting plan where the parents do not argue or fight but
have little communication and cooperation with regard to the children. Haynes at
paragraph 43.
{20} We have reviewed the record, and we find there was sufficient, competent
and credible evidence presented from which the court could allocate parental rights and
responsibilities, and could establish appellant’s parenting time, in the way in which it did.
{21} The first assignment of error is overruled.
Licking County, Case No. 2011-CA-00071 8
II.
{22} In his second assignment of error, appellant argues the court erred as a
matter of law and abused its discretion in ordering appellant to pay $10,000 to appellee
for attorney fees. Appellant argues the court found he was not voluntarily unemployed,
and was receiving unemployment compensation benefits. Appellant cites Trott v. Trott,
10th App. Dist. No. 01AP-852, 2002-Ohio- 1077 as authority for the proposition that in
order to award attorney fees, the court must find the fees are reasonable and necessary
to protect one of the parties’ interests, and that the other party has the ability to pay.
Trott at 2.
{23} It is within the sound discretion of the trial court to award attorney fees in a
divorce action. Rand v. Rand, 18 Ohio St.3d 356, 359, 481 N.E.2d 609 (1985). A
decision to award attorney fees will be reversed only upon a showing of an abuse of
that discretion.
{24} The trial court properly cited R.C. 3105.73 as containing the factors
governing the award of attorney fees. The court found appellant violated court orders
regarding child support and maintenance of health insurance, and sold certain property
in violation of a restraining order. The court found appellant’s inappropriate behavior
resulted in a civil protection order against him on behalf of appellee’s boyfriend. The
court found after the marital home was foreclosed upon, appellant moved across the
street from appellee and harassed her to the extent that she had to move again. The
court found appellant had represented himself and driven up the legal fees by filing
numerous procedurally deficient and meritless motions, and found appellant had
behaved disrespectfully towards appellee as evidenced by venomous e-mails he had
Licking County, Case No. 2011-CA-00071 9
directed towards her. The court admonished him on at least one occasion during the
trial, because his conduct was “borderline contemptuous”. The court found the award
of attorney fees was reasonable and appropriate under the facts and circumstances of
the case.
{25} The trial court apparently considered appellant’s financial situation,
because it ordered appellant either to pay the full amount within ninety days of the
decree, or make equal consecutive monthly payments of $250 per month to appellee
until the balance was paid.
{26} We find the record contains evidence which supports the trial court’s award
of attorney fees. Accordingly, the second assignment of error is overruled.
III.
{27} In his third assignment of error, appellant argues the court erred as a
matter of law and abused its discretion in fashioning the property division. The court
awarded the parties their respective retirement and employment benefits, and awarded
them the personal property already in their possession. The court also divided certain
other property, and awarded appellee one-half of the proceeds appellant had received
from the items he had sold in defiance of the restraining order. The court found the
parties had stipulated as to the various vehicles, and listed six major debts to be paid
half by appellant and half by appellee. The court also found any items not specifically
mentioned should be paid by whichever party had incurred the debt. The court
expressly found the division of property was equitable.
{28} Appellant asserts he prepared an exhibit listing eleven marital debts, and
the court did not address those debts individually. Appellee responds the debts on the
Licking County, Case No. 2011-CA-00071 10
exhibit are all in appellant’s name, and at least most appear to have been incurred in
pursuant of appellant’s employment. Appellant produced no bills or account statements
to support his claims, and did not identify the exact balances. Appellee also asserts
three mortgages are listed, but the subject properties have been foreclosed upon and
sold.
{29} Our review of the record leads us to conclude the trial court did not abuse
its discretion in the manner in which it allocated the marital debt. Although it did not list
each individual debt, the order disposes of all and the court expressly found the division
to be equitable.
{30} The third assignment of error is overruled.
IV.
{31} Appellant’s fourth assignment of error challenges the court’s division of the
personal property of the parties, especially his piano, which he asserts was clearly pre-
marital property. Appellant argues the parties had divided the personal property during
the pendency of the case, and the court should not have modified it. Appellee testified
she had made attempts to collect her belongings, but appellant interfered, and at one
point, she had to have a police escort. She testified she was not given the opportunity
to obtain certain items from the marital residence, and appellant had sold some marital
property contrary to the court’s order.
{32} The Supreme Court has directed us 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 in a property division, which,
Licking County, Case No. 2011-CA-00071 11
viewed in its entirety, was an abuse of discretion.” Briganti v. Briganti, 9 Ohio St.3d
220, 222, 459 N.E.2d 896 (1984).
{33} The court may make a division of separate property if it finds it is equitable
to do so. R.C. 3105.171. The court specifically found it was awarding appellee half the
proceeds of the sale of the foosball table, ping pong table, and piano, because appellant
had sold the items in violation of the temporary restraining order.
{34} We find the record fully supports the trial court’s property division, and
accordingly, the fourth assignment of error is overruled.
{35} For the foregoing reasons, the judgment of the Court of Common Pleas,
Domestic Relations Division, of Licking County, Ohio, is affirmed.
By Gwin, J.,
Delaney, P.J., and
Edwards, J., concur
_________________________________
HON. W. SCOTT GWIN
_________________________________
HON. PATRICIA A. DELANEY
_________________________________
HON. JULIE A. EDWARDS
WSG:clw 0126
[Cite as Herb v. Herb, 2012-Ohio-854.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR LICKING COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
RANDI M. HERB :
:
Plaintiff-Appellee :
:
:
-vs- : JUDGMENT ENTRY
:
STEVE HERB :
:
:
Defendant-Appellant : CASE NO. 2011-CA-00071
For the reasons stated in our accompanying Memorandum-Opinion, the judgment of
the Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, of Licking County, Ohio, is
affirmed. Costs to appellant.
_________________________________
HON. W. SCOTT GWIN
_________________________________
HON. PATRICIA A. DELANEY
_________________________________
HON. JULIE A. EDWARDS