T.C.S. v. B.L.S. ( 2018 )

J-A26016-17
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
T.C.S. : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
:
v. :
:
:
B.L.S. :
:
Appellant : No. 813 MDA 2017
Appeal from the Order Dated April 17, 2017
In the Court of Common Pleas of Adams County Civil Division at No(s):
2008-S-1412
BEFORE: BOWES, J., OLSON, J., and RANSOM, J.
MEMORANDUM BY OLSON, J.: FILED JANUARY 11, 2018
B.L.S. (“Father”) appeals from the order dated and entered on April 17,
2017, granting the petition for modification of custody filed by T.C.S.,
(“Mother”) awarding the parties shared legal custody, and Mother primary
physical custody, of the parties’ two male children, B.S.S., born in January of
2004, and C.M.S., born in October of 2007 (collectively, the “Children”). The
order further awarded Father partial physical custody in accordance with a
schedule. After careful review, we affirm.
The factual background and procedural history of this appeal are as
follows. On September 26, 2008, Mother filed a complaint in divorce against
Father. On October 22, 2008, Mother filed an amended complaint in divorce,
which included a count for shared legal custody and primary physical custody
J-A26016-17
of the Children. On November 5, 2008, Father filed a counterclaim to Mother’s
amended complaint.
On December 9, 2008, Mother filed a petition for special relief against
Father, seeking exclusive possession of the marital residence and alleging that
she feared Father. On December 18, 2008, Father filed an answer to petition
for special relief and a counter-petition, seeking exclusive possession of the
marital residence.
On April 1, 2009, the trial court entered a stipulated order for custody,
setting forth that the parties would share legal and physical custody of the
Children. Under the stipulated order for custody, Father would have physical
custody of the Children on Mondays from 7:30 a.m. to Wednesdays at 7:30
a.m. Mother would have physical custody of the Children from Wednesdays
from 7:30 a.m. to Fridays at 4:30 p.m. The parties would alternate the
weekends of physical custody from Fridays at 4:30 p.m. to Mondays at 7:30
a.m. Either party could request additional time with the Children on the days
they would not normally exercise physical custody. The other parent was not
to unreasonably deny the parent’s request for additional time with the
Children.
Thereafter, on May 29, 2013, the parties entered into a custody
stipulation that provided them with equally shared physical custody of the
Children whereby Mother would have physical custody of the Children from
Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to Friday at 4:30 p.m. and Father would have
-2-
J-A26016-17
physical custody every Monday at 8:00 a.m. until Wednesday at 8:00 a.m.
The parties would alternate physical custody on weekends from Friday at 4:30
p.m. until Monday at 8:00 a.m. The trial court entered the divorce decree on
October 15, 2013.
On June 27, 2016, Mother filed a petition for contempt and petition to
modify custody. On July 28, 2016, Father filed an answer to Mother’s petition
for contempt and modification that he had no objection to continuing to share
legal custody but strongly believed that he should have majority physical
custody of the Children. The trial court deemed his objection a cross-petition
for modification. See N.T., 12/13/16, at 4-5.
On September 15, 2016, the trial court conducted in camera interviews
with the Children. Subsequently, the trial court held a custody hearing on
December 13, 2016 and April 10, 2017. At the hearing, the trial court
considered both parents’ requests, and heard testimony from the parents,
Mother’s fiancé, the Children’s maternal grandfather, and Mother’s former
boyfriend.
On April 10, 2017, the trial court entered the order granting Mother
primary physical custody of the Children, and Father partial physical custody.
The order further granted Mother’s petition for modification of physical
custody, giving Mother periods of partial physical custody every Tuesday from
8:00 a.m. until Wednesday at 8:00 a.m., and alternating weekends from
Friday at the conclusion of the Children’s school day (or 4:30 p.m. on non-
-3-
J-A26016-17
school days) until Sunday at 7:00 p.m. Finally, the order stated that all other
aspects of the custody stipulation dated May 29, 2013 were adopted as an
order of court, and were to remain in full force and effect. The trial court
addressed the best interest factors set forth at 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5328(a) in a
separate written memorandum filed contemporaneously with the order.1
On May 16, 2017, Father filed a notice of appeal, along with a concise
statement of errors complained of on appeal. In his brief on appeal, Father
raises the following issues:
1. Whether the trial court committed an abuse of discretion or
error of law in modifying a shared 50/50 physical custody
arrangement in effect for 8 years by failing to objectively
analyze and properly weigh the sixteen factors listed in 23
Pa.C.S.A. § 5328(a) and concluding that Father is teaching the
[C]hildren how to hate when there was no evidence presented
at trial that Father communicated to the [C]hildren or included
the [C]hildren in any communications with Mother that would
be construed as “hateful.”
2. Whether the trial court abused its discretion and committed an
error of law in concluding that the level of conflict between the
parties does not favor a shared arrangement when for the last
8 years the parties shared custody of the [C]hildren and
credible evidence was presented that [the C]hildren are happy,
healthy, doing extremely well in school, are liked by their
peers, excel in sports and share a strong bond with Father?
____________________________________________
1 In addition, the trial court denied Mother’s petition for contempt, with
prejudice, as there was an existing stipulated custody agreement that was
never adopted as a custody order of court. Trial Court Opinion, 4/17/17, at
2. Although the trial court referenced cross-petitions for contempt, it
corrected this reference in its May 31, 2017 opinion, stating that only Mother
filed a petition for contempt. See Trial Court Opinion, 5/31/17, at 1, n1.
-4-
J-A26016-17
Father’s Brief, at 3-4.2
First, Father argues that the trial court committed an abuse of discretion
or error of law in modifying an eight-year shared 50/50 physical custody
arrangement entered by stipulated order on April 1, 2009. More specifically,
Father argues that the trial court failed to objectively analyze and properly
weigh the sixteen factors pertaining to custody set forth at 23 Pa.C.S.A. §
5328(a). Father complains that the trial court erroneously concluded that he
is teaching the Children how to hate, when there was no evidence presented
at trial that Father communicated to the Children, or included the Children in
any communications with Mother, that would be construed as “hateful.” Id.
at 3-4, 14.
Second, Father contends that the trial court abused its discretion and
committed an error of law in concluding that the level of conflict between the
parties does not favor a shared arrangement. Father asserts that, for the past
eight years, the parties shared custody of the Children, and that there was
credible evidence that the Children are happy, healthy, doing extremely well
____________________________________________
2 In argument section of his brief, Father challenges the trial court’s decision
to modify the custody agreement as an improper sanction for his contempt of
the alleged existing custody “order,” citing Langendorfer v. Spearman, 797
A.2d 303, 308 (Pa. Super. 2002); G.A. v. D.L., 72 A.3d 264, 269 (Pa. Super
2013). Father’s Brief, at 19-20. Father waived this argument by failing to
raise the issue in his concise statement and statement of questions involved
in his brief. See Krebs v. United Refining Company of Pennsylvania, 893
A.2d 776, 797 (Pa. Super. 2006) (holding that an appellant waives issues that
are not raised in both his concise statement of errors complained of on appeal
and the statement of questions involved in his brief on appeal).
-5-
J-A26016-17
in school, are liked by their peers, excel in sports, and share a strong bond
with Father. Id. at 3-4, 21.
Citing Wiseman v. Wall, 718 A.2d 844 (Pa. Super. 1998), Father
asserts that the trial court committed an error of law and/or abused its
discretion when it determined that a partial custody arrangement was in the
best interest of the Children. Id. at 21, 25. Father requests this Court to
reverse the trial court’s decision and remand with instructions to enter a
custody award granting Father and Mother shared legal custody and 50/50
shared physical custody of the Children. Id.
In custody cases under the Child Custody Act, (“the Act”), 23 Pa.C.S.A.
§ 5321-5340, our standard of review is as follows:
In reviewing a custody order, our scope is of the broadest type
and our standard is abuse of discretion. We must accept findings
of the trial court that are supported by competent evidence of
record, as our role does not include making independent factual
determinations. In addition, with regard to issues of credibility
and weight of the evidence, we must defer to the presiding trial
judge who viewed and assessed the witnesses first-hand.
However, we are not bound by the trial court’s deductions or
inferences from its factual findings. Ultimately, the test is whether
the trial court’s conclusions are unreasonable as shown by the
evidence of record. We may reject the conclusions of the trial
court only if they involve an error of law, or are unreasonable in
light of the sustainable findings of the trial court.
C.R.F. v. S.E.F., 45 A.3d 441, 443 (Pa. Super. 2012) (citation omitted).
We have stated:
[t]he discretion that a trial court employs in custody matters
should be accorded the utmost respect, given the special nature
of the proceeding and the lasting impact the result will have on
the lives of the parties concerned. Indeed, the knowledge gained
-6-
J-A26016-17
by a trial court in observing witnesses in a custody proceeding
cannot adequately be imparted to an appellate court by a printed
record.
Ketterer v. Seifert, 902 A.2d 533, 540 (Pa. Super. 2006) (quoting Jackson
v. Beck, 858 A.2d 1250, 1254 (Pa. Super. 2004)).
Regarding an abuse of discretion standard:
Although we are given a broad power of review, we are
constrained by an abuse of discretion standard when evaluating
the court’s order. An abuse of discretion is not merely an error of
judgment, but if the court’s judgment is manifestly unreasonable
as shown by the evidence of record, discretion is abused. An
abuse of discretion is also made out where it appears from a
review of the record that there is no evidence to support the
court’s findings or that there is a capricious disbelief of evidence.
M.A.T. v. G.S.T., 989 A.2d 11, 18-19 (Pa. Super. 2010) (en banc) (quotation
and citations omitted); see also Bulgarelli v. Bulgarelli, 934 A.2d 107, 111
(Pa. Super. 2007) (“An abuse of discretion is not merely an error of judgment;
if, in reaching a conclusion, the court overrides or misapplies the law, or the
judgment exercised is shown by the record to be either manifestly
unreasonable or the product of partiality, prejudice, bias or ill will, discretion
has been abused.”).
With any custody case decided under the Act, the paramount concern is
the best interests of the child. See 23 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 5328, 5338.
Section 5323 of the Act provides for the following types of awards:
(a) Types of award.—After considering the factors set forth in
section 5328 (relating to factors to consider when awarding
custody), the court may award any of the following types of
custody if it in the best interest of the child:
-7-
J-A26016-17
(1) Shared physical custody.
(2) Primary physical custody.
(3) Partial physical custody.
(4) Sole physical custody.
(5) Supervised physical custody.
(6) Shared legal custody.
(7) Sole legal custody.
23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5323.
Section 5338 of the Act provides that, upon petition, a trial court may
modify a custody order if it serves the best interests of the child. 23 Pa.C.S.A.
§ 5338. Section 5328(a) sets forth the best interest factors that the trial court
must consider. See E.D. v. M.P., 33 A.3d 73, 80-81, n.2 (Pa. Super. 2011).
Trial courts are required to consider “[a]ll of the factors listed in section
5328(a) . . . when entering a custody order.” J.R.M. v. J.E.A., 33 A.3d 647,
652 (Pa. Super. 2011) (emphasis in original).
Section 5328(a) of the Act provides as follows:
§ 5328. Factors to consider when awarding custody
(a) Factors.—In ordering any form of custody, the court shall
determine the best interest of the child by considering all relevant
factors, giving weighted consideration to those factors which
affect the safety of the child, including the following:
(1) Which party is more likely to encourage and permit
frequent and continuing contact between the child and another
party.
-8-
J-A26016-17
(2) The present and past abuse committed by a party or
member of the party’s household, whether there is a continued
risk of harm to the child or an abused party and which party can
better provide adequate physical safeguards and supervision of
the child.
(2.1) The information set forth in section 5329.1(a)(1) and
(2) (relating to consideration of child abuse and involvement with
protective services).
(3) The parental duties performed by each party on behalf
of the child.
(4) The need for stability and continuity in the child’s
education, family life and community life.
(5) The availability of extended family.
(6) The child’s sibling relationships.
(7) The well-reasoned preference of the child, based on the
child’s maturity and judgment.
(8) The attempts of a parent to turn the child against the
other parent, except in cases of domestic violence where
reasonable safety measures are necessary to protect the child
from harm.
(9) Which party is more likely to maintain a loving, stable,
consistent and nurturing relationship with the child adequate for
the child’s emotional needs.
(10) Which party is more likely to attend to the daily
physical, emotional, developmental, educational and special
needs of the child.
(11) The proximity of the residences of the parties.
(12) Each party’s availability to care for the child or ability
to make appropriate child-care arrangements.
(13) The level of conflict between the parties and the
willingness and ability of the parties to cooperate with one
-9-
J-A26016-17
another. A party’s effort to protect a child from abuse by another
party is not evidence of unwillingness or inability to cooperate with
that party.
(14) The history of drug or alcohol abuse of a party or
member of a party’s household.
(15) The mental and physical condition of a party or
member of a party’s household.
(16) Any other relevant factor.
23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5328.
Further, we have explained:
Section 5323(d) provides that a trial court “shall delineate the
reasons for its decision on the record in open court or in a written
opinion or order.” 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5323(d). Additionally, “Section
5323(d) requires the trial court to set forth its mandatory
assessment of the sixteen [Section 5328(a) custody] factors prior
to the deadline by which a litigant must file a notice of appeal.”
C.B. v. J.B., 65 A.3d 946, 955 (Pa. Super. 2013), appeal denied,
70 A.3d 808 (Pa. 2013). . . .
In expressing the reasons for its decision, “there is no required
amount of detail for the trial court’s explanation; all that is
required is that the enumerated factors are considered and that
the custody decision is based on those considerations.” M.J.M. v.
M.L.G., 63 A.3d 331, 336 (Pa. Super. 2013), appeal denied, 68
A.3d 909 (2013). A court’s explanation of reasons for its decision,
which adequately addresses the relevant factors, complies with
Section 5323(d). Id.A.V. v. S.T., 87 A.3d 818, 822-823 (Pa. Super. 2014).
In Wiseman, this Court held that trial courts must analyze the following
four factors when considering a shared custody award: (1) both parents must
be fit, capable of making reasonable child rearing decisions and willing and
able to provide love and care for their children; (2) both parents must
- 10 -
J-A26016-17
evidence a continuing desire for active involvement in the child’s life; (3) both
parents must be recognized by the child as a source of security and love; (4)
a minimal degree of cooperation between the parents must be possible.
Wiseman, 718 A.2d at 848 (citations omitted).
This Court decided Wiseman prior to the Act, which became effective
on January 24, 2011. See 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5321-5340. Section 5328(a)
encompasses the Wiseman shared custody factors. For example, Wiseman
factor requiring parents to have a minimal degree of cooperation is
encompassed in Section 5328(a)(13), which requires trial courts to consider,
inter alia, “[t]he level of conflict between the parties and the willingness and
ability of the parties to cooperate with one another.” Accordingly, as the Act
requires the trial court to consider each of the factors set forth in Section
5328(a), the trial court need not separately consider the Wiseman factors.
Moreover, the Act requires that the trial court consider each of the
Section 5328(a) custody factors when making any award of custody, i.e.,
primary, partial, or shared physical custody. The Act does not provide that
any one factor must control the court’s decision, but courts should give
weighted consideration to those factors affecting the safety of the child. See
M.J.M. v. M.L.G., 63 A.3d 331, 339 (Pa. Super. 2013).
Here, it is clear the trial court considered Section 5328(a) by taking into
account the various factors, including the level of conflict between Mother and
Father and their difficulty in cooperating, especially in view of Father’s reaction
- 11 -
J-A26016-17
to Mother’s new fiancé. After our careful review of the record, we find
competent evidence to support the trial court’s factual findings with regard to
the Section 5328(a) best interest factors. We find that the trial court did not
make an error of law, and its conclusions are not unreasonable in light of the
sustainable findings of the trial court regarding the Children’s best interests.
C.R.F., 45 A.3d at 443. Thus, we find that Father’s issues lack merit, and we
will not disturb the trial court’s credibility and weight determinations.
Accordingly, we affirm the order of the trial court on the basis of the trial court
opinions filed on April 17, 2017 and May 31, 2017. Because we have adopted
the trial court’s opinions as our own, we direct the parties to include the
opinions in all future filings relating to our examination of the merits of this
appeal, as expressed herein.
Order affirmed.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 1/11/2018
- 12 -
J-A26016-17
- 13 -
Circulated 12/22/2017 11:34 AM
1
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ADÅMS COUNTY,
2 PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL
3
TANYA C. SCHISLER 08-s-1412
4
5 vs,
6 BRAD L. SCHISLER
ORDER OF COURT
9 AND 'NOW, this 17th day of 2017, after a custody trial regarding the parents' 10 Cross-
petitions for Contempt and Modification of Custody, it is ORDERED that:
The parents' Cross-petitions for Contempt are both dismissed with prejudice.
11
2. Mother's Petition for Modification of Custody is granted as follows:
12
a) Effective Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., Mother shall have primary
13 physical custody of the Children and Father shatt have periods of partial physical
14 custody every Tuesday from 8:00 a,m, until Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. and
15 alternating weekends from Friday at the conclusion of the Children's school day or
4:30 p,m. if it is a non-school day until Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
16 b) All other aspects of the parent's custody stipulation dated May 29, 2013 are
17
adopted as an Order of Court and shall remain in full force and effect moving 18
forward.
19 3. The Court acldtessed the best interests Factors pursuant to 23 Pa. C.Š.A. §5328(a)
20 ill a separate written memorandum filed contemporaneously herewith.
B THE COURT: 2].
22
1
2
CHRIST NA M. SIMPSON
23
Judge
1101m .11 Mooney, Ill, Esquire
25 Scott Strausbaugh, E'gqtlire
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ADAMS COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL
TANYA C. SCHISLER 08-s-1412
vs.
BRAD L. SCHISLER
_,
Analysis and Discussion of the Statutory Factors
Procedural Ilisiory
This matter concerns Cross Petitions for Contempt and Modification filed by the
parents regarding the children, B.S,S. and C.M.S. (currently ages 13 and 9, respectively). The
parents' custody agreement was never adopted as an Order of Court, So both Petitions for
Contempt must be dismissed. That leaves competing Petitions for Modification of Custody in
which both parents request that primary physical custody be granted unto them, At the
conclusion of the trial, Father indicated that he would be fine with continuing the equally
shared
CMS/ph-
SCANNED
1
3 physical custody schedule. Cutrently, the parents enjoy a schedule of equally shared time with
4 the Children, pursuant to a Custody Stipulation signed by them on May 29, 2013. Mother has
physical custody of the Children every Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until Friday at 4:30 p.m.,
5
Father has physical custody every Monday at 8:00 a.m. until Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. The
6
7
weekends are alternated from Friday at 4:30 p.m. until Monday at 8:00 a.m. The parents were
8
divorced in October 2013.
9 Best Interes•l Factors
In ordering any Jòrm ofcustody, the shall dewrmine the besf interes{ ofthe Children by
11 considering all relevanl./èwtors, giving weighted consideration 10 those Jàclors which aJjèct
12 the safèty ofÍhe Children, pursuant to 23 PCI. CLS. §5328 (a).
With respect to Factor l, which party is more likely to encourage and permit frequent
13 and continuing contact between the Children and another party, the Court. finds this factor 10
1
favor Pvlother. There was credible evidencc that Father has interrupted Mother's facetime 4
15 communications with the Children on occasion and texts B.S.S. with disparaging remarks
16
17
18
19
20
21.
22
:.1 ·
1
2
23
2
regarding Mother and her fiancé and instructs B.S.S. to delete the texts. Father disparages
Mother and her fiancé. It must be noted that the parents currently enjoy a schedule of equally
1 shared time with the Children.
2
Factor 2, regarding the past and present abuse committed by a party or member of
3
party's household, whether there is a continued riSk of harm to the Children or an abused party
4
and which party can provide adequate physical safeguards and supervision of the Children,
5
here was no risk of physical harm to the Children established, althoúgh the Court does have a
6 concern about thc potential long term effects of the extreme training methods and eating
habits 7
9 encouraged by Father with respect to the Children meeting their weight requirements for
wrestling. Father is one of the Children's coaches.
10
Factor 2.1 , the information set forth in Section 5329.1 (a) relating to consideration of
11
child abuse and involvement with protective services, is not applicable in this case,
12
13 Factor 3, the parental duties performed by each party on behalf of the Children,
14 favors both parents. The parents enjoy equally shared time with the Children and both
15 perform parental duties.
16 Factor 4, the need for stability and continuity in the child's education, family lifeand
17
community life favors Mother with respect to education for reasons discussed below and
18
otherwise favors both parents.
19
Factor 5, the availability of extended family, favors Mother.
20
21 Factor 6, the Child's sibling relationships, is not applicable as the Children have no
other siblings. 2
Factor 7, the well-reasoned preference orthe Children, favors Father. The Court 2
24
interviewed the Children in September of 2016. 130th felt that Mother's relationship with her
üL
2
fiancé was 100 much, too soon" (Or them, as her fiancé IradQiust moved in with Mother
3
prior to the in camera interview. Mother mel her fiancé in April 2016 during a trip to Jamaica
with the
Children. At the time of the interview, B.S.S. favored more time with Father and alternating
weekends v,'ith Mother. He indicated that both parents disparage one another. C.M.S.
expressed that he did not like Mother's fiancé either and that Mother slaps C.M.S. in the face
1
2
25
3
Factor 8, the attempts of a parent to turn the Children against the other parent, except in
1cases of domestic violence where reasonable safety measures are necessary to protect the
Children from harm, is not applicable in this case.
Factor 9, which party is more likely to maintain a loving; stable, consistent and nurturin
relationship with the Children adequate for the Children's emotional needs, favors Mother,
Credible evidence was presented that Fáther pressures the Children with regard to their training
for sports and incessantly drives them to be more ßompetitive. While setting high expectations
iti and of itself is often appropriate, Father's anger and disappointment when the Children do
no perform as he expects sets tòrth an unhealthy environment for their emotional needs and is
detrimental to their self-esteem.
Factor I O, which party is more likely to attend to the daily physical, emotional,
developmental, educational and special needs of the Children, favors Mother. C.M.S. has a
403b plan through school for assistance with reading and writing expression and because of an
ADHD diagnosis. The Children do well in school. Mother attends all conferences while Father
attends some. Father does not subscribe to the Sapphire Parent Portal to monitor the boys'
academic progress, while Mother does subscribe, is taking medication as prescribed for
ADHD, which Father disagrees with because of his concern that it hinders his performance in
sports, Father's vitriol toward Mother and her fiancé and his pressure on the Children ig
creating a negative impact on the Children. B.S.S. had counseling sessions every two weeks for
more than I year. Father attended one session. The Children participate in wrestling. Father is
one of their coaches, Father places a great deal of emphasis on sports, perhaps too much Father
has high expectations for the hovs to pertOrm well in wrestling. When those expectations are
not met, Father becomes angry and speaks to the boys negatively. He is belligerent and uses
inappropriate language al. sporting events. He also uses racially motivated
1
2
3
language 10 describe Mother's fiancé. called B.S.S. "mentally weak". He has unrealistic
4
5
expectations of them at times. Father and Mother should ensurc that healthy eating and exercise
6
7
habits are observed by the Children. Il seems that Mother is more inclined that do so. Before
,8' sustaining a spinal injury which rendered him unable to work, Father was an elementary
9
school gym teacher. IleAesti11ed that. he has master's degree inuxercis•e science and was
10 wrestler
1
1
12
-13
14
1
5
16
17
1
8
2.4· 1
9
20
21
1
22
1and football prayer. After homework, they lift weights, run or do some physical activity., They
also run on the treadmill at Mother's house.
2
Factor 1 1, the proximity of the residences of the parties, favors the current shared
arrangement. The parents live eight minutes apart and in the same school district (Bermudian
Springs).
Factor 12, each party's availability to care for the Children or ability to make appropriat
child-care arrangements heavily favors Father, as he is not employed at this time due to a
woŽ•krelated injury and is thus available for the Children at (ill times, Mother works outside
the home
and her schedule was considered in the physical Custody scheme. Mother's fiancé can transport
the Children to school if necessary.
Factor 13, the level of conflict between the parties and the willingness and ability of the
parties to cooperate with one another, does not favor a shared arrangement. The level of
hostility and lack of cooperation has dramatically increased since Mother became involved
with her fiancé. Father's emails admitted during the trial show that he routinely refers to Mother
as
"P.O.S." or "piece of shit" in the address line. He calls her
"stupid" and other names. There is
a pattern of Father's anger and lack of cooperativeness being heightened when Mother is
involved with a new significant other. He seems to have a problem moving on with his life and
accepting their divorce, as demonstrated by emails admitted during triat and by his behavior
once he learned she was dating her current fiancé. The parents
had a more amicable relationshi
prior to that, but when Father learned of Mother's romance with her fiancé, he stopped being
accommodating and flexible, insisting that they follow the custody stipulation to the letter. The
Court is very troubled by Father's use of the mast hatelQ11 racist language toward Mother's
fiancé, who is African American. AS mentioned at. the conclusion of the trial, he is
teaching the
Children how to hate in a most offensive and outrageous manner. Father has also engaged
4
5
Maternal Grandfather in this conflict, by showing up on his property and berating him
6 while he was holding one of his grandchildren in his arms.
8 Factor 14, the history of drug or alcohol abuse of a party or member of a party's
9
household, slightly lhvors Father, as there was credible evidence that Mother consumed
1
0 :uan a while in Jamaica. This appears to have been isolated incide
1
1
1
2
24
1
2
13 14 15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
25
5
Factor 15, the mental and physical condition of a party or member of a party'S
household is not applicable.
3
4
5
Factor 16, any other relevant factors: None.
In summary, the parents were getting along very well (they even took a vacation
6 together with the Children in January 2016) until Mother became involved with her fiancé in
the spring of 2016. Mother's newfound romance happened quickly. Father was understandably
8 upset because he found out from a third party that this man whom he had never met was driving
9 the Children to school. It is understandable that Father was upset about not being informed of
the relationship and the presence of a new person in the Children's lives. Mother was hesitant t
10 inform him. She felt protective of herself and her fiancé because Father has historically
engaged in conflict With Mother whenever she is involved with another man. Justifying
11
Mother's fear, Father has in fact engaged in a campaign of negativity and conflict with respect
12 to Mother's fiancé. The Children are caught in the middle and are the true casualty of this
conflict. The undersigned is very concerned about the pressure that Father puts on these boys to
13
14
perform in sports, which may be detrimental to them if they continue to engage in extreme
15 training and unhealthy eating habits. His anger and negative feedback when they do not
16 succeed also may be destructive to their self-esteem. Father seems to project his fèelings about
Mother, the end of their marriage and his disdain for her fiancé onto the Children. Father
should learn to compartmentalize his feelings toward Mother from his obligations as co-
17 parent, Right now, he is allowing his anger over a number of issues to overshadow his ability
to be a healthy, positive and effective co-parent.
18
Both parents should promote an open and healthy rapport with the other parent a.l.
19
sporting and other events. The Children should not ever be made to feel badly sitting with a
21. parent or showing atlèction to a parent or that parent's significant other at these gatherings. The
Children should be permitted to carc for other adults in their lives, such as Mother's fiancé.
22
23
24
1
2
25
6
1
2
g
9
An Order Of Court is entered accordingly.
10
1 BY THE COURT:
1
12
13 Judge
14 John J. Mooney, Ill, Esquire
Scott Strausbaugh, Esquire
15 CMS/p1r
16
17
18
19
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ADAMS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL
T.C.S. 2008-8-1412 Plaintiff, vs.ACTION IN CUSTODY
B.L,s.
Defendant.
Thig is
Opinion Pursuant to Pa. R.A.P.
Children's Fast Track Appeal in which Appellant B.L,S. (hereinafter "Father") appeals
from this Court's Order of April 17, 2017, dismissing Mother's petition for contempt2 ,
denying FatheFs petition for modification of custody and granting Mother's (T.C.S.'s)
petition for modification of custody in part. The parties are the
parents of two children, B.S.S. and C,M.S (ages 12 and 9 at time of the in camera
interview, respectively), The children were born of the parents' marriage. The parents
were divorced in October 2013. The parents entered into a custody stipulation on May
29, 2013, which enabled them to share legal custody and enjoy a schedule of equal time
with their children, with Father always having Monday/Tuesday overnights, Mother
always having Wednesday/Thursday overnights. and weekends alternating between
parents. The custody stipulati011 was not adapted as a court order at that time, in spite
of the parents- 2 stated intention to the contrary. Mother Tiled a petition tor contempt
and
modification on June 20, 20 \ 6, requegting thnt the court hotct Father in contempt and
moditÿ the parents' custody stipulation to award Mother sole legal and primary physical
custody of the children because Father's conduct was detrimental to the children's well-
This Opinion was wrilten based upon the undersigned's notes ofleslimony and withoul review of the
atlicial transcript.
TheOrder of April 17 erroneously refers to. "cress-petitions for conlempt". Father did nol file petition
(ör contempt.
SCANNED
being. A custody conference was scheduled for July 26, 2016 and continued at request of
Mother's counsel to August 23, 2016. On July 28, 2017, Father filed an answer to
Mother's petition for contempt and modification. In paragraph 5 of that answer, Father
indicated that he has "no objection to the parties continuing to share legal custody but
strongly believes that Father should have majority physical custody". At the custody
conference, (he undersigned incorporated the tergtl.s of the parties' custody stipulation of
tvlay 29, 2013 as an interim order, authorized hair follicle drug testing of hoth parents,
and instructed the parents to file Criminal History/Abuse Verifications for themselves and
members of their respective households as required by Pa. R.CP. 1915.3-2 and 23 Pa.
C,S. §5329, An in camera interview of the children was conducted on September 15,
2016. Trial began on December 13, 2016 and was not concluded in the time allotted.
Further proceedings were scheduled at the convenience of counsel for March 2, 2017 and
continued on motion of counsel to April 10, 2017, at which time proceedings were
concluded. At trial, the court considered both parents' requests and heard testimony from
the parents, Mother's fiancé, the children?s maternal grandfather, and Mother's
exboyfriend
After taking the matter under advisement, the undersigned entered an order on
April 17- 2017 and outlined the analysiŠ theretOr in a written memorandum filed
contemporaneously with that Order, as required by 23 Pa. C.S, As the parents were not
governed by any court order when the alleged contemnible conduct occurred, the
col}tempt claim was dismissed. The undersigned IOund that it was in {he children's best
interest to be in Mother's primary phygicai custody and for the parents to continue 10
have shared [egal custodv. Father was given periods of partial physical custody of
children every Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. until Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. and alternating
weekends from Friday at the conclusion of the children's school day (or 4:30 p.m. for
non-school days) until Sunday at 7:00 p.m. The remaining provisions of the parents'
2013 custody stipulation were incorporated into this order. In fa$hioning theT)hysical
custody schedule, the undersigned considered all ofthe factors pursuant to 23 Pa.
C.S.A.§5328, along with the practical aspects of Mother's work schedule and Father's
status as the more available parent, For the reasons set forth below, it is respectfully
requested that the Order of April 1 7, 2017 be affirmed.
"With any custody case, the paramount concern is the best interests of the child."
.LR.M. v. .I.E.Å., 33 A.3d 647, 650 (Pa. super, 2011) When deciding petition to modify
custody, a court must conduct a thorough analysis of the best interests of the child based
on the relevant factors pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S. §5328(a). ED. v. M.P., 33 A.3d 73, 80
(Pa.Super.2011).
Section 5328 provides as follows:
(a) Factors—in ordering any form of custody, the court shall determine the best
interest of the child by considering all relevant factors, giving weighted
consideration 10 (hose Factors which affect the safety of the child, including lhc
following:
(l) Which party is more likely 1.0 encourage and permit frequent and continuing
contact; between the child and another party.
(2) The present aud past abuse committed by a party or member of lhc party's household,
whether there is a continued risk of harm to the child or an abused
3
party and which party can better provide adequate physical safeguards and
supervision of the child.
(2.1) The information set forth in section 5329, I(a) (relating to consideration of
child abuse and involvement with protective services).
(3) The parental duties performed by each party on behalf of the child.
(4) The need for stability and continuity in •the child's education, family life and
community lif'ë.
(5) The availability of extended family.
(6) The child's sibling relationships.
(7) The well-reasoned prefèrence Of the child, based on the child's maturity and
judgment.
(8) The attempts Of a parent to turn the child against the other parent, except in
cases of domestic violence where reasonable safety measures are necessary to
protect the child from harm.
(9) Which party is more likely to maintain a loving, stable, consistent and
nurturing relationship with the child adequate for the child's emotional needs.
(10) Which party is more likely to attend Lo lhe daily physical, emotional,
developmental, educn.í.ional and special needs ofthe child.
(l l ) The proximity ov the residences of the parties.
(12) Each party's availability tu care for the child or ability 10 make appropriate
child-care arrangements.
4
(13) The level of conflict between the parties and the willillgness and ability of
the parties to cooperate with one another. A party's elTUrt to protect a child
from abuse by another party iŠ not evidence of unwillingness or inability to
cooperate with that party.
(14) The history of drug or alcohol abuse of a party or member of a party's
household.
(15) The mental and physical condition of a party or member of a party's
household.
(16) Any other relevant factor23 Pa.C.S. 5328(a).
"All of the factors listed in section 5328(a) are required to be considered by the trial
court when entering a custody order." .L.R.M. v. J.E.A., 33 A.3d 647, 652 (Pa.Super.2()I
I) (emphasis in original), Section 5323(d) provides that a trial court "shall delineate the
reasons for its decision on the record in open court or in a written opinion or order." 23
Pa.C.S.A. § 5323(d). Additionally, "section 5323(d) requires the trial court to set forth its
mandatory assessment of the sixteen [Section 5328 custody] factors prior to the deadline
by which a litigant must file a notice of appeal." C.B. v. J.B., 65 A.3d 946, 955
(Pa.Super.2013), appeal denied, 620 Pa. 727, 70 A.3d 808 (2013). In expressing the
reasons tor its decision, "there is no required amount of detail for the trial court's
explanation; all that is required is that the enumerated factors are considered and that the
custodv decision is based on those considerations." NL,J.M. v. AI.L.G., 63 A.3d -33 1,
336 �i: ..2013),appeal denied, 620 Pa. 710, 68 A.3d 909 (2013). A court's explanation of
reasons tor its dccision, vvhich adequately addresses the relevant factors, complies with
Section 5323(d). Ids
In the instant case, factors l , 2, 5, 10 and 13 favored Mother and factors 12, and
14 favored Father. Factors 2.1, 8. 15 and 16 were inapplicable to this case. Factors 3 and
I I favored both parents. Factor 4 favored Mother on the issue of stability of education
and both parents on the issues ofiämily and community life. Factor 6 had no 'bearing on
the outcome, as these two children have no other siblings and follow the same schedule.
Father raises six issues in his Concise Statement of Matters Complained of
on Appeals alleging that the Court abused its discretion or committed an error of law
in its analysis of the best interest factors pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S,A. �5328(a). Father's
complaints of error are addressed in the court's written memorandum containing a
detailed analysis of the aforementioned statutory factors and in comments made to the
parents at the conclusion of trial, to which the undersigned defers for additionai
explanation, see J.R.M. v. J.EA., 33 A.3d 647, 650 (Pa.Super.2011).
Father's first allegation of error complains that there was no evidence presented at
trial that Father communicated to the children or included the children in any
communications with Mother that would be construed as "hateful". Evidence received
during the in camera interview and trial demonstrated that the children are aware of
Father making racially charged commcnl.s regarding tv;ot.lrer's African American fiancé
and using racially charged language to describe music thal 13.S,S. had on his Ipod. To
put this in contexf, it is important to note that Mother's fiancé is employed in the music
business, writing commercial jingles and music IOr a variety of artists. Ile testified that
he does nol utilize profanity in his lyrics. During the, trial, Father ndmill.cd that. used
racially charged language and expressed regret about that.
6
Father' s second allegation of error alleges that the court inaccurately
analyzed factor I, The testimony and evidence clearly demonstrated that Mother is
more likely than Father to encourage and permit frequent and continuing contact
with the other parent. Specific examples of this are cited in the court's written
analysis of this factor and do not bear repeating here.
Father's third allegation of error alleges that the court railed to place any weight
on the past and •present physical abuse and mental abuse inflicted by Mother on Father
and the children while concluding there were concerns with alleged extreme training
methods and eating habits with regard to the children when no evidence was presented
that the children were either undernoüfished (jr over trained. The evidence fell short of
establishing the children are being abused by either parent, thus this factor was not
weighted more heavily than the others. Mother has utilized corporal punishment as a
disciplinary measure. B.SS. reported that Mother occasionally slaps in the face but not
"everyday", contrary to what C.M.S. had portrayed to Father. C.M.S. reported to the
Court that Mother slaps him sometimes. Mother's fiancé acknowledged that Mother is
aggressive with the children at times, grabbing them by the arms when disciplining
them.
To their credit, bath parents encourage the children to exercise, However, the
totality of the evidence supported Mother's and the court's concern regarding the impact
ol' Father's pressuring of the children to excel in sports and his insistence. on frequent
exercise. This concern is supported by 10110wi11g examples: Father, who is the
children's wrestling coach, insists that the children should run five kilometer workouts
befOre school and lift weights and/or run after school, Father's belligerent and vulgar
7
behavior at the children's wrestling matches, Father's sharp criticism of the children when
they lose a match, B.S.S. having a plastic bag wrapped around his torso underneath his
clothing to aid in weight loss for wrestling, and Mother's testimony that the children
sometimes refuse to eat so they can maintain a certain weight for wrestling. Father does
not encourage success in a positive, healthy way. He is not supportive, nor constructive
when rhe children lose a wrestling match. Father sent B.S,S. a text message calling him
"mentally weak". Mother's concerns in this regard are also corroborated by the testimony
of maternal grandfather. Father's emphasis OJI sports iŠ further exemplified by his
enrolling the children in two youth wrestling programs at two different schools without
first consulting Mother. The undersigned addressed these concerns with the parents
during the proceedings and in the court's written memorandum. A healthier, more
positive path to athletic success was encouraged, There was no evidence of any founded
or indicated reports of abuse for this family, thus factor 2.1 was deemed inapplicable.
Father's fourth allegation of error alleges that the court failed to properly analyze
factor 4. Father's fifth allegation of error alleges [hat [he court failed to properly analyze
factor 10, As these factors are interrelatedn they are addressed in tandem. Mother was
favored on the issue of education, and both parents wcrc favored with regard 10 stability
and continuity of family litè and community lilè. While Mother has moved aroillld much
more than Father and had several significant others since they scparated, the parents
currently reside in the same school district, and in close proximity to each other.
Mother's current living situation appears 10 be stable. She and her fiancé testified that
they do not plan to relocate until the children graduate.
8
As discussed in the context Of Factor 10, it was clear that Mother is more
engaged with the children's educational needs and C.M.S.'s needs with respect to his
ADHD diagnosis and 403b educational plan. Mother initiated the testing that led to
C.M.S. 's diagnosis and the inquiry that led to engagement with the school psychologist
and 403b plan to help C.M.S. with reading and writing expression. Father was aware of
these but did not attend, Father does not subscribe to the school's parent portal;
Mother does subscribe. Father hag not been consistent in admini$terjng prescribed
medication to C..M.S„ so Mother arranged for it to be dispensed by the school nurse.
Father's sixth allegation of error alleges that the court failed to properly analyze factor
13. Post separation, the parents generally had an amicable co-parenting relationship,
except for times when Mother became involved with new romantic partner. This pattern
continued, in that the parents were cooperative and flexible with one another until
Mother became involved With her fiancé, which re•ignited the coparenting conflict. That
conflict continues to exist. It is not beneficial for the children. As discussed 'With the
parents at the conclusion of the trial, both parents should have handled the introduction
of Mother's fiancé into the children's lives differently. When parents clo not have an
amicable and cooperative co-parenting relationship, this makes an equally shared
arrangemcnf.. difficult. The record is clear l.h;ul Father's behavior is primarilv
exacerbating that conflict. This was corroborated by Maternal Grandfather's testimony.
In fashioning [he schedule tor the children and in consideration of al! of the
§5328 tactors, the undersigned attempted to balance the need to lessen the impact of
Father's negative co-parenting and pressuring behaviors on the children with Father's
9
status as the more available parent and the close geographic proximity of the parents.
During the in camera interview in September 2016, the children expressed a desire for
more time with Father and cited concern that Mother's relationship with her fiancé was
"too much, too soon" for them. Several months passed until the trial was concluded in
April 2017 and there was credible testimony at that time that the children's relationship
with Mother's fiancé had improved.
For alt of the aforementioned reason$, the undersigned respectfully requests Your
Honorable Court to affirm the Order dated April 17, 2017-
BY THE COURT,
Christina M. Simpsona J.
Date: May 31, 2017
John J. Mooney, m, Esquire
Scott J. Strausbaugh, Esquire
10