In Re The Parenting & Support Of C.t. , 193 Wash. App. 427 ( 2016 )

Filed
Washington State
Court of Appeals
Division Two
February 23, 2016
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION II
In re the Parenting and Support of: No. 46104-8-II
C.T.
Child.
ANDRE LOUIS YOUNG, UNPUBLISHED OPINION
Respondent,
and
CHERRY KAY THOMAS,
Appellant.
MELNICK, J. — Cherry Kay Thomas appeals from the trial court’ s denial of her motion to
vacate a permanent parenting plan that it entered after she did not appear for trial. She argues that
the trial court abused its discretion by denying the motion to vacate the final order under CR
60(b)(1) when (1) her attorney filed a notice of intent to withdraw four days before trial and did
not serve her; (2) the trial court entered a permanent parenting plan without sending proper notice
of the trial date to her; (3) she did not receive notice of a default judgment; and (4) the trial court
erred in not obtaining more evidence at trial before entering the permanent parenting plan. We
reverse, vacate the order, and remand for a trial on the merits.
46104-8-II
FACTS
C.T. was born on March 9, 2010 to Andre Young and Thomas. Thomas is C.T.’s primary
caretaker.
On May 31, 2013, Young filed a petition to establish residential schedule/parenting plan
child support. On the same date, the trial court filed and sent a case scheduling order setting trial
for February 10, 2014. The order does not specify to whom it was sent. Thomas filed a proposed
parenting plan on June 12. On July 2, the trial court held a hearing and issued a temporary order
granting Young visitation with C.T. two days a week, without any overnight visitation, and ordered
the parties to schedule mediation to attempt to agree on a parenting plan.
On December 19, the trial court reassigned the case to a different judge and mailed the
notice of the reassignment to Doris Walkins, Thomas’ s attorney of record at the time. On January
16, 2014, the trial court filed a pretrial order describing the requirements for trial and sent it to
Walkins.
On February 6, Walkins filed a notice of intent to withdraw. The notice stated Walkins’ s
withdrawal would be effective on the date of filing and contained the trial date: February 10, 2014.
Walkins swore under penalty of perjury that she personally served a copy of her withdrawal to the
attorneys and parties on February 6.
On February 10, neither Thomas nor Walkins appeared for trial. The trial court stated that
it received
a notice of intent to withdraw submitted by Cherry Thomas’ lawyer, but it was just
submitted on February 6th, and the Court is not likely to let her withdraw from the
case at this juncture. The problem is, based on this notice, I expect Ms. Thomas—
well, Ms. Thomas should still be here in any event. . . . Even without a lawyer, the
respondent still should be here.[1]
1
After this comment, the trial court did not mention Walkins’ s withdrawal until the motions to
stay and vacate were filed later that month.
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Report of Proceedings ( RP) at 3-4. The trial court continued the trial to February 14, hand-
delivered notice of the trial continuance to Young, and mailed the notice to Thomas, but not
Walkins.
On February 14, Thomas and Walkins again failed to appear for trial. After placing Young
under oath, the trial court asked Young what he would like the parenting plan to include. The
court repeatedly asked Young about each item of the proposed parenting plan and if he still wanted
what he listed in his proposed plan. The trial court stated for the record “ I have reviewed JIS
information as to both parents here.” RP at 7. After receiving the information, the court entered
a final order for a permanent parenting plan, the same as Young had proposed. The trial court
entered findings of fact and conclusions of law on the petition.
On February 20, Thomas and her new counsel, Heather Swann, filed a motion for an order
to stay the final parenting plan. On the same day, Thomas also filed a motion to vacate the final
order and a motion for an order to show cause why Thomas’ s motion to vacate should not be
granted. In support of her motions, Thomas submitted a declaration to the trial court that she did
not know her trial date was February 10. This statement contradicted the declarations submitted
by Walkins and Young in response to the motion to vacate. Young stated he spoke with Thomas
about the trial date. On February 21, the trial court granted Thomas’ s motion for an order to stay.
On March 7, the trial court heard the motion to vacate the final parenting plan. Walkins
submitted a declaration and admitted that she intended to file the notice of intent to withdraw in
October 2013, but due to an oversight by her office it did not get filed. Walkins stated that, as a
courtesy, she sent an e-mail to Thomas on December 4, 2013 and answered Thomas’ s questions,
but that she had already withdrawn from the case. Nonetheless, she continued to communicate
with Thomas about the case. Walkins stated that she did not send Thomas a copy of the notice of
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intent to withdraw on February 6, 2014 because she considered it to be “ a formality of what she
and I both already knew to be reality—in hindsight, I should have emailed a copy to her.” Clerk’ s
Papers (CP) at 132.
Thomas filed a declaration stating she was unaware Walkins withdrew prior to February
18, 2014. While Walkins was the attorney of record, all proceedings were directed to be sent to
Thomas through Walkins’ s office. In her motion, Thomas argued that irregularities at trial
warranted vacating the parenting plan including the improper withdrawal by her attorney and the
lack of proper notice about the continued trial date. Thomas argued that the parenting plan was
not in C.T.’s best interests because he had never stayed with Young overnight and the plan
provided for week long stays.
Young also stated that he spoke with Thomas about the continuance on February 11. The
trial court considered the declarations and Young’ s criminal history. The trial court ultimately
determined that Thomas’ s statement was not credible, and that she knew of the trial because
Walkins explained to Thomas that February 10 was the trial date and it would proceed regardless
of whether or not a guardian ad litem was appointed. The trial court stated, “ I can understand that
Ms. Thomas may have some issues with her former attorney, but that’ s not before this [c]ourt to
decide.” CP at 170. The trial court denied Thomas’ s motion to vacate the final order, reasoning
that based on the sworn statements and the evidence of record, that it
believe[d] that she knew about the 10th and she didn’ t come.
I further find that it is highly probable that the U.S. mail would have reached
her home before the 14th. . . . I find Mr. Young’ s statement that he was at Ms.
Thomas’ home and that they specifically discussed Friday the 14th being a
continued trial date, I find that statement credible.
It’s my conclusion that Ms. Thomas chose not to come to not just one trial
date but two.
CP at 167-68.
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Thomas filed a motion for reconsideration of the denial of the motion to vacate. The trial
court denied the motion.
Thomas appeals.
ANALYSIS
I. DENIAL OF MOTION TO VACATE
Thomas argues that the trial court abused its discretion when it denied her motion to vacate
the permanent parenting plan when she did not appear for trial because her attorney improperly
withdrew, she did not receive proper notice of the continuance, and she did not receive notice of
default, all irregularities that satisfy CR 60(b)(1).
A. Standards of Review
We review a trial court’ s denial of a motion to vacate a judgment under CR 60(b) for an
abuse of discretion. Mitchell v. Wash. State Inst. of Pub. Policy, 153 Wash. App. 803, 821, 225 P.3d
280 (2009). To determine that the trial court abused its discretion, we must find that the “‘ exercise
of discretion was manifestly unreasonable, based on untenable grounds, or based on untenable
reasons.’” Mitchell, 153 Wash. App. 821 (quoting Moreman v. Butcher, 126 Wash. 2d 36, 40, 891 P.2d
725 (1995)). Therefore, we may overturn the trial court’ s decision only if the decision “‘ rests on
facts unsupported in the record or was reached by applying the wrong legal standard’” or even
when using the correct legal standard, the trial court “‘ adopt[ed] a view that no reasonable person
would take’” or “‘ arriv[ed] at a decision ‘ outside the range of acceptable choices.’” Mitchell, 153
Wash. App. at 822 ( internal quotation marks omitted) ( quoting State v. Rohrich, 149 Wash. 2d 647,
654, 71 P.3d 638 (2003)).
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When reviewing a trial court’ s denial of a motion to vacate, we review only the trial court’ s
decision. Bjurston v. Campbell, 27 Wash. App. 449, 450-51, 618 P.2d 553 ( 1980). In addition,
because a CR 60(b) motion “is addressed to the [trial court’ s] sound discretion,” we do not address
arguments not made before the trial court. Jones v. City of Seattle, 179 Wash. 2d 322, 338, 314 P.3d
380 (2013); In re Marriage of Wherley, 34 Wash. App. 344, 348, 661 P.2d 155 (1983).
We review a trial court’ s interpretation of a civil rule de novo. Westberg v. All–Purpose
Structures, Inc., 86 Wash. App. 405, 409, 936 P.2d 1175 ( 1997). “[ J]ust as the construction of a
statute is a matter of law requiring de novo review, so is the interpretation of a court rule.” Nevers
v. Fireside, Inc., 133 Wash. 2d 804, 809, 947 P.2d 721 (1997).
B. The Trial Court Abused Its Discretion
Thomas argues that the trial court abused its discretion in denying her motion to vacate the
final order of the permanent parenting plan because there were irregularities in the proceedings
that caused her absence from the trial and which resulted in a final order and judgment entered
against her. We agree that there were irregularities in the proceedings that justify relief and that
the trial court abused its discretion in denying the motion to vacate.
The vacation of a judgment under CR 60(b) is within the trial court’ s discretion. Haller v.
Wallis, 89 Wash. 2d 539, 543, 573 P.2d 1302 (1978). We overturn the trial court “ only if it plainly
appears that it has abused that discretion.” Wallis, 89 Wash. 2d at 543.
Under CR 60(b), a trial court may “ relieve a party or the party’ s legal representative from
a final judgment, order, or proceeding for the following reasons: ( 1) Mistakes, inadvertence,
surprise, excusable neglect or irregularity in obtaining a judgment or order; . . . ( 11) Any other
reason justifying relief from the operation of the judgment.”
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An irregularity, within the meaning of this rule, has been defined as the want
of adherence to some prescribed rule or mode of proceeding; and it consists either
in the omitting to do something that is necessary for the due and orderly conducting
of a suit, or in doing it in an unreasonable time or improper manner.
Wallis, 89 Wash. 2d at 543.
Here, the trial court failed to require Walkins to comply with CR 71 when she attempted
to withdraw as Thomas’ s attorney of record prior to ten days after Walkins filed her notice of intent
to withdraw. As explained below, it created an irregularity in the proceedings that justified relief
from the final order.
In addition, the trial court failed to provide proper notice of the new trial date by not
conmplying with CR 6(a), which created another irregularity in the proceedings.
Further, a successful motion to vacate requires that the moving party show:
1) substantial evidence supports at least a prima facie defense to the claim asserted
by the opposing party; (2) the moving party’ s failure to timely appear and answer
was due to mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect; ( 3) the moving
party acted with due diligence after notice of the default judgment; and ( 4) the
opposing party will not suffer substantial hardship if the default judgment is
vacated.
Topliff v. Chicago Ins. Co., 130 Wash. App. 301, 308, 122 P.3d 922 (2005). “‘ These factors are
interdependent; thus, the requisite proof that needs to be shown on any one factor depends on the
degree of proof made on each of the other factors.’” Hous. Auth. of Grant County v. Newbigging,
105 Wash. App. 178, 186, 19 P.3d 1081 (2001) ( quoting Norton v. Brown, 99 Wash. App. 118, 124,
992 P.2d 1019 (1999).
Analyzing each of the factors, we find that the trial court abused its discretion in denying
the motion to vacate. As to the first factor, substantial evidence existed against Young’ s claim for
more custodial time with C.T. because Thomas was C.T.’s primary caretaker. Thomas is able to
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present a prima facie defense against Young’ s proposed parenting plan and in support for her own
proposed parenting plan.
As to the second factor, Thomas’ s failure to appear for trial was the result of mistake or
inadvertence, and is excusable neglect because the trial court created irregularities in the
proceedings when it permitted Walkins to withdraw and gave Thomas improper notice of the
continuance.
As to the third factor, upon learning that she missed the trial, Thomas immediately sought
new counsel and filed the motion to vacate. Thomas stated that she was out of town from February
14 to 17, and thus, did not receive the order regarding the continuance until she returned. The
motion to vacate was filed on February 20. Thomas acted with reasonable diligence after receiving
notice of the entry of the final order.
Finally, as to the fourth factor, if the trial court vacated the motion, Young would not suffer
a substantial hardship. He would have been in the same position he was in before the final order.
For the foregoing reasons, the trial court abused its discretion in denying Thomas’ s motion
to vacate.
C. The Lawyer Should Not Have Been Permitted to Withdraw
Thomas argues that the trial court erred when it failed to comply with CR 71 and permitted
Walkins to withdraw as her attorney “ effective immediately.” Br. of Appellant at 18. She further
argues that she suffered prejudice as a result. We agree.
CR 71 sets forth attorney withdrawal procedures and the effective date of the withdrawal
for purposes of service. Jones v. Home Care of Wash., Inc., 152 Wash. App. 674, 680-81, 216 P.3d
1106 ( 2009). CR 71(c)(1) states that the “ attorney shall file and serve a Notice of Intent to
Withdraw on all other parties in the proceeding. The notice shall specify a date when the attorney
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intends to withdraw, which date shall be at least 10 days after the service of the Notice of Intent to
Withdraw.” In addition, CR 71(c)(2) provides that “[ p]rior to service on other parties, the Notice
of Intent to Withdraw shall be served on the persons represented by the withdrawing attorney or
sent to them by certified mail, postage prepaid, to their last known mailing addresses. Proof of
service or mailing shall be filed.”
The trial court erred by allowing Walkins to withdraw on the date she filed her notice with
the court and not ten days later as required by the rule. CR 71 is unambiguous. The trial court
permitted Walkins to withdraw four days before the original trial date. In addition, Walkins did
not file proof of service to her client and the other party. The notice contained the trial date, which
showed Walkins’ s awareness of the upcoming trial. Further, the trial court stated “ the Court is not
likely to let her withdraw from the case at this juncture,” yet it took no action to prevent her
withdrawal and did not order her to appear for trial. RP at 3.
When CR 71 is applicable, strict compliance is unnecessary where no prejudice is shown.
Lockhart v. Greive, 66 Wash. App. 735, 742, 834 P.2d 64 (1992). Here, there is clear prejudice to
Thomas. The trial court entered a final parenting plan when there was no proof Thomas had
knowledge of the trial date(s) and when her lawyer did not appear. Although Walkins received
communications from the trial court on December 19, 2013 and January 16, 2014, regarding the
trial date, nothing in the record demonstrates that Walkins provided this information to Thomas.
Even though Thomas need not attend the trial, Walkins had a duty to be present.
On February 10, the trial court asked Young whether he would “ prefer to have this matter
set over until the Court can get Ms. Thomas in here and her lawyer.” RP at 4. Walkins did not
attend either the February 10 or the February 14 trial dates. The trial court did not send Walkins
with notice of the continued trial date. We also note that if there had been compliance with CR
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71, Walkins would have been the attorney of record until February 16, past the date of the
continued trial.
D. Notice of New Trial Date
Thomas also argues that because the trial court improperly mailed her notice of the
continuance of the trial date to February 14, there is another irregularity in the proceedings that
provides ground to vacate the final order. Thomas argues that under CR 6, the trial court did not
mail the order setting the new trial date in sufficient time to provide notice. We agree.
The superior court civil rules “ govern the procedure in the superior court in all suits of a
civil nature.” CR 1. CR 6(a) specifies that “[ i]n computing any period of time prescribed or
allowed by these rules, by the local rules of any superior court, by order of court, or by any
applicable statute, the day of the act, event, or default from which the designated period of time
begins to run shall not be included.”
We then look at CR 5 to determine how and when service should be made. CR 81. CR
5(a) applies because it identifies when service is required for an order made by the court: “ Except
as otherwise provided in these rules, every order required by its terms to be served, . . . and every
written notice, appearance, demand, offer of judgment, designation of record on appeal, and
2 “
similar paper shall be served upon each of the parties.” Whenever under these rules service is
required or permitted to be made upon a party represented by an attorney the service shall be made
upon the attorney unless service directly upon the party is ordered by the court.” CR 5(b)(1).
Further,
i]f service is made by mail, the papers shall be deposited in the post office
addressed to the person on whom they are being served, with the postage prepaid.
The service shall be deemed complete upon the third day following the day upon
2
Pierce County Local Rules (PCLR) 3(d) and 40(d) require the court to serve, with proper notice
to the parties, changes in the trial date.
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which they are placed in the mail, unless the third day falls on a Saturday, Sunday
or legal holiday, in which event service shall be deemed complete on the first day
other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, following the third day.
CR 5(b)(2)(A).
An elementary and fundamental requirement of due process in any
proceeding which is to be accorded finality is notice reasonably calculated, under
all the circumstances, to apprise interested parties of the pendency of the action and
afford them an opportunity to present their objections. The notice must be of such
nature as reasonably to convey the required information, and it must afford a
reasonable time for those interested to make their appearance.
Mullane v. Cent. Hanover Bank & Trust Co., 339 U.S. 306, 314, 70 S. Ct. 652,94 L. Ed. 865 (1950)
citations omitted).
The record does not show when the trial court mailed the order; therefore, we are unable
to determine when service occurred and whether any parties or counsel received actual notice.
However, even if the trial court mailed the notice on February 11, per the rules, service would not
have been complete until the date trial was set to begin. Assuming the trial court mailed notice of
the new trial date on February 10, a Monday, it would not have provided sufficient notice to
Thomas. Per CR 5(b)(2)(A), service would be deemed complete on February 13, the day before
the new trial date. Because of these problems, Thomas did not receive proper notice of the new
trial date.
E. The Trial Court Did Not Enter A Default Judgment
Thomas argues that the trial court erred in entering the final order of the permanent
parenting plan, in default judgment, in violation of CR 55 because the trial court did not provide
proper notice of default. The trial court took testimony on the day of trial and did not enter a
default judgment. Because there was no default judgment, this argument is without merit.
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II. ENTERING FINAL PARENTING PLAN WITHOUT SEEKING OUT MORE EVIDENCE AT TRIAL
Thomas argues that the trial court failed to follow the statutory requirements of RCW
26.09.187 in establishing the permanent parenting plan. Thomas argues that the trial court did not
weigh the factors because it did not take any substantive testimony, and therefore, the trial court’ s
findings were based on insufficient evidence. We agree.
A. Standard of Review
We review a trial court’ s decision on parenting plan provisions for an abuse of discretion.
In re Custody of Halls, 126 Wash. App. 599, 606, 109 P.3d 15 ( 2005). A trial court abuses its
discretion if the decision rests on unreasonable or untenable grounds or it is manifestly
unreasonable. Halls, 126 Wash. App. at 606. “ A decision is manifestly unreasonable if, based on
the facts and the applicable legal standard, the decision is outside the range of acceptable choices.”
Halls, 126 Wash. App. at 606.
We will not retry the facts on appeal, and will accept findings of fact as verities if they are
supported by substantial evidence in the record. In re Marriage of Thomas, 63 Wash. App. 658, 660,
821 P.2d 1227 ( 1991). Because the trial court hears evidence firsthand and has a unique
opportunity to observe the witnesses, we are “‘ extremely reluctant to disturb child placement
dispositions.’” In re Parentage of Schroeder, 106 Wash. App. 343, 349, 22 P.3d 1280 ( 2001)
quoting In re Marriage of Schneider, 82 Wash. App. 471, 476, 918 P.2d 543 (1996), overruled on
other grounds by In re Marriage of Littlefield, 133 Wash. 2d 39, 940 P.2d 1362 (1997)). Decisions
regarding residential provisions must be made in the best interests of the child after considering
the factors set forth in RCW 26.09.187(3). In re Parentage of J.H., 112 Wash. App. 486, 492-93,
49 P.3d 154 (2002).
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B. The Trial Court Abused Its Discretion
A trial court is required to enter written findings of fact and conclusions of law following
a bench trial. See CR 52(a)( 1). “ Where trial court has weighed evidence, appellate review is
limited to determining whether the trial court’ s findings of fact are supported by substantial
evidence, and if so, whether the findings support the conclusions of law and the judgment.” Sac
Downtown Ltd. P’ ship v. Kahn, 123 Wash. 2d 197, 202, 867 P.2d 605 (1994). Substantial evidence
is evidence sufficient to persuade a rational, fair-minded person of the asserted premise. State v.
Homan, 181 Wash. 2d 102, 106, 330 P.3d 182 (2014).
In establishing a parenting plan, the trial court must consider the factors enumerated in
RCW 26.09.187(3)(a):
i) The relative strength, nature, and stability of the child’ s relationship with each
parent;
ii) The agreements of the parties, provided they were entered into knowingly and
voluntarily;
iii) Each parent’ s past and potential for future performance of parenting functions
as defined in . . .RCW 26.09.004[( 2)], including whether a parent has taken greater
responsibility for performing parenting functions relating to the daily needs of the
child;
iv) The emotional needs and developmental level of the child;
v) The child’ s relationship with siblings and with other significant adults, as well
as the child's involvement with his or her physical surroundings, school, or other
significant activities;
vi) The wishes of the parents and the wishes of a child who is sufficiently mature
to express reasoned and independent preferences as to his or her residential
schedule; and
vii) Each parent’ s employment schedule, and shall make accommodations
consistent with those schedules.
Factor (i) shall be given the greatest weight.
When a trial court’ s “ written findings of fact do not clearly reflect a consideration of the
statutory factors, resort can be made to the court’ s oral opinion.” In re Marriage of Murray, 28
Wash. App. 187, 189, 622 P.2d 1288 (1981); see In re Marriage of Dalthorp, 23 Wash. App. 904, 911-
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12, 598 P.2d 788 (1979). In addition, “[ w]hen evidence of those factors is before the court and its
oral opinion and written findings reflect consideration of the statutory elements, specific findings
are not required on each factor.” Murray, 28 Wash. App. at 189; In re Marriage of Croley, 91 Wash. 2d
288, 292, 588 P.2d 738 (1978).
Here, the trial court did not establish a parenting plan by applying the required statutory
factors. Insufficient evidence supports its findings of fact. The trial court placed Young under
oath, went over his proposed parenting plan with him, and repeatedly asked him “[ i]s that what
you still want?” and “[ i]s that what you would still like?” RP at 10-12. The trial court did state
for the record I have reviewed JIS information as to both parents here.” RP at 7. However, the
record does not show that Young provided facts for the trial court to consider under RCW
26.09.187. Nor does the record show the trial court considered C.T.’s best interests. The
handwritten portion of the findings of fact and conclusions of law the trial court entered states that
t]he Court has reviewed JIS data as to both parents.” CP at 81.
At the hearing for the motion to vacate, Thomas argued that the trial court did not take into
consideration C.T.’s best interests, and insufficient evidence supported the trial court’ s findings.
The trial court stated that it reviewed the JIS and Young’ s testimony and that it considered C.T.’s
best interests. However, the record does not reflect any clear consideration of the statutory factors
when the final order was entered, and thus, insufficient evidence supports the trial court’ s findings
of fact and conclusions of law. Therefore, the trial court abused its discretion because its decision
as to the parenting plan was made on untenable grounds and did not adequately consider if the plan
was in C.T.’s best interests.
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We reverse the trial court, vacate the final order of the permanent parenting plan, and
remand for a trial on the merits.
A majority of the panel having determined that this opinion will not be printed in the
Washington Appellate Reports, but will be filed for public record in accordance with RCW 2.06.040,
it is so ordered.
Melnick, J.
We concur:
Bjorgen, A.C.J.
Lee, J.
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