Heiss v. Conti , 148 Idaho 432 ( 2009 )

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF IDAHO
Docket No. 36386-2009
In the Matter of: JANE DOE and JOHN )
DOE, Children Under the Age of 18. ) Boise, December 2009 Term
)
FRED HEISS, ANNABELLE HEISS, and ) 2009 Opinion No. 155
MAIA HEISS, )
) Filed: December 30, 2009
Petitioners-Respondents-Cross )
Appellants, ) Stephen W. Kenyon, Clerk
)
v. )
)
VIOLETTA CONTI, )
)
Respondent-Appellant-Cross )
Respondent. )
Appeal from the Magistrate Court of the First Judicial District of the State of
Idaho, in and for Boundary County. The Hon. Justin W. Julian, Magistrate Judge.
The order of the magistrate court is affirmed in part and reversed in part.
Liesche & Reagan, Coeur d‟Alene, and Tolin & Victoria, LLP, Seattle, for
appellant. Anna M. Tolin argued.
Finney Finney & Finney, Sandpoint, for respondents. Rex A. Finney argued.
EISMANN, Chief Justice.
This is an appeal from a judgment denying a petition to remove a testamentary guardian
of two orphaned minor children. We affirm in part and reverse in part the judgment of the
magistrate court.
I. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Jane Doe, age 11, and John Doe, age 6, (Children) resided with their parents Karl Heiss
(Karl) and Marisa Bauducco-Heiss (Marisa) in Bonner County, Idaho. On October 1, 2008, the
family left Idaho intending to travel to Argentina to spend six months with Marisa‟s mother,
Violetta Conti (Conti), who resides in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, at the southern tip of
Argentina. They first traveled by car to Seattle, Washington, to visit close friends, and then
intended to drive to Malibu, California, to visit Karl‟s parents, Fred and Annabelle Heiss
(Heisses). From there they intended to drive to Los Angeles from where they would fly to
Argentina, expecting to arrive on October 14, 2008.
In 2002, Karl and Marisa (Parents) had both executed holographic wills naming Conti as
Children‟s guardian in the event of Parents‟ deaths. They had entrusted their close friends in
Seattle with the wills. On the morning of October 3, 2008, the family had left their friends‟
house in Seattle and were driving south on I-5 when they were involved in a tragic accident.
Parents were killed instantly, Jane Doe suffered life-threatening injuries that will result in
permanent impairment, and John Doe suffered injuries from which he has recovered.
On October 22, 2008, one of their Seattle friends, who was nominated in Parents‟ wills as
personal representative, filed an application for informal probate, an application for informal
appointment of personal representative, and an application for testamentary appointment of Conti
as guardian of Children. On the same date, Conti filed her acceptance of appointment as
guardian.
On October 23, 2008, Conti also filed a petition to be appointed guardian of Children.
On the same day, the magistrate court entered an order appointing her as temporary guardian,
and Conti filed letters of temporary guardianship.
On October 24, 2008, Heisses filed a petition to be appointed Children‟s temporary and
permanent guardians. They also requested appointment of an attorney or guardian ad litem for
John Doe.
Jane Doe was hospitalized in Seattle, Washington. Heisses obtained a temporary
residence there to be near her. Conti and Heisses then entered into a stipulation providing that
during the pendency of the proceedings Heisses could have custody of John Doe, with Conti
having reasonable visitation; John Doe would remain in either Idaho or Washington; and Conti
and Heisses together would make decisions regarding Jane Doe‟s care. On October 28, 2008, the
court entered an order consistent with that stipulation, and that order was later amended pursuant
to stipulation of the parties. The court also entered an order appointing counsel for Children.
On January 8, 2009, after a court hearing, the court informed the parties of its initial
opinion regarding several issues in the guardianship proceedings. During that discussion, the
2
court stated that in its opinion, the party challenging the testamentary appointment of a guardian
must show that the guardian is unfit to be a guardian.
On January 29, 2009, Heisses and their daughter Maia Heiss filed a petition to have Conti
declared unfit to be guardian of Children. The court held a three-day trial on the petition, and
then entered its memorandum opinion on March 27, 2009. The court ruled that “the
testamentary guardianship appointment must be upheld unless the guardian is found to be
unqualified or unfit to discharge his or her inherent duties and responsibilities, and that the party
challenging the fitness of the presumptive guardian bears the burden of proof.” The court
addressed the twenty-six different allegations of unfitness alleged by Heisses and found them
unproven. The court concluded that they had failed to prove that Conti was unfit or unqualified
to serve as Children‟s guardian. The court noted that “it is nonetheless comforting for the court
to know that the children will enjoy a good life in Ushuaia.” The court found that Conti was “a
fit and proper person to discharge the duties of testamentary guardian.” The court also wrote that
“much of Heiss‟ case asserting Conti‟s unfitness did have the appearance of „grasping at
straws.‟”
Parents‟ wills stated that they desired Heisses to have the children for one month each
year. The court construed those provisions as being testamentary appointments of Heisses as
coguardians for one month each year. The court also held that due to Jane Doe‟s medical
condition, Conti would not have full powers of guardianship over her until she was medically
cleared to travel to Argentina. Until then, the court held that Conti and Heisses “shall continue
to exercise their current de facto temporary powers of equal co-guardianship over [Jane Doe].”1
On April 9, 2009, the court entered its order appointing Conti and Heisses as coguardians.
On April 1, 2009, Heisses filed a notice of appeal to the district court. On April 13, 2009,
Conti filed a motion for permissive appeal to this Court, which was granted on April 23, 2009.
She then filed a notice of appeal to this Court on May 5, 2009, and Heisses filed a notice of
cross-appeal.
1
Conti has not challenged this provision on appeal, so we express no opinion on it.
3
II. ISSUES ON APPEAL
1. Did the court err in interpreting Parents‟ wills as including a testamentary appointment of
Heisses as coguardians?
2. Did the court apply the wrong standard in denying Heisses‟ petition to remove Conti as
guardian?
3. Did the court err in holding that Heisses were not entitled to the rights set forth in Idaho Code
§ 32-717(3)?
4. Is Conti entitled to an award of attorney fees for defending the cross-appeal?
5. Did the court err in ordering the parties to pay the cost of Children‟s court-appointed counsel?
III. ANALYSIS
A. Did the Court Err in Interpreting Parents’ Wills as Including a Testamentary
Appointment of Heisses as Coguardians?
Conti appeals the court‟s action in appointing Heisses as coguardians. Parents‟ wills
were both handwritten, but Mother‟s will was written in Spanish and then translated into English
for these proceedings. It is undisputed that Parents‟ wills are valid. It is also undisputed that
both wills nominated Conti as guardian of Children. The issue is whether the wills also
nominated Heisses as coguardians for one month each year.
The relevant portions of Parents‟ wills are as follows:
Karl‟s will:
In such case that we (Marisa Bauducco and Karl Heiss) should die, the
surviving children ([Jane] and [John]) should be left in the care of (in this order)
Violeta E. Conti (mother of Marisa Bauducco) [Marisa‟s sister], or [Marisa‟s
brother]. If such possibility exists it would be our wish that they be able to raise
them in our (Idaho) house. One month out of the year should be reserved for
Anna and Fred Heiss (parents of Karl Heiss) to raise the children where they see
fit to do so. . . . .
Marisa‟s will:
In case that we (Karl Heiss and Marisa Bauducco) would die; the
surviving children ([Jane] and [John]) will stay under the guardianship of Violeta
E. Conti (Mother of Marisa) [Marisa‟s sister] or [Marisa‟s brother]. If at all
possible we would prefer that the children and the guardians live and grow up in
our house in Idaho. One month of the year should be reserved for Anna and
Fred Heiss (Karl Heiss‟s parents), the place of the visit shall be decided by them.
....
4
The court determined that Parents intended to execute identical wills with respect to the
testamentary guardianship provisions, and the parties agree. “„[I]n construing the provisions of a
will to ascertain the meaning of a testator, the cardinal rule of construction is to ascertain the
testator‟s intent; and . . . [t]his intent is to be ascertained from a full view of everything within
the four corners of the instrument.‟” Wilkins v. Wilkins, 137 Idaho 315, 319, 48 P.3d 644, 648
(2002).
In construing the wills, the court began with the observation that Parents wanted Children
to maintain contact with Heisses. Father‟s will stated, “One month out of the year should be
reserved for Anna and Fred Heiss (parents of Karl Heiss) to raise the children where they see fit
to do so,” and Mother‟s will stated, “One month of the year should be reserved for Anna and
Fred Heiss (Karl Heiss‟s parents), the place of the visit shall be decided by them.” The court
then reasoned, however, that the “legally proper” way to insure that the Heisses would have that
visitation would have been to make them coguardians. The court wrote as follows:
The legally proper method for accomplishing that goal, in this court‟s
view, would have been to explicitly designate Heiss as limited co-guardians of the
children, with Conti assuming the duties and powers of primary guardian during
the remaining eleven months of the year. This approach is, in the court‟s opinion,
preferable to interpreting said provisions as conferring “grandparents‟ visitation
rights” which could be legally inadequate to allow Heiss to authorize medical
treatment for the children in the U.S. in Conti‟s absence during their month of
custody, or make international travel arrangements for the children, along with a
host of other potential impediments.
The court then concluded that “[h]ad these legal nuances been properly explained to Karl
and Marisa, the court believes that they would have specified Heiss as limited coguardians in
their wills.” The court found additional support for its conclusion from the provision in Father‟s
will stating, “One month out of the year should be reserved for Anna and Fred Heiss (parents of
Karl Heiss) to raise the children where they see fit to do so.” (Emphasis added.) The court
concluded that Father likely would not equate “raise” with “visit.” The court did not address the
comparable provision in Mother‟s will stating, “One month of the year should be reserved for
Anna and Fred Heiss (Karl Heiss‟s parents), the place of the visit shall be decided by them.”
(Emphasis added.)
The court erred in its interpretation of the wills. First, the court must interpret the wills as
written, not in a manner that would have, in the court‟s opinion, better accomplished one of
5
Parents‟ objectives. Although appointing Heisses as limited coguardians for one month a year
would better insure that they had that time with Children, there are also problems that can arise
with coguardianships when there are disagreements between the coguardians. The issue is what
Parents intended from the wording of their wills, not what, in the court‟s view, would have been
a better manner of accomplishing the goal of enabling Heisses to maintain contact with Children.
The court‟s decision was also based upon its belief that designating Heisses as
coguardians was preferable to “interpreting [the wills] as conferring „grandparents‟ visitation
rights” which could be legally inadequate to allow Heiss to authorize medical treatment for the
children in the U.S. in Conti‟s absence during their month of custody, or make international
travel arrangements for the children, along with a host of other potential impediments.” That
concern does not empower the court to redraft the wills. In addition, that concern ignores the
fact that when Children are visiting Heisses in the United States, Conti can delegate to Heisses
the power to consent to medical care for Children, make international travel arrangements, and
do whatever else is necessary. Idaho Code § 15-5-104 provides:
[A] guardian of a minor . . . by a properly executed power of attorney, may
delegate to another person, for a period not exceeding six (6) months . . . any of
the . . . guardian‟s powers regarding care, custody, or property of the minor or
ward including, but not limited to, powers for medical care and educational care
of the minor or ward, except the parent‟s or guardian‟s power to consent to
marriage or adoption of a minor or ward.
There is no contention that a limited power of attorney given by Conti to authorize Heisses to
consent to medical care, arrange for international travel, or do other necessary acts would not be
valid in California.
Second, the court interpreted the wills based upon its speculation as to how Parents
would have drafted their wills had “these legal nuances been properly explained to [them].” The
court‟s speculation as to what Parents would have done had they consulted with an attorney is
not a proper factor in interpreting their wills.
Finally, the court found that Karl‟s use of the word “raise” was controlling without
recognizing that Marisa used the word “visit.” When the corresponding provisions in both wills
are read together and in context, it is clear that Parents were simply indicating their preference
that Heisses be able to choose where they exercise visitation with Children. Immediately
preceding these provisions, both Parents expressed the desire that Children and their guardians
6
live at Parents‟ house in Idaho, if possible. Parents obviously knew that Conti lived in Argentina
and that it was unlikely she would move to Idaho upon being appointed Children‟s guardian,
assuming she could even obtain legal residency. Karl then wrote, “One month out of the year
should be reserved for Anna and Fred Heiss (parents of Karl Heiss) to raise the children where
they see fit to do so.” (Emphasis added.) Mother wrote, “One month of the year should be
reserved for Anna and Fred Heiss (Karl Heiss‟s parents), the place of the visit shall be decided by
them.” (Emphasis added.) These provisions were addressing where Heisses could exercise
visitation. They should be able to exercise their month-long visitation where they desired, such
as their home in Malibu, rather than in Argentina.2 These provisions cannot reasonably be
construed as appointing Heisses as coguardians.
It is clear that Parents did not appoint Heisses as coguardians. We therefore reverse the
order appointing them as coguardians.
B. Did the Court Apply the Wrong Standard in Denying Heisses’ Petition to Remove Conti
as Guardian?
Heisses cross-appeal the court‟s denial of their petition to have Conti removed as
Children‟s guardian. They contend that the court applied the incorrect standard when denying
their petition.
Under Idaho law, a person can become the guardian of a minor child in one of two ways.
“A person becomes a guardian of a minor by acceptance of a testamentary appointment or upon
appointment by the court.” I.C. § 15-5-201. If a person becomes a guardian by acceptance of a
testamentary appointment, there is no need for appointment by the court. These are alternative
ways of becoming the guardian of a minor.
Testamentary appointment of a guardian for an unmarried minor child is governed by
Idaho Code § 15-5-202.3 Under that statute, “A testamentary appointment becomes effective
2
This should not be interpreted as implying that Conti, as guardian, is required to follow Parents‟ wishes regarding
visitation by the Heisses.
3
Idaho Code § 15-5-202 provides:
A parent of a minor may appoint a guardian of an unmarried minor by will, subject to the
right of the minor under section 15-5-203, Idaho Code. The termination of parental rights of a
parent as to the minor shall also terminate the right of that parent to appoint a guardian for the
minor. A testamentary appointment becomes effective upon the filing of the guardian‟s
acceptance in the court in which the will is probated, if, at the decedent‟s death, no parent of the
minor was alive who had a right to appoint a guardian for the minor. This state recognizes a
7
upon the filing of the guardian‟s acceptance in the court in which the will is probated, if, at the
decedent‟s death, no parent of the minor was alive who had a right to appoint a guardian for the
minor.” Assuming the testamentary appointment is valid, the guardianship becomes effective
upon the filing of the guardian‟s acceptance. It does not require court approval or any finding
that such appointment is in the best interest of the child(ren). At that point, the court need only
issue letters of guardianship to the testamentary guardian.
In their wills, Parents appointed Conti as guardian of Children. It is undisputed that the
wills were valid. On October 22, 2008, Conti filed her acceptance of appointment in the court
where Parents‟ wills were being probated. At that point, Conti became the guardian of Children,
and she was entitled to exercise the powers of a guardian until her guardianship was terminated.
Heisses contend that even if there is a testamentary guardian, another person seeking to
become guardian should be able to file a petition for appointment, and the court should then
determine which of the two would make the better guardian. In support of that contention, they
point to the sentence in Idaho Code § 15-5-204, which states, “In all cases, the court shall
consider the best interests of the child as the primary factor in the determination whether to
appoint, and whom to appoint, as a guardian for such child.” They argue that “all cases”
includes the testamentary appointment of a guardian. Their argument fails because section 15-5-
204 governs the court appointment of a guardian, not the testamentary appointment. Likewise,
sections 15-5-206 and 15-5-207 apply to court appointment, not testamentary appointment.
Section 15-5-204 begins, “The court may appoint a guardian for an unmarried minor if all
parental rights of custody have been terminated by prior court order or upon a finding that the
child has been neglected, abused, abandoned, or whose parents are unable to provide a stable
home environment.” The statute provides for court appointment of a guardian in two
circumstances.
First, the court may appoint a guardian if “all parental rights of custody have been
terminated by prior court order.” Id. If the person who was appointed testamentary guardian has
accepted that appointment, that person would have “parental rights of custody.” I.C. § 15-5-209.
The court would not be able to appoint a guardian unless the guardianship created by that
testamentary appointment effected by the guardian‟s acceptance under a will probated in another
state which is the testator‟s domicile. Written notice of acceptance of the appointment must be
given by the guardian to the minor and to the person having his care or to his nearest relation
immediately upon acceptance of appointment.
8
testamentary appointment was first terminated by court order. The last sentence of section 15-5-
204 confirms that. It states that a guardian appointed by will “has priority over any guardian
who may be appointed by the court but the court may proceed with an appointment nonetheless
upon a finding that the testamentary guardian has failed to accept the testamentary appointment
within thirty (30) days after notice of the guardianship proceeding.” It provides that where there
has been a testamentary appointment of a guardian, “the court may proceed with an
appointment” if the testamentary guardian has failed to accept the appointment timely. If the
testamentary guardian has accepted the appointment timely, then the court may not proceed with
the proceedings for court appointment of a guardian.
Second, the court may appoint a guardian “upon a finding that the child has been
neglected, abused, abandoned, or whose parents are unable to provide a stable home
environment.” I.C. § 15-5-204. Because neither circumstance existed in this case, section 15-5-
204 would not permit the court to appoint Heissess as guardians unless Conti‟s guardianship had
been terminated.
Heisses also “encourage[] the Idaho Supreme Court to adopt the view point adopted in
Illinois.” They cite to In re Marriage of Russell, 523 N.E.2d 193, 197 (Ill. Ct. App. 1988)
(citations omitted), in which the court stated: “In Illinois, the best interests and welfare of the
minor is the determining question in a guardianship proceeding. Consequently, the feelings and
desires of the adult parties must yield to the court‟s obligation to protect the best interests of the
minor child.” The appointment of guardians for unmarried minor children in Idaho is governed
by statute. It is not the province of this Court to adopt a different statutory scheme, such as that
in Illinois. Enacting and modifying statutes is the province of the legislature.
Heisses also contend that their proposed procedure would be fairer than the existing
statutes. They argue:
It is fair and consistent with the rights of the infants to make a standard
that all other things being equal (the child‟s best interests will be served equally
by either competing guardian) a named testamentary guardian should have
priority over another for appointment. It is not fair to the children to say that you
are not entitled to have the best possible upbringing and life.
It is not fair to treat orphans of a parent with a will naming a testamentary
guardian, different than orphans whose parents did not have a will. One orphan is
left to another by will, while the other orphan is entitled to have his or her best
interest promoted.
9
Heisses‟ views of the unfairness of the statutory scheme are unavailing. It is the
legislature that has the power to change the statutes, not this Court. The legislature obviously
believed that parents should be able to direct who will have guardianship of their unmarried
minor children in the event of the parents‟ deaths. Heisses are understandably dissatisfied with
their son‟s choice of guardian for their grandchildren, but he was empowered to make that choice
under Idaho law.
Although Heisses‟ motion sought a determination that Conti was unfit to be Children‟s
guardian, it was in legal effect a motion to remove her as guardian. Idaho Code § 15-5-212(a)
provides that a guardian may be removed “on the ground that removal would be in the best
interest of the ward.” The court held that this statute required a finding that the guardian was
unfit or unqualified to remain as guardian. Heisses contend that the statute should be interpreted
to permit removal if someone else would be a slightly better guardian.
Heissess assert that the words “best interest” in section 15-5-212(a) should be construed
in the same manner as the words “best interests” in Idaho Code § 32-717(1), which provides for
awarding custody in divorce actions. Under that statute, a court is often required to determine
which of two loving, caring, and fit parents should have primary physical custody of a child
based upon the best interests of the child after considering the factors listed in the statute and any
other relevant factors. See King v. King, 137 Idaho 438, 445, 50 P.3d 453, 460 (2002). Because
parents have equal rights to custody, the divorce court must compare the parents when
determining that issue. According to Heisses, the same standard should apply in removing a
guardian, assuming that the person seeking removal also requests appointment as a successor
guardian.
Heisses‟ argument is not consistent with the guardianship statutes for four reasons. First,
Idaho Code § 32-717(1) applies to divorce actions in which there are two parents who have equal
rights to the custody of their minor child(ren). The divorce court must often make the difficult
choice of determining which of the parents will be primary custodian of the child(ren). When
considering the removal of the guardian of an unmarried minor child, the guardian and the
person seeking to become the successor guardian are not on equal footing in relation to the
child(ren). The guardian has “the powers and responsibilities of a parent who has not been
deprived of custody of his minor and unemancipated child.” The person seeking removal of the
guardian and appointment as a successor guardian does not have any of those rights and
10
responsibilities. Thus, the issue is not whether the person seeking to become the successor
guardian may be a better guardian. It is whether there is a reason to remove the current
guardian.4
Second, Idaho Code § 15-5-204 begins, “The court may appoint a guardian for an
unmarried minor if all parental rights of custody have been terminated by prior court order.”
The termination of the existing guardian must first occur before the court can consider
appointment of a successor guardian. Because the termination must occur first, the
determination of whether removal of the guardian would be in the best interest of the child(ren)
must focus upon the fitness of the existing guardian and whether it would be in the best interest
of the child(ren) to remove the guardian regardless of who may be then appointed as successor
guardian. This is supported by the comment to section 15-5-204, which Heisses quote in their
brief, but apparently fail to appreciate its significance. In their brief, Heisses state as follows:
The official comment (underlining added) to Idaho Code § 15-5-204,
(which the Magistrate ruled is not applicable to the testamentary appointment of a
guardian (R. Vol. I, P. 254), provides:
The words “all parental rights of custody” are to read with
Sections 5-201 and 5-209 which give testamentary and court
appointed guardians of minors certain parental rights respecting the
minor. Hence, no authority to appoint a guardian for a minor
exists if a testamentary guardian has accepted an effective
appointment by will. The purpose of this restriction is to support
and encourage testamentary appointments which may occur
without judicial act. If a testamentary guardian proves to be
unsatisfactory, removal proceedings as provided in Section 5-211
may be used if the objection device of Section 5-203 is
unavailable.
....
Clearly the standard to remove the guardian named in a will should be the
“best interests of the ward”, rather than the fitness standard employed by the
Magistrate. (Emphasis theirs.)
The portion of the comment underlined by Heisses states, “If a testamentary guardian
proves to be unsatisfactory, removal proceedings . . . may be used . . . .” (Emphasis added.) The
4
If two or more persons are seeking court appointment as guardian under Idaho Code § 15-5-204, then the court
could consider factors such as those listed in Idaho Code § 32-717(1) to determine which person‟s appointment
would be in the best interest of the child(ren).
11
comment does not support Heisses‟ argument; it supports the magistrate court‟s interpretation of
section 15-5-212.5
Third, Heisses‟ proposed interpretation of “best interest” in section 15-5-212(a) would
substantially diminish parents‟ rights to appoint their children‟s guardians by will. The Official
Comment to Idaho Code § 15-5-204, which governs court appointment of a guardian, states,
“[N]o authority to appoint a guardian for a minor exists if a testamentary guardian has accepted
an effective appointment by will. The purpose of this restriction is to support and encourage
testamentary appointments which may occur without judicial act.” If a court could remove the
parents‟ choice of guardian because the court felt that someone else would be a slightly better
guardian, it would substantially diminish the rights of parents to choose the guardian they believe
would be in the best interest of their children.
Finally, because of the power given to parents to make a testamentary appointment of a
guardian for their unmarried minor children, Heisses‟ proposed interpretation conflicts with
Idaho Code § 15-5-204. A person can become a guardian of an unmarried minor child by
acceptance of testamentary appointment or by court appointment. I.C. § 15-5-201. A person
who contends that he or she would be a better guardian than the testamentary guardian could
only become guardian by court appointment. As explained above, the court cannot appoint such
person as guardian if either the testamentary guardian has already accepted appointment or does
so within thirty days after notice of the proceedings seeking court appointment. I.C. § 15-5-204.
If the legislature intended that anyone could challenge a testamentary appointment simply by
contending he or she would be a better guardian, there would have been no reason to limit
proceedings for court appointment of a guardian as it has done in section 15-5-204.
The magistrate court held that in order to prove that removal of Conti as guardian would
be in the best interest of the children, Heisses must prove that Conti was unfit or unqualified to
be guardian of the children. Heissess failed to do so. The court did not err in refusing to adopt
the interpretation of “best interest” proposed by Heisses. The court found that “Conti is in fact a
fit and proper person to discharge the duties of testamentary guardian.” As such, her removal
would not be in the best interest of Children.
5
As Heisses correctly state in their brief, “The Official Comment, due to re-numbering, must refer to
Idaho Code § 15-5-212 when Idaho Code 15-5-211 is referenced.”
12
C. Did the Court Err in Holding that Heisses Were Not Entitled to the Rights Set Forth in
Idaho Code § 32-717(3)?
Idaho Code § 32-717(3) provides, “In any case where the child is actually residing with a
grandparent in a stable relationship, the court may recognize the grandparent as having the same
standing as a parent for evaluating what custody arrangements are in the best interests of the
child.” Heisses contended in the magistrate court that this statute entitled them to be treated as
parents of John Doe. The court rejected that argument. Heisses contend that the statute applies
because “from the time John Doe was released from the hospital after the accident on October 3,
2008, until the time that the Magistrate ended that relationship by appointing Conti as the
primary guardian, he had been actually residing with his grandparents.”
Section 32-717(3) has no application to these proceedings. The statute begins, “In an
action for divorce the court may . . . give such direction for the custody, care and education of
the children of the marriage as may seem necessary or proper in the best interests of the
children.” I.C. § 32-717(1). It only applies to actions for divorce, which this obviously is not.
D. Is Conti Entitled to an Award of Attorney Fees for Defending the Cross-Appeal?
Conti seeks an award of attorney fees on appeal under Idaho Code § 12-121 for
defending against Heisses‟ cross-appeal. “Attorney fees can be awarded to the prevailing party
on appeal under that statute only if the appeal was brought or defended frivolously,
unreasonably, or without foundation.” Allbright v. Allbright, 147 Idaho 752, 756, 215 P.3d 472,
476 (2009). Heisses‟ cross-appeal simply asked this Court to disregard the current statutes
regarding appointment and removal of guardians and adopt a scheme Heisses believed would be
more favorable to them. The magistrate court wrote that “much of Heiss‟ case asserting Conti‟s
unfitness did have the appearance of „grasping at straws.‟” This appeal has even less merit.
Although it refused to award Conti attorney fees under section 12-121, the magistrate court
admonished Heisses, “In the event that Heiss pursues additional litigation beyond this point, a
different conclusion may well be reached by this or another court.” We award Conti attorney
fees on appeal for defending against Heisses‟ cross-appeal.
E. Did the Court Err in Ordering the Parties to Pay the Cost of Children’s Court-
Appointed Counsel?
13
The magistrate court appointed an attorney to represent Children in these proceedings. In
its memorandum decision entered on March 27, 2009, the court wrote, “The reasonable fees and
costs of the court appointed attorney for the children shall be evenly shared by Conti and Heiss,
with each party promptly paying their half upon request.” On August 18, 2009, the court entered
an order awarding the attorney $9,550.45 in fees. The court held that the fees were to be paid
from the estates of Children, but if those estates did not have the funds to pay the fees within
ninety days, then Conti and Heisses were each to pay one-half of the cost, but could recover such
sums from Children‟s estates. Heisses argue:
The Court on its own initiative ordered that the reasonable fees and costs
of the court appointed attorney for the children shall be evenly shared by Conti
and Heiss, with each party promptly paying their half upon request.
No authority is cited for the award and the magistrate should be reversed.
The attorney for the children should be paid from the Karl and Marisa‟s
Estates.
The above is Heisses‟ entire argument on this issue in their opening brief. The August
18, 2009, order entered by the magistrate court differed from the order it initially indicated it
would enter. Although Heisses‟ reply brief was filed the day before the court entered the August
18, 2009, order, they did not seek to supplement the record with a copy of that order, nor did
they seek to file a supplemental brief addressing the actual provisions of the order. This Court
learned of the order during Conti‟s closing argument on appeal. We have previously said, “We
will not consider issues cited on appeal that are not supported by propositions of law, authority,
or argument.” KEB Enters., L.P. v. Smedley, 140 Idaho 746, 754, 101 P.3d 690, 698 (2004). We
therefore decline to address this issue.
IV. CONCLUSION
We reverse the order of the magistrate court appointing Heisses as coguardians, and we
affirm the order of the magistrate court denying Heisses‟ motion to remove Conti as guardian.
We award Conti costs on appeal, including attorney fees for defending against Heisses‟ cross-
appeal. We remand this case for further proceedings that are consistent with this opinion.
Justices BURDICK, J. JONES, W. JONES and HORTON CONCUR.
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