K.W. v. C.W. (mem. dec.) ( 2018 )

MEMORANDUM DECISION
Pursuant to Ind. Appellate Rule 65(D),
this Memorandum Decision shall not be
regarded as precedent or cited before any
court except for the purpose of establishing
the defense of res judicata, collateral
estoppel, or the law of the case. FILED
Feb 26 2018, 6:39 am
CLERK
Indiana Supreme Court
Court of Appeals
and Tax Court
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT
Jonathan R. Deenik
Deenik Law, LLC
Greenwood, Indiana
IN THE
COURT OF APPEALS OF INDIANA
K.W., February 26, 2018
Appellant-Respondent, Court of Appeals Case No.
41A01-1708-DR-1833
v. Appeal from the Johnson Superior
Court
C.W., The Honorable Eugene Stewart,
Appellee-Petitioner. Senior Judge
Trial Court Cause No.
41D02-1103-DR-175
Bradford, Judge.
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Case Summary
[1] Appellant-Respondent K.W. (“Father”) and Appellee-Petitioner C.W.
(“Mother”) are the parents of K.W., Jr. (“the Child”). After the parties’
divorce, Mother was granted custody of the Child and Father was awarded
parenting time pursuant to the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines (“IPTG”).
On October 13, 2016, Mother filed a verified notice of intent to relocate to
Belton, Missouri, with the Child to which Father objected. Following a two-
day hearing on the matter, the trial court issued an order in which it granted
Mother permission to relocate to Missouri with the Child. Father appeals from
the trial court’s order. Finding no error in the trial court’s order, we affirm.
Facts and Procedural History
[2] Mother and Father were previously married and are the parents of the Child.
The Child was born on January 26, 2006. The parties’ marriage was dissolved
by a divorce decree dated January 31, 2007. Following the parties’ divorce,
Mother was granted primary physical custody of the Child and Father was
granted parenting time pursuant to the IPTG.
[3] The parties continued to reside in their respective residences in Franklin,
Indiana, following their divorce. In April of 2012, Mother sought and received
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permission to relocate to Milton, Kentucky, with the Child.1 Mother and the
Child returned to Franklin in May of 2014, after Mother’s employer added
Indiana to her sales territory. At some point, Father remarried and, in February
of 2016, moved to Noblesville.
[4] On October 13, 2016, Mother filed a verified notice of intent to relocate with
the Child to Belton, Missouri.2 In this notice, Mother indicated that she wished
to relocate “because she is seeking promotion and greater financial opportunity
with her employer …as well as following God’s call to join the Gospel
Tabernacle Church … where she and [the Child] can thrive attending a good
church and associating with good people.” Appellant’s App. Vol. II, p. 14.
Mother proposed “a revised schedule of parenting time to be that which is
agreed upon by the parties, subject to the [IPTG] where [d]istance is a [f]actor.”
Appellant’s App. Vol. II, p. 14. On December 2, 2016, Father filed a verified
objection to the proposed relocation of the Child.
[5] The trial court conducted a two-day hearing on the matter on May 22, 2017 and
June 26, 2017. On August 1, 2017, the trial court issued a detailed order
allowing Mother to relocate to Missouri with the Child. The trial court
1
Father did not object to the relocation to Kentucky and continued to exercise parenting time with the Child
while the Child resided in Kentucky.
2
Mother acknowledged before the trial court that since the parties’ divorce, she has sought permission to
relocate on a number of occasions. Mother indicated that these attempts to relocate were made for the
purpose of securing better employment opportunities and that these opportunities would have enabled her to
better provide for the Child. The record reveals that one such request was denied, one was withdrawn by
Mother, and one was for the aforementioned move to Kentucky.
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specifically found that the evidence proved that the proposed relocation was
requested in good faith for a legitimate reason and that the relocation was in the
Child’s best interest. Father now appeals.
Discussion and Decision
[6] Initially, we note that Mother has not filed an Appellee’s brief in this matter.
“When the appellee has failed to submit an answer brief we need
not undertake the burden of developing an argument on the
appellee’s behalf.” Trinity Homes, LLC v. Fang, 848 N.E.2d 1065,
1068 (Ind. 2006). “Rather, we will reverse the trial court’s
judgment if the appellant’s brief presents a case of prima facie
error.” Id. (citing Gibson v. City of Indpls., 242 Ind. 447, 448, 179
N.E.2d 291, 292 (1962)). “Prima facie error in this context is
defined as, ‘at first sight, on first appearance, or on the face of
it.’” Id. (citing Santana v. Santana, 708 N.E.2d 886, 887 (Ind. Ct.
App. 1999)). “Where an appellant is unable to meet this burden,
we will affirm.” Id.
Fifth Third Bank v. PNC Bank, 885 N.E.2d 52, 54 (Ind. Ct. App. 2008).
I. Standard of Review
[7] The trial court entered findings of fact and conclusions of law pursuant to
Father’s request under Indiana Trial Rule 52(A).
Our standard of review is well-settled:
[W]e must first determine whether the record
supports the factual findings, and then whether the
findings support the judgment. On appeal, we will
not set aside the findings or judgment unless they are
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clearly erroneous, and due regard shall be given to
the opportunity of the trial court to judge the
credibility of witnesses. We therefore consider only
the evidence favorable to the judgment and the
reasonable inferences flowing therefrom, and we will
neither reweigh the evidence nor assess witness
credibility. A judgment is clearly erroneous when
there is no evidence to support the findings, the
findings do not support the judgment, or the trial
court applies the wrong legal standard to properly
found facts.
M.S. v. C.S., 938 N.E.2d 278, 281–82 (Ind.Ct.App.2010)
(quotations and citations omitted).…
“In addition to the standard of review under Trial Rule 52, our
supreme court has expressed a ‘preference for granting latitude
and deference to our trial judges in family law matters.’” In re
Paternity of Ba.S., 911 N.E.2d 1252, 1254 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009)
(quoting In re Marriage of Richardson, 622 N.E.2d 178, 178 (Ind.
1993)). Our supreme court has recently re-emphasized this
principle, stating that we afford such deference because of trial
judges’ “unique, direct interactions with the parties face-to-face.”
Best v. Best, 941 N.E.2d 499, 502 (Ind. 2011). “Thus enabled to
assess credibility and character through both factual testimony
and intuitive discernment, our trial judges are in a superior
position to ascertain information and apply common sense,
particularly in the determination of the best interests of the
involved children.” Id.; see also Kirk v. Kirk, 770 N.E.2d 304, 307
(Ind. 2002). Therefore, we “will not substitute our own
judgment if any evidence or legitimate inferences support the trial
court’s judgment. The concern for finality in custody matters
reinforces this doctrine.” Baxendale v. Raich, 878 N.E.2d 1252,
1257–58 (Ind. 2008).
T.L. v. J.L., 950 N.E.2d 779, 783–84 (Ind. Ct. App. 2011).
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II. Legal Standard for Relocation
[8] Under the relocation statutes, a relocating parent must file a notice of intent to
relocate and send a copy of the notice to any nonrelocating parent. Ind. Code §
31-17-2.2-1(a). If a nonrelocating parent objects to the relocation of the child,
the parent must, not later than sixty days after the receipt of notice from the
relocating parent, file a motion in opposition to the motion to relocate. Ind.
Code § 31-17-2.2-5(a).
[9] Once a nonrelocating parent has filed a motion in opposition to the relocation
of the child, “[o]n the request of either party, the court shall hold a full
evidentiary hearing to grant or deny a relocation motion[.]” Ind. Code § 31-17-
2.2-5(b). During this hearing, “[t]he relocating individual has the burden of
proof that the proposed relocation is made in good faith and for a legitimate
reason.” Ind. Code § 31-17-2.2-5(c). “If the relocating individual meets the
burden of proof under [Ind. Code § 31-17-2.2-5(c)], the burden shifts to the
nonrelocating parent to show that the proposed relocation is not in the best
interest of the child.” Ind. Code § 31-17-2.2-5(d).
[10] In considering the proposed relocation, the trial court shall take into account
the following factors:
(1) The distance involved in the proposed change of residence.
(2) The hardship and expense involved for the nonrelocating
individual to exercise parenting time or grandparent visitation.
(3) The feasibility of preserving the relationship between the
nonrelocating individual and the child through suitable parenting
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time and grandparent visitation arrangements, including
consideration of the financial circumstances of the parties.
(4) Whether there is an established pattern of conduct by the
relocating individual, including actions by the relocating
individual to either promote or thwart a nonrelocating
individual’s contact with the child.
(5) The reasons provided by the:
(A) relocating individual for seeking relocation; and
(B) nonrelocating parent for opposing the relocation
of the child.
(6) Other factors affecting the best interest of the child.
Ind. Code § 31-17-2.2-1(b).
III. Analysis
[11] In challenging the trial court’s order allowing Mother to relocate with the
Child, Father contends that the trial court erred in finding that Mother’s
proposed relocation was being made for a legitimate purpose. Father
alternatively contends that even if the proposed relocation was being made for a
legitimate purpose, the trial court erred in finding that the proposed relocation
was in the Child’s best interests.
A. Legitimate Purpose
[12] During the hearing, Mother indicated that her relocation to Belton, Missouri,
would afford her potential opportunities for advancement with her employer
that are not available to her in Indiana. At the time of the evidentiary hearing,
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Mother had been employed by Forberg Scientific, Inc. (“Forberg”) for
approximately five years. Mother worked in outside sales, covering the State of
Indiana. In relocating to Missouri, Mother would initially hold a similar sales
position with Forberg as she did in Indiana. Mother, however, would have
opportunities for advancement in Missouri and such opportunities are not
available to her in Indiana.
[13] Mother indicated that she is “stagnant in her job” in Indiana and does not have
the potential for a promotion unless she relocates. Tr. Vol. II, p. 21. Mother
described multiple opportunities for advancement that would likely be available
to her with the next two or three years if she were to relocate to Missouri. She
also indicated that there were opportunities for advancement with Forberg’s
sister company in Missouri, although she would rather continue her
employment with Forberg. Mother wishes to stay with and advance within
Forberg because the company provides her the flexibility to set her schedule in a
manner that allows her to best care for the Child.
[14] The trial court considered the evidence relating to Mother’s desire to advance
her career so to better provide financial flexibility for herself and the Child. The
trial court concluded that Mother’s proposed relocation is made in good faith
and for a legitimate purpose. In challenging the trial court’s conclusion, Father
does not dispute that Mother has employment opportunities available to her in
Missouri that are not available in Indiana. Father argues, however, that a
potential employment opportunity is not a legitimate reason for Mother to
relocate because Mother does not have a guaranteed offer of employment.
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Thus, Father asserts that Mother’s proposed relocation “is premised on pure
speculation.” Appellant’s Br. p. 14.
[15] Contrary to Father’s assertion, the record reveals that Mother will have
employment following her relocation to Missouri. The only speculation is to
whether and how quickly Mother will advance in this employment.
[16] In addition, Father points to no case law indicating that an opportunity for
career advancement is not a legitimate reason for a proposed relocation, and
relevant authority suggests otherwise. In T.L., the relocating parent indicated
that she wanted to relocate to Tennessee because she desired to be closer to
family and to take advantage of educational opportunities and career
advancement opportunities available to her in Tennessee. 950 N.E.2d at 787.
The relocating parent indicated that similar opportunities were not available to
her in Indiana for financial reasons. Id. at 782, 787. It was clear from the facts
of T.L. that the relocating parent had not obtained new employment but would
first have to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to her.
Id. at 782. Nevertheless, we concluded that the reasons provided by the
relocating parent were legitimate and made in good faith. Id. at 787.
[17] In reaching this conclusion, we noted that “it is common in our society that
people move to live near family members, for financial reasons, or to obtain or
maintain employment. We infer that these and similar reasons … are what the
legislature intended in requiring that relocation be for legitimate and good faith
reasons.” Id. at 787–88 (quotation marks omitted). Here, Mother’s job
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prospects are more certain than those discussed in T.L. In this case, Mother
will have employment when she relocates and, upon relocation, will be in the
position to take advantage of opportunities for advancement and higher
compensation that are available to her in Missouri, but not Indiana. We
conclude that this reason was a legitimate reason for relocating.
B. Best Interests of the Child
[18] With respect to the Child’s best interests, Mother indicated that she believes
that the proposed relocation would “enrich [her and the Child’s] lifestyles.” Tr.
Vol. II, p. 21. Mother noted that current conflict in her relationship with her
parents is not healthy for the Child. She also noted that she and the Child had a
nice lifestyle while they lived in Kentucky and were both “really happy.” Tr.
Vol. II, p. 21. She believes the same would be true in Missouri.
[19] Mother and the Child already have friends and acquaintances in Missouri.
These friends and acquaintances include individuals who attend the church that
Mother wishes to attend and former and current co-workers of Mother and their
families. The Child enjoys his and Mother’s visits to Missouri and has “fit right
in.” Tr. Vol. II, p. 24. Mother indicated that the Child lights “up when he’s
there” and stated that she “want[s] that for him.” Tr. Vol. II, p. 24.
[20] While Father claims that the Child is well-adjusted and has made a lot of
friends in Franklin, Father could not name any of these friends and admitted
that he and the Child “don’t talk about specific individuals.” Tr. Vol. II, p. 156.
Nothing in the record indicates that the Child would not also adjust well to life
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in Missouri and the record indicates that the Child, through monthly visits to
the area, has already begun to make friends there.
[21] Historically, Father has not “exercise[d] full parenting time.” Tr. Vol. II, p. 11.
This is true both while the parties all lived in Franklin and since Father has
moved to Noblesville. Father sees the Child “on occasion” but never on a
consistent basis. Tr. Vol. II, p. 11. Mother indicated that she “never knew
when [Father] was going to see [the Child].” Tr. Vol. II, p. 11. In addition,
since Mother and the Child moved back to Franklin and Father relocated to
Noblesville, Father exercises parenting time “very rarely.” Tr. Vol. II, p. 13.
Mother noted that the quantity of Father’s parenting time increased when she
and the Child lived in Kentucky. She further indicated that she hoped that the
proposed relocation would result in an increase in Father’s parenting time as it
would allow Father to exercise parenting time pursuant to the IPTG where
distance is a factor.
[22] For his part, Father asserted that his employment as a manager of a Walmart
store limits his ability to exercise regular parenting time. However, while it is
undisputed that Father’s employment limits the days he has available to
exercise parenting time, the record reveals that Father does not request to see
the Child on his days off. He has not displayed a desire or willingness to put
forth the effort to spend time with the Child in Franklin, to visit the Child’s
school, or to attend the Child’s activities.
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[23] Some of Mother’s friends testified during the evidentiary hearing about
Mother’s relationship with the Child. These friends have observed that Mother
and the Child are “very close” and have “a very loving and affectionate bond.”
Tr. Vol. II, p. 215. Mother and the Child are “always doing something activity
wise” together. Tr. Vol. II, p. 215. One friend specifically described Mother as
“a good parent, very stable.” Tr. Vol. II, p. 221.
[24] Further, while Mother and the Child had previously maintained a close
relationship with her family, as of the date of the evidentiary hearing, such was
no longer the case. Mother testified that her prior decision to leave her parents’
church created a problem with her relationship with her parents, specifically,
her mother. Mother left her parents’ church because there were no children for
the Child to interact with and because she did not agree with some of the
church’s teachings. Mother testified that since leaving her parents’ church, she
has “been told that [she and her parents] don’t have a relationship because [she
does not] go to their church anymore.” Tr. Vol. II, p. 11. In further testifying
about her deteriorating relationship with her parents, Mother indicated that “all
[she] feel[s] there is [is] judgment and condemnation and [that she is] never
good enough.” Tr. Vol. II, p. 244. Given the evidence outlining Mother’s
deteriorating relationship with her parents, the trial court reasonably inferred
that the nature of Child’s relationship with his grandparents would be impacted
regardless of whether Mother and the Child relocated to Missouri.
[25] Father does not dispute that the Child and Mother have a close bond and that
Mother serves as a stabilizing force in the Child’s life. Father argues, however,
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that relocation is not in the Child’s best interests because it will make it more
difficult for Father to maintain a close relationship with the Child and for the
Child to maintain a close relationship with other family members living in
Indiana, mainly Mother’s parents. The record reveals that Father’s actions
while the Child resided in Indiana negatively impacted Father’s ability to
maintain a close relationship with the Child. The trial court also specifically
found that the parties’ respective financial situations are such that it would not
be a financial burden to transport the Child between Missouri and Indiana for
visitation with Father either by vehicle or airplane. Further, as we discussed in
the paragraph above, the record also reveals that maternal grandparents’ access
to and relationship with the Child will be diminished regardless of whether
Mother and the Child reside in Missouri or Indiana.
[26] Father also argues that while he may be entitled to more parenting time if
Mother and the Child were to relocate, this time would not be as consistent as
his parenting time if the Child were to remain in Indiana. The evidence
indicates, however, that Father was currently inconsistent with the exercise of
his parenting time with the Child. Father did not present any evidence
suggesting that the inconsistent nature of his exercise of parenting time with the
Child would change if Mother and the Child were to remain in Indiana.
[27] Our review of the record reveals that Father has failed to take full advantage of
his parenting time opportunities while living in close proximity with the Child.
The evidence further demonstrates that the Child and Mother have a strong
bond. It seems that so long as the Child resides with Mother, the Child appears
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able to smoothly transition to different living environments. Mother and the
Child have already begun to build a sense of community in Missouri. One may
reasonably infer from the record that this sense of community would increase
following their permanent relocation to Missouri. Mother also has
opportunities for career advancement in Missouri. These opportunities would
provide her with a greater sense of financial freedom and enable her to better
provide for the Child. Thus, in light of our preference for granting latitude and
deference to our trial judges in family law matters, we conclude that the trial
court did not err in finding that relocation was in the Child’s best interests.
[28] The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Robb, J., and Crone, J., concur.
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