In Re the Paternity of H.A., A.A. v. R.M. and B.M. (mem. dec.) ( 2015 )

MEMORANDUM DECISION
Pursuant to Ind. Appellate Rule 65(D),
this Memorandum Decision shall not be Aug 26 2015, 8:54 am
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.
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE
Jeffrey T. Jones, Jr. Andrew P. Simmons
Jones Law, PC Lindsey A. Davenport
Warsaw, Indiana VanGilder & Trzynka
Fort Wayne, Indiana
IN THE
COURT OF APPEALS OF INDIANA
In Re the Paternity of H.A. August 26, 2015
Court of Appeals Case No.
A.A. 57A03-1504-JP-128
Appellant, Appeal from the Noble Superior
Court
v. The Honorable James R. Heuer
Trial Court Cause No.
R.M. and B.M., 57C01-9809-JP-82
Appellee
Bailey, Judge.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 57A03-1504-JP-128 | August 26, 2015 Page 1 of 12
Case Summary
[1] A.A. (“Mother”) appeals the denial of her petition to modify the physical
custody of her now-seventeen-year-old daughter, H.A., who has been cared for
by R.M. and B.M. (“Intervenors”) since H.A.’s infancy. 1 We affirm.
Issues
[2] Mother presents two issues for review:
I. Whether the trial court abused its discretion by denying a
motion for appointment of a neutral custody evaluator to
assist Mother’s court-appointed attorney; and
II. Whether there exists sufficient evidence to support the
custody decision.
Facts and Procedural History
[3] The parties agreed that the trial court would render its custody decision based
upon the submission of court-ordered mental health care provider reports,
parenting-time summaries, and other documentary exhibits. No evidentiary
1
When H.A.’s biological father, V.M., was still living, R.M. and B.M. were permitted to intervene in
custody proceedings involving V.M. and Mother. Thus, R.M. and B.M. are referred to as Intervenors in
court documents. It appears that they also acted as “de facto custodians.” Indiana law defines a “de facto
custodian” as someone who has been the primary caregiver for, and financial support of, a child who has
resided with the person for at least six months if the child is less than three years of age or one year if the
child is at least three years of age. Ind. Code § 31-9-2-35.5. Here, the trial court found that Intervenors had
provided primary care and supervision to H.A. for the majority of her life, under an informal custody
arrangement.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 57A03-1504-JP-128 | August 26, 2015 Page 2 of 12
hearing was conducted. Thus, our statement of the facts is based upon the
paper record before the trial court.
[4] During her later teenage years, Mother moved in with Intervenors. Also living
in the home were the Intervenors’ sons and another teenager, V.M. During
1997, Mother became pregnant by V.M. H.A. was born in May of 1998. Some
years later, Mother married one of Intervenors’ sons. They moved into a
marital residence but did not take H.A. to live with them full-time.
Subsequently, they divorced. 2
[5] Intervenors claim that H.A. has resided with them almost exclusively since
H.A.’s birth, with the maternal grandmother caring for H.A. for approximately
one month during her infancy, and Mother having some two-day visits.
According to Mother, she and Intervenors developed an informal shared
custody arrangement and she did not relinquish H.A.’s physical care to
Intervenors. Nonetheless, the first court order as to H.A.’s custody was entered
on March 16, 2010. At that time, Intervenors were awarded physical custody
of H.A. Mother was allowed supervised parenting time. 3
2
V.M. is now deceased.
3
Mother had been diagnosed with some mental health disorders and was experiencing suicidal ideations.
Reportedly, she had made threats to take H.A. to the home of a relative Mother had accused of molesting
Mother. According to Mother’s plan, she would tuck H.A. into bed and then leave and commit suicide.
When H.A. awakened, she would be in the custody of the maternal relative and she would then experience
and understand what Mother had experienced.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 57A03-1504-JP-128 | August 26, 2015 Page 3 of 12
[6] On July 16, 2013, the trial court restricted Mother’s parenting time to
therapeutic supervised parenting time with Family Connections. The trial court
also ordered that Mother, H.A., and Intervenors participate in counseling
sessions with Dr. Amanda Mayle. Initially, visits at Family Connections went
well. However, H.A. began to report anxiety about the visits and she began to
refuse to actively participate. 4
[7] During a November 2013 session in Dr. Mayle’s office, H.A. was physically
aggressive with Mother and Mother called the police, seeking to have H.A.
placed in a juvenile facility away from the influence of Intervenors. Dr. Mayle
recommended to the trial court that the parenting time sessions be suspended.
According to Dr. Mayle, H.A.’s level of anger toward Mother had not
decreased despite the extensive participation in services, and Dr. Mayle feared
H.A. would exhibit self-destructive and physically aggressive behaviors in the
future if the sessions continued. At the same time, therapist Trish Fox (“Fox”)
reported that sessions at Family connections were not going well. An order of
December 10, 2013 suspended the therapeutic parenting time sessions.
[8] On April 9, 2014, Mother filed a Motion for Modification of Custody. She also
sought to have Intervenors held in contempt of court. After Mother’s attorney
4
H.A. has been diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder, attention-deficit disorder, and oppositional-
defiant disorder.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 57A03-1504-JP-128 | August 26, 2015 Page 4 of 12
was granted permission to withdraw, the trial court appointed an attorney for
Mother at public expense. A Guardian Ad Litem (“GAL”) was also appointed.
[9] In July of 2014, the GAL submitted her report to the trial court. She observed
that Mother’s personal therapist, Dr. Jason Cook, had opined that Mother was
a suitable caregiver for H.A. The GAL recommended the appointment of a
neutral custody evaluator to address possible parental alienation syndrome. On
August 27, 2014, Mother filed a request for a court-appointed custody
evaluator. Intervenors filed an objection. On September 23, 2014, Special
Judge James Heuer issued an order stating that the request would “remain
under advisement until the evidentiary hearing is conducted on December 17,
2014.” (App. at 114.)
[10] On December 17, 2014, the parties submitted a stipulation waiving a hearing
and providing that written briefs and exhibits would be submitted to the special
judge. On February 27, 2015, the special judge denied the motion for custody
modification. Intervenors were found not to be in contempt of court. H.A. was
to continue in individual counseling sessions, and parenting time remained
suspended. This appeal ensued.
Discussion and Decision
Request for Custody Evaluator
[11] The trial court was given reports from Dr. Mayle, Dr. Cook, the GAL, and
Fox. Mother also requested a custody evaluator who was not privy to the
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 57A03-1504-JP-128 | August 26, 2015 Page 5 of 12
history of the case. After a telephonic hearing, 5 the request was taken under
advisement until the scheduled hearing date. 6 However, on the scheduled
hearing date, the parties filed their stipulation of agreement to submit written
briefs and materials in lieu of testimony. Ultimately, the ruling upon the
request for a custody evaluator was made as part of the order denying custody
modification.
[12] Mother claims that the trial court abused its discretion by failing to appoint a
custody evaluator to assist her court-appointed attorney in countering Dr.
Mayle’s opinion. According to Mother, although she relied heavily upon Dr.
Cook’s reports to support her request for custody, Dr. Cook was at a
disadvantage because he had not examined H.A. or the Intervenors. Mother
opines that a custody evaluator would have uncovered indications of systematic
parental alienation efforts on the part of Intervenors.
[13] Mother does not point to authority suggesting that a litigant in a custody matter
is entitled to a custody evaluator at public expense. Rather, she asserts that she
was effectively stripped of all meaningful parental rights and thus suffered a
deprivation of such magnitude that it is analogous to the deprivation of liberty
experienced by criminal defendants. Even so, she acknowledges that
5
Mother asserts that an unrecorded telephonic hearing was held on August 29, 2014. We have no record of
this hearing. Assuming that evidence was presented, Mother has not elected to prepare a verified statement
of the evidence pursuant to Indiana Appellate Rule 31.
6
The trial court issued an order dated September 23, 2014 stating that the parties apparently lacked private
funds for a custody evaluator, and the GAL had filed a “comprehensive report” with the court on July 30,
2014. (App. at 114.)
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 57A03-1504-JP-128 | August 26, 2015 Page 6 of 12
appointment of an expert for a criminal defendant is within the trial court’s
discretion and a defendant cannot simply rely upon a blanket statement of need.
See McConniel v. State, 974 N.E.2d 543, 557-58 (Ind. Ct. App. 2012) (discussing
the factors a trial court may consider when a defendant undertakes to make a
specific showing of the benefits of an expert: whether the expert’s services
would bear on an issue for which expert opinion would be necessary or the
request appears to be exploratory only, whether the services will likely answer a
substantial question or merely an ancillary one, the severity of the penalty
faced, the cost, and the complexity of the case).
[14] In this case, the trial court received expert advice from multiple sources. Dr.
Mayle submitted eight status reports regarding the joint therapy sessions for
Mother and H.A. conducted from July 2012 to November, 2013. Dr. Cook,
who was Mother’s therapist, and Fox, the therapist who supervised the
therapeutic parenting sessions, each submitted reports. Mother insists that a
new evaluator could have brought to light evidence of conduct on the part of
Intervenors amounting to parental alienation. However, given the wealth of
professional opinions already before the trial court, and a prior order of the trial
court explicitly finding that Intervenors had not engaged in alienation conduct,
this appears to be an exploratory wish. Mother has not demonstrated that the
trial court abused its discretion by refusing her request for a custody evaluator.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 57A03-1504-JP-128 | August 26, 2015 Page 7 of 12
Sufficiency
[15] Where, as here, the trial court has entered findings and conclusions in
accordance with Indiana Trial Rule 52, we employ a two-tiered standard of
review. In re Intervenorship of L.L., 745 N.E.2d 222, 227 (Ind. Ct. App. 2001),
trans. denied. We first determine whether the evidence supports the findings,
and then consider whether the findings support the judgment. Id. The trial
court’s findings and judgment will not be set aside unless they are clearly
erroneous. Id. A judgment is clearly erroneous when it is unsupported by the
conclusions drawn, and conclusions are clearly erroneous when they are not
supported by findings of fact. Id. A judgment is also clearly erroneous when
the trial court has applied the wrong legal standard to properly found facts.
Fraley v. Minger, 829 N.E.2d 476, 482 (Ind. 2005). In reviewing the order being
appealed, we will neither reweigh the evidence nor assess witness credibility. In
re M.B. and P.B., 666 N.E.2d 73, 76 (Ind. Ct. App. 1996), trans. denied. Rather,
we will consider only the evidence that supports the trial court’s judgment
together with all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom. Id.[16] The trial court made factual findings to the effect that: H.A. had exhibited
anger and hostility toward Mother; Mother lacked appropriate skills to interact
with H.A. when challenged; H.A. expressed a specific desire to discontinue
visits; she exhibited physical and behavioral problems after visits (including
“refusing to eat, indigestion, rages and rantings about her mother, exhaustion,
and inability to sleep”); after suspension of visits, H.A.’s mood, grades, and
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 57A03-1504-JP-128 | August 26, 2015 Page 8 of 12
willingness to engage in social activities had improved; and Dr. Mayle
recommended that H.A. not be forced into parental visits. (App. at 46.)
[17] Mother does not allege that the trial court’s findings of fact are unsupported by
the evidence. Rather, Mother contends that Intervenors failed to establish that
it is in H.A.’s best interests to remain with Intervenors. Mother argues that no
evidence was presented to show she was unfit, neglectful, or a physical danger
to H.A. However, she concedes that H.A. could not be immediately placed in
her physical custody “due to the state of their relationship.” (Appellant’s Br. at
23.) She requests placement with a “neutral family member” and involvement
of “a disinterested and new therapist for a fresh look.” (Appellant’s Br. at 24.)
As best we can discern Mother’s argument, she contends that – absent a specific
showing of her unfitness – she should be able to determine where H.A. resides
and the best placement would be with a maternal relative.
[18] Our Indiana Supreme Court described in detail the legal framework applicable
to custody disputes between a natural parent and a third party. In re K.I., 903
N.E.2d 453, 462 (Ind. 2009). In particular, K.I. involved a parent’s action to
take custody of his daughter and in so doing terminate her grandparents’
Intervenorship over her. First, the Court observed that custody modifications
are reviewed for an abuse of discretion, with a preference for deference to our
trial judges in family law matters. Id. at 457. The Court then recognized that,
pursuant to Indiana Code section 31-14-13-6, child custody may not be
modified unless the modification is in the best interests of the child, and there is
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 57A03-1504-JP-128 | August 26, 2015 Page 9 of 12
a substantial change in one or more of the factors that the court may consider
under section 31-14-13-2 and, if applicable, section 31-14-13-2.5. 7 Id.[19] However, the Court in K.I. clearly reiterated that the non-parent must overcome
the “important and strong presumption” that a child’s best interests are best
served by placement with his or her natural parent. Id. at 459 (citing In re
Intervenorship of B.H., 770 N.E.2d 283, 287 (Ind. 2002)). The burden is one of
clear and convincing evidence proving that the child’s best interests are
“substantially and significantly” served by the third-party placement. Id. The
Court specifically rejected a “burden-shifting regime” placing the third party
and the parent on a level playing field, as this would be inconsistent with long-
standing State precedent. Id. at 460.
[20] Although the party seeking a change of custody must persuade the trial court
that modification is in the best interests of the child and there is a substantial
change in one of the afore-mentioned statutory factors, “these are modest
requirements where the party seeking to modify custody is the natural parent of
7
The non-exhaustive list of relevant factors includes (1) the age and sex of the child, (2) the wishes of the child’s
parents, (3) the wishes of the child, (4) the interaction and interrelationship of the child with the child’s parents,
siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interest, (5) the child’s adjustment
to home, school, and community, (6) the mental and physical health of all individuals involved, (7) evidence
of a pattern of domestic or family violence by either parent, and (8) evidence that the child has been cared for
by a de facto custodian.
Section 2.5 is applicable only if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the child has been cared
for by a de facto custodian. If so, in addition to the factors listed in section 2, the court shall consider (1) the
wishes of the child’s de facto custodian, the extent to which the child has been cared for, nurtured, and
supported by the de facto custodian, the intent of the child’s parent in placing the child with the de facto
custodian, and the circumstances under which the child was allowed to remain in the custody of the de facto
custodian (including whether placement was to allow the parent to seek employment, work, or attend school).
Ind. Code § 31-14-13-2.5(b). Pursuant to subsection (d), the court shall award custody of the child to the de
facto custodian if the court determines that it is in the best interests of the child.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 57A03-1504-JP-128 | August 26, 2015 Page 10 of 12
a child who is in the custody of a third party.” Id. The “parent comes to the
table with a strong presumption” and the burden imposed by the statutory
requirements is “minimal.” Id. When the parent meets this “minimal burden,”
the third party must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the child’s best
interests are substantially and significantly served by placement with another
person. Id. at 461 (citing B.H., 770 N.E.2d at 287). If the third party carries the
burden, custody of the child remains in the third party. Id. at 461. “Otherwise,
custody must be modified in favor of the child’s natural parent.” Id.
[21] In short, in a custody dispute between a parent and a third party, even where
the parent seeks to reobtain custody, the burden of proof that third-party
custody is warranted is always upon the third party. See id. Thus, Mother
correctly asserts that the Intervenors had to establish that H.A.’s best interests
were substantially and significantly served by the continued placement outside
Mother’s home. However, contrary to Mother’s suggestion, the Intervenors
need not have specifically established Mother’s unfitness to parent. See In re
B.H., 770 N.E.2d at 287 (observing that evidence of unfitness, acquiescence, or
creation of a strong emotional bond is important, but clarifying that a trial court
is not limited to these factors).
[22] Crucially, Mother is admittedly not able to take physical custody of H.A. Her
insistence that H.A. would benefit from yet another third-party placement – late
in her teenaged years – presents an invitation to reweigh the evidence of best
interests. This Court is prohibited from reweighing the evidence. Id. at 288.
Accordingly, we decline to do so.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 57A03-1504-JP-128 | August 26, 2015 Page 11 of 12
Conclusion
[23] The trial court did not abuse its discretion by refusing to appoint a custody
evaluator. There is sufficient evidence to support the custody decision.
[24] Affirmed.
Baker, J., and Brown, J., concur.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 57A03-1504-JP-128 | August 26, 2015 Page 12 of 12