Katju v. Bavadekar , 2016 Ohio 7970 ( 2016 )

[Cite as Katju v. Bavadekar, 2016-Ohio-7970.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
TENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
Vikram Katju, :
Plaintiff-Appellant, :
Nos. 16AP-325
v. : and 16AP-456
(C.P.C. No. 15DR-3188)
Supriya Bavadekar, :
(REGULAR CALENDAR)
Defendant-Appellee. :
D E C I S I O N
Rendered on December 1, 2016
On brief: Sowald, Sowald, Anderson, Hawley & Johnson,
and Eric W. Johnson, for appellant. Argued: Eric W.
Johnson.
On brief: The Nigh Law Group, LLC, and Elizabeth R.
Werner, for appellee. Argued: Elizabeth R. Werner.
APPEAL from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas,
Division of Domestic Relations
HORTON, J.
{¶ 1} Plaintiff-appellant, Vikram Katju, appeals from a March 14, 2016 Judgment
Entry – Decree of Divorce ("Divorce Decree"), and the March 30, 2016 Findings of Fact
and Conclusions of Law ("Facts and Law"), of the Franklin County Court of Common
Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations, granting a divorce on the grounds of extreme
cruelty in favor of defendant-appellee, Supriya Bavadekar. Appellant also appeals from a
May 17, 2016 decision and entry granting appellee attorney fees. Appellee has also filed a
motion for attorney fees with this court. For the following reasons, we affirm the
judgment of the trial court and deny appellee's motion.
I. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
{¶ 2} On March 14, 2016, this action came before the trial court for a hearing on
the complaint for divorce filed by appellant on August 23, 2015, and a counterclaim for
Nos. 16AP-325 and 16AP-456 2
divorce filed by appellee on September 22, 2015. The parties stipulated to all matters
regarding the termination of their marriage, except the issue of grounds for the divorce.
After a hearing on the only contested issue, the court entered a Divorce Decree on
March 14, 2016, and awarded a divorce to appellee based upon the finding that appellant
was guilty of extreme cruelty. The Divorce Decree was signed and approved by both
parties and their respective counsel.
{¶ 3} On March 21, 2016, appellant filed a request for separate Facts and Law. As
the only contested issue was that of the grounds for the divorce, the court limited its Facts
and Law to said issue and stated, in relevant part to appellant's assignments of error:
The parties were married January 26, 2015, in California. On
August 23, 2015, [appellant] filed a Complaint for Divorce, in
which he alleged that [appellee] was guilty of extreme cruelty
and gross neglect of duty, and further that the parties were
incompatible. In [appellee's] Counterclaim, filed
September 22, 2015, she asserted that [appellant] was guilty
of gross neglect of duty, fraudulent contract, and extreme
cruelty. She further denied that the parties were incompatible
in her Answer, filed concurrently with her Counterclaim.
(Facts and Law at 1.)
[At the hearing, appellee] testified that it was [appellant] who
mistreated her and that his misogynistic behavior included
telling her she was "too American" and referring to their
residence as "HIS apartment." [Appellee], a pharmacist,
moved from New York to Ohio to be with [appellant]. She
claimed she then assumed the role of a housewife which
included cooking and cleaning for [appellant].
(Facts and Law at 2.)
A few months after the parties married, they conceived a
child. * * * Sadly, it was confirmed on May 18, 2015 that
[appellee] miscarried. Less than twenty-four hours later,
[appellant] asked [appellee] for a divorce. [Appellee]
experienced severe physical pain on June 15, 2015, when she
was "passing" the baby. According to [appellee], [appellant]
retrieved prescribed pain medication from the pharmacy for
her, threw the medication on the bed in the room where she
was lying on the floor, and he then left for two and one-half
hours. [Appellant] said he went to a neighboring apartment to
take a hot shower. [Appellee] testified that [appellant] offered
her no emotional support and that she was completely alone
Nos. 16AP-325 and 16AP-456 3
while trying to process with the most tragic event of her life.
[Appellee] also later discovered that appellant had been
recording some of their conversations.
(Facts and Law at 2-3.)
[T]here was sufficient testimony from both parties to prove
[appellee's] claim that [appellant] is guilty of extreme cruelty.
***
Here, both parties testified that when [appellee] was "passing"
the baby and experiencing extreme pain, [appellant] left her
lying on the floor, by herself, for hours. His lack of emotional
support for [appellee] throughout the marriage and
particularly after she miscarried, is undeniable.
Based on the above, [appellee] is granted a divorce to
[appellant] on the grounds of extreme cruelty.
(Facts and Law at 3-4.)
{¶ 4} Appellant filed motions for a restraining order and stay with the trial court.
Appellee moved for sanctions and attorney fees for alleged frivolous conduct. On May 17,
2016, the trial court granted the motion for sanctions and awarded appellee $650 in
attorney fees.
{¶ 5} Appellant appealed from the March 14, 2016 Divorce Decree, the March 30,
2016 Facts and Law, and the May 17, 2016 decision and entry granting appellee attorney
fees.
II. APPELLEE'S MOTION FOR ATTORNEY FEES DENIED
{¶ 6} Appellee has filed a motion for attorney fees arguing that this appeal is
frivolous and does not present a reasonable question for review. Appellant argues that
appellee seems to believe this appeal is frivolous simply because she disagrees with the
issues appellant has presented for review, and that appellant has presented valid issues
for review in all five assignments of error.
{¶ 7} App.R. 23 states, "[i]f a court of appeals shall determine that an appeal is
frivolous, it may require the appellant to pay reasonable expenses of the appellee
including attorney fees and costs." An appeal is frivolous when it presents "no reasonable
question for review." Talbott v. Fountas, 16 Ohio App.3d 226 (10th Dist.1984). "The
purpose of sanctions is to compensate the non-appealing party for the expense of having
Nos. 16AP-325 and 16AP-456 4
to defend a frivolous appeal and to help preserve the appellate calendar for cases that are
worthy of consideration." Coburn v. Auto-Owners Ins. Co., 10th Dist. No. 09AP-923,
2010-Ohio-3327, ¶ 56. Merely prevailing in an appeal does not entitle an appellee to an
award of fees. Id. at ¶ 57.
{¶ 8} While we affirm the trial court's judgment, our review does not show that all
of appellant's assignments of error are frivolous and lack a reasonable question for review.
As such, we deny appellee's motion for attorney fees.
III. ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
{¶ 9} Katju appeals, assigning the following errors:
[I.] THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE PRESENTED
AT TRIAL TO FIND APPELLANT GUILTY OF EXTREME
CRUELTY.
[II.] THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY GRANTING A
DIVORCE TO APPELLEE ON THE GROUNDS OF
EXTREME CRUELTY WHEN APPELLEE FAILED TO
PRESENT CORROBORATING EVIDENCE OF THOSE
ALLEGED GROUNDS.
[III.] THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO
SUPPORT THE TRIAL COURT'S DECISION AND ENTRY
REGARDING THE DIVISION OF THE PARTIES' ASSETS
AND LIABILITIES.
[IV.] THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF
APPELLANT BY INTERRUPTING HIS TESTIMONY, SUA
SPONTE SUMMONING APPELLEE TO THE STAND,
ALLOWING APPELLEE TO PRESENT EVIDENCE BEFORE
THE CONCLUSION OF APPELLANT'S CASE, AND
PROCEEDING TO JUDGMENT BEFORE EITHER PARTY
HAD RESTED.
[V.] THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT
THE TRIAL COURT'S AWARD OF ATTORNEY FEES AT
THE HEARING ON MAY 17, 2016.
(Emphasis sic.)
IV. ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR ONE AND TWO—NO ABUSE OF
DISCRETION
{¶ 10} Because assignments of error one and two deal with the issue of whether or
not there was sufficient evidence before the trial court to find that appellant was guilty of
Nos. 16AP-325 and 16AP-456 5
extreme cruelty, we will address the issues together. We will initially discuss assignment
of error two because, if we were to find that appellee failed to present sufficient
corroborating evidence of extreme cruelty, it would, by necessity, require us to sustain
assignment of error one as well, pursuant to Civ.R. 75(M).
{¶ 11} In regard to assignment of error two, appellant argues that appellee failed to
offer independent testimony to support the factual basis of her complaints, therefore, the
finding of extreme cruelty against appellant must be reversed for lack of corroboration.
Appellee alleges that appellant, through his own testimony, provided the corroborating
testimony to support the finding of extreme cruelty.
{¶ 12} We first note that generally, the judgments of domestic relations courts are
upheld absent a finding that the court abused its discretion. Patel v. Patel, 10th Dist. No.
13AP-976, 2014-Ohio-2150, ¶ 14, citing Scinto v. Scinto, 10th Dist. No. 09AP-5, 2010-
Ohio-1377, ¶ 4, citing Booth v. Booth, 44 Ohio St.3d 142, 144 (1989). Civ.R. 75(M) states,
in relevant part, that "[j]udgment for divorce, annulment, or legal separation shall not be
granted upon the testimony or admission of a party not supported by other credible
evidence." "The corroborative evidence must be of sufficient weight and have such
probative value as to convince the court of the truth of the admissions and, together with
such admissions, prove the grounds for divorce alleged in the petition, by a
preponderance of the evidence." Born v. Born, 10th Dist. No. 77AP-316 (Sept. 15, 1977).
{¶ 13} "[T]he other credible evidence must merely substantiate the testimony of a
party, but need not support it in every detail, as many private details concerning the
grounds for divorce are within the exclusive knowledge of the parties themselves." Sindel
v. Sindel, 10th Dist. No. 75AP-299 (Nov. 25, 1975). "Corroborating evidence must pertain
to material elements essential to the proof of the ground for divorce set out in the
complaint, but it is not required for each and every material fact." Condit v. Condit, 1st
Dist. No. C-100213, 2010-Ohio-5202, ¶ 17.
{¶ 14} An entry based on only the parties' testimony does not violate the dictates of
Civ.R. 75(M), when a party, through his own testimony at trial, corroborates the other
party's allegations and there is no evidence that his testimony is untrue or that improper
influences have affected his testimony. See Young v. Young, 10th Dist. No. 95AP-247
(Dec. 19, 1995); Brooks-Lee v. Lee, 10th Dist. No. 03AP-1149, 2005-Ohio-2288, ¶ 64-65;
Nos. 16AP-325 and 16AP-456 6
Thomas v. Thomas, 5 Ohio App.3d 94, 101 (5th Dist.1982); Minnick v. Minnick, 12th Dist.
No. CA89-12-029 (July 23, 1990).
{¶ 15} In this case, our review shows that both parties testified that less than 24-
hours after the confirmation of the tragedy of losing the child, appellant asked for a
divorce. (Mar. 14, 2016 Tr. at 35-36, 43.) Although he did retrieve the prescription from
the pharmacy, both parties testified while appellee was "passing" the child on the morning
of June 15, 2015, that appellant left the appellee in pain, lying on the floor of their
apartment. (Tr. at 20, 37-38, 45-46.) He left her because he wanted to take a hot shower
in another apartment. He abandoned appellee at the residence with no income and then
he filed for divorce. (Tr. at 31, 46.)
{¶ 16} In summary, appellant's own testimony corroborated many of the facts
stated by appellee. We find that while appellant's testimony does not support appellee's
testimony in every detail, it does substantiate her testimony regarding the timing of the
request for a divorce, the miscarriage, and appellant leaving the residence. We find that
the trial court did not abuse its discretion in using appellant's testimony to corroborate
appellee's testimony. Appellant's second assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 17} In assignment of error one, appellant claims the trial court appears to base
its determination of extreme cruelty on its findings that "when [appellee] was 'passing' the
baby and experiencing extreme pain, [appellant] left her lying on the floor, by herself, for
hours. His lack of emotional support for [appellee] throughout the marriage and
particularly after she miscarried, is undeniable." (Facts and Law at 4.) Appellant argues
that this conclusion lacks factual support and was denied by appellant. Therefore,
appellant alleges appellee failed to show, and the trial court abused its discretion in
finding that appellant engaged in a pattern of conduct calculated to disturb and destroy
the happiness and peace of mind of appellee to the extent it rendered the marital
relationship intolerable to her.
{¶ 18} Appellee argues that the trial court heard clear and convincing testimony
that supported a finding that the conduct of appellant destroyed the peace of mind and
happiness of appellee. Appellee states that whether it was his total callousness toward the
miscarriage, the timing for his demands for a divorce, the choice he made to "take a
shower," when his wife was in severe pain, the misogynistic behavior and demeaning
comments towards his wife, the fact he abandoned his wife, who he knew had no income,
Nos. 16AP-325 and 16AP-456 7
the secret recordings that he created, or any of the other acts that were testified to in trial,
all of these behaviors were weighed by the court and incorporated into the findings of fact.
{¶ 19} "An abuse of discretion occurs where a trial court's decision is
'unreasonable, arbitrary or unconscionable.' " Wolf-Sabatino v. Sabatino, 10th Dist. No.
12AP-1042, 2014-Ohio-1252, ¶ 6, quoting Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 219
(1983). We have held that "[t]he trial court had broad discretion to determine the proper
grounds for divorce and we cannot find otherwise in the absence of any showing that
there was an abuse of discretion of such a nature as * * * to prejudicially affect the
complaining party." Buckles v. Buckles, 46 Ohio App.3d 102, 116 (10th Dist.1988). In
addition, "we always bear in mind the trial court's large measure of discretion to
determine the sufficiency of the evidence, the credibility of the witnesses and the weight to
be given to the testimony. This court cannot find reversible error in the grounds for
divorce when there is no showing of prejudice." Id.{¶ 20} Extreme cruelty has been defined as consisting of acts and conduct which
destroy the peace of mind and happiness of one of the parties to the marriage and thereby
render the marital relationship intolerable. Ginn v. Ginn, 112 Ohio App. 259 (4th
Dist.1960). The trial court cited Born for the proposition that:
The term, "extreme cruelty," as used in Section 11979, General
Code, is not limited in scope to acts of physical violence or the
reasonable apprehension thereof, but is sufficiently broad to
encompass acts and conduct the effect of which is calculated
to permanently destroy the peace of mind and happiness of
one of the parties to the marriage and thereby render the
marital relation intolerable.
(Facts and Law at 4.)
{¶ 21} The phrase "extreme cruelty" is not capable of precise definition, but is an
elastic phrase "that vest[s] the finder of facts with broad discretion to determine whether
the particular evidence of marital misconduct rises to the level of * * * extreme cruelty."
Hunt v. Hunt, 63 Ohio App.3d 178, 181 (2nd Dist.1998). We note that the court in
Kaminski v. Kaminski, 12th Dist. No. CA96-09-073 (Mar. 3, 1997), affirmed the trial
court's finding of extreme cruelty based on the following facts:
Some of the evidence presented included the testimony of a
neighbor who testified that after an argument with appellant,
appellee "was very pale, she wasn't smiling, [and] she looked
like she was under a great deal of stress from the look on her
Nos. 16AP-325 and 16AP-456 8
face." Appellant had also been overheard yelling at appellee
"in very angry tones, [in] very loud volume." Dr. DeVoge
testified that in his opinion, appellee was suffering from a
verbally abusive relationship.
The court in Rice v. Rice, 8th Dist. No. 78682 (Nov. 8, 2001), affirmed a finding of
extreme cruelty and stated:
The trial court found that Andrew established extreme cruelty
by reason of Patricia's activity in the home including her
failures in general orderly housekeeping, and her criticisms
and unfriendliness in relation to his family and friends. There
is sufficient evidence to support the trial court's determination
such that it did not abuse its discretion in granting the divorce
on the ground of extreme cruelty.
{¶ 22} The facts show that the parties were married in January 2015. Appellee
testified that she "had been subjected to pretty bad treatment right from the
beginning." (Tr. at 42.) In addition to corroborated testimony above, the court noted
appellee's testimony that showed total callousness toward the miscarriage and appellee's
physical and emotional suffering. The testimony also showed, among other things, bad
timing for his demands for a divorce, secret recordings that he created, including on the
day after the miscarriage was confirmed, and misogynistic behavior. The court found that
"there was sufficient testimony from both parties to prove [appellee's] claim that
[appellant] is guilty of extreme cruelty" and "[h]is lack of emotional support for [appellee]
throughout the marriage and particularly after she miscarried, is undeniable." (Facts and
Law at 3-4.)
{¶ 23} As stated above, the trial court has a large measure of discretion to
determine the sufficiency of the evidence, the credibility of the witnesses, and that a trial
court has broad discretion to determine the proper grounds for divorce, and such finding
should not be overturned in the absence of any showing that there was an abuse of
discretion. Buckles.
{¶ 24} Based on the evidence and the law, we do not find that the trial court abused
its discretion in finding appellant guilty of extreme cruelty, and awarding appellee a
divorce on those grounds. Therefore, appellant's first assignment of error is overruled.
V. ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR THREE – NO PLAIN ERROR
Nos. 16AP-325 and 16AP-456 9
{¶ 25} The court notes that appellant is raising this issue for the first time on
appeal. At no point at the hearing on March 14, 2016, when the agreement was being
read, during his testimony, when the court had directed counsel to update the Divorce
Decree, or after the Divorce Decree was filed, did appellant or his attorney state an
objection to the division of assets and liabilities as stated in the Divorce Decree.
{¶ 26} It is well-founded that, if a party fails to object to the court's procedures,
absent plain error, the party waives the issue on appeal. Ahmed v. Wise, 10th Dist. No.
12AP-613, 2013-Ohio-2211,¶ 19, citing Winkler v. Winkler, 10th Dist. No. 02AP937, 2003-
Ohio-2418, ¶ 81. "In applying the doctrine of plain error in a civil case, reviewing courts
must proceed with the utmost caution, limiting the doctrine strictly to those extremely
rare cases where exceptional circumstances require its application to prevent a manifest
miscarriage of justice, and where the error complained of, if left uncorrected, would have
a material adverse effect on the character of, and public confidence in, judicial
proceedings." Goldfuss v. Davidson, 79 Ohio St.3d 116, 121 (1997).
{¶ 27} Appellant claims that there was not sufficient evidence for the property
division and that the agreement for appellant was conditioned on the termination of the
marriage on the grounds of incompatibility. Appellant further argues that appellee
attempts to mislead this court into believing appellant assented to, and signed, the
Divorce Decree after the trial concluded and places mistaken reliance on the plain error
doctrine in order to place blame on appellant for not objecting to the court's procedures.
Appellant further argues that the proposed decree appellant signed was not the decree
altered by counsel for appellee upon direction from the court. While appellant did sign a
Divorce Decree, the document he signed prior to the trial reflected incompatibility as
grounds for the divorce, which was an essential term of his consent to the document's
other terms.
{¶ 28} Appellee argues appellant and his counsel were well aware that the court
adopted their modified agreement and the hearing would be proceeding with a hearing on
grounds. Appellant had the opportunity to interject if there was an objection. Further,
appellant formalized the property settlement by signing the Divorce Decree prior to the
court signing the decree. If his position was that the agreement was conditioned on the
grounds of incompatibility, he should have expressed such during the hearing or before he
signed the decree.
Nos. 16AP-325 and 16AP-456 10
{¶ 29} Appellant, for the first time on appeal, claims that the Divorce Decree was
altered after signature by the parties and before presentment to the court. As stated
above, appellant argues in his brief that "[w]hile Appellant did sign a decree of divorce,
the document he signed prior to the trial reflected incompatibility as grounds for the
divorce, an essential term of his consent to the document's other terms." (Emphasis
added.) (Appellant's Reply Brief at 17.) However, appellant contradicts his claim in his
amended brief by stating "[a]t the time trial commenced, the parties had not reviewed or
signed a final memorandum of agreement or other document purporting to set forth the
terms of the agreement recited by appellee's counsel." (Emphasis added.) (Appellant's
Amended Brief at 20.)
{¶ 30} Appellant's claim is not supported by the record. There is simply nothing in
the record to support appellant's claim that the Divorce Decree was altered after appellant
and his counsel signed and approved. In addition, the court notes that following the filing
of the Divorce Decree on March 14, 2016, appellant filed several motions with the trial
court, including a request for separate Facts and Law on March 21, a motion for a
restraining order on March 23, and a motion to stay on March 24, but none of them
challenged the validity of the Divorce Decree, or even his own approval of the same.
Certainly, appellant had an opportunity to bring this issue to the trial court's attention if
something was truly amiss with the Divorce Decree, yet the issue was raised first here on
appeal without any explanation or evidence.
{¶ 31} The record shows that the court started the March 14, 2016 hearing with the
statement, "my understanding is there is a stipulation before we get into testimony on the
issue of grounds only?" (Tr. at 4.) Appellee's counsel then read appellee's understanding
of the agreement into the record. (Tr. at 4-6.) Appellant's counsel requested a slight
modification of the agreement, but he acknowledged the agreement. (Tr. at 4-5.) The
court then confirmed the hearing was only on the grounds for divorce. (Tr. at 6.)
{¶ 32} At the end of the hearing, the court directed that the proposed Divorce
Decree, which included the division of the parties assets and liabilities, be updated to
reflect the court's decision on the grounds for divorce. (Tr. at 53-55.) The trial court
further directed that the entry be modified from an "Agreed Judgment Entry - Decree of
Divorce" to reflect a "Judgment Entry - Decree of Divorce." All parties and counsel signed
Nos. 16AP-325 and 16AP-456 11
and approved the decree before it was signed by the court. As such, we find no plain error
and appellant's third assignment of error is overruled.
VI. ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR FOUR – NO PLAIN ERROR
{¶ 33} As with the prior assignment of error, appellant's fourth assignment of error
is being raised here for the first time. Again, at no point during the hearing did either
party or counsel object to the manner in which the Judge was managing the evidence and
testimony. As such, we will review this assignment of error under the plain error
standard.
{¶ 34} Appellant argues that the trial court clearly rushed the parties and their
counsel through some cursory testimony to get just enough evidence on the record to
substantiate what it considered some appropriate grounds for divorce. Appellant was not
afforded the opportunity to fully develop his own case or respond to appellee's allegations.
The court's decision to greatly limit the presentation of testimony by appellant was an
abuse of discretion.
{¶ 35} Appellee argues that the trial court provided appellant with the opportunity
to develop his case and present evidence. If appellant objected to the court's process, he
should have objected to it at the time of the hearing. Further, appellant has failed to show
how the mode and manner of the testimony prejudiced him.
{¶ 36} Evid.R. 611(A) expresses the court's right to manage the presentation of
evidence, providing: "The court shall exercise reasonable control over the mode and order
of interrogating witnesses and presenting evidence so as to (1) make the interrogation and
presentation effective for the ascertainment of the truth, (2) avoid needless consumption
of time, and (3) protect witnesses from harassment or undue embarrassment."
"Generally, the order in which evidence shall be produced on the trial of an action lies
within the sound discretion of the court, and, unless such discretion is patently abused, no
reversible error occurs." Cities Service Oil Co. v. Burkett, 176 Ohio St. 449 (1964),
paragraph two of the syllabus. Evid.R. 611(A) states, and this court has consistently held,
" ' "[a] trial court has the discretionary authority to control the mode and order of
proof." ' " Ahmed at ¶ 20, quoting Winkler at ¶ 93, quoting Mason v. Swartz, 76 Ohio
App.3d 43, 54 (6th Dist.1991).
Nos. 16AP-325 and 16AP-456 12
{¶ 37} Our review of the transcript shows that the court and parties acknowledged
that there had been a tentative agreement on all issues, except for the grounds for divorce.
Both parties testified as to facts they believed supported their grounds for divorce. The
court provided appellant the opportunity to develop his case and present evidence.
Appellant was cross-examined and eventually the court states that it has heard enough
and that he has explained his "issues." Appellee testified on direct and counsel for
appellant declined to cross-exam her. Again, at no point during the hearing did either
party or counsel object to the manner in which the judge was managing the evidence and
testimony. Further, appellant has failed to show how the mode and manner of the
testimony prejudiced him. Therefore, we find no plain error and appellant's fourth
assignment of error is overruled.
VII. ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR FIVE – NO ABUSE OF DISCRETION
{¶ 38} On April 29, 2016, appellee filed a motion for sanctions and attorney fees
based on appellant's post Divorce Decree filings. This matter, and other motions, came on
for hearing on May 17, 2016. In regards to the motion at issue, the court found:
After careful review of the pending matters, the entire file and
the applicable law, and the parties' oral arguments, * * *
pursuant to R.C. 3105.73(B), the Court GRANTS Defendant's
Motion for Sanctions and awards Defendant $650 in attorney
fees. * * * The reasonableness of Defendant's attorney fees was
not disputed by Plaintiff.
(May 17, 2016 Decision and Entry at 1.)
{¶ 39} Appellant argues the trial court's decision to award appellee post-decree
attorney fees far exceeded its discretion, and that there is simply no evidence in the record
to demonstrate the court's award was any more than purely arbitrary. No record was
made of those proceedings.
{¶ 40} A trial court's award of attorney fees related to a post-decree motion will not
be overturned absent an abuse of discretion. Epitropoulos v. Epitropoulos, 10th Dist. No.
10AP-877, 2011-Ohio-3701, ¶ 42. R.C. 3105.73(B) provides that "[i]n any post-decree
motion or proceeding that arises out of an action for divorce * * * the court may award all
or part of reasonable attorney's fees and litigation expenses to either party if the court
finds the award equitable." In determining whether an award is equitable, the court may
consider the parties' income, the conduct of the parties, and any "other relevant factors
Nos. 16AP-325 and 16AP-456 13
the court deems appropriate, but it may not consider the parties' assets." R.C. 3105 .73(B).
The trial court may rely on its own experience and knowledge when determining the
reasonableness of attorney fees requested. Ramsey v. Ramsey, 10th Dist. No. 13AP-840,
2014-Ohio-1921, ¶ 51.
{¶ 41} Appellant notes that no record of the hearing was made and then argues
that there is simply no evidence in the record to demonstrate the court's award was any
more than purely arbitrary, and therefore, the court abused its discretion. However, there
is simply no record for us to review in order to make that determination. In Pullman
Power Prods. Corp. v. Adience, Inc., 10th Dist. No. 02AP-493, 2003-Ohio-956, ¶ 14, we
stated:
An appellant must "* * * identify in the record the error on
which the assignment of error is based * * *." App.R. 12(A)(2);
Knapp v. Edwards Laboratories (1980), 61 Ohio St.2d 197,
199, 400 N.E.2d 384. An appellant bears the burden of
ensuring that a reviewing court has all the materials necessary
to enable it to review the trial court's determination, which, in
this case, would require a review of the parties' motions for
summary judgment. See App.R. 9 and 10; Ham v. Park
(1996), 110 Ohio App.3d 803, 809, 675 N.E.2d 505;
Hildebrecht v. Kallay (June 11, 1993), Lake App. No. 92- L-
189, 1993 Ohio App. LEXIS 2966. "When portions of the
[record] necessary for resolution of the assigned errors are
omitted from the record, the reviewing court has nothing to
pass upon and thus, as to those assigned errors, the court has
no choice but to presume the validity of the lower court's
proceedings, and affirm." Knapp, supra.
{¶ 42} In the instant case, appellant has failed to provide this court with an
adequate record to determine the merits of its appeal as it pertains to the courts decision
and entry of May 17, 2016. In the absence of an adequate record, this court must presume
the regularity of the trial court's actions. See Pullman at ¶ 15. For the foregoing reasons,
appellant's fifth assignment of error is overruled.
VIII. DISPOSITION
{¶ 43} Accordingly, we overrule appellant's five assignments of error and,
therefore, affirm the trial court. We further deny appellee's motion for attorney fees.
Judgment affirmed; appellee's motion denied.
TYACK and KLATT, JJ., concur.
_________________
Nos. 16AP-325 and 16AP-456 14