Herron v. Herron , 2021 Ohio 2223 ( 2021 )

[Cite as Herron v. Herron, 2021-Ohio-2223.]
STATE OF OHIO ) IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
)ss: NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
COUNTY OF SUMMIT )
JOSHUA M. HERRON C.A. No. 29683
Appellant
v. APPEAL FROM JUDGMENT
ENTERED IN THE
CANDY M. HERRON COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
COUNTY OF SUMMIT, OHIO
Appellee CASE No. DR-2014-09-2539
DECISION AND JOURNAL ENTRY
Dated: June 30, 2021
CALLAHAN, Judge.
{¶1} Appellant, Joshua Herron (“Father”), appeals from the judgment of the Summit
County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division. For the reasons set forth below,
this Court affirms.
I.
{¶2} Joshua and Candy Herron (“Mother”) divorced in November 2015. They are the
parents of one child, E.H., who was a minor at the time of the divorce. The divorce decree adopted
their separation agreement and shared parenting plan, which provided for joint legal custody, both
parents to be the residential parent, and equal parenting time. It was agreed that E.H. would be
enrolled at Summit Christian Academy and Father would pay all tuition and costs associated with
attending that school. Additionally, the parents agreed Mother would provide health insurance for
E.H. and E.H.’s health care providers would remain the same unless a change in the hospitalization
coverage required use of other medical providers. As for child support, the shared parenting plan
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deviated the child support amount to zero because of the parties’ similarity in income, the
equalization of parenting time, and the monetary responsibility of each parent for costs associated
with parenting.
{¶3} Eight months later, Father sought to terminate the shared parenting plan and to be
awarded sole custody, while Mother requested a modification of the shared parenting plan. Prior
to the hearing, Mother and Father agreed to a consent entry that changed the parenting time to an
alternating week schedule, named Father the primary health insurance provider and Mother
secondary, altered the procedure for claiming the tax dependency credit, and identified each
parent’s childcare providers.
{¶4} Less than four months after the consent entry, Mother moved to terminate the
original and modified shared parenting plans and requested to be designated the sole residential
parent and medical decision maker of E.H. Likewise, Father filed a motion to modify the shared
parenting plan, requesting that he be designated either the residential parent for school purposes
or the sole residential parent. Mother filed a second motion seeking to modify the parenting time
schedule and child support. Following an evidentiary hearing, the magistrate issued a decision
that ordered Father to have standard parenting time pursuant to the trial court’s standard order,
designated Mother as the residential parent for school purposes, authorized Mother as the parent
to select health care providers, made Mother’s health insurance primary and Father’s secondary,
ordered Father to pay child support, and granted Mother the tax dependency exemption. The trial
court adopted the magistrate’s decision and entered judgment the same day. Father filed objections
and supplemental objections to the magistrate’s decision, which were all overruled.
{¶5} Father appealed the trial court’s decision overruling his objections. See Herron v.
Herron, 9th Dist. Summit No. 29264, 2019-Ohio-5095, ¶ 3. With respect to Father’s challenge to
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the trial court’s modification of the parties’ parenting time, this Court concluded that the trial court
failed to comply with R.C. 3109.04(E)(1)(a) and remanded the matter to the trial court. Id. at ¶ 8,
11. Additionally, we deemed the trial court’s other determinations related to child support and the
designations of the residential parent for school purposes and the parent to select medical providers
were intertwined with the decision to reduce Father’s parenting time, and thereby required the trial
court to re-determine those issues after it reconsidered the issue of parenting time. Id. at ¶ 10.
Accordingly, this Court sustained all of Father’s assignments of error, vacated the judgment, and
remanded the matter to the trial court. Id. at ¶ 11.
{¶6} Upon remand, the trial court applied R.C. 3109.04 and entered a new judgment
reaching the same conclusions as before. Father appeals the trial court’s judgment, raising five
assignments of error for our review. For ease of analysis, this Court rearranges the assignments
of error.
II.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 1
THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR BY MODIFYING
FATHER’S COMPANIONSHIP SCHEDULE FROM EQUAL TIME WITH THE
MINOR CHILD TO THE TRIAL COURT’S STANDARD ORDER OF
COMPANIONSHIP.
{¶7} In his first assignment of error, Father argues that the trial court abused its discretion
when it modified the agreed upon equal parenting time schedule to the trial court’s standard order
of parenting time. We disagree.
{¶8} This Court generally reviews a trial court’s action with respect to a magistrate’s
decision for an abuse of discretion. Fields v. Cloyd, 9th Dist. Summit No. 24150, 2008-Ohio-
5232, ¶ 9. “In so doing, we consider the trial court’s action with reference to the nature of the
underlying matter.” Tabatabai v. Tabatabai, 9th Dist. Medina No. 08CA0049-M, 2009-Ohio-
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3139, ¶ 18. “Trial courts are generally afforded broad discretion in determining whether a
modification of parenting rights and responsibilities is necessary.” Bohannon v. Bohannon, 9th
Dist. Summit No. 29320, 2020-Ohio-1255, ¶ 26. A trial court’s decision modifying the parties’
parenting time in a shared parenting plan is reviewed for an abuse of discretion. See McDonald v.
McDonald, 9th Dist. Lorain No. 13CA010341, 2014-Ohio-2861, ¶ 5-6. An abuse of discretion is
present when a trial court’s decision “‘is contrary to law, unreasonable, not supported by evidence,
or grossly unsound.’” Menke v. Menke, 9th Dist. Summit No. 27330, 2015-Ohio-2507, ¶ 8, quoting
Tretola v. Tretola, 3d Dist. Logan No. 8-14-24, 2015-Ohio-1999, ¶ 25.
{¶9} This Court has held that a motion to modify parenting time under a shared parenting
plan is reviewed under R.C. 3109.04(E)(1)(a) because the motion seeks to reallocate the parental
rights and responsibilities set forth in a prior decree. See Herron, 2019-Ohio-5095, at ¶ 4, quoting
Gunderman v. Gunderman, 9th Dist. Medina No. 08CA0067-M, 2009-Ohio-3787, ¶ 23. To
reallocate parental rights in accordance with R.C. 3109.04(E)(1)(a), the trial court must find (1)
that there has been a change in the circumstances of the child, the residential parent, or either
parent, (2) that the modification is in the child’s best interest, and (3) that one of the three
provisions in R.C. 3109.04(E)(1)(a)(i)-(iii) applies. See Gunderman at ¶ 9, quoting R.C.
3109.04(E)(1)(a)(i)-(iii) and citing Fisher v. Hasenjager, 116 Ohio St.3d 53, 2007-Ohio-5589,
syllabus. The provision applicable in this matter is R.C. 3109.04(E)(1)(a)(iii), which states that
“[t]he harm likely to be caused by a change of environment is outweighed by the advantages of
the change of environment to the child.”
{¶10} The court shall consider the relevant factors listed in R.C. 3109.04(F)(1) when
determining whether a modification of a decree allocating parental rights, such as parenting time,
is in the best interest of a child. See Herron at ¶ 6; Kannan v. Kay, 9th Dist. Summit No. 26022,
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2012-Ohio-2478, ¶ 18. Those factors include (a) the wishes of the parents for the care of the child;
(b) the wishes and concerns expressed by the child to the court; (c) the child’s interaction and
interrelationship with the parents and any others who might significantly affect the best interest of
the child; (d) the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community; (e) the mental and physical
health of all involved; (f) the parent more likely to honor parenting time right or visitation and
companionship rights approved by the court; (g) whether a parent has failed to make child support
payments; (h) whether a parent or member of the parent’s household has a criminal conviction as
outlined in subsection (h); (i) whether either parent has continuously and willfully denied the other
parenting time in accordance with a court order; and (j) whether either parent has or plans to
establish a residence outside the state. R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(a)-(j). A trial court is also permitted to
consider other relevant factors not listed in R.C. 3109.04(F)(1) in making its decision as to the best
interest of the child. See R.C. 3109.04(F)(1); Loewen v. Newsome, 9th Dist. Summit No. 28107,
2018-Ohio-73, ¶ 47.
{¶11} Father argues that the trial court failed to determine whether there had been a
change in circumstances. In the prior appeal, Father made the same argument and this Court
concluded that he had forfeited the argument and he did not argue plain error. Herron at ¶ 5. The
law of the case doctrine “provides that the decision of a reviewing court in a case remains the law
of that case on the legal questions involved for all subsequent proceedings in the case at both the
trial and reviewing levels.” Nolan v. Nolan, 11 Ohio St.3d 1, 3 (1984). Based upon our decision
in the prior appeal, Father’s argument regarding the trial court’s failure to conduct a change in
circumstances analysis is precluded by the law of the case doctrine. See id. at 3-4 (“[T]he decision
of an appellate court in a prior appeal will ordinarily be followed in a later appeal in the same case
and court.”).
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{¶12} As to the best interest factors, Father argues that “the facts relied upon [by the trial
court] were inadequate to justify altering the companionship schedule[]” and the trial court
“provided a limited factual basis for [its] conclusions.” Father first claims that the trial court
disregarded his testimony that he notified Mother between August and September 2017 that E.H.’s
medical providers had to change due to the change in insurance coverage pursuant to the June 28,
2017 consent entry and instead “took Mother’s testimony at face value.” However, Father fails to
cite to the record and to identify Mother’s testimony that the trial court accepted at face value. See
App.R. 16(A)(7).
{¶13} Father’s argument suggests that there was conflicting testimony on this point.
Mother testified that she was first told by Father of the changes to the medical providers in August
2017. Additionally, Mother’s Exhibits C and D contained messages exchanged through Family
Wizard between Mother and Father dated August 21, 2017 and September 5, 2017 regarding the
change in E.H.’s pediatrician and counselor because of the change in insurance coverage.
Mother’s testimony and evidence are consistent with Father’s testimony. Thus, the trial court did
not ignore Father’s testimony. Father’s argument is not well-taken.
{¶14} Next, Father alleges that the trial court disregarded Mother’s testimony regarding
her failure to communicate and only considered testimony regarding Father’s failure to
communicate. Father specifically identifies Mother’s testimony regarding her various boyfriends,
E.H. spending the night at Mother’s boyfriend’s residence, and E.H. witnessing an act of domestic
violence committed by a boyfriend against Mother, and argues that Mother was required to
disclose these facts to him pursuant to the shared parenting plan. Because Mother did not disclose
these facts to him, Father argues Mother failed to communicate and violated the shared parenting
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plan. Furthermore, Father argues that the trial court failed to read the shared parenting plan and to
understand what constituted a failure to communicate.
{¶15} Civ.R. 53(D)(3)(b)(iv) provides that, except for a claim of plain error, a party
forfeits the right to assign error on appeal with respect to the trial court’s adoption of any factual
finding or legal conclusion “unless the party has objected to that finding or conclusion as required
by Civ.R. 53(D)(3)(b).” Such objections must be specific and all grounds must be stated with
particularity. Civ.R. 53(D)(3)(b)(ii). “Where a party fails to raise an issue in its objections to a
magistrate’s decision, that issue is forfeited on appeal.” Bass-Fineberg Leasing, Inc. v. Modern
Auto Sales, Inc., 9th Dist. Medina No. 13CA0098-M, 2015-Ohio-46, ¶ 24, citing Walters v.
Walters, 9th Dist. Medina No. 12CA0017-M, 2013-Ohio-636, ¶ 15.
{¶16} In his objections to the magistrate’s decision, Father references the failure to
consider Mother’s “behavior.” The objections, however, did not identify the “behavior” that the
magistrate “ignore[d].” In his supplemental objections, Father recounted Mother’s testimony
related to her boyfriends and the incident of domestic violence, but he did not present any argument
that this was the “behavior” “ignore[d]” by the magistrate, or the relevance of this testimony to his
objections. Furthermore, Father did not argue in his objections that this testimony was evidence
of Mother failing to communicate with Father and was a violation of the shared parenting plan.
Nor did Father raise an objection that the magistrate failed to read the shared parenting plan and
to understand what constituted a failure to communicate. Each of these arguments on appeal are
beyond the scope of the objections Father raised to the magistrate’s decision and thereby are
forfeited. See John Soliday Fin. Group, LLC v. Robart, 9th Dist. Summit No. 24407, 2009-Ohio-
2459, ¶ 9-15. See also Bass-Fineberg Leasing, Inc. at ¶ 25-26. Moreover, Father has not alleged
plain error and we decline to undertake such an analysis on his behalf. See Bass-Fineberg Leasing,
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Inc. at ¶ 24, quoting McMaster v. Akron Health Dept., Housing Div., 189 Ohio App.3d 222, 2010-
Ohio-3851, ¶ 20 (9th Dist.).
{¶17} Father also argues that the trial court should not have considered the allegations of
the molestation of E.H. in its best interest determination because the allegations arose less than a
week before the hearing and the trial court did not have adequate information regarding the effect
of the abuse on E.H. Father acknowledges in his brief that the magistrate made a factual finding
that E.H. was molested by her paternal grandfather. Father, however, did not object to this factual
finding and thus has forfeited his argument that the trial court erred in considering the molestation
of E.H. in its best interest determination. See Quintile v. Quintile, 9th Dist. Medina No.
08CA0015-M, 2008-Ohio-5657, ¶ 15. Moreover, Father has not alleged plain error. See Bass-
Fineberg Leasing, Inc. at ¶ 24, quoting McMaster at ¶ 20.
{¶18} Additionally, Father speculates that it “seem[s]” that the trial court used the
molestation finding against him to change his parenting time. Father concedes that the trial court
did not specifically make such a statement. While Father generally cites to the magistrate’s
decision and the trial court’s judgment entry, he fails to identify what statements in those filings
support his position. See App.R. 16(A)(7). Nor does Father develop an argument to support his
belief in this regard and this Court cannot construct one on his behalf. See id.; Cardone v. Cardone,
9th Dist. Summit No. 18349, 1998 WL 224934, *8 (May 6, 1998).
{¶19} Related to the issue of blame, Father claims that the parties had an agreement that
neither was to blame for the molestation. Father, however, acknowledges that this agreement is
not in the transcript. Nor did the parties file a written stipulation as to this issue. This Court’s
review is limited to the record before us. See App.R. 9. See also App.R. 12(A)(1)(b). “Matters
outside the record cannot be used to demonstrate error, nor can they be considered in defense of a
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judgment.” See In re J.C., 186 Ohio App.3d 243, 2010-Ohio-637, ¶ 15 (9th Dist.). As the parties’
alleged agreement is not a part of the record, this Court cannot consider whether this purported
agreement occurred. See State v. Latham, 9th Dist. Medina No. 07CA0067-M, 2008-Ohio-3050,
¶ 71, fn. 1.
{¶20} Father also alleges that the trial court focused only on the relationship between the
parents rather than the relationship between each parent and E.H. Similar to the other arguments
in Father’s first assignment of error, Father failed to raise this argument in his objections and has
forfeited it on appeal. See Bass-Fineberg Leasing, Inc., 2015-Ohio-46, at ¶ 24. Moreover, Father
has not alleged plain error. See id., quoting McMaster, 189 Ohio App.3d 222, 2010-Ohio-3851,
at ¶ 20.
{¶21} Lastly, Father claims that there was a “lack of an appropriate analysis” because the
trial court’s analysis of the best interest factors was shorter than the analysis in his appellate brief.
Father provides no legal authority to support his contention regarding the length of the trial court’s
analysis. See App.R. 16(A)(7). Moreover, in the prior appeal we explained that the trial court is
required to consider the statutory factors, but it “does not have to ‘explicitly reiterate its findings
with regard to [each] factor’ under Section 3019.04(F)(1)[.]” (Alteration in original.) Herron,
2019-Ohio-5095, at ¶ 8, quoting Matis v. Matis, 9th Dist. Medina No. 04CA0025-M, 2005-Ohio-
72, ¶ 6. Rather, “‘it must be apparent from the record that the trial court considered the best interest
factors in its decision.’” Herron at ¶ 8, quoting Phillips v. Phillips, 9th Dist. Lorain No.
13CA010358, 2014-Ohio-248, ¶ 8. The trial court’s current judgment entry not only states that it
considered the statutory factors regarding the best interest of the child, but it also cited the relevant
statutory factor and provided a brief statement related to the statutory factor. Compare Bentley v.
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Rojas, 9th Dist. Lorain No. 10CA009776, 2010-Ohio-6243, ¶ 22. Father’s challenge to the depth
of the trial court’s analysis regarding the best interest of E.H. is not well-taken.
{¶22} Upon review, Father has not shown that the trial court abused its discretion when it
modified his parenting time. The record reflects that the trial court applied R.C. 3109.04(E)(1)(a),
considered the best interest factors, and fashioned its determinations with those interests in mind.
Accordingly, we cannot say that the trial court abused its discretion when it modified Father’s
parenting time to the standard parenting time schedule. Father’s first assignment of error is
overruled.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 5
THE COURT’S DECISION DRASTICALLY MODIFYING FATHER’S
PARENTING TIME WAS AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE
EVIDENCE.
{¶23} In his fifth assignment of error, Father argues that the trial court’s decision
modifying the parenting time was against the manifest weight of the evidence and contrary to the
best interest of E.H. We disagree.
{¶24} While the trial court’s decision as to the allocation of parental rights will not be
reversed absent an abuse of discretion, this Court applies the manifest weight of the evidence
standard to review the trial court’s factual findings. Zaccardelli v. Zaccardelli, 9th Dist. Summit
No. 26262, 2013-Ohio-1878, ¶ 37. When reviewing the manifest weight of the evidence, this
Court
“‘“weighs the evidence and all reasonable inferences, considers the credibility of
witnesses and determines whether in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the [finder
of fact] clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that
the [judgment] must be reversed and a new trial ordered.”’”
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(Alterations made in Tewarson.) Eastley v. Volkman, 132 Ohio St.3d 328, 2012-Ohio-2179, ¶ 20,
quoting Tewarson v. Simon, 141 Ohio App.3d 103, 115 (9th Dist.2001), quoting State v.
Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 387 (1997), quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175 (1st
Dist.1983). “Only in the exceptional case, where the evidence presented weighs heavily in favor
of the party seeking reversal, will the appellate court reverse.” Boreman v. Boreman, 9th Dist.
Wayne No. 01CA0034, 2002-Ohio-2320, ¶ 10, citing State v. Otten, 33 Ohio App.3d 339, 340 (9th
Dist.1986). Manifest weight of the evidence pertains to the burden of persuasion. Eastley at ¶ 19.
When undertaking this review, this Court “must always be mindful of the presumption in favor of
the finder of fact.” Id. at ¶ 21.
{¶25} Father challenges the trial court’s factual findings in support of its best interest
determination. In order to make a determination of whether the modification of parental rights
and responsibilities is in the best interest of the child, the trial court must consider the non-
exclusive list of relevant factors set forth in R.C. 3109.04(F)(1). Herron, 2019-Ohio-5095, at ¶ 6.
In this matter, the trial court expressly considered the wishes of both parents, E.H.’s interactions
with her paternal grandfather and stepmother, the fact that E.H. is well-adjusted in her school and
Mother’s home, that Mother is more likely to facilitate parenting time, Father’s failure to inform
Mother that he changed E.H.’s health care providers, Father’s regular use of paternal grandfather
as a childcare provider, and paternal grandfather’s conviction. See R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(a), (c), (d),
(f), and (h). Father disputes the trial court’s factual findings on some, but not all, of the above
relevant factors. We will limit our review to those factors Father challenges. 1
1
Additionally, we will limit our consideration to those arguments specifically set forth in
Mother’s response to Father’s fifth assignment of error. Mother’s incorporation of her arguments
from the first assignment of error into this assignment of error fails to comply with the
requirements of App.R. 16(A)(7). See State ex rel. Midview Loc. School Dist. Bd. of Edn. v. Ohio
12
Guardian ad litem’s recommendation
{¶26} As an initial matter, Father suggests that the trial court failed to follow the guardian
ad litem’s recommendation to maintain the equal parenting time. Father contends that the trial
court did not reference the guardian ad litem’s recommendation and it is unclear if the trial court
considered the recommendation and why the trial court chose to disregard the recommendation.
{¶27} “‘[A]bsent an indication in the record to the contrary, a reviewing court will
presume that the trial court properly considered the evidence before it.’” In re A.C. and L.C., 9th
Dist. Summit No. 23627, 2007-Ohio-5525, ¶ 28, quoting Whitson v. Whitson, 2d Dist. Miami No.
91-CA-62, 1992 WL 211938, *3 (Sept. 4, 1992). While the trial court’s judgment entry does not
reference the guardian ad litem’s recommendation, that does not mean that the trial court failed to
consider that evidence. See In re A.C. and L.C. at ¶ 28. The trial court is not required to “explicitly
detail every item of evidence that it considered in reaching its decision, nor would it be practical
for it to do so.” Id.{¶28} Furthermore, the guardian ad litem’s recommendations are for the trial court to
consider when it determines the best interest of the child. Ankney v. Bonos, 9th Dist. Summit No.
23178, 2006-Ohio-6009, ¶ 23, overruled on other grounds by Gunderman, 2009-Ohio-3787, at ¶
13. The trial court, however, is not obligated to follow those recommendations. Ankney at ¶ 23.
Accordingly, it is not error for the trial court to make an order different than the guardian ad litem’s
recommendations. Id.School Facilities Comm., 9th Dist. Lorain No. 16CA010991, 2017-Ohio-6928, ¶ 29; Vogel v.
Northeast Ohio Media Group LLC, 9th Dist. Medina No. 19CA0003-M, 2020-Ohio-854, ¶ 16.
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Relationships with family members (R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(c))
{¶29} The trial court found that paternal grandfather had molested E.H. and that Father’s
wife had interfered with E.H.’s relationship with Mother. Father argues there is no evidence to
support either of these factual findings.
Paternal Grandfather
{¶30} Mother testified that E.H. disclosed to her on June 4, 2018 that paternal grandfather
had touched her sexually. Mother shared this information with Father and reported the same to
the police and E.H.’s counselor. The emails exchanged between Mother and Father between June
4 - 7, 2018, through Family Wizard corroborate Mother’s testimony. Additionally, the stipulated
counseling records of E.H. contain a counseling session entry dated June 4, 2018 indicating that
E.H. told the counselor about paternal grandfather touching her sexually.
{¶31} There is also testimony from Mother and Father reflecting their present belief that
E.H. had been molested by paternal grandfather. In reference to the sexual abuse, Mother testified
that she did not know whether Father knew “something had been going on” but she “wouldn’t
believe that [Father] would allow that situation[.]” During the line of questioning regarding E.H.’s
disclosure of the molestation by paternal grandfather, Father was asked “obviously something
traumatic happened to her daughter, your daughter?” and he answered “Yes.”
{¶32} Father disputes the factual finding regarding molestation, claiming that at the time
of the hearing there “was merely an allegation” of molestation and paternal grandfather “had not
yet been charged with any crime.” Both of Father’s arguments are misplaced. The record contains
not only testimony and evidence regarding the initial disclosure of molestation, but also testimony
from Mother and Father reflecting their beliefs that E.H. was molested by paternal grandfather.
Their testimony did not dispute or question that E.H. was molested. Additionally, there is no
14
evidence or testimony in the record to support Father’s statement that charges had not yet been
filed against paternal grandfather. Rather, the record is silent as to that fact. While there is no
evidence regarding whether charges were filed, there is testimony regarding the parents’ belief that
E.H. was molested by paternal grandfather to support the trial court’s factual finding.
{¶33} Related to the molestation finding, Father also argues that the record reflects that
both he and Mother used “paternal grandfather as a primary childcare provider” for E.H., but the
molestation finding is “seemingly” used to reduce his parenting time. To the extent Father is
challenging the trial court’s factual finding regarding Father permitting paternal grandfather to
babysit E.H., Father’s argument is misplaced because the trial court did not make that factual
finding in relation to this statutory factor.2
Stepmother
{¶34} Father argues that there was no evidence that stepmother interfered with the
relationship between E.H. and Mother. Father contends that the testimony reflects that E.H.
received love from all three adults in her life. Although there is testimony from one of E.H.’s
teachers that E.H. received “a lot of love” from Mother, Father, and stepmother, that testimony
does not contradict, or support the trial court’s factual finding regarding stepmother’s interference
in E.H. and Mother’s relationship. Similarly, Mother’s argument in support of this factual finding
that stepmother allegedly sent her flowers from an anonymous male to cause problems in Mother’s
relationship with her boyfriend is not relevant to whether stepmother interfered with the
relationship between E.H. and Mother.
2
The trial court made this factual finding in relation to R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(h) and Father
reasserts this argument as it pertains to R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(h). We will address Father’s argument
under the proper statutory factor.
15
{¶35} Evidence relevant to this factual finding is Mother’s testimony that there was
“negative talk about mommy” being said to E.H. by stepmother. The stipulated counseling records
corroborate Mother’s testimony. The counseling note from the March 12, 2018 session indicates
that the counselor spent thirty minutes alone with E.H. This counseling note contains two lists:
one with a happy face and one with a sad face. Under the sad face it states “when tonton[3] says
my mom’s a bad mom – feel sad[.]” Further, the counseling notes from the initial intake with
Mother and E.H. on March 8, 2018 state “Stepmom says negative things about Mom[.]” The
evidence as recited above supports the trial court’s factual finding that stepmother interfered with
the relationship between E.H. and Mother.
Adjustment to home (R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(d))
{¶36} The trial court found that E.H. was well-adjusted to Mother’s home. Father does
not contest E.H.’s adjustment to Mother’s home. Rather, Father suggests that the trial court failed
to consider E.H.’s adjustment to his home and notes that there was no evidence to support that
E.H. was not well-adjusted to his home.
{¶37} The guardian ad litem testified that it was her recommendation to maintain the equal
parenting time schedule. Other evidence at the hearing suggesting that E.H. is adjusted to Father’s
home is the counseling note from the March 12, 2018 session with E.H. which lists being with
Mother, Father, and stepmother under a drawing of a happy face. The fact that the trial court did
not reference E.H.’s adjustment to Father’s home does not mean that the trial court overlooked
that fact or failed to consider the evidence. See Giovanini v. Bailey, 9th Dist. Summit Nos. 28631,
28676, 2018-Ohio-369, ¶ 15; In re A.C. and L.C., 2007-Ohio-5525, at ¶ 28.
3
This is Stepmother.
16
{¶38} There is testimony and evidence suggesting that E.H. was adjusted to both parents’
homes. “In weighing the evidence, however, we are always mindful of the presumption in favor
of the trial court’s factual findings.” Lundin v. Niepsuj, 9th Dist. Summit No. 26015, 2014-Ohio-
1212, ¶ 12, citing Eastley, 132 Ohio St.3d 328, 2012-Ohio-2179, at ¶ 21.
Facilitation of court-approved parenting time (R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(f))
{¶39} The trial court determined that Mother was more likely to facilitate parenting time
based upon “Father’s actions in scheduling his vacation time with the child so as to substantially
reduce Mother’s time with the child.” Mother testified that on April 25, 2018, Father scheduled
his summer vacation time with E.H. to occur during two of Mother’s regularly scheduled weeks
for parenting time. Additionally, Father scheduled another period of vacation which encroached
upon two days of Mother’s parenting time.
{¶40} Mother testified that she sent three messages through Family Wizard to Father
regarding his vacation plans conflicting with her parenting time. First, Mother offered to switch
her parenting weeks with Father so that his vacation time would occur during his normal parenting
time. Mother’s second message asked Father to makeup the two days that his other vacation week
overlapped into her parenting time. Mother’s last email indicated she was unable to trade weeks
with Father in June because it was now too late for her to change her work schedule and she
suggested that they schedule their vacations on their scheduled parenting weeks. Father did not
respond to any of these messages. Mother contacted her attorney to address this issue. Thereafter,
Father canceled two of his vacation weeks and shortened his other vacation request by two days.
Mother’s testimony is corroborated by the messages sent through Family Wizard. Mother further
testified that she did not retaliate by scheduling her vacation time during Father’s parenting time.
17
{¶41} Father argues that the trial court’s factual finding is wrong because he canceled his
vacation requests and Mother’s parenting time was “not negatively impacted.” While Mother did
not experience an actual reduction in parenting time, there is testimony and evidence before the
trial court that Father scheduled his vacation time during Mother’s normal parenting time and he
did not respond to Mother’s requests to resolve the scheduling conflicts in order to maintain the
court-ordered equal parenting time. Thus, the trial court had before it evidence of Father not
facilitating court-approved parenting time.
{¶42} Father also suggests that the trial court’s factual finding is inconsistent with his
testimony “that Mother had denied him parenting time[]” in the past. There was no direct
testimony that Mother denied Father parenting time, only an inference. During cross-examination
regarding Father’s efforts to facilitate telephone calls between E.H. and Mother during his three-
week spring break parenting time, Father was asked if he had “gone three straight weeks without
seeing [E.H.,]” to which he replied “Yes.” There was no further testimony establishing the reason
why Father did not see E.H. for three weeks. Father’s testimony in this regard was open to various
inferences, i.e., the three-week period was provided for in the equal parenting time order similar
to his three-week spring break parenting time or it was due to Mother denying him his parenting
time.
{¶43} When “‘the evidence is susceptible of more than one construction, we must give it
that interpretation which is consistent with the verdict and judgment, most favorable to sustaining
the trial court’s verdict and judgment.’” Tewarson, 141 Ohio App.3d at 115 quoting Karches v.
Cincinnati, 38 Ohio St.3d 12, 19 (1988). See Eastley, 132 Ohio St.3d 328, 2012-Ohio-2179, at ¶
21, quoting Seasons Coal Co., Inc. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St.3d 77, 80 (1984), fn. 3, quoting 5
Ohio Jurisprudence 3d, Appellate Review, Section 60, at 191-192 (1978). “‘Every reasonable
18
presumption must be made in favor of the judgment and the findings of facts [of the trial court].’”
(Alteration in original). Tewarson at 115, quoting Karches at 19.
Conviction of a household member and reason to believe parent acted in a manner
resulting in a child being an abused child (R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(h))
{¶44} The trial court took “notice that the grandfather ha[d] been convicted of criminal
offenses against [E.H.]” Father argues that there was no evidence at the hearing that paternal
grandfather was convicted of a criminal offense against E.H. and the trial court improperly took
judicial notice of paternal grandfather’s conviction.
{¶45} A review of the transcript and exhibits confirms that there was no evidence at the
hearing to support the trial court’s factual finding that paternal grandfather had been convicted of
criminal offenses against E.H. Rather, the trial court’s factual finding is premised entirely upon
its citation to the docket of a different case and its taking “notice” of paternal grandfather’s
conviction in that other case. Judicial notice, however, is limited to the prior proceedings in the
instant case before it. Maiorana v. Maiorana, 9th Dist. Medina No. 10CA0060-M, 2011-Ohio-
4464, ¶ 9, quoting In re J.C., 186 Ohio App.3d 243, 2010-Ohio-637, at ¶ 14. The trial court’s
reliance upon information contained in a different case to support its factual finding was error.
Because it was error to take judicial notice of paternal grandfather’s conviction and there was no
evidence in the record of paternal grandfather conviction, the trial court erred in its factual finding
that paternal grandfather was convicted of criminal offenses against E.H.
{¶46} The trial court also found that Father allowed paternal grandfather to care for E.H.
on a regular basis. Father disputes the trial court’s finding because he contends that the evidence
reflects that both he and Mother used paternal grandfather as a childcare provider on a regular
basis. Additionally, Father states that there was no testimony that his own “actions in any way
contributed to any offenses committed against [E.H.]”
19
{¶47} In the June 28, 2017 consent entry, Father and Mother each identified three
childcare providers that they were using during their respective periods of parenting time. Father
listed his childcare providers, in order, as being paternal grandfather, paternal grandmother, and
stepmother. Mother did not list paternal grandfather as a childcare provider in the consent entry.
{¶48} Based upon the testimony at the hearing Father and Mother were using the same
list of childcare providers eleven months later. Mother testified that during the May 26, 2018
counseling session Father and Mother were asked who they used as childcare providers and Father
identified paternal grandfather as one his childcare providers for E.H. Father testified similarly
that he gave the counselor a list which consisted of “pretty much family, grandpa, me,
[stepmother], my grandma, her boyfriend, * * *, my stepdaughter, * * * my stepson * * *.” After
identifying her childcare providers, Mother told the counselor that “I can also use [Father’s] mom
and dad.” Mother’s testimony indicates the availability to use paternal grandfather as a childcare
provider, but it does not indicate that she did use paternal grandfather as a childcare provider on a
regular basis.
{¶49} The testimony and evidence before the trial court was that Father, and not Mother,
used paternal grandfather as a childcare provider on a regular basis. However, we note that this
factual finding when considered in context with the erroneous factual finding of paternal
grandfather’s conviction allows for an inference to be drawn that Father acted in a manner resulting
in E.H. being an abused child. Because the trial court’s factual finding regarding paternal
grandfather’s conviction was in error, any inference drawn from that erroneous factual finding is
also error.
20
Conclusion
{¶50} Despite the trial court’s erroneous factual finding regarding paternal grandfather’s
conviction and any inferences drawn therefrom, there was other testimony and evidence to support
the trial court’s determination regarding the best interest of E.H. Given the testimony and evidence
adduced at the hearing, we cannot conclude that this is the exceptional case where the evidence
weighs heavily against the trial court’s finding that modification of the parenting time was in the
best interest of E.H. Accordingly, the trial court’s decision that it was in the best interest of E.H.
to reduce Father’s parenting time was not against the manifest weight of the evidence. Father’s
fifth assignment of error is overruled.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 2
THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR BY
DESIGNATING MOTHER THE RESIDENTIAL PARENT FOR SCHOOL
PURPOSES.
{¶51} Father argues the trial court abused its discretion by making Mother the residential
parent for purposes of school. We disagree.
{¶52} “Trial courts are generally afforded broad discretion in determining whether a
modification of parenting rights and responsibilities is necessary.” Bohannon, 2020-Ohio-1255,
at ¶ 26. Accordingly, this Court reviews for an abuse of discretion the trial court’s decision to
overrule Father’s objections to the magistrate’s decision modifying the shared parenting plan to
designate Mother the residential parent for purposes of school. See Tabatabai, 2009-Ohio-3139,
at ¶ 17-18; McDonald, 2014-Ohio-2861, at ¶ 5-6. Thus, the trial court’s decision will be upheld
unless it “‘is contrary to law, unreasonable, not supported by evidence, or grossly unsound.’”
Menke, 2015-Ohio-2507, at ¶ 8, quoting Tretola, 2015-Ohio-1999, at ¶ 25.
21
{¶53} As he did in his first assignment of error, Father argues that the trial court’s decision
designating Mother as the residential parent for school purposes was “devoid of an adequate
analysis[.]” In support of this argument, Father incorporates his arguments from the first
assignment of error. App.R. 16(A)(7) requires that each assignment of error be separately argued
and supported with citation to the facts and legal authority. This Court has explained that a party’s
incorporation of arguments from another assignment of error fails to comply with the requirements
of App.R. 16(A)(7). State ex rel. Midview Loc. School Dist. Bd. of Edn., 2017-Ohio-6928, at ¶ 29;
Vogel, 2020-Ohio-854, at ¶ 16. Accordingly, Father’s reference to his previous argument fails to
set forth a separate argument and citation to the facts and legal authority with respect to this
assignment of error and we decline to address this portion of Father’s second assignment of error.
See App.R. 12(A)(2) and App.R. 16(A)(7). See also State ex rel. Midview at ¶ 29; Vogel at ¶ 16.
That fact aside, we have overruled his first assignment of error, and thus, those arguments would
not successfully support Father’s second assignment of error.
{¶54} Father also argues that the trial court erred in designating Mother the residential
parent for school purposes because the matter “was not ripe for review[.]” Father contends there
was no need to designate a residential parent because Summit Christian Academy provides
schooling through the eighth grade, Mother has agreed to leave E.H. enrolled in Summit Christian
Academy through the eighth grade, the parties’ shared parenting plan requires them to agree or
return to court regarding which high school E.H. would attend, and E.H. will not attend high school
until 2026.
{¶55} Objections to the magistrate’s decision must be specific and all grounds must be
stated with particularity. Civ.R. 53(D)(3)(b)(ii). Although Father’s supplemental objections
addressed the naming of Mother as the residential parent for school purposes, he limited his
22
objection to a “request[]” that neither parent be named the residential parent for school purposes
because “[t]he child is excelling at that school, and both her parents have elected to live a faith
based lifestyle that is fostered [by] that environment.” Father did not argue in his objections that
the designation of the residential parent for school purposes was not ripe for the magistrate’s
determination. Accordingly, this argument is forfeited for appeal. See Hose v. Gatliff, 176 Ohio
App.3d 356, 2008-Ohio-2430, ¶ 14-15 (9th Dist.). Moreover, Father has not alleged plain error,
and we decline to undertake such an analysis on his behalf. See Bass-Fineberg Leasing, Inc.,
2015-Ohio-46, at ¶ 24, quoting McMaster, 189 Ohio App.3d 222, 2010-Ohio-3851, at ¶ 20.
{¶56} Father’s second assignment of error is overruled.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 3
THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR BY
DESIGNATING MOTHER THE PRIMARY CARRIER OF HEALTH
INSURANCE AND BY MAKING HER THE PRIMARY SELECTOR OF
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.
{¶57} In this assignment of error, Father argues that the trial court abused its discretion
when it designated Mother as the primary carrier of health insurance and the primary selector of
health care providers for E.H. We reject these arguments.
{¶58} We review a trial court’s action on a magistrate’s decision for an abuse of
discretion, but must do so “with reference to the nature of the underlying matter.” Tabatabai,
2009-Ohio-3139, at ¶ 17-18. The decision of a trial court to modify a shared parenting plan is
reviewed for an abuse of discretion. Kenney v. Carroll, 9th Dist. Medina Nos. 13CA0090-M,
15CA0102-M, 2017-Ohio-354, ¶ 18, quoting Batcher v. Pierce, 9th Dist. Summit No. 26785,
2013-Ohio-4677, ¶ 22. Similarly, we apply an abuse of discretion standard to a trial court’s
decision regarding child support matters. Trombley v. Trombley, 9th Dist. Medina No. 17CA0012-
M, 2018-Ohio-1880, ¶ 31. Thus, the trial court’s decision will be upheld unless it “‘is contrary to
23
law, unreasonable, not supported by evidence, or grossly unsound.’” Menke, 2015-Ohio-2507, at
¶ 8, quoting Tretola, 2015-Ohio-1999, at ¶ 25.
{¶59} Modification of the terms of a shared parenting plan by the trial court is governed
by R.C. 3109.04(E)(2)(b), which only requires the trial court to consider whether the modification
is in the best interest of the child. Fisher, 116 Ohio St.3d 53, 2007-Ohio-5589, at ¶ 29, 33. Accord
Kenney at ¶ 18, quoting Syverson v. Syverson, 9th Dist. Lorain No. 12CA010205, 2012-Ohio-
5569, ¶ 9; Dietrich v. Dietrich, 9th Dist. Summit No. 26919, 2014-Ohio-4782, ¶ 27. Provisions
regarding the child’s medical and dental care and child support obligations are considered terms
of the shared parenting plan. See R.C. 3109.04(G). See also Fisher at ¶ 28, 30. Terms regarding
health care coverage are related to child support. See R.C. 3119.30(A) (When child support is
issued or modified, the court must also determine who will provide health insurance coverage for
the child subject to the child support order.).
Primary selector of medical providers
{¶60} To the extent Father argues that the trial court abused its discretion by designating
Mother as the parent to select the medical providers for E.H., we conclude that Father has forfeited
all but plain error as to this issue. See Civ.R. 53(D)(3)(b)(iv). The record reflects that Father did
not object to the magistrate’s decision on this basis. See Civ.R. 53(D)(3)(b)(ii). Rather, Father
objected only to the magistrate’s designation of Mother as the primary insurance carrier as not
being in the best interest of E.H. Because Father’s objections failed to raise the issue of Mother
being named as the parent to select medical providers for E.H., this Court cannot address that issue
on appeal. See Varner v. Varner, 170 Ohio App.3d 448, 2007-Ohio-675, ¶ 22 (9th Dist.).
Furthermore, Father has not made a claim for plain error and we decline to undertake such an
24
analysis on his behalf. See Bass-Fineberg Leasing, Inc., 2015-Ohio-46, at ¶ 24, quoting McMaster,
189 Ohio App.3d 222, 2010-Ohio-3851, at ¶ 20.
Primary insurance coverage
{¶61} Father argues that the trial court failed to provide an explanation for removing him
as the primary insurer. Contrary to Father’s position, the trial court found that Father’s health
insurance costs $1,344 and is limited to in-network providers and Mother’s health insurance costs
$1,428 and provides better coverage. Also, the trial court found that Father used his status of
providing primary insurance coverage to conceal changes to E.H.’s health care providers without
Mother’s knowledge. The trial court went on to conclude that the switch to Father’s health
insurance coverage did not justify Father’s failure to communicate with Mother regarding the
change in E.H.’s health care providers.
{¶62} Father, however, contends that he did notify Mother of the changes in the medical
providers. While both Mother and Father testified that Father told Mother of the change of E.H.’s
pediatrician and counselor, Father’s position fails to recognize that the timing of the disclosures is
also relevant to the trial court’s finding. The testimony reflects that Father’s disclosure of these
changes occurred after he made the changes, rather than prior to making the changes. Father
conceded this point on cross-examination. Moreover, Mother testified that she learned of the
change to the pediatrician when she was scheduling an appointment for E.H. to receive her
immunizations with her prior pediatrician. E.H. indicated that stepmother had already taken her
to the doctor for her shots. Upon contacting Father, he informed Mother that E.H. had a new
pediatrician and she had already received her shots. As for E.H.’s counselor, Mother knew Father
had terminated E.H.’s previous counselor, but she did not know that he had engaged a new
counselor. The new counselor was brought to Mother’s attention by E.H. when she indicated that
25
she had seen a counselor. Furthermore, Father confirmed in cross-examination that he twice took
E.H to see a new counselor but did not inform Mother of the new counselor prior to those sessions.
{¶63} Father attempts to shift the blame to the trial court, claiming it failed in its obligation
to safeguard against any provisions in the June 28, 2017 consent entry that could cause confusion.
Father contends that Article XIII of the shared parenting plan allowed him to change E.H.’s
healthcare providers because of the change in insurance coverage. Father’s argument suggests that
he was not required to tell Mother in advance of the changes in the healthcare providers. Rather,
he argues that the trial court, the guardian ad litem, and their attorneys should have addressed what
medical providers would change after Father became the primary insurer. Additionally, Father
argues that the trial court failed to examine the shared parenting plan in June 2017, resulting in the
June 28, 2017 consent entry being deficient regarding the requirements for discussing changing
health care providers. Thus, Father concludes that the trial court is now “punishing him for an
outcome that was foreseeable before the parties left court in June of 2017[]” and “for a situation
that it was partially responsible for creating.”
{¶64} Father’s arguments belie the provision in the shared parenting plan regarding
changes of medical providers due to a change in health insurance coverage. Article XIII of the
shared parenting plan provides as follows:
The parents agree to continue to use medical, dental and other professionals as the
child [has] been seeing unless there is a change in hospitalization coverage, which
would necessitate the use of medical providers under the plan of hospitalization. In
the event any change in medical or dental providers is necessary, parents agree to
consult with each other prior to making arrangements for alternative medical or
dental care.
(Emphasis added.) While Father was permitted to change E.H.’s health care providers due to the
change in the insurance, by the terms of the shared parenting plan Father was required to consult
with Mother prior to making such changes. Because this provision existed in the shared parenting
26
plan, Father’s attempt to shift blame to the trial court, the guardian ad litem, and their attorneys for
his failure to communicate with Mother prior to changing E.H.’s healthcare providers is not well-
taken.
{¶65} Additionally, Father claims in his brief that his insurance is in E.H.’s best interest
because it provides “better access to the top tier physicians at the Cleveland Clinic[.]” While
Father testified that his insurance is provided through Cleveland Clinic, there was no testimony
regarding the quality of the medical care E.H. would receive under Father’s insurance.
{¶66} Father also contends that Mother’s insurance policy is not in the best interest of
E.H. because it costs more and only provides health coverage, while Father’s insurance costs less
and also includes dental and vision coverage. Father suggests that it would be better for Mother
to use the money she pays for insurance on more pertinent expenses for E.H. While Father
objected to the magistrate’s decision regarding the designation of Mother’s insurance as primary,
Father did not raise any of these issues in his objections and has forfeited these arguments on
appeal. See Quintile, 2008-Ohio-5657, at ¶ 15. Furthermore, Father has not made a claim for plain
error and we decline to undertake such an analysis on his behalf. See Bass-Fineberg Leasing, Inc.,
2015-Ohio-46, at ¶ 24, quoting McMaster, 189 Ohio App.3d 222, 2010-Ohio-3851, at ¶ 20.
{¶67} Lastly, Father cites to R.C. 3119.30(B)(1) and argues that the trial court failed to
perform the proper analysis regarding the rebuttable presumption that Mother, as the child support
obligee, is to provide health insurance. Father’s argument is misplaced because he relies upon the
wrong version of this statute.
{¶68} This Court has recognized that “[g]enerally, courts must apply the statute in effect
when the motion to modify child support is filed.” Rodriguez v. Rodriguez, 9th Dist. Lorain No.
00CA007699, 2001 WL 458674, *2 (May 2, 2001), fn. 1. See Ohlemacher v. Ohlemacher, 9th
27
Dist. Lorain No. 02CA008108, 2003-Ohio-368, ¶ 10, fn. 2; Berthelot v. Berthelot, 154 Ohio
App.3d 101, 2003-Ohio-4519, ¶ 10, (9th Dist.), fn. 1. Mother filed her motion to modify child
support on May, 2, 2018. The current version of R.C. 3119.30(B) cited by Father became effective
on October 17, 2019, after Mother filed her motion to modify child support. Moreover, R.C.
3119.30(B) in effect on May 2, 2018, unlike the current version, contains no provisions regarding
the use of a rebuttable presumption to determine whether the child support obligee or obligor is to
provide insurance coverage to the child. Compare R.C. 3119.30(B)(1) with former R.C.
3119.30(B), Am.Sub.H.B. 119, 2007 Ohio Laws File 15.
{¶69} Upon review of the record, we cannot conclude that the trial court’s decision
designating Mother as the primary selector of health care providers and Mother’s insurance as
primary coverage constituted an abuse of discretion. Father’s third assignment of error is
overruled.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 4
THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR BY ISSUING A
CHILD SUPPORT ORDER AFTER IMPROPERLY MODIFYING THE
COMPANIONSHIP SCHEDULE, BY FAILING TO GRANT FATHER A
DEVIATION FROM THE CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES, AND BY
AWARDING MOTHER WITH THE ANNUAL TAX DEPENDENCY
EXEMPTION.
{¶70} Father argues that the trial court abused its discretion by ordering him to pay child
support, not granting him a downward deviation from the child support guidelines, and awarding
the tax dependency exemption to Mother. We disagree.
{¶71} We review a trial court’s action on a magistrate’s decision for an abuse of
discretion, but must do so “with reference to the nature of the underlying matter.” Tabatabai,
2009-Ohio-3139, at ¶ 17-18. Appellate courts review a trial court’s decision modifying child
28
support obligations, including decisions to deviate the child support obligation, using an abuse of
discretion standard. See Maiorana, 2011-Ohio-4464, at ¶ 4-5. Additionally, this Court reviews a
trial court’s decision regarding the allocation of a dependent child tax exemption for an abuse of
discretion. In re L.B.S., 9th Dist. Wayne Nos. 18AP0007, 18AP0010, 2019-Ohio-3312, ¶ 30,
quoting Loewen, 2018-Ohio-73, at ¶ 62. Thus, the trial court’s decision will be upheld unless it
“‘is contrary to law, unreasonable, not supported by evidence, or grossly unsound.’” Menke, 2015-
Ohio-2507, at ¶ 8, quoting Tretola, 2015-Ohio-1999, at ¶ 25.
Child Support
{¶72} Father contends that the trial court’s decision with regard to the modification of
child support is deficient for multiple reasons: it does not acknowledge Mother’s motion to modify
child support; it does not find that modification of child support is appropriate, fair, reasonable,
just, and in the best interest of E.H.; and it contains no legal authority or analysis for its decision
to modify the parties’ agreement, to impose child support, and to deny a deviation in child support.
Father also claims that the trial court abused its discretion by not applying the child support
deviation agreed to by the parties at the time of the divorce in the shared parenting plan.
Additionally, Father argues that he should receive a deviation in child support for the cost of E.H.’s
private school tuition; the expense of E.H.’s tae kwon do training; out-of-pocket insurance
expenses; and the costs for medical, dental, and vision insurance related to being the secondary
insurance provider.
{¶73} The entirety of Father’s legal authority in support of these arguments is stated as
follows: “The statutes that control child support calculations and grounds for deviation are under
[C]hapter 3119 of the Ohio Revised Code.” Chapter 3119 of the Ohio Revised Code contains
approximately one hundred statutes, of which twenty-one pertain to the calculation of support
29
obligations and another twenty-two address the review of support orders. Father does not attempt
to identify which statute or statutes apply to his various arguments or cite any relevant case law.
See App.R. 16(A)(7). Nor does he develop an argument regarding why the trial court’s decision
was deficient or in violation of the child support statutes, the impact of an agreement to deviate in
a shared parenting plan, the factors to be considered for a deviation, and the adjustment of a child
support order for the payment of certain appropriate expenses. See id. Rather, Father leaves it to
this Court to guess which statute he is relying upon and to formulate his arguments for him. We,
however, have repeatedly held that it is not this Court’s duty to develop an argument in support of
an assignment of error, even if one exists. See Cardone, 1998 WL 224934, at *8. Father has failed
in his burden of supporting his contentions with proper legal authority and developing an
argument. See App.R. 16(A)(7). Accordingly, we decline to address these portions of Father’s
assignment of error. See App.R. 12(A)(2); App.R. 16(A)(7).
{¶74} Additionally, Father’s arguments that he should receive a deviation in child support
for the cost of E.H.’s tae kwon do training, out-of-pocket insurance expenses, and the costs for
medical, dental, and vision insurance are forfeited because he did not raise these issues in his
objections. See Akin v. Akin, 9th Dist. Summit Nos. 25524, 25543, 2011-Ohio-2765, ¶ 45-46.
Moreover, Father has not argued plain error and we will not make the argument for him. See Bass-
Fineberg Leasing, Inc., 2015-Ohio-46, at ¶ 24, quoting McMaster, 189 Ohio App.3d 222, 2010-
Ohio-3851, at ¶ 20.
{¶75} Related to the deviation in child support for tuition costs, Father asks this Court to
consider the effect of not granting him this deviation. Father suggests that since Mother has been
designated the residential parent for school purposes, if he is unable to pay the tuition because of
his new child support obligations, Mother will have authority to change E.H.’s school. Father fails
30
to cite any legal authority or to explain why this is a relevant consideration in deviating the child
support obligation. See App.R. 16(A)(7). Moreover, Father did not assert this argument in his
objections to the magistrate’s decision and has forfeited it on appeal. See Trombley, 2018-Ohio-
1880, at ¶ 10. Nor has Father argued plain error. See id.{¶76} Lastly, Father re-asserts and incorporates all of his arguments in his first and fifth
assignments of error to argue that the parenting time should revert to equal time, thereby restoring
the original child support deviation. This Court has already considered and overruled Father’s
arguments regarding the modification of the parenting time. Because there has been a modification
of the shared parenting plan, it was necessary for the trial court to review the existing child support
order and enter a new order. See Ankney, 2006-Ohio-6009, ¶ at 34, overruled on other grounds by
Gunderman, 2009-Ohio-3787, at ¶ 13. Based upon our disposition of the first and fifth
assignments of error, the original child support deviation cannot be summarily restored.
Tax Dependency Exemption
{¶77} Father argues that the trial court abused its discretion by awarding the tax
dependency exemption to Mother. This Court, however, need not address the merits of Father’s
argument because he did not raise this issue in his objections to the magistrate’s decision and has
forfeited all but plain error on appeal. See Civ.R. 53(D)(3)(b)(iv); Walters, 2013-Ohio-636, at ¶
15. Further, Father has not made a plain error argument and we decline to undertake such an
analysis on his behalf. See Bass-Fineberg Leasing, Inc., 2015-Ohio-46, at ¶ 24, quoting McMaster,
189 Ohio App.3d 222, 2010-Ohio-3851, at ¶ 20.
{¶78} Upon review of the record, we cannot conclude that the trial court abused its
discretion when it modified the child support and awarded Mother the tax dependency exemption.
Father’s fourth assignment of error is overruled.
31
III.
{¶79} Mr. Herron’s assignments of error are overruled. The judgment of the Summit
County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division is affirmed.
Judgment affirmed.
There were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
We order that a special mandate issue out of this Court, directing the Court of Common
Pleas, County of Summit, State of Ohio, to carry this judgment into execution. A certified copy
of this journal entry shall constitute the mandate, pursuant to App.R. 27.
Immediately upon the filing hereof, this document shall constitute the journal entry of
judgment, and it shall be file stamped by the Clerk of the Court of Appeals at which time the period
for review shall begin to run. App.R. 22(C). The Clerk of the Court of Appeals is instructed to
mail a notice of entry of this judgment to the parties and to make a notation of the mailing in the
docket, pursuant to App.R. 30.
Costs taxed to Appellant.
LYNNE S. CALLAHAN
FOR THE COURT
TEODOSIO, P. J.
SUTTON, J.
CONCUR.
APPEARANCES:
BETH A. BLACKMORE, Attorney at Law, for Appellant.
CHANDRA M. MUSTER, Attorney at Law, for Appellee.