S.U. v. C.Z. ( 2021 )

J-A06003-21
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.0.P. 65.37
S.U. : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
Appellant
Vv.
C.Z. : No. 1047 WDA 2020
Appeal from the Order Entered August 31, 2020
In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County Family Court at
No(s): FD 16-004163-007
BEFORE: BENDER, P.J.E., LAZARUS, J., and MCCAFFERY, J.
MEMORANDUM BY BENDER, P.J.E.: FILED: APRIL 12, 2021
S.U. (Mother) appeals from the order entered on August 31, 2020, that
awarded sole legal custody to determine school choice to C.Z. (Father) for the
parties’ child, M.Z. (Child), born in January of 2015. A prior order, dated
October 5, 2018, remains in effect and governs the parties’ shared physical
and legal custody of Child for all other matters. After our extensive review,
we affirm.
The relevant scope and standard of review in custody matters are as
follows:
[T]he appellate court is not bound by the deductions or inferences
made by the trial court from its findings of fact, nor must the
reviewing court accept a finding that has no competent evidence
to support it. ... However, this broad scope of review does not
vest in the reviewing court the duty or the privilege of making its
own independent determination. ... Thus, an appellate court is
empowered to determine whether the trial court’s incontrovertible
factual findings support its factual conclusions, but it may not
J-A06003-21
interfere with those conclusions unless they are unreasonable in
view of the trial court’s factual findings; and thus, represent a
gross abuse of discretion.
R.M.G., Jr. v. F.M.G., 986 A.2d 1234, 1237 (Pa. Super. 2009)
(quoting Bovard. Baker, 775 A.2d 835, 838 (Pa. Super. 2001)).
Moreover,
on issues of credibility and weight of the evidence, we
defer to the findings of the trial [court] who has had
the opportunity to observe the proceedings and
demeanor of the witnesses.
The parties cannot dictate the amount of weight
the trial court places on evidence. Rather, the
paramount concern of the trial court is the best
interest of the child. Appellate interference is
unwarranted if the trial court’s consideration of the
best interest of the child was careful and thorough,
and we are unable to find any abuse of discretion.
R.M.G., Jr., supra at 1237 (internal citations omitted). The test
is whether the evidence of record supports the trial court’s
conclusions. Ketterer v. Seifert, 902 A.2d 533, 539 (Pa. Super.
2006).
A.V. v. S.T., 87 A.3d 818, 820 (Pa. Super. 2014).
Mother raises the following issues for our review:
1. Did the [t]rial [c]ourt abuse its discretion when it ignored
undisputed evidence of record and found that certain factors
favored Father despite the fact that such a conclusion is
unreasonable as shown by the record?
2. Did the [t]rial [c]ourt err and/or abuse its discretion by
awarding legal custody for the sole purpose of school choice
to Father when the record clearly indicates that the Child’s
best interest was served by awarding said custody to
Mother?
Mother’s brief at 4.
J-A06003-21
In its opinion filed in response to Mother’s appeal, the trial court set
forth a factual and procedural history of this case and listed Mother’s nine
allegations of error contained in her Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b) statement of matters
complained of on appeal. The opinion then discusses the custody factors
addressed in Mother’s Rule 1925(b) statement,! explaining the facts it relied
upon and its reasons for awarding Father sole legal custody to determine
which school Child should attend.
Essentially, Mother’s arguments are requesting that this Court re-find
facts and re-weigh the evidence presented. However, our standard of review
requires that we “accept findings of the trial court that are supported by
competent evidence of record, as our role does not include making
independent factual determinations.” C.R.F., III v. S.E.F., 45 A.3d 441, 443
(Pa. Super. 2012). Rather, we “may reject the conclusions of the trial court
only if they involve an error of law, or are unreasonable in light of the
sustainable findings of the trial court.” £.D. v. M.P., 33 A.3d 73, 76 (Pa.
Super. 2011). We do not conclude that that is the situation here. The trial
court’s findings are based on competent evidence contained in the record and
its conclusions are not unreasonable.
We have reviewed the certified record, the parties’ briefs, the applicable
law, and the thorough, well-reasoned opinion authored by the Honorable Elliot
C. Howsie of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, dated October
1 The trial court discussed each of the custody factors contained in 23 Pa.C.S.
§ 5328, in an opinion attached to its August 31, 2020 order.
-3-
J-A06003-21
30, 2020. We conclude that Judge Howsie’s opinion properly disposes of the
issues presented by Mother in this appeal. Accordingly, we adopt the trial
court’s opinion as our own and affirm the school choice custody order on that
basis.
Order affirmed.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Es¢
Prothonotary
Date: 4/12/2021
Circulated 03/31/2021 12:05 PM
LEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
IN THE COURT OF COMMON P .
FAMILY DIVISION
S.U. OPINION
Plaintiff,
No.: FD-16-004163
Sup. Ct. No: 1047 WDA 2020
C.Z.
Defendant.
BY:
Honorable Elliot C. Howsie
4A0 Ross Street
Suite 5080
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
COPIES TO:
Counsel for Plaintiff:
Dennis M. Blackwell, Esquire
The Blackwell Law Firm
Benedum-Trees Building, 9" Floor
923 Fourth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
FILED
200CT 30 PH 1:59
CINILAFAMILY DIVISION
DEPT. OF COURT RECORDS
ALLEGHENY COUNTY PA
Counsel for Defendant:
Jason Lasser, Esquire
310 Grant Street, Suite 2825
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
FAMILY DIVISION
S.U.,
Plaintiff, No.: FD-16-004163
v. Sup. Ct. No: 1047 WDA 2020
C.Z.,
Defendant.
OPINION
October 30, 2020 Judge Elliot C. Howsie
In this matter, Plaintiff S.U. (hereinafter “Mother”) appeals from this Court’s Order dated
August 24, 2020, which granted Defendant C.Z. (hereinafter “Father”) sole legal custody for the
purpose of determining school choice for the parties’ minor child, M.Z. The Court further ruled
that the Court’s prior Order governing custody remained in full effect and any modifications of
the Court Order required the written consent of both parties. The Court’s Order granting Father
sole legal custody was in the best interest of the child, and within the discretion of the Court.
Accordingly, the Court’s Order should be affirmed.
I. RELEVENT HISTORY
The parties are the biological parents of one minor child: M.Z. (DOB: 14912015), who is
currently five (5) years old. The parties were never married but resided together when the child
was born and maintained a relationship until 2016.
The parties’ custody schedule is governed by a custody order dated October 5, 2018,
wherein the parties exercise shared physical and legal custody of the child on a 5/2/2/5 basis.
Mother currently resides in Ohio Township in the Avonworth Schoo! District. Father currently
resides in Baden, in the Ambridge School District. Since the entry of the 2018 Order of Court, the
child attended part-time pre-school at the Wexford Children’s Center in the North Allegheny
Schoo) District. Although neither party has requested a change in the custody schedule at this
time, each parent is seeking to enroll the child in kindergarten in their respective school districts.
As a result of Mother’s Petition for Special Relief — Schoo! Choice filed on December 26,
2019, the parties participated in a judicial conciliation on February 18, 2020. Unable to resolve
the matter at that time, the Court subsequently conducted a one-day School Choice Hearing on
August 21, 2020. On August 24, 2020, this Court entered the Order which is the subject of this
appeal.
Il. DISCUSSION
Mother filed the instant appeal and her 1925(b) Statement of Matters Complained of on
Appeal (hereinafter “Concise Statement”), in which she alleges the following errors:
“a. This Honorable Court abused its discretion/erred as a matter of law in granting
Appellee sole legal custody for purposes of school choice when it was not in the best
interest of the child.”
“b. This Honorable Court abused its discretion/erred as a matter of law in finding
that certain custody factors favored Appellee when the evidence does not support such a
finding.”
“c. This Honorable Court abused its discretion/erred as a matter of law in finding
that Appellant’s current arrangement does not provide for stability and continuity in the
child’s life,”
“d. This Honorable Court abused its discretion/erred as a matter of law in finding
that Appellee is more likely to attend to the needs of the child when the evidence does not
support such a finding.”
e. This Honorable Court abused its discretion/erred as a matter of law in
disregarding that Appellee did not put any concern or preparation into evaluating which
school district was in the child’s best interest.”
“f. This Honorable Court abused its discretion/erred as a matter of law in finding
that the child should attend school in Appellee’s district when it is the inferior school
district and Appellee did not present any evidence on the specific school district.”
ity
g. This Honorable Court abused its discretion/erred as a matter of taw in
disregarding birth mother and favoring stepmother’s convenience and preference rather
than the best interest of this child.”
“h. This Honorable Court abused its discretion/erred as a matter of law in
disregarding that Appellee did not offer evidence to establish any of the custody factors or
which party they favor during the custody proceeding.”
i. This Honorable Court abused its discretion/erred as a matter of law in making
a decision that was contrary to the weight of the evidence.”
See Mother’s Concise Statement, at [9[(a)-(i).
Prior to addressing Mother's assertions of error, the Court would note that the
determinations of the fact finder, in this case this Court, especially with regard to witness
credibility are to be afforded great weight. Calabrese v Calabrese, 682 A.2d 393 (Pa.
Super. 1996). When parties cannot resolve a dispute about where to educate their children,
the Court may act as an arbitrator to decide that issue based on the best interest of the child.
See $.W.D. v. S.A.R., 96 A.3d 396, 403-04 (Pa. Super. 2014). In fact, “the primary concem
in any custody case is the best interests of the child.” J.M.R. v. J.M., 1 A.3d 908, 911 (Pa.
Super. 2010). After a comprehensive review of the record, testimony, and exhibits, this
Court determined that it was in the best interest of the child for Father to have legal custody
as it related to school choice.
While Mother assembles a multitude of alleged errors, in actuality Mother’s
contentions are two-fold: (1) that this Court abused its discretion/erred as a matter of law
m applying the custody factors listed in 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5328(a) in deciding the best interest -
of the child as it relates to school choice, and (2) that this Court abused its discretion/erred
as a matter of law by favoring Father and his choice of school district despite the weight of
the evidence. Therefore, this discussion will address each of these issues in turn.
A. Custody Factors
When read as a whole, the § 5328(a) factors were “designed to
guide the best-interest analysis when a trial court is ordering which party has the right to a
form of custody.” S.W.D., 96 A.3d at 403. In determining what is in the best interest of
the child regarding school choice in this case, some of the factors provided were not
applicable and for that reason, there was no evidence presented by either party concerning
these issues. For example, past or present abuse committed by a party or member of the
party’s household, as provided per § 5328(a)(2), was not a factor that was applicable to the
issue of school choice and no evidence was presented to support or refute a finding of such.
Additionally, since the child did not testify and neither party presented evidence of the
child’s preference, this Court did not further analyze § 5328(a)(7), the factor related to the
well-reasoned preference of the child. Per § 5328(a)(9), the factor related to the emotional
needs of the child was not applicable to a determination of school choice. In turn, this
Court did not assign significant weight to this factor. Pursuant to mandates of §
5328(a)(14) and (15), evidence of drug or alcohol abuse and the mental and physical
condition of a party within either household are factors to be considered. However, the
parties did not present any evidence regarding these factors. This Court attributed
Significant weight to the remaining factors in making its determination regarding legal
custody. Accordingly, those factors will be discussed in more detail while addressing the
issues raised in Mother’s Concise Statement.
Per § 5328(a)(1), the Court found that neither parent was more likely than the other
to encourage and permit frequent and continuing contact between the child and the other
parent. In determining that this factor was equal, this Court concluded that the testimony
adduced at trial established that both parents have demonstrated a history of encouraging
and maintaining frequent contact between the minor child and the other parent. The
testimony indicated that both parents ensure that the child feels comfortable keeping in
contact with the other parent. See Transcript of Testimony, dated August 21, 2020
(“T.T.”), at 118-19. Moreover, neither parent presented evidence expressing a desire to
change the physical custody schedule. The matter at hand, was solely focused on the Court
making a determination regarding school choice. Additionally, pursuant to § 5328(a)(3),
the Court concluded that both parties equally performed duties on behalf of the minor child.
The evidence established that both parents do an adequate job of co-parenting and none of
the evidence presented suggested that either parent had taken steps to turn the child against
the other parent consistent with requirements established in § 5328(a)(8). Similarly, while
considering § 5328(a)(13), the Court concluded that Mother and Father have demonstrated
the ability to cooperate with one another and work collaboratively when parenting the
child. Although Father alleged — and Mother admitted ~ that there were some occasions in
the past when Mother failed to inform Father about scheduled activities, the evidence
established that the parties have done an adequate job of caring for and co-parenting the
child. 7.7. at 93. When considering § 5328(a)(11), the testimony indicated that the parties
currently live approximately 12.3 miles or twenty-three minutes from each other.
Therefore, the proximity of the parties’ residences was not a relevant consideration in
making the school choice determination.
Mother’s Concise Statement at J[(c) specifically takes issue with this Court’s
finding based upon its consideration of § 5328(a)(4). However, after considering the
testimony adduced at trial, this Court determined that Father provided more stability and
continuity in the child’s life. Mother further argues in her Concise Statement, that the
Court erred in concluding that Mother’s “current arrangement” does not allow for stability
and continuity. Although Mother currently has a residence, employment and a vehicle for
transportation, the evidence conclusively demonstrated that none of these necessities were
independently acquired by Mother. Mother’s testimony confirmed that she has moved a
total of five (5) times since 2016. During that time, Mother has lived in: (1) Wexford,
Pennsylvania with her aunt and grandmother; (2) Volant, Pennsylvania with her father; (3)
again in Wexford, Pennsylvania with her aunt and grandmother; (4) on Neville Island: and
(5) at her current residence in Avonworth, Pennsylvania since the summer of 2019. 7:T.,
at 118-19. Mother previously lived in Avonworth in 2010 and 2011, and subsequently
moved back to Avonworth into a home owned by the child’s paternal grandfather in the
summer of 2019. fd. at 119, Mother is also currently employed by paternal grandfather’s
company and paternal grandfather purchased the vehicle that she currently drives. /d. at
122. While testifying, Mother maintained that her housing was stable in her “current
arrangement” and that she had no intentions of moving out of the Avonworth School
District. However, Mother’s housing, employment, and transportation are completely
contingent upon her relationship with the paternal grandfather. Despite the paternal
grandfather’s willingness to assume the responsibility of supporting Mother and the child,
there is no guarantee that he will opt to do so long term. In the event that the child’s
paternal grandfather is unable or unwilling to provide Mother with housing, employment
and a car, Mother failed to produce any evidence suggesting that she would be able to
maintain her current standard of living, for herself or for the chiid. In fact, Mother testified
that she initially moved out of Avonworth due to her inability to afford to reside in that
community. Given that Mother has not been in the Avonworth School District for an
extended period of time and it cannot be certain that she will remain in the schoo! district
long term, this Court concluded that Mother’s current arrangement does not provide for
stability and continuity in the child’s life. Conversely, Father testified that he married his
Wife Satie’ approximately three (3) years ago, and Father has since adopted her
daughter A. a who is five (5) years old. /d. at 137. Father also stated that in 2018, he and
his wife teetabm purchased ah home in the Ambridge School District. The testimony further
established that qaugaiiiamaats i, intend to remain in the community long term. Jd. at 140-
41. Moreover, Father testified that his employment with Lindy Paving and his wife's
employment as a nurse provides them with the ability to provide for the child and
independently maintain their current standard of living for the foreseeable future.
Per § 5328(a)(5), this factor regarding the availability of extended family favors
Father. Father currently resides in the Ambridge School District with his wife, and their
daughter A.Z. During trial, the testimony provided that Father works full time for Lindy
Paving and his wife, Sea wots casually as a registered nurse at ree Hospital.
TT, at 156-58. Both eimai and Father testified that as a result of oni flexible
work schedule, she is primarily responsible for transporting the child and A.Z. to and from
extracurricular activities and school. The testimony demonstrated that Father and —
share the responsibilities of assisting the children with their virtual leaming, completing
their schoolwork and attending medical appointments. Father’s mother and stepfather live
approximately five (5) minutes from Father’s residence and Father testified that both
children have an excellent relationship with their grandparents. Id. at 147-48. The children
see their grandparents three to four times per week ang their grandparents play a very active
role in the children’s lives. Id, Additionally, in parents live approximately
thirty (30) minutes from Father andi residence. Jd. Father credibly testified that
eimai parents frequently attend the child’s extracurricular events 4 and. assist with
childcare. /d. Both children appear to have a close relationship with @ymmMa——& parents,
and they see her parents a few times per week as well. Conversely, Mother does not have
extended family members in the Avonworth School District, where she currently resides.
Mother did testify that Father’s brother lives in the Avonworth community, and M.Z.’s
paternal grandparents own a house in close proximity to Mother’s residence. /d. at 77.
Although the child’s parental grandparents do own a home in Avonworth, the testimony
clearly established that they spend a large portion of the year in Florida at their vacation
home. Id. at 87-89. Accordingly, the Court concluded that the amount of parental support
that the child’s paternal grandparents would be available to offer Mother is questionable at
best.
Similarly, per § 5328(a)(6), the child’s sibling relationships favored Father in this
case. Father’s adopted daughter, A.Z., resides in the home with > M.Z., manne and
Father. T.T., at 137. The testimony demonstrated that the sisters have been in each other’s
lives for the past four (4) years and have become best friends and are inseparable. [d. at
241-42. In the past, the children attended the same school and participated in the same
extracurricular activities. Jd. Permitting the child to attend school in the Ambridge School
District would allow the sisters to attend the same school and maintain the close
relationship that they currently have. Mother does not have any other children.
Moither’s Concise Statement at J (d) specifically takes issue with this Court’s
finding pursuant to § 5328(a{10). This Court determined that Father is more likely to
attend to the daily physical, emotional, and educational development needs of the child.
Father’s concern for the parties’ inability to transport the child to and from school in a
timely fashion supports this Court’s conclusion. Mother’s testimony indicated that the
Avonworth School District would require the child to attend classes daily from 1:00 p.m.
to 3:30 p.m. initially. T.T., at 114, Whereas, the Ambridge School District would require
the child and her sister A.Z. to attend school from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., two (2) days per
week and virtually the remaining days of the week. Jd. at 115. Although the current daily
schedules, requiring the ee to attend school on a limited basis, would not pose a
problem for Father and omni to transport M.Z. and A.Z. to different schools, a future
schedule requiring the children to attend school daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. would.
Father testified that he is required to report to work prior to the time the children leave for
school and he does not get off from work until 3:30 p.m. Id. at 136. Consequently, when
the children are required to attend school on a daily basis, GER would be solely
responsible for getting A.Z. to the bus stop in the morning to ensure she arrives to school
on time. SQM would then be responsible for driving thirty (30) minutes to the
Avonworth School District to ensure that M.Z. also gets to school on time. Additionally,
EEN vould have the unenviable responsibility of being available in Avonworth
8
to get M.Z. after school, at the same time that she needs to be available in Ambridge, thirty
(30) minutes away, when A.Z. gets out of school. The testimony clearly demonstrated that
in the past Father and Mother have been required to_switch scheduled custody days to
ensure that the parties would be available to transport the children to and from their
respective sees The testimony further established that this approach has been
unsuccessful. i testified that despite the parties’ best efforts, there were times when
she had to take A.Z. to school late to ensure that M.Z. would be on time for school. Id. at
249-50. Father astutely testified that if this Court Permitted the child to attend school in
Avonworth, it would be impossible for him and@ijgggigM to get both children to school on
time, since the schools start and finish at the same time. Id. at 159. It is noteworthy that
Mother was fully aware of the problems associated with transporting the children to and
from different schools. During direct examination, Mother offered testimony regarding the
previous transportation issues that the parties experienced with the children attending
different schools. In Mother’s Concise Statement at { (2), Mother contends that this Court
disregarded her concerns and favored Si9098 convenience, which is simply not
the case. As stated above and clearly demonstrated in the record, the parties simply cannot
be in two places at one time. On the other hand, Mother testified that due to her employment
at the paternal grandfather’s place of business, Mother has an extremely flexible work
schedule and she has the ability to arrive at work whenever she wants. T.T., at 20. The
testimony established that Mother and Father were aware of the transportation issues
related to M.Z. and A.Z. attending different schools. Therefore, the Court correctly
concluded that it was not in the best interest of M.Z. to attend school in the Avonworth
School District.
Finally, pursuant to § 5328(a)(12), Mother and Father have shared physical custody
of M.Z. and the Court concluded that each parent has put forth extraordinary effort in
parenting and caring for her. Furthermore, Mother and Father have a demonstrated history
of working cooperatively with one another when parenting MLZ.
B. Best-Interest Analysis
The paramount concern in a child custody matter is the best interest
of the child. Douglas v. Wright, 801 A.2d 586, 586 (Pa. Super 2002); Wheeler v. Mazur,
793 A.2d 929 (Pa. Super. 2002). On issues of credibility and weight of the evidence, the
appeliate court must defer to the findings of the trial court, who had the opportunity to
review the evidence, observe the proceedings and the demeanor of the witnesses. E.A.L.
v. LFW., 662 A.2d 1009, 1113 (1995). In Mother’s Concise Statement at {Gl (e)-(g), she
alleges that this Court erred by concluding that M.Z. should attend what Mother considers
to be an “inferior” school district. Mother alleges that Father presented no preparation or
evidence to support a finding that the Ambridge School District was in the child’s best
interest. Mother’s allegations are not supported by the record.
During trial, both parties entered the registration information, school schedules, and
other pertinent information related to their respected school districts of choice. See
Exhibits 2, 4, 5, 6, 7,9, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23. In an attempt to support Mother’s
claim that the Avonworth School District was superior to the Ambridge School District,
Mother introduced evidence and testified to what she independently believed was the best
school of choice based only upon her research. For example, Mother used online research
tools such as Niche to support her contention. See Exhibits 27-31. However, the testimony
adduced at trial actually established that the Avonworth and Ambridge School Districts are
fairly compatible in terms of education as it relates to their elementary schools. Even the
exhibits provided by Mother indicated that the overall grade for Avonworth Primary Center
is a B, while Economy Public Elementary School (in the Ambridge School District) is a
B+. T.T., at 107. Additionally, in ranking diversity, Economy Public is ranked as a B-,
while Avonworth Primary has a C+ ranking. /d. Both schools have an A- ranking when
assessing their teachers. fd. Both schools have developed a comprehensive plan for
educating the children during the COVID-19 pandemic and the children will be provided
with iPads to ensure that they are able to attend school remotely whenever necessary. See
Exhibits 12 and 22. Therefore, the evidence presented by Mother supports a finding that
the schools are similar in terms of the educational opportunities that will be provided to
M.Z. Mother’s contentions to the contrary are not supported by the record. Although this
Court considered evidence provided by Mother’s research of the two school districts, this
was but one factor considered by the Court in making the overall determination regarding
10
the best interest of the child. By analyzing each of the applicable factors in 23 Pa.C.S.A.
§ 5328(a), this Court readily concluded that it was in the best interest of the child for Father
to have sole legal custody for the purposes of determining school choice.
lif. CONCLUSION
Following a detailed discussion of the custody factors and other errors alleged in
Mother’s Concise Statement, this Court concludes that it is in the child’s best interest for
Father to have sole legal custody for the purposes of determining school choice. For the
aforementioned reasons, this Court’s August 24, 2020 order should be affirmed.
BY THE COURT:
11