Molina, J. v. Velasquez, H. ( 2021 )


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  • J-A18011-21
    NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
    JACHELINE MOLINA                        :    IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
    :         PENNSYLVANIA
    Appellant            :
    :
    :
    v.                         :
    :
    :
    HENRY VELASQUEZ                         :    No. 242 WDA 2021
    Appeal from the Order Entered January 20, 2021
    In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County Family Division at
    No(s): FD-16-7919-009
    BEFORE: OLSON, J., NICHOLS, J., and MUSMANNO, J.
    MEMORANDUM BY OLSON, J.:                        FILED: October 4, 2021
    Appellant, Jacheline Molina, biological mother, (“Mother”) appeals from
    the January 20, 2021 order denying her petition to relocate L.M., a child, born
    April 2016. We affirm.
    The trial court summarized the pertinent factual and procedural history
    as follows:
    [Mother and Henry Velasquez, biological father, (“Father”)] are
    the parents of [L.M.] The parties were never married. On May 3,
    2016, Father filed a complaint to establish paternity of the child.
    On March 28, 2017, Father filed a complaint for shared physical
    and shared legal custody of [L.M.] On June 21, 2017, the parties
    agreed to a consent order for custody providing: the parties share
    legal custody, Mother has primary physical custody, and Father
    has partial physical custody of [L.M.] on a step[-]up schedule
    ending ultimately with every Tuesday [from 3:00 p.m.] until
    [10:00 p.m.], every Saturday [from 8:00 a.m.] until [5:00 p.m.],
    and every other [weekend from 5:00 p.m. on Saturday] until
    [5:00 p.m. on Sunday.] This arrangement was never modified
    [by the trial court] but testimony at the October 26, 202[0]
    J-A18011-21
    hearing established the status quo as the child being with Father
    every other Friday to Saturday and every other Friday to Sunday.
    On May 12, 2020, Mother filed a notice of proposed relocation to
    [] Virginia.[1] On June 30, 2020, Father filed a counter-affidavit in
    which he opposed Mother's relocation. On August 9, 2020, [the
    trial] court entered an order after a conciliation for the parties to
    continue following the June 21, 2017 consent order for custody,
    and on August 21, 2020, entered an order scheduling a trial to
    address Mother's proposed relocation[.] The hearing was held on
    [October 26, 2020], after which [the trial] court entered the
    January [20], 2021 order denying Mother's [proposed] relocation.
    Trial Court Opinion, 3/19/21, at 1-2 (extraneous capitalization and record
    citation omitted). This appeal followed.2
    Mother raises the following issues for our review:
    1.     Did the [trial] court commit a gross abuse of discretion [or]
    error of law in denying the [proposed] relocation when the
    facts of record do not support a determination that the
    proposed relocation is not in the best interest of the minor
    child pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5337(h), et seq.?
    2.     Did the [trial] court commit a gross abuse of discretion [or]
    error of law in denying the [proposed] relocation when the
    facts of record do not support a determination that the
    nature, quality, extent of involvement[,] and duration of the
    child’s relationship with the party proposing to relocate and
    with the non-relocating party, siblings and other significant
    persons in the child’s life are such to disallow the relocation
    pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5337(h)(1)?
    3.     Did the [trial] court commit a gross abuse of discretion [or]
    error of law when the facts of record do not support a
    determination that the age, development state, needs of the
    child[,] and the likely impact the [proposed] relocation will
    ____________________________________________
    1 At the time Mother filed her petition for relocation, both Mother and Father
    resided in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
    2 Both Mother and the trial court complied with Pa.R.A.P. 1925.
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    have on the child’s physical [and] educational development,
    taking into consideration any special needs of the child, are
    such to disallow the relocation pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A.
    § 5337(h)(2)?
    4.    Did the [trial] court commit a gross abuse of discretion [or]
    error of law when the facts of record do not support a
    determination that preserving the relationship between the
    non-relocating party and the child through suitable custody
    arrangements, considering the logistics and financial
    circumstances of the parties, is not feasible for the parties
    pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5337(h)(3)?
    5.    Did the [trial] court commit a gross abuse of discretion [or]
    error of law when the facts of record do not support a
    determination that the [proposed] relocation will not
    enhance the general quality of life of the party seeking the
    relocation, including but not limited to, financial or
    emotional benefit or educational opportunity pursuant to 23
    Pa.C.S.A. § 5337(h)(6)?
    6.    Did the [trial] court commit a gross abuse of discretion [or]
    error of law when the facts of record do not support a
    determination that the [proposed] relocation will not
    enhance the general quality of life of the child, including but
    not limited to[,] financial or emotional benefit or educational
    opportunity pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5337(h)(7)?
    7.    Did the [trial] court commit a gross abuse of discretion [or]
    error of law when it determined the [proposed] relocation
    would not be in the best interest of the child, and in doing
    so, failed to address Father’s ulterior motives for opposing
    the [proposed] relocation pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A.
    § 5337(h)(8)?
    Mother’s Brief at 2-4 (extraneous capitalization omitted).
    In sum, Mother’s issues challenge the trial court’s order denying her
    petition for relocation and the related request to modify the custody order, set
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    forth therein.3       Our scope and standard of review of such custody
    determinations are well-settled.
    Our scope [of review] is of the broadest type and our
    standard [or review] is abuse of discretion. This Court must
    accept findings of the trial court that are supported by
    competent evidence of record, as our role does not include
    making independent factual determinations. In addition,
    with regard to issues of credibility and weight of the
    evidence, this Court must defer to the trial [court that]
    presided over the proceedings and[,] thus[,] viewed the
    witnesses [firsthand]. However, we are not bound by the
    trial court's deductions or inferences from its factual
    findings. Ultimately, the test is whether the trial court's
    conclusions are unreasonable as shown by the evidence of
    record. 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.
    E.D. v. M.P., 
    33 A.3d 73
    , 76 (Pa. Super. 2011) (citation omitted).
    With any child custody case, this Court has long stated that the
    paramount concern is the best interests of the child. Landis v.
    Landis, 
    869 A.2d 1003
    , 1011 (Pa. Super. 2005). This standard
    requires a case-by-case assessment of all [] the factors that may
    legitimately affect the “physical, intellectual, moral[,] and spiritual
    well-being” of the child. 
    Id.
     When a custody dispute involves a
    request by a party to relocate, we have explained, “there is no
    ____________________________________________
    3 As part of her petition for relocation, Mother proposed changing the custody
    order as follows:
    I want primary custody. I want to take turns every weekend and
    [the] same with holidays. On [L.M.’s] birthday[,] I want to take
    turns [with L.M. spending] one [birthday] with [Father] and [the]
    next year[’s birthday] with [Mother. I would like the same
    schedule with regard to] Thanksgiving, Christmas[,] and New
    Year's. At the end of the school year[, L.M.] can spend [one week,
    Sunday to Sunday[,] with [Father] and [the following week,]
    Sunday to Sunday[,] with [Mother].
    Mother’s Notice of Proposed Relocation, 5/12/20, at ¶8.
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    black[-]letter formula that easily resolves relocation disputes[.
    R]ather, custody disputes are delicate issues that must be handled
    on a case-by-case basis.” Baldwin v. Baldwin, 
    710 A.2d 610
    ,
    614 (Pa. Super. 1998).
    C.M.K. v. K.E.M., 
    45 A.3d 417
    , 421 (Pa. Super. 2012) (original brackets
    omitted).
    Section 5337(h) of the Pennsylvania Domestic Relations Code, 23
    Pa.C.S.A. §§ 5321-5340, sets forth the factors that a trial court must consider,
    “giving weighted consideration to those factors which affect the safety of the
    child[,]” in determining whether to grant, or deny, a petition for proposed
    relocation. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5337(h). Those factors are as follows:
    (1) The nature, quality, extent of involvement[,] and duration of
    the child's relationship with the party proposing to relocate and
    with the nonrelocating party, siblings[,] and other significant
    persons in the child's life.
    (2) The age, developmental stage, needs of the child[,] and the
    likely impact the relocation will have on the child's physical,
    educational[,] and emotional development, taking into
    consideration any special needs of the child.
    (3) The feasibility of preserving the relationship between the
    nonrelocating party and the child through suitable custody
    arrangements,     considering   the   logistics  and   financial
    circumstances of the parties.
    (4) The child's preference, taking into consideration the age and
    maturity of the child.
    (5) Whether there is an established pattern of conduct of either
    party to promote or thwart the relationship of the child and the
    other party.
    (6) Whether the relocation will enhance the general quality of life
    for the party seeking the relocation, including, but not limited to,
    financial or emotional benefit or educational opportunity.
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    (7) Whether the relocation will enhance the general quality of life
    for the child, including, but not limited to, financial or emotional
    benefit or educational opportunity.
    (8) The reasons and motivation of each party for seeking or
    opposing the relocation.
    (9) The present and past abuse committed by a party or member
    of the party's household and whether there is a continued risk of
    harm to the child or an abused party.
    (10) Any other factor affecting the best interest of the child.
    Id. at § 5337(h)(1-10). “The party proposing the relocation has the burden
    of establishing that the relocation will serve the best interest of the child as
    shown under the factors set forth in” Section 5337(h). Id. at § 5337(i)(1).
    “Each party has the burden of establishing the integrity of that party's motives
    in either seeking the relocation or seeking to prevent the relocation.” Id. at
    § 5337(i)(2).
    Here, Mother argues that the trial court erred as a matter of law and
    abused its discretion in considering the factors enumerated under Section
    5337(h). Mother’s Brief at 10-15. Specifically, Mother contends that the trial
    court abused its discretion in considering the Section 5337(h) factors 1, 2, 3,
    6, 7, and 8. Id. at 15-23. In sum, Mother asserts that,
    L.M. spends a majority of his time with Mother, who teaches him
    fundamentals; L.M. only spends partial weekends with Father,
    [his] step-mother[,] and [a] half-sibling []; L.M. has no
    relationships in Pittsburgh outside of his maternal and paternal
    homes; Mother proposed a suitable custody arrangement that
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    would largely preserve Father’s time with L.M.;[4] there is
    uncontroverted testimony that Father allows L.M. to call [Father’s]
    wife “mom”; it is uncontroverted that Mother - and by extension,
    L.M. - would benefit emotionally from being able to be with [his]
    step-father more frequently, as it would reduce stress and
    arguments;[5] the relocation would provide better economic
    opportunities for Mother - and by extension L.M. - by reducing
    cost of travel for her family;[6] there is no evidence of abuse
    towards L.M. by either party; and, most notably, Mother’s reasons
    for the relocation are pure, while Father’s [reasons for opposing
    the relocation] are extremely questionable.
    Id. at 11 (extraneous capitalization and record citations omitted).
    Father asserts that “the only interest [Mother] seeks is to be with her
    husband, which cannot be denied, but is not in the best interest of [L.M.]”
    Father’s Brief at 2.7     Father contends that if relocation were permitted, he
    ____________________________________________
    4 Mother explains that under her proposed relocation custody schedule, Father
    would have 78 overnight visits with L.M. annually, excluding holiday visits, as
    compared to the 72 overnight visits annually, excluding holiday visits, Father
    receives under the custody arrangement currently in place. Mother’s Brief at
    19.
    5 Mother asserts that the proposed relocation custody arrangement would
    ease the financial burden on her family and reduce the arguing and stress
    between Mother and L.M.’s stepfather that exists because the couple are
    currently maintaining a long-distance relationship between Allegheny County,
    Pennsylvania and Virginia. Mother’s Brief at 14.
    6 Mother contends the proposed relocation custody arrangement would reduce
    her family’s travel expenses by $8,600.00 per year because L.M.’s stepfather
    would no longer need to travel to Allegheny County each weekend to see
    Mother and L.M. Mother’s Brief at 19.
    7 At the time Father submitted his pro se brief to this Court on May 13, 2021,
    the brief was written in Spanish. Although our appellate rules do not currently
    set forth a rule requiring a brief to be submitted in English, sua sponte, this
    Court engaged the services of the translator used during the relocation
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    would “miss important events in [L.M.’s] life during the school year, such as
    extracurricular and sports activities.” Id. at 3. Father argues that L.M. does
    not have a “very strong relationship” with Mother’s husband or his children
    and that the plan, prior to Mother’s relocation efforts, was for L.M. to attend
    school in Father’s school district.            Id. at 2-3.   Father contends that the
    proposed relocation would “prevent [Father] from spending more time with
    [L.M.] and it would be more tiresome for [L.M.]” to travel the increased
    distance to spend time with Father. Id. at 3.
    In considering the factors enumerated in Section 5337(h), the trial court
    stated,
    (1) The nature, quality, extent of involvement[,] and
    duration of the child's relationship with the party proposing
    to relocate and with the non-relocating party, siblings[,]
    and other significant persons in the child's life.
    Regarding Mother, the party proposing to relocate, the testimony
    established the following: Mother performs all the expected
    parental duties when the child is with her; Mother maintains a
    loving, consistent, and nurturing relationship with the child; when
    the child is with Mother, she attends to his daily physical,
    emotional, and educational development.
    Regarding Father, the non-relocating party, the testimony at trial
    established the following: Father performs all the expected
    parental duties when the child is with him; Father maintains a
    ____________________________________________
    hearing for the purpose of translating Father’s brief into English. In an August
    25, 2021 per curiam order, this Court explained its translation efforts to the
    parties, provided the parties with a copy of Father’s brief in Spanish and a
    copy of the brief translated into English, and directed the parties to file any
    objections to the English translation of Father’s brief within 14 days of said
    order. No objections were filed. Therefore, we rely upon, and cite to, the
    English translation of Father’s brief for our review.
    -8-
    J-A18011-21
    loving, stable, consistent, and paternal relationship with the child;
    when the child[] is with Father, he attends to his daily physical,
    emotional, and educational development.
    Additionally, the child has a strong bond with his maternal
    grandmother, stepmother, paternal sibling, and extended
    maternal and paternal family members in Allegheny County[,
    Pennsylvania].
    (2) The age, development state, needs of the child[,] and
    the likely impact the relocation will have on the child's
    physical, educational[,] and emotional development,
    taking into consideration any special needs of the child.
    The testimony and evidence at trial established the following: [the
    child] is [four] years old; the child is [] well-adjusted; the child is
    appropriately     developed      physically,     educationally,    and
    emotionally; and, due to the fact Father would not be able to be
    as present and involved in the [child’s life] as he has been, the
    relocation would have an adverse impact on the child's physical,
    educational, and emotional development.
    Considering the above, the evidence supports Father's position
    that the relocation would have an adverse impact on the physical,
    educational, and emotional development of the [child].
    (3) The feasibility of preserving the relationship between
    the non-relocating party and the child through suitable
    custody arrangements, considering the logistics and
    financial circumstances of the parties.
    Mother's proposed relocation arrangements are likely to adversely
    affect the child's relationship with Father. For approximately
    three[-]quarters of the [four]-year-old child's life, Father has been
    present, involved, and vested in his life.[8] Mother's proposed
    custody arrangements are for Father to have custody of the child
    ____________________________________________
    8 The record demonstrates that shortly after L.M.’s birth, Father filed a
    complaint to establish paternity. See Father’s Complaint to Establish Paternity
    and for Genetic Test, 5/3/16. Approximately one year after L.M.’s birth, and
    upon receiving confirmation of paternity, Father filed a complaint for custody.
    See Father’s Complaint for Custody, 3/28/17.
    -9-
    J-A18011-21
    every other weekend during [the] school [year] and [alternating
    weeks] in the summer.
    Based on the [proposed relocation], and considering the distance
    between [Virginia] and [Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,] it is not
    reasonable to think that the child would travel back and forth
    every other weekend during the school year. Furthermore, during
    most of the school year, Father would not be able to participate in
    any school activities [or extracurricular activities,] and the child
    would not get to have Father participate in his day[-]to[-]day life
    during the school year. Considering the bond and relationship the
    child has with his Father, it would be difficult to preserve that
    relationship following Mother's [proposed relocation]. Finally, it is
    not feasible to think that[,] in the long term[,] the child will travel
    back and forth between [Virginia] and [Allegheny County,
    Pennsylvania] every week making it difficult to preserve Father's
    relationship with the child.
    (4) The child's preference, taking into consideration the
    age and maturity of the child.
    The child is [not] of an [appropriate] age to be interviewed by the
    [trial] court[,] and the parties did not request the [trial] court
    interview the child.
    (5) Whether there is an established pattern of conduct of
    either party to promote or thwart the relationship of the
    child and the other party.
    Neither party presented evidence at trial that established a
    pattern of conduct by either party to promote or thwart the
    relationship of the [child] and the other party.
    (6) Whether the relocation will enhance the general
    quality of life of the party seeking the relocation, including
    but not limited to, financial or emotional benefit or
    educational opportunity.
    Mother testified that the relocation would enhance her general
    quality of life [both] financially and emotionally. Specifically,
    Mother [] recently married [L.M.’s stepfather] who lives in
    [Virginia] where Mother proposes to relocate[.] Mother testified
    that [relocation] would benefit her financially and emotionally.
    Relocating to Virginia may enhance Mother's quality of life
    emotionally and financially, but the adverse effect the proposed
    relocation will have on the child's relationship with Father
    - 10 -
    J-A18011-21
    outweighs the possibility that Mother's life will be enhanced
    emotionally and financially.
    (7) Whether the relocation will enhance the general
    quality of life for the child, including but not limited to
    financial or emotional benefit or educational opportunity.
    The evidence presented at trial did not establish that the
    relocation would enhance the child's general quality of life,
    including but not limited to, financially, emotionally, [or]
    academically. In fact, based on what has been stated in factors 1
    through 5 [herein], the evidence established that the relocation
    would likely have an adverse impact on the [child’s] quality of life.
    (8) The reasons and the motivation of each party for
    seeking or opposing the relocation.
    The testimony at trial established that Mother's motivation for
    seeking the relocation was based on her husband being from
    [Virginia]. Furthermore, the testimony and evidence established
    that Father opposed the relocation for the following reasons: it
    would be in the child's best interest to remain in [Allegheny
    County, Pennsylvania] based on the fact that he is well-adjusted,
    has strong family and friend bonds, and would be adversely
    impacted by not having his Father present in his life on a regular
    basis during the school year and ultimately throughout the year.
    (9) The present and past abuse committed by a party or
    member of the party's household and whether there is a
    continued risk of harm to the child or the abused party.
    Father raised concern that Mother's stepfather had been abusive
    toward her in the past. Father did not present any evidence to
    corroborate this allegation. There was no evidence presented that
    there is a continued risk of harm to the child.
    (10) Any other factor affecting the best interest of the
    child.
    There are no other factors affecting the best interest of the child
    that were addressed at trial.
    Trial Court Opinion, 1/20/21, at 3-7 (extraneous capitalization and original
    formatting omitted).
    - 11 -
    J-A18011-21
    The record demonstrates that Mother and Father both currently reside
    in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. N.T., 10/26/21, at 7, 38. Mother works
    part-time from her home in Allegheny County for her husband’s construction
    company, which does business in Virginia. Id. at 9. Father is self-employed
    with his own construction company. Id. at 81. Mother currently lives with
    her mother, stepfather, and brother, and has primary physical custody of L.M.,
    who has a strong bond with the family members in Mother’s household. Id.
    at 10, 18. Father currently lives with L.M.’s stepmother and Father’s other
    child, L.M.’s half-sibling, as well as L.M. when he is in Father’s custody. Id.
    at 41. L.M. has a strong bond with the family members in Father’s household,
    as well as with Father’s sister and her family, who reside several blocks from
    Father’s house, and with members of Father’s church. Id. at 41, 74. Mother’s
    husband, L.M.’s stepfather, resides in Virginia with his two children, and visits
    Mother primarily on weekends during times when L.M. is in Father’s custody.
    Id. at 8-9. Mother does not drive, so L.M.’s stepfather drives the approximate
    eight hours, round trip, between Virginia and Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
    when he visits with Mother.9 Id. at 14, 30, 81. Father resides approximately
    20 minutes driving-time from where L.M. resides currently with Mother. Id.
    at 45.
    ____________________________________________
    9 We note that the trial court incorrectly attributed the travel time between
    Virginia and Allegheny County, Pennsylvania to be eight hours one direction.
    See Trial Court Opinion, 3/19/21, at 8; see also N.T., 10/26/20, at 14
    (stating that the time necessary to travel back and forth between Allegheny
    County, Pennsylvania and Virginia was eight hours).
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    J-A18011-21
    Mother testified that living apart from her husband, and his two
    biological children, was difficult and left her feeling incomplete as a stable
    family unit. Id. at 9. Mother stated that the long-distance living arrangement
    was stressful because she and her husband were not living together, and this
    led to arguments between them during telephone conversations. Id. at 10.
    If   relocation   were   permitted,   Mother   planned   to   enroll   L.M.   in   a
    pre-kindergarten program and involve him in local community activities in
    Virginia. Id. at 14. Mother expressed that the relocation would still permit
    Father to have periodic custody of L.M. because Mother was willing to travel
    to facilitate the visitations and Father could communicate with L.M. via the
    telephone. Id. at 14.
    Father expressed concern that if the relocation were permitted, he would
    be unable to participate in L.M.’s daily life, especially in L.M.’s educational
    activities and any extracurricular activities. Id. at 44, 48. Father also stated
    that a permitted relocation would require him to drive further and, at times,
    in inclement weather, to facilitate the custodial exchange.        Id. at 44-46.
    Father testified that L.M. has a strong relationship with Father, as well as his
    stepmother, his half-sibling, and Father’s extended family, and is actively
    involved in Father’s church. Id. at 41, 66-68, 74.
    The record supports the trial court’s analysis and consideration of the
    ten factors enumerated in Section 5337(h). We discern no abuse of discretion
    or error of law in the trial court’s conclusion that Mother failed to satisfy her
    burden of demonstrating that relocation is the in best interest of L.M. under
    - 13 -
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    the Section 5337(h) factors, and the trial court’s determination is supported
    by the evidence of record. While L.M.’s relocation would seemingly improve
    Mother’s quality of life with her husband and his children and would help
    decrease Mother’s financial obligations by reducing travel expenses,10 the
    relocation would not present a financial or emotional benefit or an educational
    opportunity to L.M. that he does not already have in Allegheny County,
    Pennsylvania. Rather, L.M.’s existing bonds, and the ability to maintain those
    bonds, with his family and friends in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania would
    be diminished given the long distance. Specifically, the relocation would strain
    L.M.’s relationship and reduce the consistency of his involvement with Father,
    who, due to the long distance, would be limited in his interaction with L.M.
    including participation in school or extracurricular activities. Furthermore, the
    relocation would result in L.M. having to travel long distances to facilitate the
    custody exchange and would take L.M. away from time with family and friends
    or the benefits of school or extracurricular activities. Therefore, we discern
    no abuse of discretion or error of law in the trial court’s denial of Mother’s
    petition for relocation.11
    ____________________________________________
    10 Mother’s travel expenses would not be eliminated in toto because Mother
    would still incur travel expenses to facilitate the long-distance custody
    schedule called for in her proposed relocation petition.
    11 This Court in A.M.S. v. M.R.C., 
    70 A.3d 830
     (Pa. Super. 2013) held that
    when a trial court is tasked with deciding issues of both relocation and
    custody of the child, the trial court must consider the 10 factors set forth in
    Section 5337(h), as well as the 16 factors enumerated in 23 Pa.C.S.A.
    - 14 -
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    Order affirmed.
    ____________________________________________
    § 5328(a). A.M.S., 
    70 A.3d at 836
    . To the extent the trial court failed to
    consider the Section 5328(a) factors in the case sub judice, Mother waived
    this challenge by failing to raise the issue in the trial court. See Pa.R.A.P.
    302(a) (stating that, “[i]ssues not raised in the trial court are waived and
    cannot be raised for the first time on appeal”). Moreover, unlike the
    circumstances in A.M.S., which involved both a petition for relocation and a
    petition for custody, the case sub judice involves only a petition requesting
    relocation, which, if granted, implicitly would require a modification of
    custody. Here, a review of the January 20, 2021 custody order, in which the
    trial court denied Mother’s petition for relocation, demonstrates that the trial
    court did not modify the physical and legal custody previously ordered or alter
    the custodial arrangement presently observed by both parties. See M.B.S.
    v. W.E., 
    232 A.3d 922
    , 930 (Pa. Super. 2020) (stating that “because the trial
    court did not decide physical or legal custody, or change the amount of
    custodial time that either party had with the children, its failure to examine
    the [Section 5328(a)] factors was not error”). The January 20, 2021 custody
    order simply reduced to a judicial order the custodial practices presently
    employed by both parties and maintained the “status quo” of the custodial
    relationship. Compare Trial Court Order, 6/22/17 with Trial Court Order,
    1/20/21; see also N.T., 10/26/20, at 82 (setting forth Mother’s request that
    if relocation is not granted then the trial court should “maintain the status
    quo” of the custody arrangement). Therefore, consideration of the Section
    5328(a) factors was unnecessary in the instant case. See E.D., 
    33 A.3d at
    82 n.6 (stating, “[i]n accordance with proper practice under [S]ection 5337,
    where the nonrelocating party merely objects to modification of the existing
    custody order in his[, or her, response to the petition for relocation], the trial
    court will not perform a best interests of the child analysis pursuant to the
    [S]ection 5328(a) factors, but will instead decide whether the existing custody
    order should be modified pursuant to the section 5337(h) factors”).
    - 15 -
    J-A18011-21
    Judgment Entered.
    Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
    Prothonotary
    Date: 10/4/2021
    - 16 -
    

Document Info

Docket Number: 242 WDA 2021

Judges: Olson

Filed Date: 10/4/2021

Precedential Status: Non-Precedential

Modified Date: 11/21/2024