Niranjan Gadekar v. Smita Zankar ( 2018 )

NO. 12-16-00209-CV
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
TWELFTH COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT
TYLER, TEXAS
NIRANJAN GADEKAR, § APPEAL FROM THE 442ND
APPELLANT
V. § JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
SMITA ZANKAR,
APPELLEE § DENTON COUNTY, TEXAS
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Niranjan Gadekar appeals the trial court’s final decree of divorce. On appeal, he presents
eight issues. We affirm.
BACKGROUND
Niranjan Gadekar married Smita Zankar on January 30, 2010, and they are the parents of
one child, A.G. On November 20, 2012, Smita filed an original petition for divorce, requesting
that Niranjan be ordered to pay child support, and that she be awarded a disproportionate share
of the parties’ estate. Niranjan filed an answer and counter-petition for divorce, requesting that
A.G.’s residence be restricted to Denton County, Texas, and that Smita be ordered to pay child
support. In their original and amended petitions or counterpetitions, each parent at one time
requested appointment as sole managing conservator of A.G. or appointment as joint managing
conservators. Each parent also requested appointment as the parent having the exclusive right to
determine A.G.’s primary residence.
After a jury trial, the jury found that grounds existed for a divorce, and that Smita should
be appointed sole managing conservator. Further, the jury determined the parties’ separate
property. In its decree of divorce, the trial court signed a judgment in accordance with the jury’s
verdict, granted the parties a divorce, and appointed Smita as sole managing conservator of A.G.
and Niranjan as possessory conservator. The trial court also ordered that Niranjan participate in
parenting counseling and therapy, and that he not exercise possession of nor access to A.G. if he
failed to initiate and maintain regular participation in such counseling and therapy. Otherwise,
the trial court granted Niranjan a schedule of possession of A.G. The trial court also ordered that
Niranjan pay child support in the amount of $1,208.32 per month to Smita. Finally, the trial
court awarded separate property to the parties in accordance with the jury’s determinations, and
divided the parties’ community property estate. Niranjan filed an amended request for findings
of fact and conclusions of law on May 4, 2016. On May 24, the trial court filed findings of fact
and conclusions of law. This appeal followed.
MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE
In his fifth issue, Niranjan argues that the trial court abused its discretion by denying his
motion for continuance.
Applicable Law
Texas Rule of Civil Procedure provides that a motion for continuance shall not be granted
“except for sufficient cause supported by affidavit, or by consent of the parties, or by operation
of law.” TEX. R. CIV. P. 251. The denial of a motion for continuance is reviewed under an abuse
of discretion standard. Garner v. Fidelity Bank, N.A., 244 S.W.3d 855, 858 (Tex. App.—Dallas
2008, no pet.). The denial will be reversed only if the trial court’s action was arbitrary,
unreasonable, or without reference to any guiding rules and principles. Id. (citing BMC
Software Belg. N.V. v. Marchand, 83 S.W.3d 789, 800 (Tex. 2002)).
When, as alleged here, the ground for a continuance is the withdrawal of counsel, the
movant must show that the failure to be represented at trial was not due to his own fault or
negligence. Villegas v. Carter, 711 S.W.2d 624, 626 (Tex. 1986); Harrison v. Harrison, 367
S.W.3d 822, 827 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2012, pet. denied). The “absence of counsel
will not be good cause for a continuance or postponement of the cause when called for trial,
except it be allowed in the discretion of the court, upon cause shown or upon matters within the
knowledge or information of the judge to be stated on the record.” TEX. R. CIV. P. 253. When
considering a motion for continuance, the trial court may take into account the entire procedural
history of the case. See Ruiz v. Ruiz, No. 02-14-00047-CV, 2014 WL 4458952, at *3 (Tex.
App.—Fort Worth Sept. 4, 2014, pet denied) (mem. op.); Qurashi v. Jabeen, No. 14-12-00858-
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CV, 2013 WL 2644182, at *3 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] June 11, 2013, pet. denied)
(mem. op.).
Analysis
Here, Niranjan argues that his motion for continuance should have been granted because
his attorney withdrew approximately forty days before trial.
During the course of this case, Niranjan has had five attorneys of record over almost four
years of litigation. His first attorney withdrew after approximately two and one-half months, and
his second attorney withdrew after approximately one year and four and one-half months.
However, his third, fourth, and fifth attorneys withdrew after twenty-eight days, thirty-two days,
and thirty-eight days, respectively. According to his third and fourth attorney, “[g]ood cause”
existed for withdrawal because Niranjan no longer wished to retain the attorney or Niranjan had
not cooperated with counsel. His fifth attorney’s motion for withdrawal stated that “[g]ood
cause” existed because he was “unable to effectively communicate with [Niranjan] in a manner
consistent with good attorney-client relations.” Moreover, he said, his “relationship with
[Niranjan] made further representation untenable because attorney and client [could not] agree
on anything regarding the prosecution of this case.” The trial court granted the fifth attorney’s
motion to withdraw on February 17, 2016, over a month before the jury trial.
Niranjan filed a motion for continuance on March 16, 2016, requesting the continuance to
secure trial counsel. At the pretrial conference on his motion, Niranjan stated that he made
several attempts to hire an attorney, including an attorney who agreed to represent him for only
one day. According to Smita’s attorney, he had three professional expert witnesses scheduled to
testify during trial, and out-of-state witnesses who purchased airline tickets to travel and testify
on a certain date. The trial court stated that there had been settings and continuances for three
and one-half years, that Niranjan received one previous continuance, that there was “absolutely
no reason to give another continuance,” and that there was “no reason to drag on the litigation.”
The trial court denied Niranjan’s motion for continuance.
The evidence adduced at the hearing, the last three attorneys’ reasons for withdrawing,
and the trial court’s consideration of the procedural history of the case supports a conclusion that
Niranjan’s failure to be represented at trial was due to his own fault or negligence. See Villegas,
711 S.W.2d at 626; Ruiz, 2014 WL 4458952, at *3; Qurashi, 2013 WL 2644182, at *3.
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Therefore, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by denying Niranjan’s motion for
continuance. We overrule Niranjan’s fifth issue.
PARENTING FACILITATOR
In his third issue, Niranjan argues that the trial court abused its discretion by failing to
allow the parenting facilitator to testify at trial, and in excluding the parenting facilitator’s email
discussing attempts by the parties to settle the case.
Applicable Law
A trial court’s ruling on the admissibility of evidence is reviewed under an abuse of
discretion standard. Caffe Ribs, Inc. v. State, 487 S.W.3d 137, 142 (Tex. 2016). A trial court
abuses its discretion when it acts without regard to any guiding rules or principles. Downer v.
Aquamarine Operators, Inc., 701 S.W.2d 238, 241–42 (Tex. 1985). If the ruling is within the
zone of reasonable disagreement, an appellate court will not disturb it. See Burden v. State, 55
S.W.3d 608, 615 (Tex. Crim. App. 2001). A successful challenge to a trial court’s evidentiary
rulings requires the complaining party to demonstrate that the judgment turns on the particular
evidence excluded or admitted. Interstate Northborough P’ship v. State, 66 S.W.3d 213, 220
(Tex. 2001).
The court shall specify the duties of a parenting facilitator in the order appointing the
parenting facilitator. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 153.6061(a) (West 2014). According to the Texas
Family Code, a parenting facilitator shall submit a written report to the court and to the parties as
ordered by the court. Id. § 153.6081 (West 2014). This report may include a recommendation
from the facilitator described by Section 153.6082(e), but it shall be made only to the parties and
attorneys. Id. Under Section 153.6082(e), the parenting facilitator may make a recommendation
to implement or clarify provisions of an existing court order that are consistent with the
substantive intent of the court order and in the best interest of the child. Id. § 153.6082(e) (West
2014). However, the report may not include recommendations regarding the conservatorship of
or the possession of or access to the child who is the subject of the suit. Id. A parenting
facilitator may testify in any proceeding relating to or arising from the duties of the parenting
facilitator, including the basis for any recommendation made to the parties that arises from the
duties of the parenting facilitator. Id. § 153.6083(a) (West 2014).
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Analysis
Niranjan argues that the trial court abused its discretion in striking the parenting
facilitator’s testimony. In the order appointing the parenting facilitator, the trial court delineated
the facilitor’s duties,1 and ordered that (1) the parenting facilitator should submit a written report
to the court and to the parties, and (2) the report should make recommendations pursuant to
Section 153.6081 of the Texas Family Code, including a statement of whether the parenting
facilitation should continue. In a pretrial hearing, the trial court excluded the facilitator from
testifying. In his brief, Niranjan argues that the trial court’s error caused the rendition of an
improper judgment because it resulted in, among others, the appointment of Smita as sole
managing conservator and awarded him less than standard possession. In effect, he contends that
the trial court should have allowed the parenting facilitator to testify regarding her
recommendations as to the conservatorship or possession of or access to the child.
Although a parenting facilitator may testify, her testimony is limited to a proceeding
relating to or arising from the duties of the parenting facilitator, including as to the basis for any
recommendation made to the parties that arises from the duties of the parenting facilitator. See
id. In this case, none of the parenting facilitator’s duties, either by order of the trial court or by
statutory authority, included a recommendation regarding the conservatorship of or possession of
or access to the child. In fact, statutes explicitly forbid the parenting facilitator from making such
recommendations. See id. §§ 153.6081 & 153.6082(e).
However, Niranjan cites two cases for the proposition that a parenting facilitator could
testify at trial. In In re A.P.M., No. 05-10-00679-CV, 2012 WL 2088007, at *4 (Tex. App.—
Dallas June 11, 2012, no pet.) (mem. op), and In re N.W., No. 02-12-00057-CV, 2013 WL
5302716, at *3 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Sept. 19, 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.), the parenting
1
The parenting facilitator’s duties in this case included: (1) identifying disputed issues between the
conservators; (2) reducing misunderstandings between the conservators; (3) clarifying priorities; (4) exploring
possibilities for problem solving; (5) developing methods of collaboration in parenting; (6) understanding parenting
plans and reaching agreements about parenting issues to be included in a parenting plan; (7) complying with the
Court’s order regarding conservatorship or possession of and access to the children; (8) implementing parenting
plans; (9) obtaining training regarding problem solving, conflict management, and parenting skills; (10) settling
disputes regarding parenting issues and reaching a proposed joint resolution or statement of intent regarding those
disputes; (11) addressing the issue of whether the child should engage in play therapy and, if so agreed, reaching a
proposed joint resolution or statement of intent about designation of the play therapist; and (12) addressing the issue
of determination of a private school in which the child should be enrolled and, if so agreed, reaching a proposed
joint resolution or statement of intent about designation of the private school, and in the absence of such agreement
and joint resolution or statement of intent, the making of a recommendation by the parenting facilitator comporting
with Section 153.6082(e) of the Texas Family Code.
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facilitators testified during trial regarding communication, conflict, and relationships between the
parties and their children. See In re A.P.M., 2012 WL 2088007, at *4; In re N.W., 2013 WL
5302716, at *3. Neither parenting facilitator gave a recommendation to the court regarding
managing conservatorship or possession of or access to the children. Thus, neither case law,
statutory authority, nor the parenting facilitator’s duties allowed the parenting facilitator to
testify regarding her recommendations as to the conservatorship or possession of or access to the
child. Accordingly, Niranjan failed to establish that he was harmed by the trial court’s alleged
error in striking the facilitator’s testimony.
Additionally, Niranjan contends that the trial court abused its discretion by excluding the
parenting facilitator’s email to a third party, which discussed the parties’ attempts to settle the
case. At trial, Niranjan offered Exhibit 3, which he stated was the parenting facilitator’s
“recommendation,” and he argued that it was relevant to conservatorship and possession issues.
The excluded exhibit is an email from the paralegal of one of Niranjan’s former attorney’s to
Niranjan, which forwarded a copy of an email to the mediator in the case, and included a
forwarded email from the parenting facilitator to the parties’ attorneys and amicus attorney.
Smita objected, stating that the trial court already excluded the facilitator’s testimony. We
previously determined that the parenting facilitator’s recommendation relating to conservatorship
or possession of the child was prohibited at trial. As such, Niranjan could not attempt to offer
the parenting facilitator’s report or recommendation through emails from third parties, none of
which were available to testify at trial. See TEX. R. EVID. 801 (“Hearsay” is a statement that the
declarant does not make while testifying at trial and that a party offers in evidence to prove the
truth of the matter asserted.). Thus, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by excluding the
facilitator’s email.
Accordingly, we overrule Niranjan’s third issue.
EVIDENTIARY RULINGS
In his fourth issue, Niranjan contends that the trial court abused its discretion by
excluding three exhibits containing emails and instant messages.
Applicable Law
Whether to admit evidence at trial is a preliminary question to be decided by the court.
TEX. R. EVID. 104(a). Only relevant evidence is admissible. TEX. R. EVID. 402. Relevant
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evidence is evidence having any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of
consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be
without the evidence. See TEX. R. EVID. 401. Evidence not properly authenticated is irrelevant,
and authentication is a “condition precedent” to admissibility. TEX. R. EVID. 901(a); In re
J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d 570, 575 (Tex. 2005).
As previously stated, we review a trial court’s ruling on the admissibility of evidence
under an abuse of discretion standard. Caffe Ribs, Inc., 487 S.W.3d at 142; Downer, 701
S.W.2d at 241–42.
Analysis
Niranjan complains that the trial court abused its discretion in denying admission of three
exhibits, Exhibits 12, 13, and 14. We will discuss each exhibit individually.
Exhibit 12: At trial, Niranjan offered Exhibit 12 for admission into evidence, and
identified the exhibit as consisting of emails between him and Smita. However, he admitted,
only “part[s]” of the exhibit included emails between him and Smita, and requested that the trial
court review the portion of the exhibit involving emails between the parties. Smita’s attorney
objected as to hearsay, and the trial court sustained Smita’s objection. In his brief, Niranjan
again states that the emails were “largely between the parties although there were sections
wherein information was passed along to third parties.”
We note that the majority of the 231 page exhibit appears to be emails between the
parties. However, portions of the exhibit contain emails between Niranjan and the unidentified
email addresses of at least seven other persons, some of whom appear to be former legal counsel.
The trial court need never sort through challenged evidence in order to segregate the admissible
from the excludable. In re S.M., 207 S.W.3d 421, 424 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2006, pet.
denied) (citing Jones v. State, 843 S.W.2d 487, 492 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992), cert. denied, 507
U.S. 1035, 113 S. Ct. 1858, 123 L. Ed. 2d 479 (1993)). If evidence is offered and challenged,
which contains some of each, the trial court may safely admit it all or exclude it all, and the
losing party, no matter who he is, will be made to suffer on appeal the consequences of his
insufficiently specific offer or objection. Id. When evidence is both admissible and
inadmissible, a party may not complain on appeal unless the admissible evidence was
specifically offered. See Speier v. Webster College, 616 S.W.2d 617, 619 (Tex. 1981). Here, it
was not the trial court’s responsibility to sort through this voluminous record to determine which
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emails were admissible and which were inadmissible. See In re S.M., 207 S.W.3d at 424. Thus,
Niranjan failed to preserve his complaint regarding the trial court’s exclusion of Exhibit 12. See
Speier, 616 S.W.2d at 619.
Exhibit 13: At trial, Niranjan offered Exhibit 13 for admission, and stated that it
contained “chat” transcripts, or instant messages, between the parties. Smita’s attorney objected
to the exhibit as to hearsay, and the trial court sustained the objection. Later, Niranjan made an
offer of proof, stating that he was “authenticating” the instant messages and that he was familiar
with the email addresses. In his brief, Niranjan stated that the instant messages were not hearsay,
but an opposing party’s statement. Smita, however, contends that the instant messages were not
properly authenticated.
Evidence may be authenticated in a number of ways, including by direct testimony from
a witness with personal knowledge, by comparison with other authenticated evidence, or by
circumstantial evidence. See Tienda v. State, 358 S.W.3d 633, 638 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012);
TEX. R. EVID. 901(b)(1), (3)-(4). In Tienda, acknowledging that computers can be hacked,
passwords compromised, and mobile phones stolen, the Court explained that evidence that “an
email on its face purports to come from a certain person’s email address, that the respondent in
an internet chat room dialogue purports to identify himself, or that a text message emanates from
a cell phone number assigned to the purported author” is alone insufficient to support a finding
of authenticity. Tienda, 358 S.W.3d at 641–42.
Here, Niranjan initially did not authenticate the instant messages at all, offering no
evidence that the messages were purportedly between the parties or from their email accounts.
See TEX. R. EVID. 901. In his offer of proof, he stated that he was “authenticating” the nine
pages of six conversations between the parties, and offered the email addresses of each party.
However, this alone is insufficient to support a finding of authenticity. See id. He did not offer a
business records affidavit from Google, and did not sufficiently link the messages to either him
or Smita by identifying the specific contents of the messages or distinctive characteristics found
within the writings. See TEX. R. EVID. 901(b)(1), (4), 902(10); Butler v. State, 459 S.W.3d 595,
603 (Tex. Crim. App. 2015). Thus, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in excluding
Exhibit 13.
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Exhibit 14: During trial, Niranjan offered Exhibit 14 for admission as evidence, stating
that the exhibit included emails between him and A.G.’s former preschool, Alpha Montessori.
However, this argument is inadequately briefed.
Rule 38.1(i) of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure requires that an appellant’s brief
“contain a clear and concise argument for the contentions made, with appropriate citations to
authorities and to the record.” TEX. R. APP. P. 38.1(i). The appellate court has no duty to brief
issues for an appellant. Huey v. Huey, 200 S.W.3d 851, 854 (Tex. App.–Dallas 2006, no pet.).
The failure to provide appropriate record citations or a substantive analysis waives an appellate
issue. WorldPeace v. Comm’n for Lawyer Discipline, 183 S.W.3d 451, 460 (Tex. App.–
Houston [14th Dist.] 2005, pet. denied) (holding that failure to offer argument, citations to
record, or citations to authority waives issue on appeal); Med. Specialist Grp., P.A. v. Radiology
Assocs., L.L.P., 171 S.W.3d 727, 732 (Tex. App.–Corpus Christi 2005, pet. denied) (same); see
also Fredonia State Bank v. Gen. Am. Life Ins. Co., 881 S.W.2d 279, 284–85 (Tex. 1994)
(holding appellate court has discretion to deem issues waived due to inadequate briefing).
References to sweeping statements of general law are rarely appropriate. Bolling v. Farmers
Branch Ind. Sch. Dist., 315 S.W.3d 893, 896 (Tex. App.–Dallas 2010, no pet.). Appellate
courts must construe briefing requirements reasonably and liberally, but a party asserting error
on appeal still must put forth some specific argument and analysis showing that the record and
the law support its contentions. San Saba Energy, L.P. v. Crawford, 171 S.W.3d 323, 338 (Tex.
App.–Houston [14th Dist.] 2005, no pet.). An appellate court has no duty—or even right—to
perform an independent review of the record and applicable law to determine whether there was
error. Valadez v. Avitia, 238 S.W.3d 843, 845 (Tex. App.–El Paso 2007, no pet.). Were we to
do so, we would be abandoning our role as neutral adjudicators and become an advocate for that
party. Id.
Here, Niranjan presents a brief conclusory argument for the proposition that the trial
court abused its discretion in refusing to admit Exhibit 14.2 His entire argument for this specific
exhibit consists of one paragraph and is intermingled with his arguments regarding Exhibit 13.
Niranjan does not provide any citations to the record, any substantive legal analysis, or any
citations to authority in support of his complaint specific to Exhibit 14. See Sweed v. City of El
2
Niranjan’s argument regarding Exhibit 14 was that the “trial court abused its discretion in denying
admission of the party opponent statements found in Exhibit 13 and 14.” Further, he stated that he “was harmed as a
result of this by the above improper rulings and judgment.”
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Paso, 195 S.W.3d 784, 786 (Tex. App.–El Paso 2006, no pet.) (stating that “merely uttering brief
conclusory statements” is not a discussion of the facts and authorities relied upon contemplated
by Rule 38). In the absence of any legal analysis, citations to the record, and citations to
appropriate authorities, Niranjan presents nothing for our review regarding Exhibit 14. See
WorldPeace, 183 S.W.3d at 460; Med. Specialist Grp., 171 S.W.3d at 732.
Accordingly, we overrule Niranjan’s fourth issue.
PARENTING COUNSELING AND THERAPY
In his sixth issue, Niranjan contends that the trial court abused its discretion by ordering
that his periods of possession of A.G. be contingent upon ongoing counseling.
Applicable Law
A trial court has broad discretion to fashion the terms of a decree related to custody,
visitation, and possession. In re Doe 2, 19 S.W.3d 278, 281 (Tex. 2000); Gillespie v. Gillespie,
644 S.W.2d 449, 451 (Tex. 1982); In re Marriage of Swim, 291 S.W.3d 500, 504 (Tex. App.—
Amarillo 2009, no pet.). We review a trial court’s rulings on conservatorship and visitation
under an abuse of discretion standard. Newberry v. Newberry, 351 S.W.3d 552, 558 (Tex.
App.—El Paso 2011, no pet.). A trial court abuses its discretion when it acts without regard to
any guiding rules or principles. Downer, 701 S.W.2d at 241-42. When determining issues
related to conservatorship or possession of and access to the child, the best interest of the child is
the primary consideration. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 153.002 (West 2014); see In re M.S., 115
S.W.3d 534, 547 (Tex. 2003); In re Marriage of Swim, 291 S.W.3d at 505.
A trial court may place conditions on a parent’s access to a child, such as supervised
visitation, when it is in the child’s best interest. In re A.G., 531 S.W.3d 329, 333 (Tex. App.–
Houston [14th Dist.] 2017, no pet.). However, the terms of an order that imposes restrictions or
limitations on a parent’s right to possession of or access to a child may not exceed those that are
required to protect the best interests of the child. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 153.193(West 2014).
The Texas Family Code also provides that a court may order a party to participate in counseling
with a mental health professional “[i]f the court finds at the time of a hearing that the parties
have a history of conflict in resolving an issue of conservatorship or possession of or access to
the child. . . .” Id. § 153.010 (a)(West 2014); see Brook v. Brook, 865 S.W.2d 166, 174 (Tex.
App.—Corpus Christi 1993), aff’d, 881 S.W.2d 297 (Tex. 1994). Further, a court shall consider
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the commission of family violence or sexual abuse in determining whether to deny, restrict, or
limit the possession of a child by a parent who is appointed as a possessory conservator. TEX.
FAM. CODE ANN. § 153.004(c) (West Supp. 2017).
Analysis
First, we consider Niranjan’s argument that the trial court’s oral pronouncement
regarding his participation in counseling and therapy differed from the divorce decree, and that
there was no request that his counseling be a prerequisite to possession of or access to the child.
A judgment is rendered when the decision is officially announced either orally in open court or
by written memorandum filed with the clerk. Samples Exterminators v. Samples, 640 S.W.2d
873, 875 (Tex. 1982); Bakali v. Bakali, 830 S.W.2d 251, 254 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1992, no writ).
Until thirty days after the judgment is signed, the trial court has plenary power to vacate, modify,
correct, or reform its judgment at any time before it becomes final. TEX. R. CIV. P. 329b(d);
Mesa Agro v. R.C. Dove & Sons, 584 S.W.2d 506, 508 (Tex. Civ. App.—El Paso 1979, writ
ref’d n.r.e.). During this period, the trial court’s power to modify its judgment is virtually
absolute. Garza v. Serrato, 671 S.W.2d 713, 714 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1984, no writ).
Before the trial court signs a judgment, it “can change the decision previously announced
without any formal order setting it aside.” Kostura v. Kostura, 469 S.W.2d 196, 198 (Tex. Civ.
App.—Dallas 1971, writ ref’d n.r.e.).
In its oral ruling, the trial court ordered that Niranjan participate in counseling and
therapy. During the post-trial hearing to determine, among others, possession and access, Smita
requested that Niranjan not be able to exercise visitation with A.G. if he did not participate or
continue in counseling and therapy. In the decree of divorce, the trial court added a stipulation
that Niranjan not exercise possession of nor access to A.G. if he failed to initiate and maintain
regular participation in parenting counseling and therapy. Because the trial court had the power
to modify its oral ruling and there was a request that Niranjan’s possession of and access to A.G.
be contingent on his participation in counseling and therapy, the trial court did not abuse its
discretion in rendering its written judgment. See TEX. R. CIV. P. 329b(d); Garza, 671 S.W.2d
714; Mesa Agro, 584 S.W.2d at 508; Kostura, 469 S.W.2d at 198.
Finally, Niranjan contends that the requirement that he participate in counseling was an
unconstitutional interference and restriction upon his parental rights, citing Troxel v. Granville,
530 U.S. 57, 120 S. Ct. 2054, 147 L. Ed. 2d 49 (2000). In the decree of divorce, the trial court
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found that parenting counseling and therapy for Niranjan was in the child’s best interest. The
trial court also found that:
5. Niranjan Gadekar has engaged in [the] emotional abuse of the child, including the
intentional use of abusive physical force against his wife, Smita Zankar within a two-year
period preceding the filing of this suit, which conduct gives rise to concerns about his
future conduct towards the mother Smita Zankar and the child.
6. Niranjan Gadekar’s conduct undermined and adversely affected, and is likely to continue
to undermine and adversely affect, any effective relationship with the mother Smita
Zankar that would support effective co-parenting or any positive and supportive
relationship with the child that would be appropriate for effective parenting of the child.
7. Niranjan Gadekar should be ordered to participate in regular counseling, which regular
participation in counseling should be a condition precedent to exercise of possession of or
access to the child.
Here, the trial court made a specific finding that Niranjan engaged in emotional abuse of
the child. The evidence showed that Niranjan refused to (1) participate in or permit A.G. to
participate in school activities, such as neglecting to provide culturally appropriate clothing and
food for her preschool’s culture day; (2) administer prescribed medication to the child; and (3)
allow Smita to talk to A.G. when he and the child encountered Smita during his time of
possession. The evidence also included video recordings showing Niranjan interrogating A.G.,
endlessly asking her why she no longer ran to him from school or why she would not come to
him at school. Mark Foster, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist, stated that it was inappropriate for
Niranjan to question A.G. in that manner, and that he was very concerned. According to Foster,
A.G. appeared to be very uncomfortable and Niranjan persisted in questioning her, despite the
fact that she was clearly uncomfortable. Foster stated that if this represented the way Niranjan
treated A.G., he could understand why A.G. was distant towards Niranjan.
The trial court also found that Niranjan engaged in a history and pattern of abuse against
Smita and his former wives and, specifically, intentional use of abusive physical force against
Smita. At trial, all three of Niranjan’s wives testified regarding his abuse of them. According to
Smita, Niranjan forced her to have sex with him, choking her until she acquiesced, and said that
resistance “turned him on” and that if she said “no,” he raped her. She also testified that he
refused to allow her enough food to eat during the day, denied basic necessities and medical care
for A.G., constantly belittled and denigrated her, and threatened her if she ever returned to India.
12
From this evidence, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in ordering Niranjan to
attend parenting counseling and therapy before exercising possession of or access to the child.
See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 153.010(a), 153.004(c). Further, Niranjan’s reliance on Troxel is
unsound. The Troxel case involved grandparents attempting to obtain visitation of their
grandchildren based on a state’s nonparent visitation statute. See Troxel, 530 U.S. at 60–61, 120
S. Ct. at 2057–58. It did not involve the possession of or access to a child of parents who were
divorcing. Nor does Troxel encompass the policy of this State, that when determining issues
related to conservatorship or possession of and access to the child, the best interest of the child is
the primary consideration. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 153.002; In re M.S., 115 S.W.3d at 547;
In re Marriage of Swim, 291 S.W.3d at 505. Accordingly, the trial court did not abuse its
discretion in placing conditions on Niranjan’s access to A.G. if it determined that such conditions
were in the child’s best interest. See In re A.G., 531 S.W.3d at 333.
Accordingly, we overrule Niranjan’s sixth issue.
CHILD SUPPORT
In his seventh issue, Niranjan argues that the trial court abused its discretion in awarding
child support above the guidelines.
Applicable Law
“A court’s order of child support will not be disturbed on appeal unless the complaining
party can show a clear abuse of discretion.” Worford v. Stamper, 801 S.W.2d 108, 109 (Tex.
1990) (per curiam). A trial court abuses its discretion when it acts arbitrarily or unreasonably,
without reference to guiding rules or principles. Worford, 801 S.W.2d at 109; Downer, 701
S.W.2d at 241–42. The court may order either or both parents to support a child in the manner
specified by the order. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 154.001 (West Supp. 2017). In other words,
each party has a duty to support his or her minor child. Villasenor v. Villasenor, 911 S.W.2d
411, 419 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1995, no writ). The duty to support a child is not limited to a
parent’s ability to pay from current earnings, but also extends to his or her financial ability to pay
from any and all sources that might be available. In re Striegler, 915 S.W.2d 629, 638 (Tex.
App.—Amarillo 1996, writ denied); Roosth v. Roosth, 889 S.W.2d 445, 455 (Tex. App.—
Houston [14th Dist.] 1994, writ denied); Musick v. Musick, 590 S.W.2d 582, 586 (Tex. Civ.
App.—Tyler 1979, no writ). In assessing child support, the trial court must calculate net
13
resources for the purposes of determining child support liability. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN.
§ 154.062(a), (b) (West Supp. 2017); Newberry v. Bohn-Newberry, 146 S.W.3d 233, 236 (Tex.
App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2004, no pet.).
Analysis
At the post-trial hearing, Smita offered an exhibit into evidence showing that in 2015,
Niranjan earned approximately $98,823.20, that his net resources for purposes of calculating
child support were $6,041.62 per month, and that the monthly child support should be $1,208.32.
Niranjan testified during trial that he was unemployed because of “all these court issues and all
these visits.” He also stated that he could not “keep [his] job” and decided that A.G. was more
important. Thereafter, the trial court ordered that Niranjan pay child support in the amount of
$1,208.32 per month. In its findings of fact, the trial court found that (1) Niranjan’s most recent
salary and income, and current and prospective earning capacity, were the same or similar, (2)
Niranjan had the ability to contribute to the support of the child, and (3) Niranjan had financial
resources available from which child support could be paid.
In his brief, Niranjan does not argue that the amount of child support is calculated
incorrectly, but contends that the trial court abused its discretion in ordering child support
without a finding that he was intentionally unemployed or underemployed, and that he should
have been ordered to pay child support as if he were unemployed, or lacked income, citing
Section 154.068(a) of the Texas Family Code. Section 154.066(a) gives a trial court discretion to
set child support based on the obligor’s earning capacity where “the actual income of the obligor
is significantly less than what the obligor could earn because of intentional unemployment or
underemployment.” TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 154.066(a) (West 2014); Iliff v. Iliff, 339 S.W.3d
74, 79-80 (Tex. 2011). The trial court made no finding that Niranjan was intentionally
unemployed or underemployed as required by Iliff. However, Niranjan does not refer to Section
154.066(a), only to the case law requiring such finding, appearing to conflate intentional
unemployment and underemployment with Section 154.068. Section 154.068(a) provides that in
the absence of a party’s resources, the court shall presume that the party has income equal to the
federal minimum wage for a forty-hour week to which the support guidelines may be applied.
TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 154.068(a) (West Supp. 2017).
Here, we have no absence of Niranjan’s resources. The evidence shows that shortly
before trial, he was employed and had net resources of $6,041.62. There was no evidence that he
14
could not obtain employment after trial. Moreover, the evidence shows that he had other sources
of financial ability in which to pay child support. See In re Striegler, 915 S.W.2d at 638;
Roosth, 889 S.W.2d at 455; Musick, 590 S.W.2d at 586. He had treasury bonds worth
$40,000.00, and was awarded financial accounts as his separate property totaling approximately
$300,000.00. Because there was evidence of Niranjan’s financial ability to pay child support
from multiple sources, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in ordering him to pay child
support in amount of $1,208.32 per month.
Accordingly, we overrule Niranjan’s seventh issue.
JOINT MANAGING CONSERVATOR
In his first issue, Niranjan argues that the evidence was legally insufficient to support the
jury’s finding that he should not be appointed joint managing conservator.
Standard of Review
In a jury trial, a party is entitled to a verdict by the jury and the court may not contravene
a jury verdict on the issue of the appointment of a sole managing conservator. TEX. FAM. CODE
ANN. § 105.002(c)(1)(A) (West Supp. 2017). Instead, the jury’s verdict is reviewed for legal
sufficiency. See Lenz v. Lenz, 79 S.W.3d 10, 17 (Tex. 2002) (applying legal sufficiency
standard to review of jury verdict).
In considering a legal sufficiency challenge, we review all the evidence in the light most
favorable to the trial court’s judgment and indulge every reasonable inference in its favor. City
of Keller v. Wilson, 168 S.W.3d 802, 822 (Tex. 2005). We credit any favorable evidence if a
reasonable factfinder could and disregard any contrary evidence unless a reasonable factfinder
could not. Id. at 822, 827. We may only sustain a legal sufficiency challenge when (1) the
record discloses a complete absence of a vital fact, (2) the court is barred by rules of law or
evidence from giving weight to the sole evidence offered to prove a vital fact, (3) the sole
evidence offered to prove a vital fact is no more than a mere scintilla, or (4) the evidence
establishes the opposite of a vital fact. Id. at 810. More than a scintilla of evidence exists when
the evidence rises to a level that would enable reasonable and fair minded jurors to differ in their
conclusions. See Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Spates, 186 S.W.3d 566, 568 (Tex. 2006) (per
curium). Anything more than a scintilla of evidence is legally sufficient to support the finding.
Cont’l Coffee Prods. Co. v. Cazarez, 937 S.W.2d 444, 450 (Tex. 1996); Reeder v. Wood Cty.
15
Energy, L.L.C., 320 S.W.3d 433, 441 (Tex. App.—Tyler 2010), aff’d in part and rev’d in part,
395 S.W.3d 789 (Tex. 2012). The jury is the sole judge of the witnesses’ credibility; it may
choose to believe one witness over another. City of Keller, 168 S.W.3d at 819–20. We must
assume that jurors resolved all conflicts in accordance with their verdict if reasonable human
beings could do so. Id.
Applicable Law
The best interest of the child shall always be the primary consideration in determining the
issues of conservatorship. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 153.002. It is a rebuttable presumption that
the appointment of the parents of a child as joint managing conservators is in the best interest of
the child. Id. § 153.131(b) (West 2014). A finding of a history of family violence involving the
parents of a child removes the presumption. Id. Evidence of the intentional use of abusive
physical force by a party directed against the party’s spouse, a parent of the child, or any person
younger than eighteen years of age committed within a two-year period preceding the filing of
the suit shall be considered in determining whether to appoint a party as a sole or joint managing
conservator. Id. § 153.004(a) (West Supp. 2017). In making an appointment of sole or
managing conservator, the jury shall consider whether a party engaged in a history or pattern of
family violence. Id. § 153.005(c)(1) (West Supp. 2017).
In determining whether an appointment of the parents as joint managing conservators is
warranted, the trier of fact should consider the following factors:
(1) whether the physical, psychological, or emotional needs and development of the child will
benefit from the appointment of joint managing conservators;
(2) the ability of the parents to give first priority to the welfare of the child and reach shared
decisions in the child’s best interest;
(3) whether each parent can encourage and accept a positive relationship between the child and
the other parent;
(4) whether both parents participated in child rearing before the filing of the suit;
(5) the geographical proximity of the parents’ residences;
(6) if the child is twelve years of age or older, the child’s preference, if any, regarding the person
to have the exclusive right to designate the primary residence of the child; and
(7) any other relevant factor.
Id. § 153.134(a) (West 2014).
Analysis
Here, the evidence showed that Niranjan committed family violence against Smita, that
the child would not benefit from the appointment of joint managing conservators, that the parents
16
could not reach shared decisions in the child’s best interest, and that the parents could not
encourage and accept a positive relationship between the child and the other parent.
First, the evidence shows that Niranjan committed family violence against Smita. Family
violence is defined as “an act by a member of a family or household against another member of
the family or household that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault or
sexual assault or that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical
harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault.” Id. § 71.004 (West Supp. 2017). Smita testified
that Niranjan demanded sex from her after A.G.’s birth and before the doctor recommended the
resumption of sexual relations. She stated that he forced her to have sex with him, choking her
until she acquiesced, stating that “resistance turned him on.” Smita also said that Niranjan told
her that if she said “no,” he would rape her and physically forced her to have sex. From this
evidence, the jury could have found that Niranjan committed family violence and considered this
evidence in determining whether Niranjan should be appointed joint managing conservator. See
id. § 153.005(c)(1).
The jury could have also found that A.G.’s physical development would not benefit from
the appointment of Niranjan as a joint managing conservator. Niranjan failed to provide, seek, or
maintain proper medical care for A.G. According to Smita, Niranjan refused to seek medical
care when A.G.’s bug bite turned into a boil, and take A.G. to wellness checkups, instead forcing
Smita to take A.G. to the county health clinic for routine vaccinations. Smita stated that after she
found a job in the United States, she obtained insurance and took A.G. to a pediatrician when she
was fourteen months old.
Niranjan refused to follow the advice of A.G.’s primary physician, pediatric
dermatologist, and allergist. According to Smita, A.G.’s primary physician recommended that
A.G. take an antihistamine, but Niranjan refused. A.G.’s pediatric dermatologist recommended
steroidial creams and Cetaphil moisturizer for A.G.’s eczema, told the parents not to use
perfumes or detergents and soaps containing perfumes, and stated that A.G. needed to take only
short baths. According to Smita, Niranjan used olive oil to moisturize A.G.’s skin, stating that
Cetaphil was too expensive. She also stated that Niranjan put perfumes on A.G. and forced A.G.
to take long baths, believing that A.G. needed to soak in water for at least twenty minutes.
According to Smita, Niranjan’s actions bothered A.G.’s eczema and caused it to “flare up.”
17
In the allergist’s records, he stated that he agreed with the primary physician’s
recommendation of daily Zyrtec and was “unsure why dad has been so reluctant” in
administering this medication. Smita also testified that after A.G.’s allergist tested A.G. for
allergies, she broke out in hives. Niranjan blamed the allergist for testing A.G. and argued with
the physician. According to Smita, the allergist believed that Niranjan was “attacking him,” and
subsequently released A.G. from his care. Further, Niranjan refused to pay an additional ninety
cents to add flavoring to A.G.’s antibiotic, stating that he was following “court orders.” The
evidence also showed that when Smita returned to their house in the United States, after A.G.’s
birth, Niranjan refused to buy a crib or other basic necessities for A.G., including toys, pillows,
or a rattle.
The jury could have found that the parents could not reach shared decisions in A.G.’s
best interest. After the parties separated, Niranjan and Smita disagreed about enrolling A.G. in
day care, choosing the day care, and the child’s extracurricular activities. Niranjan also refused
to participate or allow A.G. to participate in activities at her day care, and refused to provide
lunch or necessities on the ending day of his possession.
Finally, the jury could have found that A.G.’s emotional development would not benefit
from the appointment of Niranjan as joint managing conservator. The evidence shows that
during two videotapes taken by Niranjan, he did not offer comfort to A.G. who was crying
during a change of possession, and relentlessly questioned A.G. about her refusal to “run” to him
when he picked her up from day care. In the first videotape, Niranjan allowed A.G. to cry and
scream for almost eleven minutes, offering no comfort or help, before picking her up and taking
her to his car. In the second videotape, Niranjan’s intense questioning caused A.G. to eventually
curl up in a fetal position on the couch, turning her back on her father. When A.G. jumped up
and ran to Niranjan, she asked him to help her with her hair clip that was hurting her. Niranjan
refused, and told her that he would help her after she answered his questions. A.G. was four
years old at the time.
The evidence above rebuts the presumption that the appointment of the parents as joint
managing conservators is in A.G.’s best interest. See id. § 153.131(b). Thus, the evidence is
legally sufficient to support the finding that Smita be sole managing conservator of A.G. See
Cazarez, 937 S.W.2d at 450; Reeder, 320 S.W.3d at 441. Accordingly, we overruled Niranjan’s
first issue.
18
PROPERTY DIVISION
In his second and eighth issues, Niranjan argues that the jury abused its discretion in
dividing the community property estate because the ultimate division was inequitable. Further,
he contends that the evidence is legally insufficient to support a finding that the Indian assets
were Smita’s separate property.
Standard of Review
In a decree of divorce, a court shall order a division of the estate of the parties in a
manner that the court deems just and right, having due regard for the rights of each party. TEX.
FAM. CODE ANN. § 7.001(West 2006). We review a trial court’s division of property under an
abuse of discretion standard. Moroch v. Collins, 174 S.W.3d 849, 857 (Tex. App.—Dallas
2005, pet. denied); see also Garza v. Garza, 217 S.W.3d 538, 548 (Tex. App.—San Antonio
2006, no pet.). A trial court does not abuse its discretion if there is some evidence of a
substantive and probative character to support the decision. Garza, 217 S.W.3d at 549; Moroch,
174 S.W.3d at 857. It is this court’s duty to consider every reasonable presumption in favor of
the proper exercise of discretion by the trial court in dividing the community estate. Loaiza v.
Loaiza, 130 S.W.3d 894, 899 (Tex. App.–Fort Worth 2004, no pet.) (citing Murff v. Murff, 615
S.W.2d 696, 698 (Tex. 1981)). Moreover, we should reverse a court’s division of property only
if the error materially affects the court’s just and right division of the property. Henry v. Henry,
48 S.W.3d 468, 475 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2001, no pet.). However, once reversible
error affecting the “just and right” division of the community estate is found, an appellate court
must remand the entire community estate for a new division. Sheshtawy v. Sheshtawy, 150
S.W.3d 772, 780 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2004, pet. denied) (quoting Jacobs v. Jacobs, 687
S.W.2d 731, 733 (Tex. 1985)).
Applicable Law
A trial court is charged with dividing the marital estate in a “just and right” manner. TEX.
FAM. CODE ANN. § 7.001; Gardner v. Gardner, 229 S.W.3d 747, 756 (Tex. App.—San Antonio
2007, no pet.). In dividing the marital estate, the trial court is not required to divide it equally,
but may order an unequal division when a reasonable basis exists for doing so. Murff, 615
S.W.2d at 698–99; Gardner, 229 S.W.3d at 756; Prague v. Prague, 190 S.W.3d 31, 41 (Tex.
App.—Dallas 2005, pet. denied). Factors to consider in dividing the estate include the parties’
capacities and abilities; benefits the party not at fault would have derived from continuation of
19
the marriage; business opportunities; education; the parties’ physical conditions; the parties’
financial conditions and obligations; the size of the separate estates; the nature of the property;
and disparities in earning capacities and incomes. See Murff, 615 S.W.2d at 699. The
circumstances of each marriage dictate what factors should be considered in division of the
marital estate. Young v. Young, 609 S.W.2d 758, 761 (Tex. 1980).
Property possessed by either spouse during or at the dissolution of the marriage is
presumed to be community property, but the presumption may be rebutted by clear and
convincing evidence. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 3.003(a) (West 2006); Cockerham v.
Cockerham, 527 S.W.2d 162, 167 (Tex. 1975). Any doubt as to the character of property should
be resolved in favor of the community estate. Sink v. Sink, 364 S.W.3d 340, 345 (Tex. App.—
Dallas 2012, no pet.). In the context of a divorce proceeding, characterization of property is
determined by the time and circumstances of its acquisition. Rivera v. Hernandez, 441 S.W.3d
413, 420 (Tex. App.–El Paso 2014, pet. denied). Separate property consists of all the spouse’s
property, both real and personal, that is owned or claimed before marriage, and that is acquired
after marriage by gift, devise, or descent. TEX. CONST. art. XVI, § 15. Community property
consists of property, other than separate property, acquired by either spouse during marriage.
TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 3.002 (West 2006). The burden of proof necessary to establish that
property is separate property is clear and convincing evidence. Id. § 3.003(b). Clear and
convincing evidence means “the measure or degree of proof that will produce in the mind of the
trier of fact a firm belief or conviction as to the truth of the allegations sought to be established.”
Id. § 101.007 (West 2014).
As a general rule, the clear and convincing standard is not satisfied by testimony that
property possessed at the time the marriage is dissolved is separate property when that testimony
is contradicted or unsupported by documentary evidence tracing the asserted separate nature of
the property. Graves v. Tomlinson, 329 S.W.3d 128, 139 (Tex. App.–Houston [14th Dist.] 2010,
pet. denied).
Separate Property—Indian Assets
In his eighth issue, Niranjan argues that the “evidence is devoid of anything to support
the jury’s findings” regarding Smita’s Indian assets and her Westend Riverview, Pune apartment.
The jury determined that eleven financial accounts were Smita’s separate property, and that an
20
apartment in India, described as the “Westend Riverview, Pune apartment,” was also her separate
property.
However, Niranjan contends that the bank accounts determined to be Smita’s separate
property do not correlate to the account numbers listed in the jury charge. Smita testified that
Exhibit 11 contained financial statements for her assets in India as of the date of the marriage.
More specifically, the ICICI, CitiBank, and State Bank of India savings accounts in the exhibit
reflected the same bank account numbers as in the jury charge. Smita also testified that Exhibit
12 included financial statements for her assets in India as of the date of her marriage, including
accounts from the State Bank of India and ICICI, all of which reflect the same bank account
numbers as in the jury charge. Finally, she testified that the list of accounts in Exhibit 13A
reflected the value of her financial assets in India as of the date of her marriage. All of these
accounts in Exhibit 13A match the account numbers and descriptions in the jury charge.
Moreover, Niranjan did not contradict any of Smita’s testimony regarding her financial
assets in India as of the date of the marriage. Nor does he refer this court to any contrary
evidence other than noting that some of the account numbers do not correlate to the account
numbers in the jury charge.
Regarding Niranjan’s argument that Smita’s Westend Riverview, Pune apartment was not
mentioned in the record, Smita testified that she bought an apartment in India before her
marriage. She described it as her “Aundh” apartment in her testimony. However, the Westend
Riverview address was listed on her separate property financial accounts as her Indian address
and contained the notation “Aundh” in the address. Niranjan did not offer any contradictory
evidence regarding Smita’s Indian apartment, nor does he refer this court to any contrary
evidence.
From this evidence, Smita’s testimony regarding her Indian financial assets and
apartment was “clear, direct and positive, and free from contradiction, inaccuracies, and
circumstances tending to cast suspicion thereon, it is taken as true, as a matter of law.” See
Monroe v. Monroe, 358 S.W.3d 711, 718 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2011, pet. denied) (quoting
Ragsdale v. Progressive Voters League, 801 S.W.2d 880, 882 (Tex.1990)). Moreover, Smita’s
testimony “seeking to overcome the community property presumption need not be corroborated
to meet the clear and convincing standard.” Id. (quoting Pace v. Pace, 160 S.W.3d 706, 714
(Tex. App.—Dallas 2005, pet. denied).). Thus, the jury could determine that Smita’s
21
uncontradicted testimony constituted clear and convincing evidence necessary to overcome the
community property presumption, and establish that the Indian financial assets and Indian
apartment listed in the jury charge were her separate property.
Community Property Division
In his second issue, Niranjan states that “[i]nitially, it must be clear that [he] disputes the
valuation of the community property estate and disputes the inclusion of the treasury bonds in
the community property pool.” As previously noted, Rule 38.1 of the Texas Rules of Appellate
Procedure sets forth what must be included in an appellant’s brief. See TEX. R. APP. P. 38.1.
Rule 38.1(i) requires that an appellant’s brief “contain a clear and concise argument for the
contentions made, with appropriate citations to authorities and to the record.” See id. The
appellate court has no duty to brief issues for an appellant. Huey, 200 S.W.3d at 854. The
failure to provide appropriate record citations or a substantive analysis waives an appellate issue.
WorldPeace, 183 S.W.3d at 460 (holding that failure to offer argument, citations to record, or
citations to authority waives issue on appeal); Med. Specialist Grp., P.A., 171 S.W.3d at 732
(same); see also Fredonia State Bank, 881 S.W.2d at 284–85 (holding appellate court has
discretion to deem points of error waived due to inadequate briefing). Appellate courts must
construe briefing requirements reasonably and liberally, but a party asserting error on appeal still
must put forth some specific argument and analysis showing that the record and the law support
its contentions. San Saba Energy, L.P., 171 S.W.3d at 338.
Here, beyond one sentence in his brief and one citation to an exhibit in the record,
Niranjan does not provide any argument or any citations to authority in support of this complaint.
In the absence of any legal analysis and citations to appropriate authorities, Niranjan presents
nothing for our review regarding his complaints about valuation and inclusion of the treasury
bonds.
Next, Niranjan contends that the ultimate division of the community property is
inequitable, or “close to a 81/19 split.” During a post trial hearing, the trial court stated that it
awarded all of the community property retirement accounts to Smita, and all of the community
property liquid, or cash, accounts to Niranjan. The trial court said that its division of the
community estate would be a “very” rough 50/50 percent division. The trial court also stated
that it understood Smita would be “at a little bit of a disadvantage” because her assets would be
subject to taxes and penalties. From the evidence produced at trial, the jury charge, and the trial
22
court’s findings of fact, Smita was awarded approximately $271,835.86 in community property
retirement and individual retirement accounts, and Niranjan was awarded approximately
$231,037.11 in community property cash or savings accounts. Further, the trial court awarded
Smita an additional $19,293.49 in community property brokerage accounts that were not
submitted to the jury or previously divided by the court. According to the trial court, it awarded
these community property brokerage accounts to Smita in order to “make up the difference,
because [Smita is] getting before-tax dollars, that there will be taxes and penalties if she wants to
access those.”
However, Niranjan contends that when the trial court’s award of attorney’s fees in the
amount of $112,000.00 to Smita’s counsel is taken into consideration, the ultimate division of
community property is inequitable. Attorney’s fee awards in divorce cases are reviewed for an
abuse of discretion. Murff, 615 S.W.2d at 699 (citing Carle v. Carle, 149 Tex. 469, 234 S.W.2d
1002, 1005 (1950)). In a divorce case, a trial court may award attorney’s fees as part of a just
and right division of the marital estate. Mandell v. Mandell, 310 S.W.3d 531, 541 (Tex. App.–
Fort Worth 2010, pet. denied). A “decree that the husband pay all of the wife’s attorney’s fees
may be to award him less of the community estate than that awarded to the wife, but that alone
does not condemn it.” See Carle, 234 S.W.2d at 1005. “The attorney’s fee is but a factor to be
considered by the court in making an equitable division of the estate, considering the conditions
and needs of the parties and all of the surrounding circumstances.” See id.
Here, the trial court awarded Smita’s counsel a judgment in the amount of $112,000.00
for attorneys’ fees, expenses, and costs, and ordered Niranjan to pay said fees, expenses, and
costs to Smita’s counsel. The award of attorney’s fees did not appear in the factors that the trial
court considered in a “just and right” division of the community estate in its findings of fact.
Nor did it appear as an item in the list of community property or in either parties’ separate
property. Instead, it appeared in the trial court’s “other” findings of fact.
The failure to list the attorney’s fees as “property” in the list of property awarded to the
wife is no indication that they were not considered in the division, only that it was not considered
“property.” See Murff, 615 S.W.2d at 699. At the post-trial hearing, Smita’s counsel testified
regarding his attorney’s fees, noting that this case involved three temporary orders, five changes
of counsel for Niranjan, three or four scheduling orders, a five day jury trial, and numerous
settlement attempts. Moreover, Smita’s counsel said, he had “to expend innumerable hours in
23
this case defending [Smita] against spurious, unfounded, bad faith motions and arguments.”
From this evidence, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in awarding Smita’s counsel
attorney’s fees under the circumstances of this case. See id.
Accordingly, we overrule Niranjan’s second and eighth issues.
ADDITIONAL ISSUES
In his pro se reply brief to the Amicus Attorney’s brief, Niranjan identified “other issues
of concern” that he wanted to present to this Court. He argued that these “issues” had a direct
bearing on his ability to respond to Smita’s and the Amicus’s briefs, and raised questions about
the trial. Niranjan’s other “issues” include: (1) an incorrect reporter’s record that did not
correctly reflect the testimony or his objections; (2) not being allowed to present his case; (3) not
being allowed or given the opportunity to testify about anything later than August 2012; (4)
being prevented from admitting two exhibits containing hundreds of videotapes and thousands of
pictures; (5) being accused of using outside help during trial and having a bailiff placed behind
him while presenting his case; and (6) not being allowed to present his parents or sister to testify
by videotape or cross examine the Amicus Attorney.
Niranjan also contended that the trial court erred in (1) allowing a psychologist to testify
who was not designated as an expert witness before the appropriate deadline; (2) allowing a
psychologist to testify and produce his records even though the records were incomplete; (3)
refusing to admit Niranjan’s inventory and appraisement after first admitting it; (4) refusing to
admit a correct summary of the community property; (5) awarding him less than standard
possession of A.G.; and (6) treating him unfairly by putting undue and unreasonable pressure on
him to present his witnesses with “very little notice.”
An appellant may file a reply brief addressing any matter in the appellee’s brief. TEX. R.
APP. P. 38.3. However, the rules of appellate procedure do not allow appellant to raise a new
issue that was not discussed in his original brief, even if the new issue is raised in response to a
matter in the appellee’s brief. Yeske v. Piazza Del Arte, Inc., 513 S.W.3d 652, 672 n.5 (Tex.
App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2016, no pet.); Dallas Co. v. Gonzalez, 183 S.W.3d 94, 104 (Tex.
App.—Dallas 2006, pet. denied) (“A reply brief may not be used to raise new issues.”); Lopez v.
Montemayor, 131 S.W.3d 54, 61 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2003, pet. denied) (holding
arguments raised for the first time in appellant’s reply brief were not properly before the court).
24
To allow an appellant to raise new issues in a subsequent brief would vitiate the briefing
requirements of Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 38.1. See TEX. R. APP. P. 38.1(f) (An
appellant’s brief “must state concisely all issues or points presented for review.”).
Accordingly, we do not consider Niranjan’s arguments raised for the first time in a reply
brief. See, e.g., Anderson Producing Inc. v. Koch Oil Co., 929 S.W.2d 416, 424 (Tex. 1996);
Salas v. LNV Corp., 409 S.W.3d 209, 219 n.6 (Tex. App.–Houston [14th Dist.] 2013, no pet.).
DISPOSITION
Having overruled all of Niranjan’s issues, we affirm the trial court’s judgment.
BRIAN HOYLE
Justice
Opinion delivered May 31, 2018.
Panel consisted of Worthen, C.J., Hoyle, J., and Neeley, J.
(PUBLISH)
25
COURT OF APPEALS
TWELFTH COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT OF TEXAS
JUDGMENT
MAY 31, 2018
NO. 12-16-00209-CV
NIRANJAN GADEKAR,
Appellant
V.
SMITA ZANKAR,
Appellee
Appeal from the 442nd District Court
of Denton County, Texas (Tr.Ct.No. 2012-40948-362)
THIS CAUSE came to be heard on the appellate record and briefs filed
herein, and the same being considered, it is the opinion of this court that there was no error in the
judgment.
It is therefore ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that the judgment
of the court below be in all things affirmed, and that all costs of this appeal are hereby adjudged
against the appellant, NIRANJAN GADEKAR, for which execution may issue, and that this
decision be certified to the court below for observance.
Brian Hoyle, Justice.
Panel consisted of Worthen, C.J., Hoyle, J., and Neeley, J.