Elizabeth M. Trammell v. Fletcher v. Trammell, Sr. ( 2015 )

ACCEPTED
01-14-00629-CV
FIRST COURT OF APPEALS
HOUSTON, TEXAS
1/12/2015 5:03:36 PM
CHRISTOPHER PRINE
CLERK
NO: 01-14-00629-CV
INTHE FILED IN
1st COURT OF APPEALS
FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS OF TEXAS
HOUSTON, TEXAS
AT HOUSTON, TEXAS 1/12/2015 5:03:36 PM
CHRISTOPHER A. PRINE
Clerk
Elizabeth M. Trammell,
Appellant
v.
Fletcher V. Trammell, Sr.
Appellee
from the 3081h Judicial District Court
of Harris County, Texas, The Honorable James Lombardino Presiding
Trial Court Case No. 2010-72050
ORIGINAL BRIEF OF THE APPELLANT
Maurice Bresenhan, Jr.
Texas Bar No. 02959000
Cynthia Keen Perlman
Texas Bar No. 11161700
Zukowski, Bresenhan, Sinex & Petry, L.L.P.
1177 West Loop South, Suite 1100
Houston, Texas 77027
Telephone: (713) 965-9969
Telecopier: (713) 963-9169
Attorneys for Appellant
APPELLANT REQUESTS ORAL ARGUMENT
NO: 01-14-00629-CV
INTHE
FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS OF TEXAS
AT HOUSTON, TEXAS
ELIZABETH M. TRAMMELL,
Appellant
v.
FLETCHER V. TRAMMELL, SR.
Appellee
from the 3081h Judicial District Court
of Harris County, Texas, The Honorable James Lombardino Presiding
Trial Court Case No. 2010-72050
IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL
1. Appellant/ Respondent in the Trial Court:
Elizabeth M. Trammell
2. Trial Counsel and Appellate Counsel for Appellant:
Maurice Bresenhan, Jr.
State Bar No. 02959000
Cynthia Keen Perlman
State Bar No. 11161 700
Zukowski, Bresenhan, Sinex & Petry, L.L.P.
11 77 West Loop South, Suite 1100
Houston, Texas 77027
(713) 965-9969
(713) 963-9169 (Fax)
11
3. Appellee/ Petitioner in the Trial Court:
Fletcher V. Trammell, Sr.
4. Appellate Counsel for Appellee:
Sallee S. Smythe
State Bar No. 18779400
800 Jackson Street
Richmond, Texas77469
(281) 238-6200/(281) 238-6202 (Fax)
5. Trial Counsel for Appellee:
Lauren Waddell
State Bar No. 24070206
The Waddell Law Firm, PC
1720 Bissonnet Street
Houston, Texas 77005
(713) 239-8590/(713) 228-2297 (Fax)
111
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
Cases:
Bui v. Wilcoxson, 2005 Tex. App. LEXIS 2134 (Tex. App. -- Hous. [14th Dist.]
2005) ......................................................................................... 11
City of Keller v. Wilson, 168 S.W.3d 802, 819 (Tex. 2005) .......................... 10
In re Doe, 444 S.W.3d 603 (Tex. 2014) .................................................. 11
Dupree v. Texas Dep't. of Protective & Regulatory Services, 907 S.W.2d 81 (Tex.
App.--Dallas 1995) ........................................................................... 8
Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367 (Tex. 1976) .......................................... 8
Low v. Henry, 221 S.W.3d 609 (Tex. 2007) ............................................. 11
Strauss v. Cont'l Airlines, Inc.,
67 S.W.3d 428, 438 (Tex. App.~Hous. [141h Dist.] 2001, no pet.) .............. 9, 10
Statutes:
Texas Family Code, chapter 154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,6
Texas Family Code, §156.101. ......................................................... .3,8
Texas Family Code §156.401 ........................................................ 3, 8,9
Texas Family Code §156.402 ........................................................... 3, 8
lV
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Identity of Parties and Counsel..................................................... 11
Index of Authorities.................................................................. iv
Statement of the Case .................................................................. 1
Issues Presented ........................................................................ 3
Summary of the Argument. ........................................................... 4
Argument. ................................................................................ 6
Statement of Facts under All Points of Error ................................ 6
Arginnent and Authorities ................................. '. .................... 8
Prayer ..................................................................................... 12
Certificate of Service .................................................................. 13
Appendix ................................................................................. 14
v
NO: 01-14-00629-CV
IN THE
FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS OF TEXAS
AT HOUSTON, TEXAS
Elizabeth M. Trammell,
Appellant
v.
Fletcher V. Trammell, Sr.
Appellee
ORIGINAL BRIEF OF THE APPELLANT
On Appeal from the 3081h Judicial District Court
of Harris County, Texas
To THE HONORABLE JUDGES OF THE FIRST COURT OF APPEALS:
Appellant Elizabeth M. Trammell ("Elizabeth") files her original brief and
respectfully shows the Court the following:
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
Nature of this Appeal: This case involves an Order in Suit to Modify
Parent-Child Relationship, entered on June 30, 2014, which drastically changed the
parties' agreements that they made in their Agreed Final Divorce Decree, signed
May 23, 2011, and the Trial Court's Decree that approved those agreements and
1
made them the judgment of the court. Elizabeth appeals the Trial Court's final
judgment which drastically modified downward the amount of child support she
receives from her former husband, Fletcher V. Trammell, Sr. ("Fletcher") and
altered Elizabeth's independent right to make educational decisions, health care
decisions and mental health care decisions for the children made the subject of the
suit, all of which modifications are clearly not in the best interest of the children.
Course of Proceedings: The parties came to an agreement regarding their
divorce and entered into their Agreed Final Divorce Decree, entered on May 23,
2011. (Clerk's Record ("CR") 8.) A little over two years later, on November 21,
2013, Fletcher filed his Petition to Modify Parent-Child Relationship, and
subsequently filed his Amended Petition to Modify Parent-Child Relationship, dated
April 25, 2014. (CR 45). After a bench trial was held on June 10, 2014, the Trial
Court signed the Order in Suit to Modify Parent-Child Relationship, entered on June
30, 2014 (the "Order.") (CR 58.) On July 21, 2014, Elizabeth perfected this appeal.
(CR89.)
Statement Regarding Oral Argument: Oral argument should be permitted
and is necessary for the court's decisional process because the issues presented are
unusual. Moreover, they are significant to the jurisdiction of the state in the area of
family law because this case involves the question of sufficiency of evidence to alter
2
an agreed-to judgment for divorce.
ISSUES PRESENTED FOR REVIEW
Issue Number One: The Trial court erred in signing the Order (CR 58) in favor of
Fletcher by granting his request to modify downward the amount of his child support
obligations when he failed to produce any evidence or sufficient evidence that
demonstrated the requested change is in the children's best interest and that there
was a material and substantial change in his circumstances. FC§l56.401(a)(l) and
156.402 (b).
Issue Number Two: The Trial court erred in signing the Order (CR 58) in favor of
Fletcher by granting him the right, subject to the agreement of the other parent
conservator, to make decisions concerning the children's education, which altered
the Trial Court's Decree that ordered that Elizabeth would have the exclusive right
to make such decisions concerning the children's education (CR 12), when
Fletcher failed to produce any evidence or sufficient evidence the change was in the
children's best interest and that there was a material and substantial change in his
circumstances. FC§156.101 (a)(l).
Issue Number Three: The Trial court erred in signing the Order (CR 58) in favor of
Fletcher by granting him the right, subject to the agreement of the other parent
conservator, to consent to medical, dental and surgical treatment involving invasive
procedures concerning the children, which altered the Trial Court's Decree that
ordered that Elizabeth have the independent right to make decisions concerning such
medical, dental and surgical treatment (CR 12), when Fletcher failed to produce
any evidence or sufficient evidence the change was in the children's best interest and
that there was a material and substantial change in his circumstances. FC§l56.101
( a)(l ).
Issue Number Four: The Trial court erred in signing the Order (CR 58) in favor of
Fletcher by granting him the right, subject to the agreement of the other parent
conservator, to consent to psychiatric and psychological treatment of the children,
which altered the Trial Court's Decree that ordered that Elizabeth have the
independent right to make decisions concerning such mental health treatment (CR
12), when Fletcher failed to produce any evidence or sufficient evidence the change
was in the children's best interest and that there was a material and substantial
change in his circumstances. FC§156.101 (a)(l).
3
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT
The undisputed evidence establishes that the parties, Elizabeth and Fletcher,
came to an agreement regarding their divorce and entered into their Agreed Final
Divorce Decree, signed on May 23, 2011. At the time of the divorce, the parties
agreed that the provable needs of their three minor children were well in excess of
the guidelines in chapter 154 of the Texas Family Code. The parties also agreed that
Elizabeth would have the exclusive right to make decisions concerning the
children's education. They also agreed that Elizabeth would have the independent
right to consent to medical, dental and surgical treatment involving invasive
procedures concerning the children. They further agreed that Elizabeth would have
the independent right to make decisions to consent to psychiatric and psychological
treatment of the children.
An attorney himself, Fletcher participated in the drafting of the Decree.
Indeed, Fletcher expressly approved and consented to the agreement as to both form
and substance when he signed the Agreed Final Divorce Decree. The Divorce
Decree became a final judgment on May 23, 2011 with no appeal filed.
Slightly over two years later, he sued Elizabeth seeking a drastic reduction in
his agreed and ordered child support obligations as well as changes in three of the
terms and conditions of the conservatorship order that granted exclusive rights to
4
Elizabeth.
Under each requested change, Fletcher alleged that there was a material and
substantial change in his circumstances and that the changes would be in the
children's best interest.
Fletcher's evidence in support of the desired changes was, in each instance,
legally and factually insufficient. Accordingly, the Trial Court's Order in Suit to
Modify Parent-Child Relationship, entered on June 30, 2014, in favor of Fletcher
was an abuse of discretion. This Court should reverse the Order, render a judgment
in favor of Elizabeth and deny all relief requested by Fletcher to modify the
parent-child relationship.
5
ARGUMENT
STATEMENT OF FACTS UNDER ALL POINTS OF ERROR
The facts in this case are undisputed. The parties, Elizabeth and Fletcher,
came to an agreement regarding all elements of their divorce and the Trial Court
approved those agreements and signed the Agreed Final Divorce Decree, entered on
May 23, 2011. CR 8. At the time of the divorce, the parties agreed that the provable
needs of their three minor children were well in excess of the guidelines in chapter
154 of the Texas Family Code, and as a result, Fletcher agreed and was ordered to
pay child support of $6,000 per month. CR19. On May 23, 2011, the parties'
children were James Etta Trammell, age 9 years, Fletcher Vines Trammell, Jr., age 6
years, and Anne Godwin Trammell, age 4 years. CR 9-10.
In their Agreed Final Divorce Decree, the parties agreed that it was in the best
interest of the children that Elizabeth have the exclusive right to make decisions
concerning the children's education. CR12. They also agreed that it was in the best
interest of the children that Elizabeth have the independent right to consent to
medical, dental and surgical treatment involving invasive procedures concerning the
children. CR12. Fletcher and Elizabeth further agreed that it was in the best interest
of the children that Elizabeth have the independent right to make decisions to
consent to psychiatric and psychological treatment of the children. CR12.
6
Fletcher represented himself and participated in the negotiation of the Agreed
Final Divorce Decree and in its drafting.
The Trial Comi, as material to this appeal, found in the Agreed Decree that the
parts of the Agreed Decree that Fletcher now seeks to change were in the children's
best interest. The Divorce Decree became a final judgment on May 23, 2011 with no
appeal filed.
A little more than two years later, on November 21, 2013, Fletcher sued
Elizabeth, asserting among other things that a material and substantial change in
circumstances required a drastic reduction of his child support obligations. He filed
an Amended Petition to Modify Parent-Child Relationship on April 25, 2014. CR
45.
During trial, Fletcher testified that he made about $800,000 in 2011
(Reporter's Record ("RR") 88), and that regarding how much money he makes in his
line of work as a personal injury lawyer, it is sometimes feast and sometimes famine
(RR 83.) He also testified that this situation was known to him at the time he got
divorced. (RR 84.) He further admits that he and his new wife own a 2013
Mercedes SL that costs about $120,000. (RR 103.)
The Trial Court signed the Order in Suit to Modify Parent-Child Relationship,
entered on June 30, 2014. (CR 58.) The Order modified the amount of Fletcher's
7
payments of child support downward to $2,565.00 per month. (CR 60.) The Order
further modified Elizabeth's ability to continue the children's private school
education, (CR 63) and removed her exclusive rights to make educational decisions,
health care decisions and mental health care decisions (CR 60.)
On July 21, 2014, Elizabeth perfected this appeal. (CR 89.)
ARGUMENT AND AUTHORITIES
In the current situation, in order for Fletcher to modify his child support
obligations and the exclusive rights awarded to Elizabeth, the Family Code requires
that Fletcher produce legally sufficient evidence that the circumstances of a child or
person affected by the order have materially or substantially changed since the order,
and that the requested and ordered change be in the best interest of the children.
Tex. Fam. Code §156.101(a)(l),156.401and156.402.
The best interest of the child, not the best interest of the parent, is the critical
and dispositive inquiry. Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367 (Tex. 1976); Dupree v.
Texas Dep't. of Protective & Regulatory Services, 907 S.W.2d 81 (Tex. App.--
Dallas 1995).
In reality, everything that Fletcher seeks to modify regarding his obligations
to his children is only about what is best for him. The cross examination of Fletcher
(RR pp.98 line 16 through pp. 103 line 3) makes it clear that it is all about what
8
Fletcher thinks is best, at that time, for him.
When Fletcher was making $800,000+ or $400,000+ per year, it was in the
best interest of the children for Elizabeth to have the right to select their school and
for him to fund that decision. When Fletcher's time was consumed with earning
$800,000+ or $400,000+ per year, it was in the best interest of the children for
Elizabeth to have the exclusive right to attend to their medical, dental, surgical,
psychiatric and psychological needs.
Now that Fletcher has a little more time on his hands and maybe, for a short
time, somewhat less money, it is somehow in the children's best interest to cut child
support by 55% and to remove Elizabeth's exclusive rights that Fletcher said
repeatedly he could not criticize. (RR. pp. l 00 line 22.) Further, Fletcher was unable
to answer the question yes or no as to whether it is in the best interest of the children
to provide them with less support. (RR 88.)
In a case brought by a personal injury lawyer who sued an airline company for
his loss of earning capacity due to his own personal injuries, the Court acknowledges
"that a legal practice involving contingency fee cases presents somewhat unique
characteristics and inherent uncertainties that must be considered .... " Strauss v.
Cont'l Airlines, Inc., 67 S.W.3d 428, 438 (Tex. App.-Hous. [14th Dist.] 2001, no
pet.) In comparing such a practice to one with billable hours, the Court states "the
9
contingency fee practice is not capable of a similar comparison because of the risks
and uncertainties that distinguish it." Id.
Similarly, since it was foreseeable that Fletcher would have financial ups and
downs in his legal practice as a personal injury lawyer from year to year, and this
fact was known to him at the time he agreed to the divorce terms, the fact that he has
had a year or so that are less lucrative years was an anticipated circumstance because
it is inherent in his type of legal practice. Indeed, it is entirely possible, and even
probable, that six months from now, he will be making as much or more than he was
at the time the divorce was granted and in the following year.
The so-called evidence of a material and substantial change and furtherance of
the children's best interest must, in fact, be evidence of those requirements to be
acted upon.
"A legal sufficiency challenge will be sustained when the record confirms
either: (a) a complete absence of a vital fact; (b) the court is barred by rules oflaw or
of evidence from giving weight to the only evidence offered to prove a vital fact; (c)
the evidence offered to prove a vital fact is no more than a mere scintilla; or (d) the
evidence conclusively establishes the opposite of the vital fact." City of Keller v.
Wilson, 168 S.W.3d 802, 819 (Tex. 2005).
When asked, Fletcher could not say how the children's best interest would be
10
advanced by reducing their child support, as indeed, you would expect. Thus there is
literally no evidence to support that a 55% reduction in child support would be in the
best interest of the children.
Without the required factual underpinning, the Trial Court's exercise of
discretion was contrary to established principals and thus, an abuse of that
discretion. In re Doe, 444 S.W.3d 603 (Tex. 2014); Low v. Henry, 221 S.W.3d 609(Tex. 2007).
In the Order, the Court removed Elizabeth's exclusive ability to continue the
children's private school education, and also removed her exclusive rights to make
educational decisions, health care decisions and mental health care decisions.
Fletcher agreed that it was not necessary for him to have any input regarding these
issues. For Fletcher to change these custodial rights, he must establish as a threshold
that there was a material and substantial change in circumstances because res
judicata otherwise prevents the requested modification. Bui v. Wilcoxson, 2005
Tex. App. LEXIS 2134 (Tex. App. -- Hous. [14th Dist.] 2005).
The only material and substantial change advanced by Fletcher was that he
had more time and his thinking that he wanted to be more involved. If that
constitutes evidence of a material and substantial change, then res judicata has no
meaning. Further, if under the facts of this case it is in the children's best interest to
11
remove the decision-making ability of a parent whose decisions were beyond
criticism, then the best interest test is drained of all meaning as well.
Accordingly, the Trial Court's Order in Suit to Modify Parent-Child
Relationship, entered on June 30, 2014, in favor of Fletcher was an abuse of
discretion. Elizabeth respectfully requests that this Court reverse the Trial Court's
Order.
PRAYER
Appellant Elizabeth M. Trammell prays that this Court grant all requested
relief including, withoµt limitation, that this Court reverse the Order in Suit to
Modify Parent-Child Relationship, render a judgment in favor of Elizabeth and deny
all relief requested b)' Fletcher to modify the parent-child relationship.
Elizabeth further prays that the Court grant her all whole, partial, general,
specific, legal, equitable, statutory or other available relief.
Respectfully submitted,
ZUKOWSKI, BRESENHAN, SINEX & PETRY,
L.L.P.
/s/ Maurice Bresenhan, Jr.
MAURICE BRESENHAN, JR.
State Bar No. 02959000
CYNTHIA KEEN PERLMAN
State Bar No. 11161700
1177 West Loop South, Suite 1100
Houston, Texas 77027
(713) 965-9969/(713) 963-9169 (Fax)
12
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify service of a true and correct copy of this Original Appellant's
Brief on January 12, 2015 as follows:
Sallee S. Smythe
800 Jackson Street
Richmond, Texas77469
Via Fax (281) 238-6202
Lauren Waddell
The Waddell Law Firm, PC
1720 Bissonnet Street
Houston, Texas 77005
Via Fax (713) 228-2297
/s/ Maurice Bresenhan, Jr.
13
NO: 01-14-00629-CV
INTHE
FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS OF TEXAS
AT HOUSTON, TEXAS
ELIZABETH M. TRAMMELL,
Appellant
v.
FLETCHER V. TRAMMELL, SR.
Appellee
Appendix
Tab Document
1 Order in Suit to Modify Parent-Child Relationship
2 Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
3 Texas Family Code §156.101
4 Texas Family Code §156.401
5 Texas Family Code §156.402
14
TAB1
NOTICE: THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS SENSITIVE INFORMATION.
NO. 2010-72050
IN THE INTEREST OF § IN THE DISTRICT COURT
§
JAMES ETTA TRAMMELL, §
FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL, JR., AND § 30BTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
ANNE GODWIN TRAMMELL, §
§
MINOR CHILDREN § HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
ORDER IN SUIT TO MODIFY PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP FI LED
Chris Daniel
District Clerk
On June 11, 2014, the Court heard this case.
JUN 30 2014
Time:
Appearances 1
Hsrrh: Coun ,
Lauren E. Waddell, and announced ready for trial.
Respondent, ELIZABETH TRAMMELL, appeared in person and through attorney of record,
Maurice Bresenhan, Jr., and announced ready for trial.
Jurisdiction
The Court, after examining the record and the evidence and argument of counsel, finds that it has
jurisdiction of this case and of all the parties and that no other court has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction of
this case. All persons entitled to citation were properly cited.
Jury
A jury was waived, and all questions of fact and of law were submitted to the Court.
Record
The record of testimony was duly reported by Leticia Salas, the court reporter for the 308~ District
Court, Harris County, Texas.
1
58
Children
The Court finds that the following children are the subject of this suit:
Name: JAMES ETTA TRAMMELL
Sex: Female
Birth date: April 24, 2002
County of residence: Harris County, Texas
Social Security Number: ##It## 1757
Driver's license number and issuing state: N/A
Name: FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL, JR.
Sex: Male
Birth date: November 30, 2004
County of residence: Harris County, Texas
Social Security Number: ##It## 4727
Driver's license number and issuing state: N/A
Name: ANNE GODWIN TRAMMELL
Sex: Female
Birth date: October 30, 2006
County of residence: Harris County, Texas
Social Security Number: ##It## 4742
Driver's license number and issuing state: N/A
Findings
The Court finds that the material allegations in the Amended Petition to Modify Parent-Child
Relationship are true and that the requested modification is in the best interest of the children. IT IS
ORDERED that the requested modification is GRANTED.
Parenting Plan
The Court finds that the provisions in these orders relating to the rights and duties of the parties
with relation to the children, child support, and optimizing the development of a close and continuing
relationship between each party and the children the parenting plan established by the Court.
2
59
Conservatorship
The Court finds that the following orders are in the best interest of the children.
IT IS ORDERED that ELIZABETH TRAMMELL, as a parent joint managing conservator, shall
have the following rights:
1. ELIZABETH TRAMMELL shall have the right, subject to the agreement of the other parent
conservator, to consent to medical, dental, and surgical treatment involving invasive procedures;
2. ELIZABETH TRAMMELL shall have the right, subject to the agreement of the other parent
conservator, to consent to psychiatric and psychological treatment of the children; and
3. ELIZABETH TRAMMELL shall have the right, subject to the agreement of the other parent
conservator, to make decisions concerning the children's education.
IT IS ORDERED that FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL, as a parent joint managing conservator,
shall have the following rights and duty:
1. the right, subject to the agreement of the other parent conservator, to consent to medical,
dental, and surgical treatment involving invasive procedures;
2. the right, subject to the agreement of the other parent conservator, to consent to
psychiatric and psychological treatment of the children; and
3. the right, subject to the agreement of the other parent conservator, to make decisions
concerning the children's education.
Child Support
IT IS ORDERED that FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL is obligated to pay and shall pay to
ELIZABETH TRAMMELL child support of $2,565.00 per month, with the first payment being due and
payable on July 1, 2014, and a like payment in the amount of $2,565.00 being due and payable on the first
day of each month thereafter until the first month following the date of the earliest occurrence of one of the
events specified below:
1. any child reaches the age of eighteen years or graduates from high school, whichever
occurs later, subject lo the provisions for support beyond the age of eighteen years set out below;
2. any child marries;
3. any child dies;
3
60
4. any child enlists in the armed forces of the United States and begins active service as
defined by section 101 of title 10 of the United States Code; or
5. any child's disabilities are otherwise removed for general purposes.
Thereafter, FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL is ORDERED to pay to ELIZABETH TRAMMELL
child support of $2, 137.50 per month, due and payable on the first day of the first month immediately
following the date of the earliest occurrence of one of the events specified above for another child and a
like sum of $2, 137.50 due and payable on the first day of each month thereafter until the next occurrence of
one of the events specified above for another child.
Thereafter, FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL is ORDERED to pay to ELIZABETH TRAMMELL
child support of $1,710.00 per month, due and payable on the first day of the first month immediately
following the date of the earliest occurrence of one of the events specified above for the other child and a
like sum of $1,710.00 due and payable on the first day of each month thereafter until the next occurrence of
one of the events specified above for the other child.
If a child is eighteen years of age and has not graduated from high school, IT IS ORDERED that
FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL's obligation to pay child support to ELIZABETH TRAMMELL shall not
terminate but shall continue for as long as the child is enrolled-
1. under chapter 25 of the Texas Education Code in an accredited secondary school in a
program leading toward a high school diploma or under section 130.008 of the Education Code in courses
for joint high school and junior college credit and is complying with the minimum attendance requirements
of subchapter C of chapter 25 of the Education Code or
2. on a full-time basis in a private secondary school in a program leading toward a high
school diploma and is complying with the minimum attendance requirements imposed by that school.
IT IS ORDERED that any employer of FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL shall be ordered to
withhold from earnings for child support from the disposable earnings of FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL
for the support of James Etta Trammell, Fletcher Vines Trammell, Jr.. and Anne Godwin Trammell.
4
61
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all amounts withheld from the disposable earnings of FLETCHER
VINES TRAMMELL by the employer and paid in accordance with the order to that employer shall
constitute a credit against the child support obligation, Payment of the full amount of child support ordered
paid by this order through the means of withholding from earnings shall discharge the child support
obligation, If the amount withheld from earnings and credited against the child support obligation is less
than 100 percent of the amounl ordered to be paid by this order, the balance due remains an obligation of
FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL, and it is hereby ORDERED that FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL pay the
balance due directly to the state disbursement unit as specified below,
On this date the Court signed/authorized the issuance of an Income Withholding for Support,
IT IS ORDERED that all payments shall be made through the state disbursement unit at Texas
Child Support Disbursement Unit, P,O. Box 659791, San Antonio, Texas 78265-9791, and thereafter
promptly remitted to ELIZABETH TRAMMELL for the support of the children.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL shall notify this Court and
ELIZABETH TRAMMELL by U.S. certified mail, return receipt requested, of any change of address and of
any termination of employment. This notice shall be given no later than seven days after the change of
address or the termination of employment. This notice or a subsequent notice shall also provide the current
address of FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL and the name and address of his current employer, whenever
that information becomes available.
IT IS ORDERED that, on the request of a prosecuting attorney, the title IV-D agency, the friend of
the Court, a domestic relations office, ELIZABETH TRAMMELL, FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL, or an
attorney representing ELIZABETH TRAMMELL or FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL, the clerk of this Court
shall cause a certified copy of the Income Withholding for Support to be delivered to any employer.
IT IS ORDERED that each party shall pay, when due, all fees charged to that party by the state
disbursement unit and any other agency statutorily authorized to charge a fee,
5
62
IT IS ORDERED that beginning July 1, 2014, FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL is ORDERED to
pay 60% of all reasonable and necessary day-care, private school, and/or parochial school expenses for
James Etta Trammell, Fletcher Vines Trammell, Jr., and Anne Godwin Trammell, including but not limited
to tuition, books, uniforms, testing, application and registration fees, lab fees, room and board at school-
owned housing.
IT IS ORDERED that beginning July 1, 2014, ELIZABETH TRAMMELL is ORDERED to pay 40%
of all reasonable and necessary day-care, private school, and/or parochial school expenses for James Etta
Trammell, Fletcher Vines Trammell, Jr., and Anne Godwin Trammell, including but not limited to tuition,
books, uniforms, testing, application and registration fees, lab fees, room and board at school-owned
housing.
Findings in Child Support Order
In accordance with Texas Family Code section 154. 130, the Court makes the following findings
and conclusions regarding the child support order made in open court in this case on June 10, 2014:
1. The amount of child support ordered by the Court is in accordance with the percentage
guidelines.
2. The net resources of FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL per month are $14,830.37.
3. The net resources of ELIZABETH TRAMMELL per month are $8,000.00.
4. The percentage applied to the first $8,550.00 of FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL's net
resources for child support is thirty percent (30%).
5. The Court did not vary from the amount computed by applying the percentage guidelines
of Section 154. 125 and Section 154. 129 of the Texas Family Code.
6
63
Required Information
The information required for each party by section 105.006(a) of the Texas Family Code is as
follows:
Name: ELIZABETH TRAMMELL
Social Security number:##### 8199
Driver's license number and issuing state: XXXXf.272, Texas
Current residence address: 2308 Locke Lane, Houston, Texas 77019
Mailing address: 2308 Locke Lane, Houston, Texas 77019
Telephone number:
Name of employer: NA
Address of employment: NA
Work telephone number: NA
Name: FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL
Social Security number:##### 6769
Driver's license number and issuing state: XXXXX875, Texas
Current residence address: 912C Lovett, Houston, Texas 77006
Mailing address: 912C Lovett, Houston, Texas 77006
Telephone number: (713) 208-8091
Name of employer: Bailey Perrin Bailey
Address of employment: 440 Louisiana #2100, Houston, Texas 77002
Work telephone number: (713) 425-5277
Required Notices
EACH PERSON WHO IS A PARTY TO THIS ORDER IS ORDERED TO NOTIFY EACH OTHER PARTY, THE COURT,
AND THE STATE CASE REGISTRY OF ANY CHANGE IN THE PARTY'S CURRENT RESIDENCE ADDRESS, MAILING
ADDRESS, HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER, NAME OF EMPLOYER, ADDRESS OF EMPLOYMENT, DRIVER'S LICENSE
NUMBER, AND WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER. THE PARTY IS ORDERED TO GIVE NOTICE OF AN INTENDED CHANGE IN
ANY OF THE REQUIRED INFORMATION TO EACH OTHER PARTY, THE COURT, AND THE STATE CASE REGISTRY ON OR
BEFORE THE 60TH DAY BEFORE THE INTENDED CHANGE. IF THE PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR COULD NOT HAVE
KNOWN OF THE CHANGE IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO PROVIDE 60-DAY NOTICE, THE PARTY IS ORDERED TO GIVE NOTICE
OF THE CHANGE ON OR BEFORE THE FIFTH DAY AFTER THE DATE THATTHE PARTY KNOWS OF THE CHANGE.
THE DUTY TO FURNISH THIS INFORMATION TO EACH OTHER PARTY, THE COURT, AND THE STATE CASE
REGISTRY CONTINUES AS LONG AS ANY PERSON, BY VIRTUE OF THIS ORDER, IS UNDER AN OBLIGATION TO PAY CHILD
SUPPORT OR ENTITLED TO POSSESSION OF OR ACCESS TO A CHILD.
FAILURE BY A PARTY TO OBEY THE ORDER OF THIS COURT TO PROVIDE EACH OTHER PARTY, THE COURT,
AND THE STATE CASE REGISTRY WITH THE CHANGE IN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN FURTHER
LITIGATION TO ENFORCE THE ORDER, INCLUDING CONTEMPT OF COURT. A FINDING OF CONTEMPT MAY BE PUNISHED
BY CONFINEMENT IN JAIL FOR UP TO SIX MONTHS, A FINE OF UP TO $500 FOR EACH VIOLATION, AND A MONEY
JUDGMENT FOR PAYMENT OF ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COURT COSTS.
7
64
Notice shall be given to the other party by delivering a copy of the notice to the party by registered
or certified mail, return receipt requested. Notice shall be given to the Court by delivering a copy of the
notice either in person to the clerk of this Court or by registered or certified mail addressed to the clerk at
P.O. Box 4651, Houston, Texas 77210-4651. Notice shall be given to the state case registry by mailing a
copy of the notice to State Case Registry, Contract Services Section, MC046S, P.O. Box 12017, Austin,
Texas 78711-2017.
NOTICE TO ANY PEACE OFFICER OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: You MAY USE REASONABLE EFFORTS TO
ENFORCE THE TERMS OF CHILD CUSTODY SPECIFIED IN THIS ORDER. A PEACE OFFICER WHO RELIES ON THE TERMS
OF A COURT ORDER AND THE OFFICER'S AGENCY ARE ENTITLED TO THE APPLICABLE IMMUNITY AGAINST ANY CLAIM,
CIVIL OR OTHERWISE, REGARDING THE OFFICER'S GOOD FAITH ACTS PERFORMED JN THE SCOPE OF THE OFFICER'S
DUTIES IN ENFORCING THE TERMS OF THE ORDER THAT RELATE TO CHILD CUSTODY. ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY
PRESENTS FOR ENFORCEMENT AN ORDER THAT IS INVALID OR NO LONGER IN EFFECT COMMITS AN OFFENSE THAT
MAY BE PUNISHABLE BY CONFINEMENT IN JAIL FOR AS LONG AS TWO YEARS AND A FINE OF AS MUCH AS $10,000.
Warnings
WARNINGS TO PARTIES: FAILURE TO OBEY A COURT ORDER FOR CHILD SUPPORT OR FOR POSSESSION OF
OR ACCESS TO A CHILD MAY RESULT IN FURTHER LITIGATION TD ENFORCE THE ORDER, INCLUDING CONTEMPT OF
COURT. A FINDING OF CONTEMPT MAY BE PUNISHED BY CONFINEMENT IN JAIL FOR UP TO SIX MONTHS, A FINE OF UP
TO $500 FOR EACH VIOLATION, AND A MONEY JUDGMENT FOR PAYMENT OF ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COURT COSTS.
FAILURE OF A PARTY TO MAKE A CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENT TO THE PLACE AND IN THE MANNER REQUIRED
BY A COURT ORDER MAY RESULT IN THE PARTY'S NOT RECEIVING CREDIT FOR MAKING THE PAYMENT,
FAILURE OF A PARTY TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT DOES NOT JUSTIFY DENYING THAT PARTY COURT·ORDERED
POSSESSION OF OR ACCESS TO A CHILD. REFUSAL BY A PARTY TO ALLOW POSSESSION OF OR ACCESS TO A CHILD
DOES NOT JUSTIFY FAILURE TO PAY COURT·ORDERED CHILD SUPPORT TO THAT PARTY.
Attorney's Fees and Costs
IT IS ORDERED that attorney's fees and costs of court are to be borne by the party who incurred
them.
Discharge from Discovery Retention Requirement
IT IS ORDERED that the parties and their respective attorneys are discharged from the
requirement of keeping and storing the documents produced in this case in accordance with Rule 191.4(d)
of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Relief Not Granted
IT IS ORDERED that all relief requested in this case and not expressly granted is denied. All other
terms of the prior orders not specifically modified in this order shall remain in full force and effect.
8
65
JL'D.26. 201t 4:16PM 'ihe W;rld•ll law firm, P.C. No. 0122 P. 11111Date of Order
This order judicially PRONOUNCED AND RENDERED In court at Houston, Harris County, Texas,
on June 10, 2014, and further noted on !he court's docket sheet on the same date, but signed on
APPROVED AS TO FORM ONLY:
:::Ern~n
LA~AtioF ~
State Bar No. 24036440
1720 Bissonnet Streel
Houston, Texas 77005
(832) 239-8590
(713) 228-2297 - Facsimile
E-mail: lwaddell@waddell·lawfirm.com
Service E-mail: service@waddell-lawfirm.com
ATIORNEY FOR PETITIONER,
FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL
ZUKOWSKI, BRESENHAN, SINEX & PETRY, L.L.P.
By::_l_J[Yi'.``-1..K.!``..V-..N'-o~
MAURI E BRESENHAN, R.
Stale Bar No. 02959000
1177 West Loop S, Ste. 1100
Houston, TX 77027-9083
[713) 965-9969
[713) 963-9169-Facsimile
ATIORNEY FOR RESPONDENT,
ELIZABETH TRAMMELL
APPROVED AND CONSENTED TO AS TO BOTH FORM AND SUBSTANCE:
FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL, PeUUoner
9
66
TAB2
8/12/2014 3:00:44 PM
Chris Daniel ~ District Clerk Harris County
Envelope No. 2132133
By: DEBBIE BUCKO
Y-1~
NO. 2010-72050
y-~QL}l
IN THE INTEREST OF § IN THE DISTRICT COURT
§
J.E.T., §
F.V.T.,AND § 308TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
A.G.T., §
§
MINOR CHILDREN § HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
In response to Respondent, ELIZABETH TRAMMELL's request for Findings of Pact
aild Conclusions of Law the Court issues the following:
Findings ofFact
In accordance with Texas Family Code Section 154.130, the Court makes the following
findings and conclusions regarding the child support order made in open court in this case on
June 10, 2014:
1. The amount of child support ordered by the Court is in accordance with the
percentage guidelines.
2. The net resources of Petitioner, FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL, per month
are $14,830.37.
3. The net resources of Respondent, ELIZABETH TRAMMELL, per month are
$8,000.00.
4. The percentage applied to the first $8,550.00 of FLETCHER VINES
._("''·
TRAMMELL's net resources for child support is thirty percent (30%).
5. The Court did not vary from the amount computed by applying the percentage
guidelines of Section 154.125 and Section 154.129 of the Texas Family Code.
6. Petitioner, FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL, and Respondent, ELIZABETH
TRAMMELL, were previously husband and wife.
'---iiECORDER'S-MEMORANDUro-·· 1
This instrument is of poor quality
at the time of imaging
7. The parties were divorced by the Court on or about May 23, 2011.
8. The parties are the parents of the following three children who are the subject of
this suit:
Name: JAMES ETTA TRAMMELL
Sex: Female
Birth date: April 24, 2002
Name: FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL, JR.
Sex: Male
Birth date: November 30, 2004
Name: ANNE GODWIN TRAMMELL
Sex: Female
Birth date: October 30, 2006
9. The Agreed Final Divorce Decree signed on May 23, 2011 contains the parties'
agreements reached at that time on issues including conservatorship of the children, periodic
child support, medical child support, payment of additional expenses for the children, and
alimony payments for the benefit of ELIZABETH TRAMMELL.
10. Pursuant to the parties' 2011 agreement, the Agreed Final Divorce Decree
ordered FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL to pay periodic child support in the amount of
$6,000.00 per month for the benefit of the parties' three minor children, an amount which was
above the amount that would have been calculated under the then applicable guidelines for child
support as contained in the Texas Family Code.
11. Pursuant to the parties' 2011 agreement, the amount of periodic child support
payable by FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL for the benefit of the children did not
periodically reduce as each child reached maturity or was otherwise emancipated.
12. Pursuant to the parties' 2011 agreement, the Agreed Final Divorce Decree
ordered FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL to pay fifty percent (50%) of the amounts due for
2
all reasonable and necessary day-care, private school, and/or parochial school expenses for
James Etta Trammell, Fletcher Vines Trammell, Jr., and Anne Godwin Trammell, including but
not limited to tuition, books, unifonns, testing, application and registration fees, lab fees, room
and board at school-owned housing for September 2011 and one hundred percent (100%) of
those expenses from October 2011 through and including February 2012 and then beginning in
April 2012 and thereafter.
/
13. Pursuant to the parties' 2011 agreement, the Agreed Final Divorce Decree
ordered FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL to pay alimony to ELIZABETH TRAMMELL
the amount of$8,000.00 per month.
14. Pursuant to the parties' 2011 agreement, the Agreed Final Divorce Decree
awarded ELIZABETH TRAMMELL, a joint managing conservator of the children, the
exclusive right to make decisions regarding the children's education.
15. Pursuant to the parties' 2011 agreement, the Agreed Final Divorce Decree
awarded ELIZABETH TRAMMELL, as joint managing conservator, the independent right to
consent to medical, dental, and surgical treatment involving invasive procedures for the children
and awarded FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL such right only subject to ELIZABETH
TRAMMELL'S agreement.
16. Pursuant to the parties' 2011 agreement, the Agreed Final Divorce Decree
awarded ELIZABETH TRAMMELL, as joint managing conservator, the independent right to
consent to psychiatric and psychological treatment for the children and awarded FLETCHER
VINES TRAMMELL such right only subject to ELIZABETH TRAMMELL'S agreement.
17. Pursuant to the 2011 Agreed Final Divorce Decree, ELIZABETH
TRAMMELL retained the exclusive right to make all educational decisions for the children
3
however she bore no financial responsibility, save and except those for September 2011 and
March 2012, for the resulting educational costs and/or expenses, if any, of the decisions she
made.
18. Pursuant to the 2011 Agreed Final Divorce Decree, FLETCHER VINES
TRAMMELL bore 100% of the educational costs and expenses of the children, save and except
those for September 2011 and March 2012, however he possessed no right to manage and/or
control the amount of those costs and/or expenses.
19. Orders which obligate the parties to share in the decisions regarding the children's
education while sharing in the resulting costs and/or expenses, if any, resulting from those
decisions is in the best interest of the children in light of the parties changed financial
circumstances.
20. The circumstances of the children or a person affected by the order to be modified
have materially and substantially changed since the date of rendition of the order to be modified.
21. The net resources available to FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL for the
support of the children have materially and substantially changed since the date of the Agreed
Final Decree ofDivorce, on May23, 2011.
22. The annual income of FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL in the year of the
divorce in 2011 was $802,447.12.
23. The annual income of FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL in the year of the
divorce was evidenced by Petitioner's testimony as well as Exhibit P3 (the Oasis Outsourcing
VII INC W-2 for 2011), Exhibit P4 (the Bailey Perrin Bailey LLP W-2 for 2011), Exhibit PS (the
Bailey Perrin Bailey 1099 for 2011), Exhibit P6 (Petitioner's Paystubs for May 2011- December
2011), and Exhibit Pl4 (Petitioner's Income Summary for 2011-2013.
4
24. The annual income of FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL in 2012 was
$405,531.04.
25. The annual income of FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL in 2012 was
evidenced by Petitioner's testimony and Exhibit P7 (the Tinet HR V, Inc W-2 for 2012), Exhibit
PB (the Bailey Perrin Bailey 1099 for 2012), Exhibit P9 (Petitioner's Paystubs for January 2012-
December 2012), and Exhibit P14 (Petitioner's Income Summary for 2011-2013).
26. The annual income of FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL in 2013 was
$255,014.39.
27. The annual income of FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL in 2013 was
evidenced by Petitioner's testimony and Exhibit PIO (the Tinet HR V, Inc W-2 for 2013),
Exhibit Pll (the Kenneth Bailey, Jr. PC 1099 for 2013); Exhibit P12 (Petitioner's Paystubs for
January2013- December 2013), and Exhibit P14 (Petitioner's Income Summary for 2011-2013).
28. As of May 31, 2014, FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL had earned
$I 00,000.00 in income for 20 I 4.
29. FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL'S income through May 2014 was evidenced
by Petitioner's testimony and Exhibit P13 (Petitioner's Paystubs for January 2014-March 2014);
and Exhibit P35 (Petitioner's Paystubs for the May 16, 2014 through May 31, 2014 pay period).
30. In 2011, at the time of the parties' original agreement, iricluding those agreements
regarding support for the minor children, FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL was employed by
a law firm and primarily engaged in the practice of personal injury trial law and other general
.civil litigation, working on legal matters which were projected to generate an income similar to
or greater than that which he was then currently earning.
5
31. Since the parties' original agreement in 2011, those legal matters upon which
FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL based his projected future income have either not
materialized or have been reversed, rendering his collection of fees or production of income from
those legal matters uncertain and/or unlikely.
32. The drastic reduction of ).<'LETCHER VINES TRAMMELL's income since the
time of the original agreement in 2011 materially and substantially affected FLETCHER
VINES TRAMMELL's ability to meet and afford his overall financial obligations, including
those contained in the Agreed Final Decree ofDivorce.
33. Since May 23, 2011, FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL has incurred
substantial debt in order to try and maintain his financial obligations as ordered in the Agreed
Final Decree ofDivorce.
34. By June 2014, FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL had accrued debt on a line of
credit with Cadence Bank with a balance of over $365,000.00, which he had used in part to meet
his obligations under the tenns of the Agreed Fmal Decree of Divorce and to meet his own
reasonable living expenses.
35. No evidence was presented to suggest that FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL's
decrease in income since 2011 was attributable to any lack of effort, voluntary underemployment
or other circumstances indicating that he sought to avoid child support obligations under the
terms of the Agreed Final Decree ofDivorce.
36. It is not in the best interest of the children for FLETCHER VINES
TRAMMELL to continue to accumulate debt in order to fulfill his financial obligations for child
support and other expenses for the children when the law permits a modification of child support
6
under proper circwnstances and there was no evidence to suggest that the ongoing, reasonable
needs of the children could not be met by the combined :financial support from both parents.
37. ELIZABETH TRAMMELL is not gainfully employed but is a full time
caretaker for the children.
38. ELIZABETH TRAMMELL has a law degree, is licensed by the State of Texas,
and has not sought employment commensurate with her education, training or abilities to assist
with the expenses and support for the children since the date of divorce.
39. ELIZABETH TRAMMELL's sole income comes from FLETCHER VINES
TRAMMELL' s contractual alimony obligation as set forth in _the Agreed Final Decree of
Divorce.
40. The circumstances of the children have materially and substantially changed since
the date of the Agreed Final Decree ofDivorce, on May 23, 2011.
41. On May 23, 2011, the parties' children were James Etta Trammell, age 9 years,
Fletcher Vmes Trammell, Jr., age 6 years, and Anne Godwin Trammell, age 4 years.
42. On November 21, 2013, the date FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL filed his
Petition to Modify Parent Child Relationship seeking to modify the Agreed Final Decree of
Divorce, the parties' children were then 11 years (James), 8 years (Fletcher Jr.) and 7 years
(Anne), all attending school on a full-time basis, substantially increasing the related educational
expenses for which FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL was ordered to pay under the terms of
the 2011 Agreed Final Decree ofDivorce, and reducing the need for a full-time caretaker of the
children while school is in session.
7
43. FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL's change in financial circwnstances no
longer pennits him to maintain and/or support a lifestyle for the children commensurate with that
which existed in 2011.
44. FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL's rights as a conservator under the Agreed
Final Decree of Divorce do not authorize him to make more affordable or economical lifestyle
choices for the children while in the possession and/or control of the Respondent and do not
pennit him to effectuate a reduction in the cost of commitments made on behalf of the children
by the Respondent.
45. The modification of periodic child support to conform with the child support
guidelines stated in Texas Family Code § 154.125, which is calculated to be $2,565.00 per
month for three children, is in the best interest of the children.
46. The Court calculated net resources for the purpose of detennining periodic child
support to include 100% of all wage and salary income including Petitioner's bonuses.
47. No evidence was presented to establish that the reasonable needs of the children
would not or could not be met by the reduction of periodic child support..
48. ELIZABETH TRAMMELL conceded that FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL
had paid all ofhis monthly child support obligations to her, as of the date oftrial.
49. Among other assets, ELIZABETH TRAMMELL was awarded the marital
residence in the Agreed Final Decree ofDivorce, a residence with substantial equity value at the
time of trial which is available to contribute to her own financial support as well as the support of
the children.
8
50. Decreasing the amount of periodic monthly child support Petitioner is obligated to
pay after each child reaches the age of 18 years or otherwise having the disabilities ofa minority
removed, per Texas Family Code§ 154.127, is required and is in the best interest of the children.
51. A modification of FLETCHER V. TRAMMELL's obligation to pay for one-
hundred percent (100%) of all reasonable and necessary day-care, private school, and/or
parochial school expenses for the children, including tuition, books, uniforms, testing,
application and registration fees, lab fees, room and board at school-owned housing is in the best
interest of the children.
52. An order obligating the parties to share the children's expenses for reasonable and
necessary day-care, private school, and/or parochial school expenses for the children, tuition,
books, uniforms, testing, application and registration fees, lab fees, room and board at school-
owned housing, with Petitioner paying sixty percent (60"/o) and Respondent paying forty-percent
(40%) is in the best interest of the children.
53. FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL communicated with ELIZABETH
TRAMMELL about his financial situation and his inability to continue to pay the financial
obligations ordered in the Agreed Final Decree ofDivorce prior to filing the modification action
with the trial Court.
54. FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL communicated with ELIZABETH
TRAMMELL about the children's education prior to filing the modification action with the trial
Court.
55. FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL communicated with ELIZABETH
TRAMMELL about the children's expenses prior to filing the modification action with the trial
Court
9
56. ELIZABETH TRAMMELL was unwilling to accommodate any modification of
the parties' financial obligations and/or rights as contained in the parties' 2011 Agreed Final
Decree ofDivorce notwithstanding the material and substantial change in FLETCHER VINES
TRAMMELL'S financial circumstances, making it necessary for FLETCHER VINES
TRAMMELL to file the modification action with the trial court.
57. The modification ordering each party to have the right, subject to the agreement
of the other parent conservator, to consent to medical, dental, and surgical treatment involving
invasive procedures is in the best interest of the children.
58. The modification ordering each party to have the right, subject to the agreement
of the other parent conservator, to consent to psychiatric and psychological treatment of the
children is in the best interest of the children.
59. The modification ordering each party to have the right, subject to the agreement
of the other parent conservator, to make decisions concerning the children's education is in the
best interest of the children.
60. There was sufficient evidence presented to the Court in testimony and documents
to support a modification of the conservator's decision making rights.
61. At the time of the divorce, ELIZABETH TRAMMELL had limited and/or
discouraged FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL's decision making rights for and/or possession
and access to the children.
62. . Since the entry of the Agreed Final Decree of Divorce, awarding FLETCHER
VINES TRAMMELL rights and periods of access with the children, FLETCHER VINES
TRAMMELL has had the opportunity to become more involved with the children and to
demonstrate the ability and willingness to play a significant role in the lives of the children.
10
63. Orders which obligate the parents to make shared decisions regarding the
children's education and share in the financial costs incurred as a result of those decisions is in
the best interest of the children.
64. Orders which obligate the parents to make shared decisions regarding the
children's medical, dental, surgical, psychological, psychiatric care are in the best interest of the
children.
65. Both parties' incurred reasonable and necessary attorney's fees in this proceeding
and it is appropriate that each party be solely responsible for the payment of their own attorney's
fees and expenses as incurred.
66. Any finding of fact that is a conclusion of law shall be deemed a conclusion of
law.
Conclusions ofLaw
1. This Court has jurisdiction of the parties, of the children, and of the subject matter
of this case.
2. The pleadings on file herein filed by FLETCHER VINES TRAMMELL are in
due form and contain all the allegations required by law.
3. Terms of an agreement between parents contained in an order or incoiporated
therein by reference which relate to the conservatorship, support or access to a child are not
enforceable as a contract.
4. The orders imposed by the court are in the best interest of the children.
11
5. Tex. Fam. Code §154.127 mandates the termination and reduction of periodic
child support in an order providing for the support of more than one child in accordance with the
child support guidelines.
OCT 0 3 7.01 4
SIGNED ON _ _ _ _ _ _~
'
12
TAB3
§ 156.006 PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP
Note 9
Title 5
cy concerning former wife's custody of logical father's motion to modify visitation
child was a finding only necessary in a conservatorship, and child support as t~
temporary order, and order contemplated out-of-wedlock child were not subject to
a further hearing after psychological coun- interlocutory appeal; motion to modify
seling had been obtained. In re Blevins Added b
parent-child relationship was suit affecting ·Acts 19S
(App. 6 Dist. 2004) 2004 WL 911317, Un- parent-child relationship, and statute pro-
reported, rehearing overruled, review de- 1390, §
vided that temporary orders entered in
nied. Child Custody \<:=> 902 2001; A
suit affecting parent~child relationship
Temporary orders entered on mother's were not subject to interlocutory appeal.
Leg., ch
motion concerning child's residency, visi- Pina v. Shaw (App. 1 Dist. 2004) 2004 WL Sept. 1,
tation rights and allegations of sexual 306096, Unreported. Children Out-of-
abuse by step-father in proceeding on bio- wedlock \<:=> 20.11
Acts 19
subsec. (a
,'.provision.
SUBCHAPTER B. MODIFICATION OF CONSERVATORSHIP, deleted fr
POSSESSION AND ACCESS, OR DETERMINATION OF redesigna
RESIDENCE added sut
74th Leg.
§ 156.101. Grounds for Modification of Order Establishing Conser- "the re~
vatorship or Possession and Access
Acts 19
(a) The court may modify an order that provides for the appointment sec. (b),
of a conservator of a child, that provides the terms and conditions of substitute~
conservatorship, or that provides for the possession of or access to a Section
child if modification would be in the best interest of the child and: 1390 prov
"The cl:
(1) the circumstances of the child, a conservator, or other party 102.003,
affected by the order have materially and substantially changed since 107.014(a:
the earlier of: 156.006(b:
by this Ac
(A) the date of the rendition of the order; or · the paren
after the \
(B) the date of the signing of a mediated or collaborative law this Act.
settlement agreement on which the order is based; date of thi
effect on t
(2) the child is at least 12 years of age and has expressed to the the formei
that purpo
court in chambers as provided by Section 153.009 the name of the
Acts 20(
person who is the child" s preference to have the exclusive right to the section
designate the primary residence of the child; or "(a) The
designates
(3) the conservator who has the exclusive right to designate the a child of a
primary residence of the child has voluntarily relinquished the pri- "(!) the
mary care and possession of the child to another person for at least six managing
months. vator, or o
have mater
(b) Subsection (a)(3) does not apply to a conservator who has the since the d:
and
exclusive right to designate the primary residence of the child and who
"(2/ the
has temporarily relinquished the primary care and possession of the managing'
child to another person during the conservator's military deployment, improveme
378
HONSHIP § 156.101
Title s
fy visitation, military mobilization, or temporary military duty, as those terms are
ipport as to defined by Section 153.701.
>t subject to
to modify Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by
;uit affecting Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 751, § 47, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch.
statute pro- 1390, § 16, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1289, § 5, eff. Sept. 1,
entered in 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1036, § 19, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2009, Slst
relationship Leg., ch. 727, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2009; Acts 2009, 8 lst Leg., ch. 1113, § 28, eff.
tory appeal. Sept. 1, 2009; Acts 2009, 81st Leg., ch. 1118, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2009.
J4) 2004 WL
ren Out-of-
Historical and Statutory Notes
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 751 designated "(b) The court may modify an order that
subsec. (a) and therein, in the introductory designates a sole managing conservator of
provision, inserted "of a child of any age"; a child 10 years of age or older if:
'!IP, deleted former subd. (2); as designated, "(I) the child has filed with the court in
redesignated subsec. (a)(3) as (a)(2); and writing the name of the person who is the
added subsec. (b). As added by Acts 1995, child's choice for managing conservator;
?4th Leg., ch. 20, former subd. (2) read: and
"the retention of the present sole man- "(2) the court finds that the appoint-
ig Conser- aging consenator would be injurious to ment of the named person is in the best
the welfare of the child; and" interest of the child."
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1390, in sub- Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1036 in the
1pointment sec. (b), in the introductory paragraph, introductory paragraph deleted "or por-
J.ditions of substituted "10" for "12". tion of a decree" following "modify and
.ccess to a Section 51(c) of Acts 1999, 76th., ch . order"; rewrote subsec. (1); in subsec.
1390 provides: (2), substituted "person" for "conservator"
child and:
"The changes in law made to Sections and "designate" for "determine"; and in
,\her party 102.003, 105.00l(b) and (d), 107.0135, subsec. (3) substituted "designate" for "es-
nged since 107.014(a), 107.015, 153.008, 153.434, tablish". The former subsec. (!)read:
156.006(b), and 156.lOl(b), Family Code, "the circumstances of the child, a con-
by this Act apply only to a suit affecting servator, or other party affected by the
the parent-child relationship filed on or order have materially and substantially
after the effective date [Sept. 1, 1999] of changed since the date of the rendition of
1rative law this Act. A suit filed before the effective the order;''
date of this Act is governed by the law in Section 23(g) of Acts 2003, 78th Leg.,
effect on the date the suit was filed, and ch. 1036 provides:
;sed to the the former law is continued in effect for "(g) The changes in law made by this
that purpose." Act to Sections 156.101, 156.102(a) and
ime of the
Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1289 rewrote (b), and 156.401(a), Family Code, apply
ve right to the Section, which formerly read: only to an action to modify an order in a
"(a) The court may modify an order that suit affecting the parent~child relationship
designates a sole managing conservator of pending on the effective date [Sept. 1,
;ignate the a child of any age if: 2003] of this Act or filed on or after that
ed the pri- date.''
"(1) the circumstances of the child, sole
at least six managing conseniator, possessory conser~ Acts 2009, 81st Leg., ch. 727 inserted
vator, or other party affected by the order subsec. (a) designator at the beginning of
have materially and substantially changed the section; and added subsec. (b).
J.o has the since the date of the rendition of the order; Section 7 of Acts 2009, 8 lst Leg., ch.
and 727 provides:
d and who
"(2) the appointment of the new sole "The changes in law made by this Act
;ion of the managing conservator would be a positive apply to a suit affecting the parent-child
eployment, improvement for the child. relationship that is pending in a trial court
379
TAB4
§ 156.401
SUBCHAPTER D. MODIFICATION OF POSSESSION
OF OR ACCESS TO CHILD [REPEALED]
156.301 to 156.304. Repealed by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1289,
§ 12(2), eff. Sept. 1, 2001
Historical and Statutory Notes
Repealed§§ 156.301 to 156.304, provid- V.T.C.A., Family Code §§ 14.033(0),
ing for the modification of possession of or 14.08(c)(3).
access to a child, were derived from: Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1.
Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 2354, ch. 424, Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 602, § 1.
§ 9. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, § 6.21.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 739, § 1. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 178, § 10.
Acts 1989, 71stLeg., ch. 617, § 4. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1390,
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 766, § 10. § 17(a).
SUBCHAPTER E. MODIFICATION OF CHILD SUPPORT
156.401. Grounds for Modification of Child Support
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (a-1), (a-2), or (b), the court
may modify an order that provides for the support of a child, including
an order for health care coverage under Section 154.182, if:
(1) the circumstances of the child or a person affected by the order
have materially and substantially changed since the earlier of:
(A) the date of the order's rendition; or
(B) the date of the signing of a mediated or collaborative law
settlement agreement on which the order is based; or
(2) it has been three years since the order was rendered or last .
modified and the monthly amount of the child support award under
the order differs by either 20 percent or $100 from the amount that
would be awarded in accordance with the child support guidelines.
(a-1) If the parties agree to an order under which the amount of child
support differs from the amount that would be awarded in accordance
NG with the child support guidelines, the court may modify the order only if
the circumstances of the child or a person affected by the order have
., ch. · materially and substantially changed since the date of the order's
rendition.
(a-2) A court or administrative order for child support in a Title IV-D
case may be modified at any time, and without a showing of material
and substantial change in the circumstances of the child or a person
affected by the order, to provide for medical support of the child if the
order does not provide health care coverage as required under Section
154.182.
437
§ 156.401 PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP
Title s
(b) A support order may be modified with regard to the amount of subsec
"Subs
support ordered only as to obligations accruing after the earlier of:
Sec
( 1) the date of service of citation; or 916 p
(2) an appearance in the suit to modify. ''Th
(c) An order of joint conservatorship, in and of itself, does not
constitute grounds for modifying a support order.
(d) Release of a child support obligor from incarceration is a material
and substantial change in circumstances for purposes of this section if Act
the obligor' s child support obligation was abated, reduced, or suspended
during the period of the obligor' s incarceration. care<
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Sec
Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 911, § 16, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 363 ~
43, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1036, § 21, eff. Sept. 1,
2003; Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 916, § 19, eff. June 18, 2005; Acts 2007, 80th
Leg., ch. 363, § 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2007; Acts 2007, 80th Leg., ch. 972, § 15, eff.
Sept. 1, 2007; Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., ch. 508 (H.B. 1674), § 3, eff. Sept. 1,
2011; Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., ch. 742 (S.B. 355), § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2013.
Aci
(b) ir
Historical and Statutory Notes
supp
Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 911, in subsec. Acts 2003, 78th Leg., cb. 1036 rewrote Se,
(a), designated subd. (1) and added subd. subsec. (a)(l) which prior thereto read:
Leg.,
(2). "(1) the circumstances of the child or a
Section 98(b) and (c) of Acts 1997, 75th person affected by the order have materi-
Leg., ch. 911 provides: ally and substantially changed since the
"(b) The change in law made by this Act date of the order's rendition; or"
does not affect a proceeding under the Section 23(g) of Acts 2003, 78th Leg.,
Family Code pending on the effective date ch. 1036 provides:
[Sept. I, 1997] of this Act. A proceeding "(g) The changes in law made by this
pending on the effective date of this Act is Act to Sections 156.101, 156.102(a) and ti on~
governed by the law in effect at the time (b), and 156.401(a), Family Code, apply this
the proceeding was commenced, and the only to an action to modify an order in a the c
former law is continued in effect for that suit affecting the parent-child relationship law
purpose. pending on the effective date [Sept. 1, "(
"(c) The enactment of this Act does not 2003] of this Act or filed on or after that rela1
by itself constitute a material and substan- date." men
tial change of circumstances sufficient to Section S(c) of Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. befo
warrant modification of a court order or 1262 provides: only
portion of a decree that.provides for the "(c) The change in law made by this Act enfc
support of or possession of or access to a does not by itself constitute a material and ter
child entered before the effective date of d
substantial change of circumstances un er
this Act.''
Section 156.401, Family Code, sufficient to
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 43, added sub- warrant modification of a court order or a
Chil
sec. (d). portion of a decree that provides for the
Section 2 of Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 43 support of a child rendered before th~ Con
provides: effective date [Sept. 1, 2003] of this Act.
"This Act takes effect September 1, Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 916 subsec. (a),
1999, and applies to a child support order in the introductory paragraph, insert~d ,·.
entered before, on, or after that date." "(a-1) or "; added subsec. (a-1); and m
438
TABS
§ 156.401 PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP
Note 50 MOD IF
Title 5 Ch. 156
probative and substantive evidence to sup- amount of child support payments failed
port trial court's ruling, then there is no Child SU]
to demonstrate that current income of di- Corn
abuse of discretion. Tucker v. Tucker vorced husband was greater than it was
(App. 4 Dist. 1995) 908 S.W.2d 530, re-
when amount of child support was last Find
hearing denied, writ denied. Child Sup-
port.:= 555 fixed, Court of Civil Appeals would assume
that it remained unchanged. Willis v. Wil- Part
Where divorced wife on appeal by di- lis (Civ.App. 1968) 425 S.W.2d 696. Child
vorced husband from order increasing Support€= 555 Court-01
F<
Nlodific2
§ 156.402. Effect of Guidelines Cc
(a) The court may consider the child support guidelines for single and
multiple families under Chapter 154 to determine whether there has
Famil·
been a material or substantial change of circumstances under this W. Paul
chapter that warrants a modification of an existing child support order
if the modification is in the best interest of the child.
(b) If the amount of support contained in the order does not substan- Child
Westl;
tially conform with the guidelines for single and multiple families under
Chapter 154, the court may modify the order to substantially conform
with the guidelines if the modification is in the best interest of the child.
ALR Lil
A court may consider other relevant evidence in addition to the factors 34 Aj
listed in the guidelines. Chi
cur
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by den
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, § 6.22, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. Chi
556, § 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. 39 Al
Obl
Historical and Statutory Notes Ter
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, in subsec. for
tence, inserted "for single and multiple Aw
(a), substituted "154" for "153". families under Chapter 154". 89 AI
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 556, in subsec. Prior Laws: diti
(a), substituted "for single and multiple Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 617, § 6. as '
families under Chapter 154" for "in Chap- Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 798, § 6. for
ter 153"; in subsec. (b), in the first sen- V.T.C.A., Family Code§ 14.056(a), (b).
Encycl<
1 Am
Texas Annotated Code Series References
in
Child support guidelines, tio1
Additional factors for court to consider, Sampson & Tindall' s Texas Family Code, 17 A1
Family§ 154.123. Wi
Agreement concerning support, Sampson & Tindall's Texas Family Code, Family 37 A
§ 154.124. for
Application of guidelines rebuttably presumed in best interest of child, Sampson &
Tindall's Texas Family Code, Family§ 154.122.
Application of guidelines to additional net resources, Sampson & Tindall's Texas
Family Code, Family§ 154.126. In gent
Application of guidelines to children of obligors receiving social security, Sampson Ability
& Tindall's Texas Family Code, Family§ 154.133. Amoun
In
Application of guidelines to net resources, Sampson & Tindall's Texas Family Code, Ab
Family§ 154.125.
De
478