In the Matter of the Marriage of: Michelle Minderman & Sean Minderman ( 2019 )


Menu:
  •                                                                            FILED
    MAY 9, 2019
    In the Office of the Clerk of Court
    WA State Court of Appeals, Division III
    IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
    DIVISION THREE
    IN THE MATTER OF THE MARRIAGE                 )
    OF                                            )         No. 34829-6-III
    )
    MICHELLE MINDERMAN,                           )
    )
    Appellant,               )
    )         UNPUBLISHED OPINION
    and                                    )
    )
    SEAN MINDERMAN,                               )
    )
    Respondent.              )
    FEARING, J. — Michelle Minderman appeals numerous decisions and procedures
    from her marital dissolution trial. We substantially affirm the dissolution court.
    FACTS
    Sean and Michelle Minderman married on July 19, 1997 in Spokane. The
    marriage produced two children, an eight-year-old boy and a thirteen-year-old girl at the
    time of a January 2016 trial. Sean and Michelle separated on March 28, 2012. We
    provide the daughter a pseudonym, Mary.
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    Sean Minderman is a businessman and a professional bass fisherman. Sean
    competes in four tournaments per year, each which requires a one week excursion. Sean
    has accumulated over $500,000 in tournament winnings and sponsorships during his
    career, but, at the time of trial, he no longer garnered a national ranking. Sean also owns
    an optical business called Frame Factory, Incorporated. Sean’s optical company earned
    $106,936 in 2011, $76,952 in 2012, $106,356 in 2013, and $87,041 in 2014.
    Michelle Minderman owns a financial investment firm. She earned a net income
    of $105,076 in 2012, $148,943 in 2013, and $175,909 in 2014. In 2015, her monthly net
    income equaled $22,001.86.
    PROCEDURE
    In March 2012, Michelle Minderman filed this dissolution proceeding. She
    requested primary custody of the two children with Sean Minderman to enjoy a mid-
    week overnight visit and every other weekend until Monday morning. Michelle did not
    then request any visitation restrictions. In May 2012, Sean petitioned for equal custody.
    In July 2012, Michelle responded to Sean’s request by accusing him of reckless driving,
    intoxication, illicit drug use, viewing pornography, and abuse. Michelle requested that
    the court restrict Sean’s visitation time with the children.
    In October 2012, the dissolution court entered a temporary parenting plan wherein
    the children stayed with Michelle eight overnights and Sean six overnights in a two week
    period. The court appointed a guardian ad litem, Mary Ronnestad. An arbitrator
    2
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    resolved the disposition of property and liabilities. The dispute concerning the parenting
    plan pended for three years. In the interim, the parties abided by the October 2012
    temporary parenting plan.
    During the pendency of the dissolution proceeding, guardian ad litem Mary
    Ronnestad periodically spoke with each child, the parents, teachers, and school
    counselors. Ronnestad reviewed the two children’s medical reports. In February 2014,
    Ronnestad filed a report that noted Mary desired more time with her father. After the
    filing of the guardian report, Michelle Minderman alleged that Mary was suicidal and that
    Mary’s counselor was ineffective.
    After February 2014, Michelle Minderman reported, to Child Protective Services,
    abuse of Mary by Sean. Michelle claimed that Mary found a dildo in Sean’s bathroom,
    photographed the device, and sent the photo to Michelle. Ronnestad thereafter filed
    another report that recommended continuation of the October 2012 parenting plan.
    Michelle called the Kid’s Clinic, a pediatric care facility in Spokane, and reported Mary
    as suicidal.
    Trial proceeded in January 2016. Guardian ad litem Mary Ronnestad testified at
    trial about the significant conflict between the parties and its effect on the children,
    especially Mary. Ronnestad averred that Mary’s psychologist, Lisa Christian, discerned
    no suicidal behavior in Mary.
    Over the objection of Michelle Minderman, social worker Rita Zorrozua testified
    3
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    at trial. Zorrozua mentioned Richard Gardner’s theory of parental alienation and the
    nuances and levels of “parental alienation syndrome.” Report of Proceedings (RP) at
    541-46. Zorrozua knew nothing about the Minderman family.
    The trial court entertained testimony from the children’s assistant school principal,
    Janet Boyd. Boyd testified that Michelle informed her that Mary struggled to arrive at
    school on time. Boyd thought this struggle occurred “on mom’s time.” RP at 9. Boyd
    averred that she occasionally saw Sean at the school.
    Melinda Mertens, Mary’s resource math teacher, testified about Mary’s grades,
    reading level, and individualized education plan. According to Mertens, Michelle
    involved herself more than Sean in Mary’s education.
    After trial testimony, the dissolution court entered 138 findings of fact, many
    which document disquieting events about the children. The court found that Michelle
    Minderman “engaged in a pattern of abusive use of conflict and parental alienation.”
    Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 273. Nevertheless, the trial court entered an equal parenting plan
    with no restrictions on either parent. The court designated Sean the custodian:
    The father is designated the custodian of the children solely for
    purposes of all other state and federal statutes which require a designation
    or determination of custody, to include the relocation statute. This
    designation shall not affect either parent’s rights and responsibilities under
    this parenting plan.
    CP at 276.
    4
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    For purposes of calculating any child support obligation, the trial court found
    Michelle’s monthly net income to be $16,152.00 and Sean’s to be $8,119.32. The
    dissolution court ruled Michelle to be the obligor parent. By using the standard
    calculation for child support obligations, the court ordered Michelle to monthly pay Sean
    $957.60 for Mary and $774.73 for their son, for a total of $1,732.33.
    During the presentment hearing on March 11, 2016, Michelle Minderman’s
    counsel asked for a deviation on child support:
    MS. BROWN: Your Honor, Mr. Crouse and I discussed perhaps this
    is better done in a formal Motion for Reconsideration. We’re essentially
    requesting that the Court deviate from the standard calculation because of
    the shared 50/50 parenting. Certainly that is within the discretion of the
    Court.
    There are plenty of funds in both households for the children. So the
    Court is not prohibited from deviating from standard calculations, and the
    worksheets we submitted yesterday showed the requested deviation based
    on a 50/50 residential schedule. That is within the Court’s discretion.
    I understand from Mr. Crouse that Mr. Minderman would like to
    respond to that request in a more formal way. If the Court would like to do
    it that way, we’re fine with doing an actual Motion for Reconsideration or
    we can get a decision today.
    RP at 842-43. The dissolution court responded:
    THE COURT: You can do it. Here’s the way I look at it, though.
    When the original I know Mr. Minderman at least from my memory did not
    file a schedule way back when temporary orders were set up, but way back
    when three years ago when this was originally set up, Ms. Minderman’s
    income was way different than what she reported to the Court.
    At this time, I’m not going to deviate. If you want to make a formal
    motion and let them respond, that would give me more time to really think
    about it because just of[f] the cuff three years of child support he paid to her
    based on the income they used her worksheets and then it’s found out that
    5
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    those first three years the income didn’t match up to what she had indicated
    in that.
    RP at 843.
    On March 11, 2016, the dissolution court entered a final order of child support.
    The court entered, in section 3.8 of the order captioned “Reasons why Request for
    Deviation Was Denied,” the language: “Does not apply.” CP at 287.
    On March 21, 2016, Michelle Minderman filed a motion for reconsideration of the
    order of child support. She argued that good reason existed under RCW 26.19.075 to
    grant a deviation of $429.83 per month from the standard child support calculation. On
    April 27, the dissolution court signed a letter ruling denying the motion for
    reconsideration. Michelle filed a second motion to reconsider on May 23, 2016, in which
    she asked the court to reverse its refusal to award her reimbursement of expenses for the
    care of Mary. The trial court also denied this motion.
    LAW AND ANALYSIS
    On appeal, Michelle Minderman assigns numerous errors to dissolution
    proceedings and the trial court’s rulings.
    Issue 1: Whether the trial court erred when it allowed Sean Minderman’s attorney
    to ask prejudicial and leading questions?
    Answer 1: The trial court did not err when allowing leading questions, but,
    assuming any error, Michelle Minderman establishes no prejudice.
    6
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    Michelle Minderman contends that Sean’s counsel, during direct trial
    examinations, improperly led Sean’s testimony and the testimony of Sean’s expert, Rita
    Zorrozua, which questioning resulted in detriment to Michelle. Michelle cites forty-six
    of the one hundred and thirty-eight findings of fact that she contends contain judicial
    opinions and inappropriate comments unfairly highly critical of Michelle’s parenting.
    She maintains that these findings illustrate the taint resulting from the leading questions
    of Sean’s counsel. Sean argues the trial court did not err because any leading questions
    did not prejudice Michelle.
    Michelle Minderman provides few examples of purported leading questions by
    Sean’s counsel during direct examination of Sean and Rita Zorrozua. In the first
    example, Sean’s attorney directed Sean to look at an exhibit and asked: “Looking at the
    declaration, and you can look at Page 1. Is that what you represented to the Court under
    oath had occurred at the bottom of Page 1 under your declaration?” RP at 141.
    Michelle’s counsel interposed no objection.
    Sean Minderman’s trial attorney showed Rita Zorrozua an example of Michelle’s
    temporary declarations and inquired:
    Q [Sean’s Attorney:] And then if you look at line 8, the mother
    makes a statement that since the children were born, Sean has only been
    active in their life as he desires?
    A [Zorrozua:] Yes.
    Q [Sean’s Attorney]: If you look at line 45 through 50, you’ll see
    then the allegation, over the past two years Sean has been removed from the
    children’s life as his optical business with the subjective audited by
    7
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    Premera. This audit has caused an extreme amount of stress on Sean and
    the family including the children. This audit has caused already high level
    of anxiety to amp up, as well as cause him to be more withdrawn,
    depressed, erratic, irrational and angry towards the children, and on the next
    page, it continues.
    He has spent several nights out gambling and drinking with his
    friends in order to help him cope with his overall overly stressful audit
    situation?
    RP at 565. Michelle’s trial counsel immediately asked: “Your Honor, is there a question
    in all of this?” RP at 565. Sean’s counsel responded that he was laying a foundation for
    later questions. Michelle’s attorney objected and asked for a continuing objection “on
    questions of this sort.” RP at 566. The trial court did not sustain the objection and
    instructed Sean’s counsel to “stick to hypothetical versus declaration.” RP at 566.
    Michelle’s counsel again asked the court for a continuing objection to those types of
    questions. Zorrozua’s testimony continued.
    ER 611(c) provides that leading questions should not be used in direct
    examination of a witness “except as may be necessary to develop the witness’
    testimony.” The trial court has wide discretion to permit leading questions and will not
    be reversed absent abuse of that discretion. State v. Delarosa-Flores, 
    59 Wash. App. 514
    ,
    517, 
    799 P.2d 736
    (1990).
    Case law reveals that this court rarely proclaims reversible error because of the
    asking of leading questions. In State v. Torres, 
    16 Wash. App. 254
    , 
    554 P.2d 1069
    (1976),
    the prosecutor continuously, intentionally, and consistently asked leading questions to the
    8
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    end that the court found the prosecutor contemptuous. The State’s attorney also referred
    to the accused with racial references. The prosecutor repeatedly mentioned the
    defendants’ refusal to testify during trial. This court held that “[w]hile the asking of
    leading questions is not prejudicial error in most instances, the persistent pursuit of such a
    course of action is a factor to be added in the balance.” State v. 
    Torres, 16 Wash. App. at 258
    . This court granted a new trial only because of the combined error of violating the
    privilege against self-incrimination and the racial references. State v. Torres, 16 Wn.
    App. at 264-65. Torres inferentially suggests that repeated use of leading questions,
    which even lead to a finding of contempt, do not suffice for reversible error.
    Michelle Minderman argues that the findings of fact reveal the net effect of the
    leading questions resulting in the dissolution court reaching the conclusion that Michelle
    alienated her children from their father. We disagree. Sean’s trial counsel asked few
    leading questions and the questions functioned to set a foundation for other testimony.
    The dissolution court heard substantial evidence from witnesses, other than Sean and Rita
    Zorrozua, of Michelle’s alienating behavior. Guardian ad litem Mary spoke of a pattern
    of questionable allegations asserted by Michelle regarding Mary’s change of behavior.
    Michelle alleged that Sean exposed Mary to a dildo, that Mary was suicidal, and that her
    counselor was no longer a good fit for her. Michelle reported to Child Protective
    Services that Sean abused the children. The dissolution court relied extensively on the
    guardian ad litem’s report and testimony in the court’s findings.
    9
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    Issue 2: Whether the trial court erred by providing Sean Minderman’s attorney
    with legal advice on how leading questions could be admissible?
    Answer 2: Since Michelle fails to forward law to support her contention that the
    trial court erred by supplying legal advice, we decline to review this assignment of error.
    Michelle Minderman also contends that the trial court erred when advising Sean’s
    attorney on how to gain admission of his leading questions. Nevertheless, Michelle
    provides no argument or citation to authority related to this assigned error. This court
    does not review errors alleged, but not argued, briefed, or supported with citation to
    authority. RAP 10.3; Valente v. Bailey, 
    74 Wash. 2d 857
    , 858, 
    447 P.2d 589
    (1968). Thus,
    we decline to address the assignment of error.
    Issue 3: Whether the trial court erred when entering findings of fact that included
    prejudicial dicta comments, hearsay statements, and opinions not factual in nature?
    Answer 3: We decline to address this assignment of error because Michelle
    Minderman fails to assign error to discrete findings.
    The trial court entered 138 findings of fact and seven conclusions of law.
    Michelle Minderman complains that over fifty findings constitute opinions, incomplete
    sentences, dicta, prejudicial comments, hearsay, or inappropriate references to temporary
    orders. She argues that this court should, at the least, remand for entry of suitable
    findings, or, at most, grant a new trial. We decline to address this assignment of error.
    10
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    RAP 10.3 provides, in part:
    (g) Special Provision for Assignments of Error. . . . A separate
    assignment of error for each finding of fact a party contends was
    improperly made must be included with reference to the finding by number.
    The appellate court will only review a claimed error which is included in an
    assignment of error or clearly disclosed in the associated issue pertaining
    thereto.
    Michelle Minderman failed to comply with RAP 10.3(g). Michelle Minderman’s
    assignment of error 3 reads:
    By entering Findings of Fact that included a significant number of
    prejudicial dicta comments, hearsay statements, and opinions that were not
    factual in nature.
    Opening Br. of Appellant at 5. Minderman does not number any of the alleged
    inappropriate findings.
    Issue 4: Whether the trial court erred when it referenced the parties’ temporary
    parenting orders as proof that a final shared parenting plan would be appropriate in
    violation of the Kovacs case.
    Answer 4: No. The trial court did not rely on the temporary plan for the basis of
    the final plan.
    Michelle Minderman observes that the trial court’s findings of fact six to eighteen
    reference the parties’ successful performance under the temporary parenting plan, and,
    thus, the findings imply that the court should enter a final plan of equal residential time
    based on the temporary plan. She contends use of the temporary plan as a precedent
    11
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    violated the rule promulgated in In re Marriage of Kovacs, 
    121 Wash. 2d 795
    , 
    854 P.2d 629
    (1993), that a trial court cannot reference temporary plans when ordering final plans after
    trial.
    Findings of fact six through eighteen declare:
    6. In March of 2012, this case was filed by [Michelle] and she
    requested at that time primary custody with the standard parenting plan for
    Mr. Minderman to have a mid week overnight visit and every other
    weekend until Monday morning.
    7. At that time, she did not request any restrictions, and there was
    nothing in the request that would signify to the Court there were any huge
    issues with Mr. Minderman’s parenting.
    8. However, in May of 2012, Mr. Minderman requested a 50/50
    parenting plan where the parties would then share custody, indicating that
    the parties had been doing this since separation.
    9. In July of 2012, [Michelle] then filed a response to his request
    and accused him of reckless driving, drinking, drug use, pornography and
    abuse which included a domestic violence arrest in 2005 which was
    apparently dropped.
    10. She asked the Court to restrict his time with the children
    because of these huge issues.
    11. In October of 2012, the Court set up the current parenting plan
    where the mother had 8 overnights and the father had 6 overnights in a two
    week period, and the Court also appointed a Guardian ad Litem.
    12. In setting up this 8/6 plan, the Court didn’t make any findings
    that Mr. Minderman had any of the issues that would concern the Court or
    limit his time with the children.
    13. Though [Michelle] tried to get the Court to reconsider this
    parenting plan many times, the Court did not find her claims reliable
    considering her earlier request for a normal parenting plan.
    14. During the three years that this case has churned through the
    court system and the various judicial officers, the parties continued their 8/6
    plan with a 50/50 plan during the summer.
    15. There was no change in the last three years though the parties
    filed numerous continuances in the matter, some because of changes of
    12
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    counsel and many because the Guardian ad Litem had to investigate
    different issues that popped up throughout the case.
    16. There were several motions filed by [Michelle] asking to restrict
    Mr. Minderman’s time with the children though none were successful.
    17. Mr. Minderman made several motions that the Court found to
    have merit, including the fact that [Michelle] would not allow the kids to
    have phone contact with him, and the Court Commissioner had to intervene
    and order phone contact.
    18. The Commissioner did note that Mr. Minderman did not
    retaliate when he had the children, but would allow phone contact with
    their mother during this time.
    CP at 296-97.
    According to Kovacs, the trial court may not draw presumptions from a temporary
    parenting plan when entering a permanent parenting plan. In re Marriage of 
    Kovacs, 121 Wash. 2d at 809
    (1993). Nevertheless, the decision does not preclude the dissolution court
    from references to the temporary plan in findings of fact.
    Michelle Minderman relies on In re Marriage of Combs, 
    105 Wash. App. 168
    , 
    19 P.3d 469
    (2001), wherein this court applied the Kovacs’ rule. In Combs, the court
    believed both parents were equally qualified to be the permanent primary residential
    parent. The court then broke the “tie” by relying on the fact that the mother had
    performed well as the primary residential parent during the temporary plan. This court
    concluded that the court abused its discretion by designating the mother the permanent
    primary parent based on her success as the temporary primary parent.
    The Minderman dissolution court merely referenced that Michelle and Sean
    operated under a temporary parenting plan for three years. The trial court did not opine
    13
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    that the parties operated a temporary 8/6 parenting plan with success. The court relied on
    no presumption in favor of continuing with the temporary plan. The dissolution court
    relied on substantial evidence that equal residential time served the best interests of the
    children. Therefore, the court did not abuse its discretion when entering the final
    parenting plan.
    Issue 5: Whether the trial court erred by approving a child support worksheet that
    failed to show how Michelle’s net income was determined?
    Answer 5: No.
    RCW 26.19.035(3) requires that the parties complete child support worksheets in
    every dissolution proceeding in which the court awards child support. The statute affords
    no exceptions. In re Marriage of Sievers, 
    78 Wash. App. 287
    , 305, 
    897 P.2d 388
    (1995).
    Data contained in the child support worksheet constitutes findings of fact for the child
    support order. In re Marriage of Daubert, 
    124 Wash. App. 483
    , 492, 
    99 P.3d 401
    (2004),
    abrogated on other grounds by In re Marriage of McCausland, 
    159 Wash. 2d 607
    , 
    152 P.3d 1013
    (2007).
    We rarely reverse child support awards. In re Marriage of Griffin, 
    114 Wash. 2d 772
    , 776, 
    791 P.2d 519
    (1990). The spouse who challenges an award must show that the
    trial court manifestly abused its discretion. In re Marriage of 
    Griffin, 114 Wash. 2d at 776
    .
    A trial court abuses its discretion if its decision is manifestly unreasonable or based on
    untenable grounds. In re Marriage of 
    Kovacs, 121 Wash. 2d at 801
    (1993). A court’s
    14
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    decision is based on untenable grounds if the factual findings are unsupported by the
    record. In re Marriage of Littlefield, 
    133 Wash. 2d 39
    , 47, 
    940 P.2d 1362
    (1997).
    Appellate courts review factual findings for substantial evidence and for legal error. In re
    Parentage of O.A.J., 
    190 Wash. App. 826
    , 830-31, 
    363 P.3d 1
    (2015).
    Michelle Minderman contends that the final child support decision rested on a
    child support worksheet prepared by Sean’s attorney, which worksheet did not explain
    how he arrived at Michelle’s net income. In turn, Michelle contends the dissolution court
    committed error by failing to explicate the basis of her $16,152 monthly net income
    figure.
    Although Michelle Minderman posits the inadequacy of the child support
    worksheet, the underlying issue becomes whether substantial evidence supports the trial
    court’s child support order. We find sufficient evidence. The dissolution court reviewed
    multiple income tax statements of both parties. On this evidence, the court adopted, but
    incidentally changed, the worksheets that Sean presented. The trial court, based on
    Michelle’s returns, averaged her income from her wealth management business over a
    three year period. The court found that Michelle’s monthly net income, based on a three
    year average, was $16,152 at the time of trial. Substantial evidence supported this
    finding.
    Michelle also argues that the court should have included all of her business taxes,
    unemployment taxes, social security taxes, and labor and industry taxes flowing from her
    15
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    investment firm business. According to Michelle, such an exercise would have lowered
    her income and support obligation. We reject this contention because Michelle provided
    a net monthly income of $16,152 on her own worksheet. To the extent that the trial court
    erred, Michelle invited the error. In re Marriage of Morris, 
    176 Wash. App. 893
    , 900, 
    309 P.3d 767
    (2013).
    Issue 6: Whether the trial court erred when it entered a child support order that
    failed to recognize that Michelle Minderman asked for a deviation from the standard
    calculation because of the equal residential schedule and failed to enter findings as to
    why it denied the request?
    Answer 6: We remand for the trial court to enter findings of fact in response to
    Michelle Minderman’s deviation request.
    Michelle Minderman next complains that the trial court entered no finding of fact
    in response to her deviation request as demanded by In re Parentage of A.L., 185 Wn.
    App. 225, 
    340 P.3d 260
    (2014). Sean does not contend that Michelle failed to timely
    request a deviation.
    According to In re Parentage of A.L., the dissolution court determines the standard
    calculation of child support and nominates the obligor, after which the court, if requested,
    considers whether to deviate from the standard calculation. The dissolution court must
    perform a statutory analysis, under RCW 26.19.075(1)(d), if the court considers a
    deviation based on residential schedule.
    16
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    If the court considers a deviation based on residential schedule, it
    must follow a specific statutory analysis:
    The court may deviate from the standard calculation if the child
    spends a significant amount of time with the parent who is obligated to
    make a support transfer payment. The court may not deviate on that basis
    if the deviation will result in insufficient funds in the household receiving
    the support to meet the basic needs of the child or if the child is receiving
    temporary assistance for needy families. When determining the amount of
    the deviation, the court shall consider evidence concerning the increased
    expenses to a parent making support transfer payments resulting from the
    significant amount of time spent with that parent and shall consider the
    decreased expenses, if any, to the party receiving the support resulting from
    the significant amount of time the child spends with the parent making the
    support transfer payment.
    In re Parentage of 
    A.L., 185 Wash. App. at 237
    ; RCW 26.19.075(1)(d). The trial
    court must enter written findings of fact supporting the reasons for any deviation
    or denial of a party’s request for deviation. RCW 26.19.075(3); In re Parentage of
    
    A.L., 185 Wash. App. at 237
    .
    The Minderman dissolution court entered no finding of fact on its refusal to
    deviate from the child support schedule. The court instead entered “Does not
    apply” and directed Michelle to present a formal motion if she wished. Both Sean
    and Michelle later moved the court for reconsideration. Michelle asked the court
    to find good cause to grant her request for a deviation from the standard
    calculation. The trial court entered a written ruling denying the motion for
    reconsideration for child support by either party. The court, however, did not
    17
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    directly respond to the request for a deviation. Therefore, we remand to the
    dissolution court to enter one or more findings of fact in response to the entreaty.
    Issue 7: Whether the trial court erred by entering a parenting plan without
    indicating the plan served the children’s best interests?
    Answer 7: We decline to address this assignment of error.
    Michelle Minderman argues the trial court erred by entering a parenting plan
    without any substantive conclusions of law and without indicating the plan served the
    children’s best interests. Nevertheless, in her opening brief, Michelle does not address
    this assignment of error. She provides no argument or citation to authority related to this
    assignment. This court does not review errors alleged but not argued, briefed, or
    supported with citation to authority. RAP 10.3; Valente v. 
    Bailey, 74 Wash. 2d at 858
    (1968).
    Issue 8: Whether the trial court erred by declaring Sean Minderman the primary
    custodian when granting the parties equal residential time?
    Answer 8: We decline to address this assignment of error.
    Michelle Minderman next argues that the trial court erred by entering a parenting
    plan that declared Sean as the primary parent with the greatest amount of parenting time,
    even though the plan ordered exactly equal time for both parents. Nevertheless, in her
    opening brief, Michelle does not address this assignment of error. She provides no
    argument or citation to authority related to this assignment. This court does not review
    18
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    errors alleged but not argued, briefed, or supported with citation to authority. RAP 10.3;
    Valente v. 
    Bailey, 74 Wash. 2d at 858
    .
    Issue 9: Whether we should remand to a new trial judge?
    Answer 9: No.
    Finally, Michelle asks that we require a new judge to preside on remand due to the
    prejudicial comments toward Michelle in the court’s findings. We deny the request. To
    the extent the court entered prejudicial comments in findings of fact, sufficient evidence
    supported the comments. Our order of remand pertains only to a narrow issue, on which
    the court already ruled.
    Issue 10: Whether this court should award Sean Minderman reasonable attorney
    fees and costs incurred on appeal?
    Answer 10: No.
    RCW 26.09.140 allows this court to award a party attorney fees and costs against
    the other party in a martial dissolution appeal. In awarding attorney fees on appeal, the
    court examines the merits of the issues on appeal and the financial resources of the
    respective parties. In re Marriage of 
    Griffin, 114 Wash. 2d at 779-80
    (1990). Sean
    Minderman asks for an award.
    We deny Sean Minderman’s request for an award of attorney fees. The
    dissolution court awarded Sean substantial property. Sean received the family home
    valued at $450,000, Hauser Lake property valued at $165,000, an Arizona parcel valued
    19
    No. 34829-6-III
    In re Marriage of Minderman
    at $196,000, and his Frame Factory business valued at $284,000. He holds substantial
    assets to pay fees. See In re Marriage of Griswold, 
    112 Wash. App. 333
    , 353, 
    48 P.3d 1018
    (2002).
    CONCLUSION
    We affirm all rulings of the trial court except the court's refusal to grant a child
    support deviation. Without directing the court how to rule, we remand for the dissolution
    court to enter one or more findings of fact in response to Michelle Minderman' s request
    for the deviation. We deny Sean Minderman an award of reasonable attorney fees and
    costs on appeal.
    A majority of the panel has determined this opinion will not be printed in the
    Washington Appellate Reports, but it will be filed for public record pursuant to RCW
    2.06.040.
    WE CONCUR:
    20