Page v. Page

IN THE NEBRASKA COURT OF APPEALS
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND JUDGMENT ON APPEAL
PAGE V. PAGE
NOTICE: THIS OPINION IS NOT DESIGNATED FOR PERMANENT PUBLICATION
AND MAY NOT BE CITED EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BY NEB. CT. R. APP. P. § 2-102(E).
RICHARD PAUL PAGE III, APPELLANT,
V.
CHRISTY L. PAGE, APPELLEE.
Filed July 2, 2013. No. A-12-750.
Appeal from the District Court for Hamilton County: MICHAEL J. OWENS, Judge.
Affirmed.
Thomas A. Wagoner for appellant.
John B. McDermott, of Shamberg, Wolf, McDermott & Depue, for appellee.
INBODY, Chief Judge, and IRWIN and MOORE, Judges.
MOORE, Judge.
INTRODUCTION
Richard Paul Page III appeals from an order of the district court for Hamilton County
which granted Christy L. Page’s complaint to modify child custody. Finding that there was no
abuse of discretion in the district court’s finding of a material change in circumstances since the
entry of the previous custody order and that the modification was in the best interests of the
children, we affirm the district court’s order.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
During their marriage, Richard and Christy had two children: Austin Page, born in April
2000, and Richard Page IV (Ricky), born in August 2002. In the decree of dissolution entered in
January 2006, Richard was awarded physical custody of the children, subject to Christy’s
reasonable rights of visitation. Christy has since challenged this arrangement. In this appeal, we
address Christy’s second attempt for modification of child custody.
-1-
On October 12, 2006, Christy filed her first complaint for modification, seeking custody
of the two minor children. Christy asserted four reasons to support her claim of a material change
in circumstances with respect to the custodial arrangement: (1) Richard’s home was in a constant
chaotic state, (2) Austin was performing poorly in school due to a lack of discipline and
structure, (3) Richard had not tended to the children’s medical needs, and (4) Christy was the
more nurturing parent. After the trial on Christy’s complaint, the district court entered an order
on March 23, 2007. Noting that only 10 months had elapsed since the date of the decree of
dissolution, the court found little support for Christy’s arguments and concluded that no material
change in circumstances had occurred since the decree.
Christy appealed the district court’s order to this court. In a memorandum opinion entered
February 5, 2008, in case No. A-07-433, we affirmed the district court’s order. We discussed the
evidence and arguments presented by Christy that Richard’s fiance, Amanda Foster, and her two
children had moved into Richard’s home; that Richard’s home was unclean and unkept; and that
Christy was the parent tending to the children’s medical needs and more involved in their
education. We concluded that Christy had not proved a material change in circumstances because
many of the issues about which she had complained existed at the time of the decree of
dissolution, such as the condition of Richard’s home. We also noted that there was no evidence
Amanda and her children residing in the home had any effect upon the welfare of these children
and that there was evidence that both parties help the children with their educational needs.
Christy filed another complaint for modification in November 2009, which only
concerned specific visitation and was resolved by the parties’ subsequent agreement.
The complaint for modification at issue in this appeal was filed by Christy on November
28, 2011, again seeking modification of child custody, alleging a number of reasons to support
her claim. In our review of the record, Christy argued and presented evidence on the following
allegations during the May 25, 2012, trial: (1) Austin has not received help at home with his
schoolwork despite struggling with his grades and nearly failing the sixth grade, (2) Richard has
been unable to establish a stable residence, (3) Richard’s household is generally in a chaotic
state, and (4) Richard has neglected the children’s health and hygiene.
At trial, Heather Ferralez testified regarding Austin’s performance at school. Ferralez was
Austin’s primary sixth grade teacher. According to Ferralez, Austin failed to complete his
homework “a lot of times” during the year and Austin “just barely” passed the sixth grade. When
comparing Austin’s progress to that of the rest of his class, Ferralez noted that he was below
average. Ferralez believed Austin was a capable student but was not properly applying himself to
his schoolwork. As a result, Ferralez recommended that Austin attend summer school.
Ferralez also noted that Christy made significant efforts to address Austin’s deficient
school performance. These efforts included substantial contact with Ferralez and working with
Austin to complete his homework. During weekends when Christy had visitation, Ferralez would
send Austin home with the assignments he had not completed the previous week. Ferralez
testified that on the following Monday, Austin would have the assignments completed and
exhibited pride in his work. This arrangement did not extend to periods when Austin lived with
Richard. Ferralez admitted that Richard had always attended parent-teacher conferences, but
stated that she had little other contact with him.
-2-
Although acknowledging Austin’s struggles in school, Richard did not believe these
struggles were greatly concerning. Describing Austin as a “chip off the old block,” Richard noted
that he experienced the same struggles when he was in school. Richard testified that he would
help Austin with his homework, but would not simply give Austin the answers. Richard initially
stated that Austin usually completed his homework but that he failed to turn it in the next day.
He later conceded that this may not have always been the case because there were occasions
when Austin had gone to sleep before Richard could verify that Austin had completed his
homework. Richard also testified that his current wife, Amanda, had completed the necessary
registration for Austin to attend summer school.
Despite Austin’s struggles in school, Richard testified that Ricky was a very good
student. Ricky’s report card confirmed Richard’s testimony, showing that Ricky received good
grades during the third grade.
During his testimony, Austin admitted that he did not usually complete his homework.
When asked for a reason why he did not finish his assignments, Austin stated that there was “a
lot of noise in [the house].” Austin testified that Richard sometimes helped him with his
homework, but Amanda did not. Because he did not always complete his homework, Austin had
to stay after school on numerous Friday afternoons and was not allowed to participate during
some of the school party at the end of the year. Austin also testified that he liked doing his
homework at Christy’s house because she would help him.
To support her claim that Richard has had difficulty establishing a permanent residence,
Christy submitted photographs of each of Richard’s recent residences. These photographs
revealed each of these homes to be in various states of disrepair and outwardly unkept. Christy
also submitted pictures of her current residence, which pictures revealed that it was clean and in
good repair. Christy testified that she has lived in this home with her partner for 4½ years. Austin
and Ricky each have his own room while staying with her.
Richard’s testimony revealed that he moved a total of four times since his marriage to
Amanda on June 9, 2007, with at least three of these moves being within the last 3 years. Richard
did not believe these moves greatly impacted Austin or Ricky because they remained within the
same school district. Richard testified that he is renting his current home with each month’s rent
going toward the $25,000 purchase price. This home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Richard and his sons live in this house with Amanda and her two children from a previous
marriage, Austin Foster and Alissa Foster.
While living in Richard’s current home, Austin and Ricky share a small bedroom with
their stepbrother Austin Foster. Both Austin and Ricky testified that Austin Foster is often
fighting and threatening them. Ricky testified that he has frequent “punching fights” with Austin
Foster. The boys also stated that Austin Foster is in counseling because he has threatened to “kill
everybody.” Richard’s testimony confirmed that Austin Foster is in counseling, but, according to
Richard, Austin Foster’s counseling was due to issues related to his biological father’s lack of
interest in him.
During his testimony, Richard admitted there was fighting and arguing among the
children in the house. However, in his opinion, this type of behavior is not unusual among young
siblings--whether blood related or not. Richard likened the current behavior in his house to what
he experienced while growing up with his three brothers.
-3-
Christy also testified regarding her concerns that Austin’s and Ricky’s health care needs
were not being met while they are living with Richard. Christy testified that she felt both Austin
and Ricky were overweight and that Richard had not properly addressed this issue. Christy also
testified that Austin needs to get braces as soon as possible. When she discussed with Richard
the possibility of getting braces for Austin, Richard’s response was that he could not afford the
cost of the braces. Christy testified that she was willing to do “whatever it took” to get Austin
braces. Christy also expressed concerns regarding Ricky’s club feet. Although Ricky had
received treatment for this condition for many years, Christy was concerned about a recent
callous on his foot. According to Christy, Richard was going to set up an appointment to have
this evaluated but had not done so.
Richard testified that he will be able to provide health insurance for the children through
his current employment. Richard indicated that until this insurance became available, the
children were covered under “Kids Connection.” Richard believed that his new insurance would
cover some of the cost of Austin’s braces. Amanda had started to make arrangements with an
orthodontist to set up a payment plan for Austin’s braces.
During their testimony, Austin and Ricky did not give any preference as to which parent
they wanted to live with. However, Ricky stated that he did not like the current custody and
visitation arrangement because he wanted to spend more time with Christy.
After taking the matter under advisement, the district court issued an order on July 26,
2012, granting Christy’s request for modification. In its order, the district court noted that
Christy’s current allegations were similar to those raised in her 2007 modification complaint.
Focusing its analysis on Austin’s school performance and the chaotic state of Richard’s home,
however, the court found that the totality of the circumstances demonstrated that a material
change in circumstances existed. The court also found that it was in Austin’s and Ricky’s best
interests that their physical care, control, and custody be placed with Christy. Richard was
ordered to pay child support. Richard has timely appealed.
ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
Richard asserts that the trial court erred (1) by finding that Christy had met her burden of
proving that a material change of circumstances had occurred and (2) by finding that it was in the
best interests of the minor children to be placed in Christy’s custody.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
Child custody determinations are matters initially entrusted to the discretion of the trial
court, and although reviewed de novo on the record, the trial court’s determination will normally
be affirmed absent an abuse of discretion. Maska v. Maska, 274 Neb. 629, 742 N.W.2d 492(2007); Mann v. Rich, 18 Neb. App. 849, 794 N.W.2d 183 (2011).
A judicial abuse of discretion exists when a judge, within the effective limits of
authorized judicial power, elects to act or refrains from acting, and the selected option results in a
decision which is untenable and unfairly deprives a litigant of a substantial right or a just result
in matters submitted for disposition through a judicial system. Hill v. Hill, 20 Neb. App. 528, 827
N.W.2d 304 (2013).
-4-
On appeal of a trial court order determining child custody, when the evidence is in
conflict, the appellate court considers, and may give weight to, the fact that the trial court heard
and observed the witnesses and accepted one version of the facts rather than another. Citta v.
Facka, 19 Neb. App. 736, 812 N.W.2d 917 (2012).
ANALYSIS
Richard argues that the trial court erred when it granted Christy custody of Austin and
Ricky. Ordinarily, custody of a minor child will not be modified unless there has been a material
change in circumstances showing that the custodial parent is unfit or that the best interests of the
child require such action. Heistand v. Heistand, 267 Neb. 300, 673 N.W.2d 541 (2004); Grange
v. Grange, 15 Neb. App. 297, 725 N.W.2d 853 (2006). The party seeking modification of child
custody bears the burden of showing a change in circumstances. Adams v. Adams, 13 Neb. App.
276, 691 N.W.2d 541 (2005). A material change in circumstances means the occurrence of
something which, had it been known to the dissolution court at the time of the initial decree,
would have persuaded the court to decree differently. Heistand, supra.Prior to modification of a child custody order, two steps of proof must be taken by the
party seeking modification. Adams, supra. First, the party seeking modification must show a
material change in circumstances, occurring after the entry of the previous custody order and
affecting the best interests of the children. Id. Next, the party seeking modification must prove
that changing the custody is in the children’s best interests. Id.Richard argues that Christy has not met her burden to show that there has been a material
change in circumstances since the last custody order. Richard believes that little has changed
since the previous custody order.
We are well aware that Christy has alleged many of the same reasons for modification in
this complaint as she did in her previous attempt for modification. However, we conclude the
record reveals that the current circumstances are now of such a state that had the trial court been
aware of these circumstances at the time of the original decree or the subsequent order in March
2007, it would have decreed differently.
Much of the evidence adduced at trial related to Austin’s educational difficulties. It is
clear from the record that Austin experienced great struggles in school during the sixth grade. In
fact, Ferralez, his teacher, testified that Austin barely passed the sixth grade and worried that
Austin would continue to struggle in junior high. Ferralez also testified that Austin frequently did
not complete his homework. Austin confirmed this to be true during his testimony. The record
also demonstrates that Christy took substantial efforts to correspond with Austin’s teacher and
help Austin with his schoolwork during the weekends she had visitation. After weekends with
Christy, Austin returned to school with his homework completed and exhibited pride in his work.
Although Richard testified that he would help Austin with his homework and checked to make
sure it was done on most nights, his testimony conflicted with that of Austin and Ferralez.
While Austin’s education was a concern at the last modification trial, his difficulties have
seemingly escalated to the point where he is nearly failing. We agree with the district court that
circumstances have changed in that Austin is now at a stage in life where he must make progress
in order to succeed in his education. We further agree with the district court that this progress is
more likely to take place if Austin resides with Christy rather than Richard. The evidence
-5-
demonstrates that Christy is willing and able to give the necessary attention to Austin’s education
to ensure he performs to his potential in school.
The record also shows that there is considerable chaos in Richard’s current home. We
recognize that evidence was adduced about Amanda and her children living with Richard and his
children at the time of the last modification hearing; however, at that time, we found no evidence
to show any impact on the children as a result of this living arrangement. In the present
proceedings, however, evidence was adduced to show that this living arrangement was having a
negative impact on the children. Both boys testified that there is constant physical fighting and
arguing taking place in the house and that Austin Foster threatens them. This difficulty
apparently stems, in part, from the three boys sharing a small bedroom. Additionally, Austin
Foster is currently in counseling due to his disruptive behavior and threat that he would “kill
everybody.” Austin attributes part of his difficulty completing homework to the noisy and
disruptive atmosphere in Richard’s home. Christy’s home, on the other hand, is much more
accommodating--Austin and Ricky have their own bedrooms and the house is well-kept and
clean.
It is clear that both Richard and Christy love Austin and Ricky. However, it appears the
circumstances have now changed to where Christy’s home is a better environment for Austin and
Ricky. Therefore, we conclude Christy has met her burden to prove a material change in
circumstances.
Having found a material change in circumstances to exist, we must now determine
whether it is in Austin’s and Ricky’s best interests to be placed in Christy’s custody. The best
interests of a child require a parenting arrangement which provides for a child’s safety,
emotional growth, health, stability, and physical care and regular and continuous school
attendance and progress. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2923(1) (Cum. Supp. 2102); Donscheski v.
Donscheski, 17 Neb. App. 807, 771 N.W.2d 213 (2009). When deciding custody issues, the
court’s paramount concern is the child’s best interests. Citta v. Facka, 19 Neb. App. 736, 812
N.W.2d 917 (2012). Section 43-2923(6) states:
In determining custody and parenting arrangements, the court shall consider the best
interests of the minor child, which shall include, but not be limited to, consideration of
the foregoing factors and:
(a) The relationship of the minor child to each parent prior to the commencement
of the action or any subsequent hearing;
(b) The desires and wishes of the minor child, if of an age of comprehension but
regardless of chronological age, when such desires and wishes are based on sound
reasoning;
(c) The general health, welfare, and social behavior of the minor child;
(d) Credible evidence of abuse inflicted on any family or household member. . . ;
and
(e) Credible evidence of child abuse or neglect or domestic intimate partner
abuse.
In addition to these factors, the Nebraska Supreme Court has held that a court may consider, in
addition to the statutory factors, matters such as the moral fitness of the children’s parents,
-6-
including the parents’ sexual conduct; respective environments offered by each parent; the
emotional relationship between children and parents; the age, sex, and health of the children and
parents; the effect on the children as the result of continuing or disrupting an existing
relationship; the attitude and stability of each parent’s character; parental capacity to provide
physical care and satisfy educational needs of the children; the children’s preferential desire
regarding custody if the children are of sufficient age of comprehension, regardless of
chronological age, and when such preference is based on sound reasons; and the general health,
welfare, and social behavior of the child. Smith-Helstrom v. Yonker, 249 Neb. 449, 544 N.W.2d
93 (1996).
In this case, it appears that the children have a good relationship with both parents and
there is no evidence of abuse inflicted by either parent, although there is evidence that Austin
Foster has exhibited violent behavior toward the children in Richard’s home. Neither child
expressed a strong preference with respect to which parent he wished to reside with, although
Austin stated he was better able to complete his homework at Christy’s home and Ricky stated
he wants to spend more time with Christy. Christy has shown a greater willingness and ability to
take the necessary time to ensure Austin progresses educationally. Overall, Christy’s home
appears to provide a better environment for Austin and Ricky with respect to their safety,
emotional growth, health, stability, physical care, and school progress. Therefore, we find that
the district court did not abuse its discretion when it concluded that it was in Austin’s and
Ricky’s best interests to be placed in Christy’s custody.
CONCLUSION
After our de novo review of the record, we conclude the district court did not abuse its
discretion when granting Christy’s motion for modification.
AFFIRMED.
-7-