Hunley v. Hunley

[Cite as Hunley v. Hunley, 2020-Ohio-5053.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
TWELFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT OF OHIO
CLERMONT COUNTY
TINA MARIE HUNLEY, : CASE NO. CA2019-12-101
Appellee, : OPINION
10/26/2020
:
- vs -
:
THOMAS FRANKLIN HUNLEY, :
Appellant. :
APPEAL FROM CLERMONT COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION
Case No. 2018DRB00536
Tina Marie Hunley, 1506 Commons Drive, Milford, Ohio 45150, pro se
Robert G. Kelly, 4353 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45212, for appellant
M. POWELL, P.J.
{¶ 1} Appellant, Thomas Hunley ("Husband"), appeals a decision of the Clermont
County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Division, granting him a divorce from appellee,
Tina Hunley ("Wife"), dividing the parties' assets, and ordering spousal support.
{¶ 2} Husband and Wife were married October 5, 1991 and have two emancipated
children. Wife filed a complaint for divorce on May 10, 2018. Husband answered and filed
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a counterclaim for divorce. Although several pretrial hearings and settlement conferences
were held, the parties had difficulty agreeing on issues during the course of the litigation.
The parties owned a towing business, A&B Towing, and because of the parties' inability to
agree on the manner of closing the business, the court appointed a receiver to sell the
business assets and dissolve the business.
{¶ 3} A final hearing on the divorce was held before a magistrate on February 11
and 15, 2019. The magistrate issued a decision granting the complaint and counterclaim
for divorce and dividing the parties' assets and liabilities. Each party was ordered to pay
half of the receiver's fee and Husband was ordered to pay spousal support to Wife.
Husband filed objections to the magistrate's decision, and on September 10, 2019 the trial
court issued a decision and entry on the objections.
{¶ 4} Husband now appeals the trial court's decision, raising five assignments of
error for our review. We begin our discussion with appellant's first and second assignments
of error, which both challenge the trial court's decision to award spousal support to Wife.
{¶ 5} Assignment of Error No. 1:
{¶ 6} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN AN AWARD OF SPOUSAL SUPPORT TO
THE APPELLEE WITHOUT EVIDENCE SUPPORTING ALL FACTORS CONTAINED IN
R.C. 3105.18(C) ABUSES ITS DISCRETION TO MAKE AN AWARD OF SPOUSAL
SUPPORT [SIC].
{¶ 7} Assignment of Error No. 2:
{¶ 8} TRIAL COURT ERRED IN THE USE OF THE FINPLAN TO SET SUPPORT
WITHOUT EVIDENCE IN THE RECORD REQUIRED BY R.C. 3105.18(C) TO SUPPORT
THE USE OF THE CALCULATIONS USED BY THE TRIAL COURT TO MAKE AN AWARD
OF SPOUSAL SUPPORT.
{¶ 9} First, we note that Husband argues in his brief that Wife only requested
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temporary spousal support until she could obtain new employment. However, the record is
clear that Husband knew spousal support was an issue. At the start of the final hearing,
the trial court discussed the issues which had been stipulated prior to the hearing and
clarified the issues to be decided.1 The court indicated "the issue of spousal support is still
in dispute" and the parties agreed that it was an issue to be decided.
{¶ 10} In addition, Wife argued in her written closing argument that she should be
awarded spousal support. Husband argued in his closing argument, filed at the same time
and not in response to Wife's closing argument, that spousal support should not be
awarded. Accordingly, we find any argument that spousal support was not properly before
the court is contrary to the record.
{¶ 11} Pursuant to R.C. 3105.18(B), a trial court has authority to determine whether
to award spousal support and to establish the amount and duration of any such award. A
trial court has broad discretion to determine the proper amount and duration of spousal
support based on the facts and circumstances of each case, and a trial court's award of
spousal support will not be disturbed absent an abuse of discretion. Kedanis v. Kedanis,
12th Dist. Butler No. CA2012-01-015, 2012-Ohio-3533, ¶ 10. An abuse of discretion
constitutes more than an error of law or judgment; it requires a finding that the trial court
acted unreasonably, arbitrarily, or unconscionably. Miller v. Miller, 12th Dist. Butler No.
CA2001-06-138, 2002-Ohio-3870, ¶ 8.
{¶ 12} A trial court has a statutory duty to base a spousal support order on a careful
and full balancing of the factors in R.C. 3105.18(C)(1). Hosler v. Hosler, 12th Dist. Clermont
No. CA2015-10-089, 2016-Ohio-5777, ¶ 57-58: Kedanis, 2012-Ohio-3533. According to
1. In addition, throughout his brief, Husband refers to errors in the court's acceptance of stipulations at a
pretrial conference which were never formally placed in writing and signed by the parties. We find no merit to
these arguments as the trial court went through the list of proposed stipulations at the start of the final hearing
and clarified the parties' positions on each of the issues involved.
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R.C. 3105.18(C)(1),
In determining whether spousal support is appropriate and
reasonable, and in determining the nature, amount, and terms
of payment, and duration of spousal support * * * the court shall
consider all of the following factors:
(a) The income of the parties, from all sources, including, but
not limited to, income derived from property divided, disbursed,
or distributed under section 3105.171 of the Revised Code;
(b) The relative earning abilities of the parties;
(c) The ages and the physical, mental, and emotional conditions
of the parties;
(d) The retirement benefits of the parties;
(e) The duration of the marriage;
(f) The extent to which it would be inappropriate for a party,
because that party will be custodian of a minor child of the
marriage, to seek employment outside the home;
(g) The standard of living of the parties established during the
marriage;
(h) The relative extent of education of the parties;
(i) The relative assets and liabilities of the parties, including but
not limited to any court-ordered payments by the parties;
(j) The contribution of each party to the education, training, or
earning ability of the other party, including, but not limited to,
any party's contribution to the acquisition of a professional
degree of the other party;
(k) The time and expense necessary for the spouse who is
seeking spousal support to acquire education, training, or job
experience so that the spouse will be qualified to obtain
appropriate employment, provided the education, training, or job
experience, and employment is, in fact, sought;
(l) The tax consequences, for each party, of an award of spousal
support;
(m) The lost income production capacity of either party that
resulted from that party's marital responsibilities;
(n) Any other factor that the court expressly finds to be relevant
and equitable.
{¶ 13} Husband does not argue that the trial court failed to consider the factors, but
instead argues that the court did not apply the factors correctly to the facts of this case.
First, he argues that the trial court failed to consider that the parties earned nearly equal
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incomes during the marriage. He contends that the parties' relative earning abilities should
have been determined as of October 31, 2018, which was the agreed end date of the
marriage. He also argues the court erred in determining that the parties commingled their
business and personal expenses.
{¶ 14} In considering this factor, the court indicated that for the last 13 years of the
marriage, the parties had been employed by the towing business they owned. Wife
performed bookkeeping and data entry while Husband drove trucks and was responsible
for upkeep and maintenance. For the last year of their marriage, Husband's and Wife's
incomes from the business were nearly equal. However, the towing business was dissolved
during the course of the divorce proceedings and both parties obtained other employment.
Husband found employment with Prus Contracting and Wife was employed at Cintas.
{¶ 15} The court also looked at Social Security statements in considering earning
ability. These statements indicated the parties' earning abilities were approximately equal.
However, the court noted that the bulk of Wife's Social Security earnings were based on
employment with P&G, prior to the time she began working for the towing business. This
employment was no longer available to Wife.
{¶ 16} The court also found that basing that the parties' earning abilities from
employment with their towing business was suspect because the parties comingled their
business income with their personal expenses. As discussed below, there was evidence
that some of the parties' personal expenses were paid through the business. Although the
trial court did not articulate the significance of the commingling of the parties' personal
expenses with the business expenses, the discussion of this issue reveals an implicit
recognition by the trial court that the parties' A&B Towing incomes were understated and a
not an accurate reflection of their earning abilities.
{¶ 17} At the time of the hearing, the court calculated Husband's current income at
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$73,977.34 and Wife's current income at $42,556.66. Based on the considerations above,
the court determined that the best evidence of the parties' earning ability was their current
income.
{¶ 18} Ohio courts have determined that earning ability involves both the amount of
money a party is capable of earning based on his or her qualifications, as well as the party's
ability to obtain such employment. Schenck v. Schenck, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2012-08-
150, 2013-Ohio-991, ¶ 17; Carroll v. Carroll, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 2004-CAF-05035,
2004-Ohio-6710, ¶ 22.
{¶ 19} We find no error in the trial court's consideration of this factor. Husband and
Wife's current employment income, as opposed to their incomes from their personally
owned business, provided a reasonable basis for determining their earning abilities. Their
current incomes were a reliable indicator of both the amount the parties were capable of
earning based on their qualifications and their ability to obtain such employment.
{¶ 20} In addition, we find the trial court did not abuse its discretion in stating that the
parties commingled their personal and business incomes. The trial court had the parties'
financial information available to review and also heard testimony that Wife cashed out her
pension with P&G and used a portion of the retirement money for the business. There was
also evidence that the business purchased a camper that was transferred to personal
ownership, cell phones used for personal use were paid for by the business and the record
suggests that the company account had been used for other personal expenses.
{¶ 21} Husband next argues that the trial court erred in determining the parties'
standard of living based on evidence that the value of their home was $148,000 and that
they raised two children. However, little evidence was presented on this factor and nothing
in the record indicates that the parties held either a low or high standard of living that would
be relevant in the consideration of this factor.
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{¶ 22} Husband further argues that in considering the extent of parties' education,
the trial court erred in considering his Commercial Driver's License ("CDL") and
considerable experience driving trucks because it is not difficult to obtain a CDL. In addition,
Husband argues that there was no evidence that he has a high school education as does
Wife. Again, we find no error in the trial court's consideration of this factor. As the trial court
noted, "labeling a CDL as education versus training did not affect the Magistrate's decision
and the fact that [Husband] possesses a CDL was properly weighed as one of several
factors * * *." In addition, Husband does not explain why the fact that Wife has a high school
education while there was no evidence of Husband's education affects the court's
discussion or conclusions regarding the parties' relative education.
{¶ 23} Husband also argues that the trial court failed to consider that he will be taxed
on the spousal support payments, while Wife will not be taxed on her spousal support
income. However, this argument is contrary to the record as the trial court specifically
mentioned this fact and performed an equalization analysis which took the tax
consequences into account.
{¶ 24} Husband argues that "the most glaring of errors by the magistrate" was
reasoning that "while R.C. 3105.18 does not require a spousal support award that provides
the parties with an equal standard of living or a standard of living equivalent to that
established during the marriage, an 'income equalization' approach does not appear to have
resulted in an inappropriate or unreasonable award in this case." Husband argues this
language is "cut and paste" from our decision in Kedanis v. Kedanis, 12th Dist. Butler No.
CA2012-01-015, 2012-Ohio-3533.
{¶ 25} However, we find no error in the magistrate's use of this correct statement of
the law. R.C. 3105.18(C)(1) requires a trial court's award of spousal support to be
"appropriate and reasonable." While an income equalization approach is not appropriate
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and reasonable in every case, it was not an abuse of discretion to apply the equalization
rationale to the facts of this case. As the trial court noted, the parties had a long-term
marriage of 27 years. During the marriage, Husband and Wife both owned and were
employed by their towing business. As part of the divorce proceedings, the marital home
was sold and the parties' assets and liabilities were divided equally.
{¶ 26} Wife had been employed earlier in the marriage, but that employment was no
longer available and her pension was cashed out to help with business and household
expenses, leaving the parties in similar positions regarding retirement income. Husband
was able to find employment in the towing business and his experience with the parties'
business aided him in obtaining that employment. Given these facts, the trial court did not
err in equalizing the parties' income with an award of spousal support. Moreover, the court
limited the award for 10 years and indicated that if circumstances changed, spousal support
could be modified at a later date.
{¶ 27} We note Husband makes a number of arguments regarding the lack of
evidence on some of the R.C. 3105.18(C)(1) factors and contends that under the trial court's
reasoning, a party seeking spousal support need only demonstrate a difference in earning
ability to justify an award of spousal support. However, the court considered the evidence
presented, which tended to show that after a long-term marriage and division of assets, the
parties were in relatively equal positions post-divorce, except for a large income disparity.
Moreover, with regard to Husband's arguments that there was a lack of evidence on certain
factors, each party has the burden of producing evidence as to any of the R.C.
3105.18(C)(1) factors it wants considered, and must provide facts tending to prove its
version of the manner in which such factors should be applied. Banchefsky v. Banchefsky,
10th Dist. Franklin No. 13AP-300, 2014-Ohio-899, ¶ 28. Accordingly, while Wife had the
burden to establish the facts supporting a spousal support award, Husband also had an
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obligation to present the court with any evidence he wanted the court to consider that was
relevant to his argument that spousal support should not be awarded.
{¶ 28} Finally, we note that woven throughout Husband's arguments in this
assignment of error are statements regarding the "need" or "necessity" for spousal support.
However, need is neither the sole nor primary consideration in an award of spousal support.
Instead, as we have previously stated, a trial court "must consider each of the factors listed
in R.C. 3105.18(C)(1), and while a number of statutory factors relate to the financial
condition of the parties, others exist to assist the trial court in achieving an equitable result.
Need is but one factor among many that the trial court may consider in awarding reasonable
and appropriate spousal support." Kedanis, 2012-Ohio-3533 at ¶ 1.
{¶ 29} In his second assignment of error, Husband argues that the trial court erred
by using FinPlan software to calculate spousal support obligations. He argues the use of
FinPlan software has not been approved by the legislature, was used as a substitute for the
R.C. 3105.18(C) factors, and there was not sufficient evidence regarding all of the figures
necessary for using FinPlan.
{¶ 30} A FinPlan analysis is a computer-generated calculation that considers the
amount of money each spouse contributes to the household and determines the cash each
party would have available to them based on different spousal support amounts. Hoopes
v. Hoopes, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 106855, 2018-Ohio-5232, ¶ 26; Schuh v. Schuh, 12th
Dist. Butler No. CA2014-01-007, 2014-Ohio-4755, ¶ 14, fn. 1. The FinPlan analysis is often
used by trial courts in several appellate districts when determining spousal and/or child
support. See Cramblett v. Cramblett, 7th Dist. Harrison No. 05 HA 581, 2006-Ohio-4615,
¶ 55. This court has previously noted the use of a FinPlan by trial courts in our district.
Schuh; Zimmerman, 2015-Ohio-1700; Bixler, 2017-Ohio-7022.
{¶ 31} In this case, the magistrate completed two FinPlan calculations. One
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calculation assumed spousal support paid by Husband as taxable to Wife, and resulted in
a calculation of $1170 per month. The other calculation assumed spousal support paid by
Husband as taxable to Husband and resulted in a calculation of $910 per month. The
magistrate considered these two calculations, and the fact that Wife had requested $1500
a month in spousal support. The magistrate stated it considered the FinPlan calculation in
conjunction with the R.C. 3105.18(C) factors, and the $910 figure provided the most
equitable result for the parties.
{¶ 32} The trial court noted in its decision on objections that due to a change in
federal law, spousal support is no longer deductible to the payor and is no longer taxable
income to the payee, therefore the tax consequences were appropriately considered. The
court further found that the magistrate's use of the FinPlan calculation was not determinative
and was appropriately considered with all the relevant factors.2
{¶ 33} Husband also argues that the court used incorrect figures of $46,313 and
$46,338 in its FinPlan calculation that do not appear in the record. However, these figures
appear in the worksheet calculated with spousal support taxable to Wife, which was not
used by the magistrate or the trial court. Moreover, these were not "input" numbers, but the
resulting calculation numbers which appear on the line for "After Tax Cash for Living
Expenses" and the "Over/Under Budget" line, showing the amount each party would have
available after the calculation of spousal support and/or payment of living expenses.
{¶ 34} Husband also argues there was no evidence on expenses to input into the
software and the calculations are only as good as the information provided. However, while
there are lines on the worksheet for input of each party's monthly budget amount, no
2. In fact, the trial court noted that it would have calculated Husband's current income at a higher amount than
the magistrate's calculation, but because Husband was the objecting party, the trial court let the magistrate's
decision on the amount of income and spousal support stand without increasing the amount.
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evidence was presented to determine an amount for either party. As discussed above, it
was each party's responsibility to provide evidence it wanted considered at the hearing. As
no evidence was provided on living expenses or budget, it was not error, nor was it
necessary to input an amount for living expenses for an accurate calculation. The court did
not input amounts for either party, thus leaving the parties' in equal position with regard to
living expenses in the calculation.
{¶ 35} With regard to the use of the FinPlan calculation itself, we agree with the 8th
District Court of Appeals, that "[w]hile there is no 'mathematical formula' for determining an
amount of spousal support to be ordered, that does not mean that the court cannot use
mathematical formulas as an aid." Hoopes, 2018-Ohio-5232 at ¶ 26. In this case, the
magistrate indicated that the FinPlan analysis was considered and was an aid in
determining an amount, but was not a controlling factor in determining the spousal support
obligation. Because the court used the FinPlan analysis in conjunction with a thorough
application of the statutory factors when determining the amount of spousal support, we
find no error in this determination.
{¶ 36} In conclusion, we find no error in the trial court's determination of spousal
support, nor any error in the court's consideration of the FinPlan calculation as an aid in
determining the amount of spousal support. Therefore, Husband's first and second
assignments of error are overruled.
{¶ 37} Assignment of Error No. 3:
{¶ 38} TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FAILING TO DIVIDE THE VALUE OF THE
APPELLEE'S MOTOR VEHICLE WHEN THE APPELLANT PRESENTED EVIDENCE OF
THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE.
{¶ 39} The magistrate found that at the formal pretrial, the parties had agreed that
Wife would keep her 2013 Hyundai Sonata and Husband would keep his 2003 Ford
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Expedition. There was no debt on either vehicle and while the parties argued there was a
difference in value, they could not agree on the amount. Ultimately, at the pretrial, the
parties agreed that Kelly Blue Book ("KBB") value could be used to determine the vehicles'
value.
{¶ 40} At the start of the final hearing, while clarifying the issues, the magistrate
discussed the fact that the parties were to keep their vehicles and indicated that it expected
there would be evidence submitted on the value of the vehicles to make a determination on
the difference in value. Husband submitted KBB value for Wife's Sonata, but neither party
submitted KBB for Husband's Expedition. Because there was insufficient evidence to
determine the difference in value, the court ordered no reimbursement.
{¶ 41} Husband now argues that the trial court erred in failing to divide the value of
Wife's vehicle because he submitted evidence that the value of her vehicle was $3,520.50.
He argues Wife is responsible for preparing her exhibits and essentially the court punished
him because Wife failed to present evidence.
{¶ 42} However, the agreement between the parties was that they would keep their
respective vehicles and the issue of reimbursement for any difference in value would be
determined by the trial court based on evidence of KBB submitted at the hearing. Nothing
indicates that it was Wife's responsibility to submit evidence on the value of either vehicle.
Presumably, this issue was of little importance to Wife and she was willing to abide by
whatever the trial court ordered. If Husband wanted an award based on the difference, it
was incumbent on him to submit all of the necessary documentation.
{¶ 43} A trial court can only make decisions based on the evidence presented.
Roberts v. Roberts, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 08AP-27, 2008-Ohio-6121, ¶ 21. "In a divorce
case, as in any other case, it is the responsibility of the parties to put forth the evidence they
believe is relevant and necessary for a just decision. Each party tries his own case, and
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the court reaches a decision based on the evidence that the parties have presented." Walls
v. Walls, 4th Dist. Highland No. 94 CA 849, 1995 Ohio App. LEXIS 2005, at *14 (May 4,
1995). See also McKiddy v. McKiddy, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-170346, 2018 Ohio App.
LEXIS 2811, at *6 (June 29, 2018).
{¶ 44} In this case, the trial court decided the issue based on the evidence before it
as presented by the parties. Husband elected to only present evidence of the value of
Wife's vehicle, and not the difference in value between the vehicles. Accordingly, because
the stipulation was for each party to keep his or her vehicle, with an adjustment for
difference in value, the trial court was not required to award Husband half of the value of
Wife's vehicle when there was insufficient evidence of a difference in value. Husband's
third assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 45} Assignment of Error No. 4:
{¶ 46} TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FAILING TO REQUIRE THE APPELLEE TO PAY
THE COST OF THE RECEIVER.
{¶ 47} As mentioned above, the parties owned a towing business, A&B Towing.
After the parties separated, it became apparent that the business could not continue to
operate due to the breakdown of communication and an inability of the parties to cooperate
in the business. In attempting to dissolve the business, the parties had different ideas on
the sale of business assets. Husband used his connections in the towing business to
negotiate offers for the sale of some of the equipment. Wife wanted to list the items for sale
in a more neutral environment, such as listing at auctions and on the internet. When the
parties' inability to work together and agree on the manner of closing the business became
apparent, Husband filed a motion asking the court to appoint a receiver to dissolve the
business.
{¶ 48} The magistrate found a receiver was necessary due to a lack of trust between
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the parties and therefore appointed a receiver to complete the dissolution of the business.
At the final hearing, the receiver presented a bill for $14,000 his services, which the parties
agreed was reasonable. The magistrate divided the cost of the receiver's services equally
between the parties. Husband objected, arguing that it was Wife's inability to agree that
created the need for appointment of a receiver. The trial court, however, found that
appointment of the receiver was necessitated by the conduct of both parties. The court
indicated that it was "evident from these proceedings and the exorbitant amount of filings
that there has been disagreement and resistance at nearly every turn by both parties."
{¶ 49} After our review of the record below, including the various filings by the parties
and the transcripts in the record, we find no error in the trial court's determination. We agree
with the trial court that "the appointment of the receiver was needed and that both parties
are responsible for that necessity." Husband's fourth assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 50} Assignment of Error No. 5:
{¶ 51} TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT FAILED TO STRIKE THE CLOSING
ARGUMENT OF THE APPELLEE.
{¶ 52} In his fifth assignment of error, Husband argues that the trial court erred by
accepting Wife's ten-page closing argument because the magistrate limited the parties to
only five pages. Husband argues "The closing argument is meant to be a summary of the
facts as interpreted by the parties and to cast the facts in the best light to the parties'
position. The facts cannot be turned on there [sic] head in the closing argument. The
reason the Appellee's closing argument should be stricken is it is not supported by the
record or a good faith extension of the record. Appellee's closing argument is a
misstatement of the record."
{¶ 53} At the conclusion of the final divorce hearing, the magistrate asked the parties
for closing arguments. Wife's counsel requested that the parties be allowed to file written
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closing arguments and the magistrate agreed to the request. The magistrate and the parties
then discussed the timing of the written closing arguments. Wife's counsel requested a
week, while Husband's counsel indicated he had three trials coming up. The magistrate
then stated, "Well, how much time do you need? Now, I don't want a . . . I don't want a
book. I want a maximum of five pages, double-spaced, I don't want a book." The parties
then discussed other details, such as formatting, timing and manner of filing. At the end of
the discussion, the court indicated it would send a briefing order. However, the magistrate's
"Order for Written Closing Arguments," issued February 21, 2019, stated only "Both parties'
attorneys are ordered to submit written closing arguments no later than 4:00 on Friday,
March 1, 2019."
{¶ 54} After Wife filed her ten-page closing argument, Husband moved to strike
Wife's closing argument and for attorney fees. Husband argued that Wife's closing
argument exceeded the page limit and included arguments not supported by the record,
referenced exhibits not admitted and documents not presented at trial, and was "riddled
with untruths." In this 12-page motion, Husband refuted, in detail, each of the arguments
Wife made in her closing argument with which he disagreed.
{¶ 55} The magistrate addressed the motion in its final order on divorce. The
magistrate discussed the facts surrounding the request for written closing arguments,
including the fact that the magistrate had told the parties that the arguments should not
exceed five pages. The magistrate further indicated, however, that the order it issued did
not include a page limitation. The magistrate found that a court speaks through its journal,
and because the written order did not set forth a page limit, Wife's closing argument would
not be stricken. However, the magistrate found that the 85 pages of documents attached
to the closing argument would not be considered because they were not evidence. The
magistrate further acknowledged that while the closing argument contained misstatements,
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the magistrate was not misled by them. Therefore, the motion to strike was denied.3
{¶ 56} Husband filed an objection to the magistrate's decision on this issue. The trial
court agreed with the magistrate that although there were statements at the hearing
regarding the permissible length of closing arguments, the court speaks though its journal,
which did not include a page limitation. The trial court therefore found the motion to strike
was appropriately denied. The court further found that it was up to the court to determine
the weight of the evidence.
{¶ 57} We find no error in the trial court's decision on this issue. Counsel has broad
latitude in closing argument and the bounds of permissible argument is left to the trial court's
sound discretion. Pang v. Minch, 53 Ohio St. 3d 186, (1990); Premier Therapy, LLC v.
Childs, 2016-Ohio-7934, 75 N.E.3d 692, ¶ 154 (7th Dist.). A court speaks only through its
journal and an order is effective only when it has been journalized, that is, when it has been
reduced to writing, signed by a judge, and filed with the clerk so that it may become a part
of the permanent record of the court. State ex rel. Fraley v. Ohio Dept. of Rehab. &
Correction, Slip Opinion No. 2020-Ohio-4410, ¶ 17; Bokeno v. Bokeno, 12th Dist. Butler
No. CA2001-07-170, 2002-Ohio-3979, ¶ 17.
{¶ 58} Moreover, it is well established that closing arguments are not evidence.
Nagel v. Nagel, 9th Dist. Lorain No. 09CA009704, 2010-Ohio-3942, ¶ 16; Ernsberger v.
Ernsberger, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 100675, 2014-Ohio-4470, ¶ 35. The magistrate
indicated it was not misled by the arguments in the closing argument and the trial court
agreed, finding it was up to the magistrate to weigh the evidence.
{¶ 59} Most critically, we note that even if we had determined that it was error to
allow Wife's closing argument, Husband has not established any prejudice from the court's
3. The magistrate, however, found that because of "the needless filing of numerous documents" with the
closing argument, the parties owed additional court costs and ordered Wife to pay any remaining court costs.
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decision. The magistrate carefully examined the evidence and issued orders based on the
evidence presented. Husband cannot establish that any of the magistrate's decisions were
made as a result of the additional pages of closing argument.
{¶ 60} It is fundamental appellate law that "[a]n error in a proceeding is not reversible
error unless it affects the substantial rights of the complaining party." Harman v. Kelley
(1846), 14 Ohio 502; Baker v. Admrs. of Lawrence (1875), 27 Ohio St. 418. It is axiomatic
that an error must be prejudicial to warrant a reversal of a judgment based upon that error.
Ohio Life Ins. and Trust Co. v. James Goodin and Others (1860), 10 Ohio St. 557,
paragraph one of the syllabus; Smith v. Flesher (1967), 12 Ohio St. 2d 107. "The existence
of error does not necessarily require a reversal unless such error is prejudicial to the
complaining party. The error must affect the substantial rights of the complaining party, or
substantial justice must not have been done." Stone v. Internatl. Paper Co., 12th Dist.
Clinton No. CA92-02-005, 1992 Ohio App. LEXIS 5092, at *15 (Oct. 5, 1992), quoting
McQueen v. Goldey (1984), 20 Ohio App. 3d 41, 44. An error is not prejudicial if its
"avoidance would not have changed the result of the proceedings." Goins v. Oliverio, 9th
Dist. Summit No. 25041, 2010-Ohio-3849, ¶ 10; Shelton v. Morgerson, 12th Dist. Preble
No. CA87-05-014, 1988 Ohio App. LEXIS 164, at *7 (Jan. 25, 1988).
{¶ 61} Husband has not established any prejudicial error from the trial court's
decision regarding the length of closing arguments. The magistrate indicated that it wanted
closing arguments to "succinctly tell me what you want on behalf of your client and why you
believe your client is entitled to it." The magistrate expressly stated it did not consider any
of the discussion in Wife's closing argument that was based on evidence not presented at
the hearing and it struck exhibits that were attached. The court's decision was based on
the evidence before it and there is absolutely no indication that the length of Wife's closing
argument had any effect on the court's decision. Husband's fifth assignment of error is
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overruled.
{¶ 62} Judgment affirmed.
S. POWELL, J., concurs.
PIPER, J., concurs in part and dissents in part.
PIPER, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part.
{¶ 63} I agree with my colleagues in affirming the trial court regarding the third and
fourth assignments of error. However, in considering the first, second, and fifth assignments
of error, I would reverse and remand as to the issues involved in the awarding of spousal
support. Thus, I concur in part, and dissent in part, from the majority opinion.
FIFTH ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR
Right to Protect the Record from Documents Not in Evidence
and Right to Fair Play
{¶ 64} In the fifth assignment of error, appellant complains about the unfairness of
appellee receiving more than twice the number of pages in which to make a closing
argument despite the court earlier directing both parties to only submit five pages of
argument. In addition to exceeding five pages, appellee's counsel improperly attached
voluminous documents outside the record in support of appellee's arguments. Both the
magistrate and the trial court opined that because the magistrate was not "misled" by
appellee's counsel, appellant's motion to strike the excessive argument with the improper
attachments became "moot."
{¶ 65} In declining to strike appellee's excessive argument with improper
attachments, the trial court emphasized the magistrate did not review the attachments in
reaching its decision. However, the magistrate, within its decision, does not indicate the
attachments went unreviewed. The magistrate only states he was not successfully "misled."
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Such a proclamation, however, does not render appellant's motion to strike "moot," and
suggests the magistrate reviewed the attached documents but subjectively believed he was
not "misled." Regardless, appellant was prejudiced by appellee having an unfair advantage
of twice the number of pages for arguments that were ultimately successful. Appellee was
also permitted to attach documents which were never properly presented as evidence in
advancing appellee's arguments.
{¶ 66} As officers of the court, both counsel for appellant and appellee received an
oral directive from the magistrate not to exceed five pages when submitting written
arguments. Both the magistrate and trial court determined that because the page limitation
orally given at the hearing was not repeated in writing it meant the magistrate impliedly
authorized unlimited pages. Yet, the follow-up entry did not address the length of closing
arguments.
{¶ 67} While it is accurate that a court speaks through its entries, the entry
subsequently issued after the magistrate gave its directive did not "speak" to changing the
page limitation. It would defy common sense for one to believe the magistrate went from a
five-page limitation and instead authorized unlimited pages merely by the entry's silence.
The entry simply did not broach the subject and the court's directive of a five-page limitation
went unchanged.4
{¶ 68} The entry did not alter or amend the magistrate's previous directive issued at
the close of evidence. If the entry was meant to countermand or revoke the previous
directive, due process would require the entry expressly say so in order to give fair notice
to both parties. "The meaning of fundamental fairness is as opaque as its importance is
lofty." State v. Corthell, 3d Dist. Seneca No. 13-06-58, 2007-Ohio-4742, ¶ 12 (discussing
4. The oral discussion at the hearing reveals the magistrate was emphatic he did not "want a book," he
wanted "a maximum of five pages" per side.
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due process in judicial proceedings). See also Hinkle v. Cleveland Clinic Found., 159 Ohio
App.3d 351, 2004-Ohio-6853 (8th Dist.) (reasoning that fairness requires applying the rules
of evidence so that the parties are treated similarly).
{¶ 69} Parity and the appearance of impartiality between litigants is revered by the
judiciary in all proceedings. The probity of these proceedings must be conducted with
neutrality and a level playing field so that a party cannot find harbor in believing an unfair
process led to an unfavorable result. Law students are taught that due process is undefined
and that due process is fair process and fair process is fair play. Appellant's counsel had
no notice that the five-page limitation had been removed. One would wonder how
appellee's counsel determined he was exempt from the five-page restriction and was free
to attach voluminous documents not in evidence.
{¶ 70} Likewise, one party cannot be penalized for following a court directive, while
another party is simultaneously rewarded for ignoring that same directive. Clearly, it is
improper for counsel to advance arguments in closing that are not supported by the
evidence. Premier Therapy, LLC. v. Childs, 7th Dist. Columbiana Nos. 14 CO 008 and 15
CO 0028, 2016-Ohio-7934, ¶ 154. The unfairness exercised by appellee's counsel must
not be rewarded. An improper closing argument with improper attachments is objectionable
and appellant's motion to strike should have been granted.
{¶ 71} In not striking the improper and excessive argument, appellee was unfairly
given the opportunity to advance her arguments. Appellant had a substantial right to protect
the record and had a right to the same opportunity to advance arguments. Such even
handedness equates to fair play, a fair process, and due process. In not striking documents
not previously entered into evidence, the court permitted such documents to remain. Yet,
appellant's motion to strike was entirely proper and timely. Evid. R.103(A)(1).
{¶ 72} While closing arguments are not evidence, they are summaries of the
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evidence designed to persuade. One party is simply not entitled to the advantage of
receiving a closing argument twice the length of the other party. This is particularly true
when there was an express directive giving both parties equal time for their closing
argument. The prejudice here is that appellee had more than twice the argument appellee
was permitted and remained allowed to attach voluminous documents which were outside
the record. This challenges the integrity of the proceedings. While the majority suggests
there is no prejudice requiring reversal, the error becomes even more poignant when
considering the first and second assignments of error.
FIRST AND SECOND ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
The Need for R.C. 3105.18(C)(1)(a-n)
Evidence and Analysis to Support FinPlan Conclusions
{¶ 73} In appellant's first assignment of error, it is argued there was a significant
absence of evidence addressing the fourteen factors found in R.C. 3105.18(C)(1)(a-n),
which are used to determine whether spousal support should be awarded, and if so, in what
amount and for what duration. The party requesting spousal support presents evidence it
wants the trial court to consider. Rees v. Rees, 3rd Dist. Logan No. 8-11-7, 2012-Ohio-
2129, ¶ 11. In the absence of evidence addressing the statutory factors, the non-requesting
party would have no obligation to present any testimony as to the factors. Id.
{¶ 74} In the second assignment of error, appellant argues that it was improper for
the trial court to make an award of spousal support using a FinPlan mathematical formula
without evidence in the record to support the FinPlan conclusions.
{¶ 75} The two assignments of error are not unrelated and for the ease of discussion
they are best discussed simultaneously.
{¶ 76} R.C. 3105.18(A) authorizes the trial court to award reasonable spousal
support that is for "both sustenance and for support." When determining whether spousal
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support is appropriate and reasonable, the trial court must consider the factors set forth in
R.C. 3105.18(C)(1)(a)-(n). The 14 factors provided in R.C. 3105.18(C)(1) include:
(a) The income of the parties, from all sources, including, but
not limited to, income derived from the property divided,
disbursed, or distributed under property divided, disbursed, or
distributed under section 3105.171 of the Revised Code;
(b) The relative earning abilities of the parties;
(c) The ages and the physical, mental, and emotional conditions
of the parties;
(d) The retirement benefit of the parties;
(e) The duration of the marriage;
(f) The extent to which it would be inappropriate for a party,
because that party will be custodian of a minor child of the
marriage, to seek employment outside the home;
(g) The standard of living of the parties established during the
marriage;
(h) The relative extent of education of the parties;
(i) The relative assets and liabilities of the parties, including but
not limited to any court-ordered payments by the parties;
(j) The contribution of each party to the education, training, or
earning ability of the other party, including, but not limited to,
any party's contribution to the acquisition of a professional
degree of the other party;
(k) The time and expense necessary for the spouse who is
seeking spousal support to acquire education, training, or job
experience so that the spouse will be qualified to obtain
appropriate employment, provided the education, training, or job
experience, and employment is, in fact, sought;
(l) The tax consequences, for each party, of an award of spousal
support;
(m) The lost income production capacity of either party that
resulted from that party's marital responsibilities;
(n) Any other factor that the court expressly finds to be relevant
and equitable.
{¶ 77} It is not necessary that the trial court expressly comment on each factor, but
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it must give an analysis in "sufficient detail" enabling a reviewing court to determine that the
award was fair, equitable, and in accordance with the law. Bixler v. Bixler, 12th Dist.
Clermont No. CA2016-12-081, 2017-Ohio-7022, ¶ 17, quoting Campbell v. Campbell, 12th
Dist. Warren No. CA2009-04-039, 2009-Ohio-6238, ¶ 22. To be "in accordance with the
law" the trial court must in its analysis apply the evidence deduced at trial to the factors
contained in R.C. 3105.18(C)(1)(a)-(n). Bixler at ¶ 17. Judge Melody Stewart, now Justice
Stewart, upheld a magistrate's use of a FinPlan "in conjunction with a thorough application"
of statutory factors. Hoopes v. Hoopes, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 106855, 2018-Ohio-5232,
¶ 26. (Emphasis added.) A FinPlan's mathematical formula is merely an aid in determining
the spousal support to be awarded. Id.
{¶ 78} We have upheld the use of FinPlan application where there was "sufficient
detail" and an "exhaustive analysis" of the evidence applicable to the factors in R.C.
3105.18(C)(1)(a)-(n). Schuh v. Schuh, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2014-01-007, 2014-Ohio-
4755 ¶ 12, 23. The goal is to reach an equitable result which is not achieved by reducing
the process to a mathematical formula. Kunkle v Kunkle, 41 Ohio St. 3d 64, 70 (1990). A
FinPlan application must be in context of the evidence going to the relevant factors. This is
demonstrated when the trial court provides sufficient detail. Kaletta v Kaletta, 8th Dist.
Cuyahoga No. 98821, 2013-Ohio-1667, ¶ 22 (remanding for the trial court to demonstrate
it considered the evidence relevant to the statutory factors). See e.g. Bixler, Campbell, and
Schuh.
{¶ 79} In the matter sub judice, despite making exclusions, the trial court wrestled
with the lack of evidence. It repeatedly noted that there was "little evidence," and in most
instances "no evidence," regarding the factors. The trial court attempted to extrapolate from
the little information provided. It was no fault of the trial court that its analysis moving
forward was running on empty. The trial court recited the factors, one by one, and drew
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conclusions as the majority points out, but the trial court had very little information for a
detailed analysis. Merely listing the factors to note what little or no evidence was presented
is not an analysis that provides for review.
{¶ 80} A FinPlan application is meaningless without the evidence or testimony
necessary to analyze and apply the various factors. Many Ohio courts have noted that a
FinPlan application is not per se objectionable, yet there must be evidence submitted for
the trial court to articulate an analysis producing the equity a FinPlan assists in bringing to
the parties. When a party requesting spousal support fails to present sufficient evidence
for the court to analyze, the use of a FinPlan remains unsupported.
{¶ 81} The trial court attempted to rely on a narrow reading of Bixler, yet the
circumstances in Bixler are vastly different than those present in our current situation. A
comprehensive reading of Bixler reveals evidence is necessary as to the statutory factors
to support FinPlan conclusions. In determining the duration and amount of spousal support
to be awarded, the trial court needs relevant information for its analysis even if ultimately
making use of a FinPlan.
{¶ 82} Bixler involved testimony regarding the parties' respective monthly expenses
and liabilities. In our case, the trial court found that appellee presented "no evidence" of
current monthly expenses or liabilities. In Bixler, there was also detailed testimony
regarding the standard of living before and after termination of the marriage. Here, there
was "no evidence" regarding appellee's standard of living either before or after the marriage.
After the marriage terminated, both parties had increased their respective incomes. Yet,
there was no testimony to determine what standard of living or what expenses or liabilities
the parties had since the marriage had terminated.5 Additionally, we have no information
5. This is significant because the court used post-marriage income in its determination to award spousal
support in the amount and for the duration that it did.
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about the physical or health conditions of the parties, nor do we know their employment
capabilities or educational achievements that might support employment opportunities or
higher living standards. Furthermore, pursuant to the catch-all factor which allows for
equitable considerations, the trial court noted there was "no evidence" presented. Without
pertinent and relevant information as to the various factors involved, it becomes impossible
to review the reasonableness of the spousal support award. There was simply very little
substantive evidence resulting in a bare bones analysis leading to FinPlan mathematical
conclusions.
{¶ 83} The trial court rightly determined it was a long-term marriage and noted that
the post-marriage income for both parties was higher than during the marriage. These two
factors may require an award of spousal support. However, for the amount and duration
that was ordered, additional testimony or evidence pertinent to the factors must be applied
to determine such amount and duration was reasonable and equitable. Kedanis v. Kedanis,
12th Dist. Butler No CA2012-01-015, 2012-Ohio-3533, ¶ 15 (an equalization approach can
be reasonable and appropriate when assessing, among other pertinent factors, their
respective standards of living and financial conditions of the parties).
{¶ 84} Without that evidence, it is impossible to conduct a meaningful review.
Therefore, I agree with those courts that reverse and remand in the absence of necessary
information to support an analysis applying the factors in R.C. 3105.1(A)(C)(1). Shetler v.
Shetler, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2012-CA-00126, 2013-Ohio-5860, ¶ 29-30; and Gockstetter v.
Gockstetter, 6th Dist. Erie No. E-98-078, 2000 Ohio App. LEXIS 2806 (June 23, 2000). The
use of a FinPlan does not substitute an application of evidence and an analysis that
demonstrates that application. The legislature cannot be side stepped by a FinPlan.
CONCLUSION
{¶ 85} A shallow presentation of testimony with insufficient evidentiary value must
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neither work an injustice on one party or the other nor shall it fall as a burdensome task
upon the trial court to rectify. Spousal support in a long-term marriage would appear
reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances presented. Yet, applying the evidence as
to all the relevant factors in R.C. 3105.18(C)(1)(a)-(n) is what makes an equitable result
more likely than not. When considering the amount and duration of spousal support, the
factual information and circumstances of the parties becomes imperative. I would therefore
reverse and remand for a hearing so that testimony and evidence can be presented for the
trial court to make its detailed analysis as relative to the pertinent factors.
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