Benjelloun v. Benjelloun

2012 Ohio 5353

• Court: Ohio Court of Appeals
• Decided: November 19, 2012
• Docket: CA2012-01-004
• Status: Published

Opinion

[Cite as Benjelloun v. Benjelloun, 2012-Ohio-5353.]

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS

TWELFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT OF OHIO

BUTLER COUNTY

KRISTI M. BENJELLOUN, :

Plaintiff-Appellant, : CASE NO. CA2012-01-004

: OPINION - vs - 11/19/2012 :

MOUNSSIF O. BENJELLOUN, :

Defendant-Appellee. :

APPEAL FROM BUTLER COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION Case No. DR2011-03-0335

Caparella-Kraemer and Associates LLC, Kari E. Yeomans, 4841 Rialto Road, Suite A, West Chester, Ohio 45069, for plaintiff-appellant

Mark Conese, 26 South Third Street, Hamilton, Ohio 45011, for defendant-appellee

RINGLAND, J.

{¶ 1} Plaintiff-appellant, Kristi M. Benjelloun (Wife), appeals from the judgment entry

and decree of divorce of the Butler County Domestic Relations Court.

{¶ 2} Wife and defendant-appellee, Mounssif O. Benjelloun (Husband), were married

February 7, 1994. Two children, Amari, born May 28, 1996, and Adam, born March 4, 2001,

were issue of the marriage. Husband and Wife separated in February 2009 and divorce Butler CA2012-01-004

proceedings began on March 23, 2011. At that time, no property or parenting issues had

been resolved between the parties. Therefore, at the final contested divorce hearing held

November 1, 2011, the trial court heard evidence on all issues of property and parenting.

{¶ 3} Wife argued at the final hearing that she is unable to meet her basic needs

without financial support from Husband. Wife testified that her sole source of income is from

her employment with Guardian Saving Banks where she earns $15.90 per hour working 40

hours per week, for an annual salary of approximately $33,000. Wife further stated that she

does receive child support from Husband, but has had to borrow money from her mother to

meet her basic needs. Testimony also revealed that Husband, who works for the

Department of Defense primarily in Germany, has an annual income of $85,000. In addition,

during the first six months of 2011, Husband received $10,000 in bonuses. At the final

hearing, Husband testified that, as of June 24, 2011, he had earned $60,487.84. However,

Husband went on to testify that he believed he would be losing his job soon.

{¶ 4} The trial court ruled in its Judgment Entry and Decree of Divorce that Wife

would be the residential parent of Amari and Adam and that Husband would have parenting

time, provided that he would give Wife 72 hours' notice of his return to the United States and

his intent to see the children. Based upon Husband's gross income of $85,000 and Wife's

gross income of $33,000, the trial court ordered Husband to pay $535.26 per month per child

in child support, totaling $1,070.53 per month. Husband agreed to be responsible for all

marital debt related to six parcels of real property and the remaining marital property and

debt was divided equally between Husband and Wife. Wife was not awarded spousal

support.

{¶ 5} From the trial court's judgment and decree of divorce, Wife appeals, raising

three assignments of error.

{¶ 6} Assignment of Error No. 1:

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{¶ 7} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN ITS DETERMINATION OF CHILD SUPPORT.

{¶ 8} In her first assignment of error, Wife argues that the trial court erred when it

calculated Husband's gross income for purposes of determining child support. Specifically,

Wife contends that the trial court did not properly calculate Husband's "gross income" in

applying R.C. 3119.01 and R.C. 3119.05(D).

{¶ 9} "A trial court's decision in matters concerning child support shall be reviewed

under an abuse of discretion standard." Combs v. Walsh, 12th Dist. No. CA2005-07-198,

2006-Ohio-7026, ¶ 16, citing Booth v. Booth, 44 Ohio St.3d 142, 144 (1989). An abuse of

discretion connotes more than an error of law or judgment; it implies that the court's attitude

is unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable. Id., citing Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio

St.3d 217, 219 (1983).

{¶ 10} R.C. 3119.01(C)(5) defines "income" for purposes of calculating child support

as "the gross income of the parent." "Gross income" is defined by R.C. 3119.01(C)(7) as

"the total of all earned and unearned income from all sources during a calendar year,

whether or not the income is taxable, and includes income from salaries, wages, overtime

pay, and bonuses to the extent described in [R.C. 3119.05(D)] * * *." Gross income does not

include "nonrecurring or unsustainable cash flow items," defined as income or cash flow that

a party receives "in any year or for any number of years not to exceed three years that the

parent does not expect to continue to receive on a regular basis." R.C. 3119.01(C)(8).

{¶ 11} As referenced in the definition of "gross income," R.C. 3119.05(D) provides that

"when the court or agency calculates the gross income of a parent, it shall include the lesser

of either: (1) the yearly average of all * * * bonuses received during the three years

immediately prior to the time when the person's child support obligation is being computed; or

(2) the total * * * bonuses received during the year immediately prior to the time when the

person's child support obligation is being computed." See Combs, 2006-Ohio-7026 at ¶ 17;

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Ornelas v. Ornelas, 12th Dist. No. CA2011-08-094, 2012-Ohio-4106, ¶ 22.

{¶ 12} For purposes of child support, a parent's income "shall be verified by electronic

means or with suitable documents, including, but not limited to, paystubs, employer

statements, receipts, and expense vouchers related to self-generated income, tax returns,

and all supporting documentation and schedules for the tax returns." R.C. 3119.05(A); see

Ornelas at ¶ 23. As we recently stated in Ornelas v. Ornelas, "a parent must exactly adhere

to this requirement and prove their current income by presenting those documents listed in

R.C. 3119.05(A). Ornelas at ¶ 23; Ostmann v. Ostmann, 168 Ohio App.3d 59, 2006-Ohio-

3617, ¶ 53 (9th Dist.); Ellis v. Ellis, 7th Dist. No. 08-MA-133, 2009-Ohio-4964, ¶ 59-60.

{¶ 13} In Ornelas, the trial court ordered the father to pay $1,103.81 per month in child

support as well as 13.5 percent of the gross bonus the father may receive. Ornelas at ¶ 24.

Reversing the decision of the trial court, we determined that the father's bonuses should have

been included in determining his gross income for child support purposes. Id. at ¶ 25. In so

holding, we stated that the father "failed to present documents demonstrating that he would

not receive a bonus in 2011, and instead merely presented testimony to this effect. Although

'non-recurring' cash flow items are excluded from gross income, [the father] must present

evidence properly verifying that his bonuses are 'non-recurring.'" Id.

{¶ 14} We find the case before us similar to Ornelas. Here, Husband testified, and his

paystubs and employment letter indicate, that he had received $10,000 in bonuses in the first

half of 2011. However, Husband testified that he would not likely receive an additional

$10,000 bonus at the end of 2011 because he did not believe he would still be employed.

Pursuant to R.C. 3119.05(D), the trial court was required to take Husband's bonuses into

account in determining his "gross income." Yet, the trial court stated that is was "not

averaging the bonus structures that [Husband] received because, quite honestly, there's no

proof that he's going to receive those next year or that he's going to continue receiving

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those.” However, as provided by Ornelas, testimony is not enough to indicate that a parent

will or will not receive a bonus or that a bonus is 'non-recurring.' Id. at ¶ 25. Husband was

required to present evidence relating to his bonuses. In this case, the only evidence

presented, Husband's pay stubs, indicate that he had received two bonuses in 2011 with the

possibility of receiving a third.

{¶ 15} Based upon the record, the trial court did not comply with R.C. 3119.05(D) in

computing Husband's child support obligation. Accordingly, the trial court abused its

discretion in not fully determining Husband's gross income and complying with R.C.

3119.05(D). See Ornelas at ¶ 25. In the vein of fairness, we note that because the trial court

retains jurisdiction to modify child support, Husband is free to request a modification of his

child support obligation if he fails to receive a bonus or his income changes and this results in

a substantial change of circumstances. Id. at ¶ 26. See also R.C. 3119.79(A); Loetz v.

Loetz, 63 Ohio St.2d 1, 2 (1980).

{¶ 16} As the trial court abused its discretion in not including Husband's past bonuses

in its calculation of his gross income, Wife's first assignment of error is sustained.

{¶ 17} Assignment of Error No. 2:

{¶ 18} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN [NOT] AWARDING SPOUSAL SUPPORT TO

[WIFE].

{¶ 19} In her second assignment of error, Wife argues that the trial court erred in not

awarding her spousal support even though there was evidence of her need, the existence of

a long term marriage, and a clear disparity in income.

{¶ 20} In its Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce, the trial court found that the

parties were married on February 7, 1994, and have two children, for whom Wife will be the

residential parent. Husband earns $85,000 per year and Wife earns $33,000 per year. The

entry further states that "no spousal support shall be paid by either party and the [trial] court

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shall retain jurisdiction over this issue." The trial court's entry did not cite to R.C. 3105.18,

the statute addressing spousal support, nor list any specific reason why spousal support was

not awarded.

{¶ 21} Wife acknowledges that the trial court reviewed the factors outlined in R.C.

3105.18(C)(1) during the final contested divorce hearing, but argues that the trial court erred

in not awarding her spousal support. Specifically, Wife contends that the trial court erred by

not determining the exact amount of child support Wife would receive from Husband and in

failing to discuss Wife's "need" for spousal support.

{¶ 22} A trial court has broad discretion to determine whether spousal support shall be

awarded based on the facts and circumstances of each case. Kedanis v. Kedanis, 12th Dist.

No. CA2012-01-015, 2012-Ohio-3533, ¶ 10. Such an award will not be disturbed absent an

abuse of discretion. Id.; Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d at 219. In determining whether an award

of spousal support is appropriate and reasonable, a trial court is required to consider the 14

factors listed in R.C. 3105.18(C)(1), which include:

(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;

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(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.

See Kedanis, 2012-Ohio-3533 at ¶ 8-9.

{¶ 23} We shall address Wife's argument as to "need" first. Wife contends that,

pursuant to Carnahan v. Carnahan, 118 Ohio App.3d 393 (12th Dist.1997), the trial court was

required to fully consider the "need" of the spouse in determining whether spousal support is

"appropriate and necessary." However, this court has recently overruled Carnahan, holding

in Kedanis that the trial court "must consider each of the factors listed in R.C. 3105.18(C)(1),"

but that "need" is simply "one factor among many that the trial court may consider in

awarding reasonable and appropriate spousal support." Kedanis, 2012-Ohio-3533 at ¶ 19,

citing Waller v. Waller, 163 Ohio App.3d 303, 2005-Ohio-4891 (7th Dist.).

{¶ 24} During the final hearing, the trial court made the following findings: (1) Husband

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and Wife were "almost completely at parity;" (2) Wife earns approximately $33,000 a year

and Husband earns approximately $85,000 a year; (3) Wife shall receive approximately

$13,000 in child support; (4) both parties are "earning to their capacity;" (5) no physical,

mental, or emotional conditions were presented; (6) no retirement benefits exist; (7) the

marriage lasted 15 years, though the parties were separated for two of those years; (8) the

parties standard of living changed due to the economy; (9) it is appropriate for both parties to

work outside the home because there are no minor children involved; (10) there was no

evidence on education; and (11) neither party lost income production "as a result of marital

responsibilities."

{¶ 25} These findings were not listed in the trial court's Final Judgment and Decree of

Divorce. However, case law dictates that the record must establish that the trial court

considered the factors in making its decision. Brown v. Brown, 12th Dist. No. CA2008-08-

021, 2009-Ohio-2204, ¶ 56, citing Kreilick v.Kreilick, 161 Ohio App.3d 682, 2005-Ohio-3041,

¶ 24 (6th Dist.). The trial court need not comment on each factor, but must "indicate the

basis for its award in sufficient detail to enable a reviewing court to determine that the award

is fair, equitable and in accordance with that law." Id., citing Kaechele v. Kaechele, 35 Ohio

St.3d 93 (1988), paragraph two of the syllabus.

{¶ 26} In this case, although the trial court did not indicate that it was applying the

spousal support factors listed in R.C. 3105.18(C)(1), the statements made by the trial court at

the final hearing clearly align with the R.C. 3105.18(C)(1) factors. Thus, the record confirms

that the trial court understood its obligation and did apply all of the pertinent spousal support

factors, including those relating to the parties' needs, to this case. See Kedanis, 2012-Ohio-

3533 at ¶ 12. As such, the trial court did not err in considering the totality of the factors and

not weighing Wife's "need" over the remaining factors. We note, however, that the trial

court's entry should have more accurately reflected the full analysis performed at the final

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hearing. Id. at ¶ 13.

{¶ 27} We now turn our attention to Wife's argument that the lack of a spousal support

award in this case is improper because the trial court failed to determine the exact amount of

child support Wife would receive before making a determination on spousal support. During

the final hearing, the trial court approximated that Wife would receive $13,000 in child

support from Husband. Wife argues that the trial court should have identified the exact figure

before making its determination on spousal support. However, as we have previously

determined that this case must be remanded for a new determination on child support, we

find Wife's argument moot. Nevertheless, upon remand, after the trial court has made a new

determination of the child support obligation in this case, we hold that the trial court shall

review the factors listed in R.C. 3105.18(C)(1) and determine whether an award of spousal

support is now reasonable and appropriate based upon the new child support order and

Husband's corrected gross income.

{¶ 28} Accordingly, Wife's assignment of error is sustained, in part.

{¶ 29} Assignment of Error No. 3:

{¶ 30} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF [WIFE] WHEN IT

DETERMINED THE VALUE OF THE MARITAL DEBT OF A DELTA COMMUNITY UNION

VISA TO BE $289.00.

{¶ 31} In her third assignment of error, Wife argues that the trial court erred by

inaccurately valuing the debt amount on the Delta Community Visa credit card ("Visa") at

$289. Essentially, Wife contends that the trial court's valuation of the Visa debt at $289 was

not supported by Wife's testimony and evidence at trial.

{¶ 32} A trial court shall equitably divide marital property between the parties, including

the assets and debts. Smith v. Smith, 12th Dist. No. CA2001-10-251, 2002-Ohio-4232, ¶ 7,

citing R.C. 3105.171(C)(1). The trial court has broad discretion in making a division of marital

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property and its decision will not be reversed absent an abuse of discretion." Id., citing

Middendorf v. Middendorf, 82 Ohio St.3d 397, 401, 1998-Ohio-403. "If there is some

competent credible evidence to support the trial court's decision, there is no abuse of

discretion." Id., citing Middendorf at 401.

{¶ 33} In this case, Wife argues that the trial court "equally divided the debts" between

the parties but "failed to value the amount of the [Visa] debt accurately." Specifically, Wife

contends that she testified and presented evidence that the amount owed on the Visa was

$5,125 as of May, 2011. However, Butler County Loc.R. DR 30(B)(2)(b) provides that the

"valuation date of marital debt is the date of separation, unless it is shown that a debt

incurred after separation is for marital purposes." Here, the trial court stated at the final

hearing that Husband and Wife separated in February of 2009 and that that is the "date that

we value debts."

{¶ 34} Thus, for the value of the Visa to be altered from $289, which the parties

agreed was the value at the date of separation, Wife was required to present some form of

evidence that she had not used the Visa since February 2009 or that she had used the Visa

for marital purposes. However, other than a comment made by Wife during a discussion on

stipulations, Wife presented no evidence, testimony or otherwise, that any debt on the Visa

above $289 was marital debt. Consequently, the issue was simply not litigated before the trial

court as it is argued now and, therefore, not capable of review.

{¶ 35} Accordingly, Wife's third and final assignment of error is overruled.

{¶ 36} For the reasons set forth above, the trial court's judgment is reversed in part,

affirmed in part, and the cause is remanded for further proceedings consistent with this

opinion.

S. POWELL, P.J., and PIPER, J., concur.

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