[Cite as In re L.M.L., 2017-Ohio-7451.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
ELEVENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
PORTAGE COUNTY, OHIO
IN RE: L.M.L. : OPINION
: CASE NO. 2016-P-0069 :
:
Appeal from the Portage County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, Case No. 2015 JCC 00235.
Judgment: Affirmed.
Thomas Grist, 925 Creekview Drive, Aurora, OH 44202 (For Appellant Tiffany L. Spencer, Mother).
Victor V. Vigluicci, Portage County Prosecutor, and Brandon J. Wheeler, Assistant Prosecutor, 241 South Chestnut Street, Ravenna, OH 44266 (For Appellee Portage County Department of Job and Family Services).
Michael A. Noble, Lentz, Noble & Heavner, LLC, 228 West Main Street, Ravenna, OH 44266 (For Appellees Mark and Brenda Wakefield).
Richard C. Lombardi, 240 South Chestnut Street, Suite B, Ravenna, OH 44266 (Guardian ad litem).
COLLEEN MARY O’TOOLE, J.
{¶1} Appellant, Tiffany L. Spencer (“Mother”), appeals from the September 29,
2016 judgment of the Portage County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, ordering that her child, L.M.L., be placed in the legal custody of Mark and Brenda
Wakefield (“the Wakefields”). Finding no reversible error, we affirm.
{¶2} Mother is the biological mother of L.L.S., d.o.b. March 21, 2005, and
L.M.L., d.o.b. March 7, 2007 (collectively “minor children”).1 This appeal, Case No.
2016-P-0069, involves L.M.L. Mother’s companion appeal, Case No. 2016-P-0068,
involves L.L.S. Mother’s arguments in both appeals are the same. The biological father
of the minor children is Ronald Lemin (“Father”). Father is not a named party in either
appeal.
{¶3} On March 24, 2015, the minor children were removed from Mother’s care,
custody, and control after the Portage County Drug Task Force found a
methamphetamine lab in the garage of their residence.2 The next day, appellee,
Portage County Department of Job and Family Services (“PCDJFS”) filed complaints
alleging that the minor children were abused, neglected, and dependent.3
{¶4} Attorney Richard C. Lombardi (“GAL”) was appointed as guardian ad litem
and attorney for the minor children. The juvenile court also appointed separate counsel
for Mother.
{¶5} A shelter care hearing was subsequently held. The minor children were
placed in the interim pre-dispositional custody of PCDJFS. On May 14, 2015, the minor
children were found to be dependent.
1. Mother also has other children with other fathers, D.A.G., d.o.b. January 4, 2011, and N.L.W., d.o.b. June 18, 2015. However, this appeal does not involve D.A.G. or N.L.W.
2. Mother and the minor children resided with Derek Warner (Mother’s boyfriend), who had 14 pending charges including possession of chemicals/manufacture drugs, possession of drugs (methamphetamine), and possession of drugs (marijuana), as well as a pending theft charge. Mr. Warner was also found guilty of trafficking in drugs in 2005. Regarding the charges in the instant matter, Mr. Warner was sentenced to prison.
3. Amended complaints were filed on April 13, 2015.
2 {¶6} A dispositional hearing was held on June 16, 2015. A case plan was
agreed to and adopted. The minor children were placed in the temporary custody of
PCDJFS.
{¶7} In September 2015, Mother and Father filed motions for legal custody.
However, both Mother and Father withdrew those motions later that year.
{¶8} On December 14, 2015, the GAL filed a report indicating the following: he
met with the parties at various times; he met and interviewed the minor children; he met
and interviewed the maternal grandmother; he met, interviewed, and inspected the
home of the Wakefields, the minor children’s maternal uncle and aunt; he spoke with
psychologists and counselors and reviewed reports; he met with Mother and Father; he
attended Family Team Meetings; he interviewed Kevin and Lora Labbe (“the Labbes”),
who are good family friends with Mother and have a very good relationship with the
minor children, who have stayed at their home frequently and are a potential placement
for L.L.S.; and recommended granting legal custody of L.M.L. to the Wakefields.
{¶9} In addition, a December 14, 2015 case review reveals Mother scored an
“8” on the risk re-assessment scale of abuse/neglect regarding her parenting of the
minor children, i.e., an actual risk level of “high.”
{¶10} Following a monthly home visit by the caseworker and GAL, on March 2,
2016, PCDJFS filed a motion for adoption of permanency plan, to grant legal custody of
L.L.S. to the Labbes (non-relatives) and L.M.L. to the Wakefields (relatives). As Mother
was not in agreement with the plan, she filed another motion for legal custody on March
10, 2016. A week later, PCDJFS filed a motion for change of custody (regarding L.L.S.
3 from the temporary custody of PCDJFS to the legal custody of the Labbes) and to
terminate the case. The Wakefields filed a motion for legal custody of L.M.L.
{¶11} On March 18, 2016, a semiannual administrative review was filed. That
review revealed the following: Mother was not consistent with counseling; Mother and
Father lack financial support for the minor children; Mother and Father have placed the
minor children in unsafe situations and circumstances; Mother continues to make poor
choices for herself and for the minor children; the minor children have been exposed to
unsafe, unstable, and harmful environments; the minor children were directly exposed
to being in the presence of a documented unsafe individual (Mother’s boyfriend); and
Mother lacks stable housing and has moved three times since the minor children were
removed.
{¶12} On May 12, 2016, the GAL filed a report indicating the following: Mother
was reported, and did not deny, to be purchasing large amounts of Sudafed, a key
component of manufacturing methamphetamines; Mother had been charged shortly
before the raid at issue for obstructing official business and complicity to commit theft;
the family residence was in disarray; the minor children were upset and crying; clothes
and mattresses were scattered all over the floor; Mother continues to deny there was a
meth lab in their garage; since Mother’s oldest child was born in 2005, Mother had
moved approximately 20 times; and Mother’s last residence is a dump filled with the
stench of dog manure. The GAL recommended that it is in the minor children’s best
interest to be placed into the legal custody of their respective placements with L.M.L.
remaining with the Wakefields and L.L.S. remaining with the Labbes.
4 {¶13} A change of custody hearing was held on May 17, 2016. Prior to the start
of the hearing, Mother, who was represented by counsel, requested that the court
appoint separate counsel for the minor children. The GAL advised the court he did not
believe that a conflict existed in his dual roles. The court agreed and denied Mother’s
oral motion.
{¶14} At the hearing, testimony was taken from the following: Alexandria Bevere,
a social worker with PCDJFS; Mother; the Wakefields; and Lora Labbe. Under Mother’s
care, the minor children had hygiene issues, had behavioral problems, and performed
poorly in school. After L.M.L.’s placement with the Wakefields and L.L.S.’s placement
with the Labbes, the minor children no longer have hygiene issues, their behavioral
problems were rectified, their skills have dramatically increased, they receive good
grades in school, and are now involved in extracurricular activities. Since the removal
of the minor children from Mother’s care, both children have thrived personally, socially,
and academically. Both the Wakefields and the Labbes provide the minor children with
stable, consistent, and nurturing environments. The minor children have bonded with
their respective custodians. The Wakefields and the Labbes are open to Mother
improving her relationship with the minor children and support Mother’s recovery efforts.
L.M.L. advised the GAL she wants to reside with the Wakefields. L.L.S. has told the
GAL she wants to reside with Mother or the Labbes. It was revealed that L.L.S. made
statements about wanting to live with Mother because she was scared of hurting
Mother’s feelings.
5 {¶15} In his May 20, 2016 decision, the magistrate recommended granting legal
custody of L.L.S. to the Labbes and L.M.L. to the Wakefields.4 Mother filed objections
to the magistrate’s decision on June 2, 2016. PCDJFS filed responses.
{¶16} Following a hearing, on September 29, 2016, the juvenile court overruled
Mother’s objections and adopted the magistrate’s decision. The court ordered that it is
in the minor children’s best interest for L.L.S. to be placed in the legal custody of the
Labbes and for L.M.L. to be placed in the legal custody of the Wakefields. Mother filed
timely appeals and raises the following two assignments of error:5
{¶17} “[1.] The Trial Court erred, and abused its discretion, when it affirmed the
Magistrate’s Decision to award legal custody of minor children L.L.S. and L.M.L. to
parties other than Appellant.
{¶18} “[2.] The Trial Court abused its discretion in not granting Appellant’s
motion to appoint new counsel for the minor child L.L.S.”
{¶19} In her first assignment of error, Mother argues the juvenile court abused
its discretion in adopting the magistrate’s decision and awarding legal custody of L.L.S.
to the Labbes and L.M.L. to the Wakefields. Because this appeal only involves L.M.L.,
this court will only address and provide a merit analysis as to that child in this opinion.
{¶20} “In reviewing a trial court’s decision to adopt or reject a magistrate’s
decision, an appellate court looks for abuse of discretion. Hayes v. Hayes, 11th Dist.
No. 2005-L-138, 2006-Ohio-6538, at ¶10.” In re Wiley, 11th Dist. Portage No. 2008-P-
0062, 2009-Ohio-290, ¶20. “‘A juvenile court’s grant of legal custody is [also] reviewed
4. A tunc pro tunc magistrate’s decision was filed on June 23, 2016, regarding minor wording in a stipulation concerning Father. Father had stipulated to the juvenile court granting PCDJFS’ motions.
5. As stated, this appeal, Case No. 2016-P-0069, involves L.M.L. Mother’s companion appeal, Case No. 2016-P-0068, involves L.L.S. Mother’s arguments in both appeals are the same.
6 under an abuse of discretion standard.’ In re Yates, 11th Dist. No. 2008-G-2836, 2008-
Ohio-6775, at ¶32 (citations omitted); In re Nice, 141 Ohio App.3d 445, 455[.]” In re
J.F., 11th Dist. Trumbull No. 2010-T-0029, 2011-Ohio-3295, ¶33. Regarding this
standard, we recall the term “abuse of discretion” is one of art, connoting judgment
exercised by a court which neither comports with reason, nor the record. State v.
Ferranto, 112 Ohio St. 667, 676-678 (1925). An abuse of discretion may be found when
the trial court “applies the wrong legal standard, misapplies the correct legal standard,
or relies on clearly erroneous findings of fact.” Thomas v. Cleveland, 176 Ohio App.3d
401, 2008-Ohio-1720, ¶15 (8th Dist.)
{¶21} “The Ohio Supreme Court has recognized that ‘parents who are suitable
persons have a “paramount” right to the custody of their minor children.’ In re Murray
(1990), 52 Ohio St.3d 155, 157 (citations omitted). However, ‘(a) juvenile court
adjudication of abuse, neglect, or dependency is a determination about the care and
condition of a child and implicitly involves a determination of the unsuitability of the
child’s custodial and/or noncustodial parents.’ In re C.R., 108 Ohio St.3d 369, 2006-
Ohio-1191, paragraph two of the syllabus. Accordingly, ‘the fundamental or primary
inquiry at the dispositional phase of (* * *) juvenile proceedings is not whether the
parents of a previously adjudicated “dependent” child are either fit or unfit,’ rather, it is
‘the best interests and welfare of the child (that) are of paramount importance.’ In re
Cunningham (1979), 59 Ohio St.2d 100, 106 (emphasis sic); In re D.A., 113 Ohio St.3d
88, 2007-Ohio-1105, at ¶11 (‘(o)nce the case reaches the disposition phase, the best
interest of the child controls’).
7 {¶22} “Moreover, the applicable standard for granting legal custody at the
dispositional phase of the proceedings is preponderance of the evidence, rather than
the heightened standard of clear and convincing evidence * * *. Nice, 141 Ohio App.3d
at 455; In re Willmann (1986), 24 Ohio App.3d 191, paragraph one of the syllabus; cf. In
re Perales (1977), 52 Ohio St.2d 89, 98 (‘parents may be denied custody only if a
preponderance of the evidence indicates (* * *) that an award of custody would be
detrimental to the child’).” In re J.F., supra, at ¶39-40.
{¶23} In this case, Mother points out that during the pendency of the matters
involving L.M.L. and D.A.G., she gave birth to another child, N.L.W. Mother stresses it
defies common sense that L.M.L. was removed from her care since N.L.W., her
newborn, was not. Mother also stresses she complied with the case plan. As such, it is
Mother’s position that the juvenile court abused its discretion in granting legal custody of
L.M.L. to a third party.
{¶24} Regarding Mother’s argument that because N.L.W. was in her care, then
she is fit for custody of L.M.L. However, the Ohio Supreme Court has held that the
primary factor of paramount importance in dependency/custody matters is the best
interests of the child, not the fitness of the parent. In re Cunningham, supra, at 106; In
re D.A., supra, at ¶11. The best interest of L.M.L. is a separate matter from the best
interest of another, newborn, child.
{¶25} As stated, L.M.L. was removed from Mother’s care, custody, and control
after the Portage County Drug Task Force found a methamphetamine lab in the garage
of their residence. Mother was pregnant with N.L.W. during that time. A December
8 2015 case review reveals Mother scored an “8” on the risk re-assessment scale of
abuse/neglect regarding her parenting of L.M.L., i.e., an actual risk level of “high.”
{¶26} A March 2016 semiannual administrative review revealed the following:
Mother was not consistent with counseling; Mother and Father lack financial support for
L.M.L.; Mother and Father have placed L.M.L. in unsafe situations and circumstances;
Mother continues to make poor choices for herself and for L.M.L.; L.M.L. has been
exposed to unsafe, unstable, and harmful environments; L.M.L. was directly exposed to
being in the presence of a documented unsafe individual (Mother’s boyfriend); and
Mother lacks stable housing and has moved three times since L.M.L. was removed.
{¶27} A May 2016 GAL report indicated the following: Mother was reported, and
did not deny, to be purchasing large amounts of Sudafed, a key component of
manufacturing methamphetamines; Mother had been charged shortly before the raid at
issue for obstructing official business and complicity to commit theft; the family
residence was in disarray; L.M.L. was upset and crying; clothes and mattresses were
scattered all over the floor; Mother continues to deny there was a meth lab in their
garage; since Mother’s oldest child was born in 2005, Mother had moved approximately
20 times; and Mother’s last residence is a dump filled with the stench of dog manure.
{¶28} At the May 2016 change of custody hearing, the following testimony was
revealed: under Mother’s care, L.M.L. had hygiene issues, behavioral problems, and
performed poorly in school; after L.M.L.’s placement with the Wakefields, L.M.L. no
longer has hygiene issues, her behavioral problems were rectified, her skills have
dramatically increased, she receives good grades in school, and is now involved in
extracurricular activities; since the removal of L.M.L. from Mother’s care, she has thrived
9 personally, socially, and academically; the Wakefields [removed] provide L.M.L. with a
stable, consistent, and nurturing environment; L.M.L. has bonded with her respective
custodians; and the Wakefields [removed] are open to Mother improving her
relationship with L.M.L. and support Mother’s recovery efforts.
{¶29} L.M.L. advised the GAL that she wants to reside with the Wakefields.
The GAL recommended that it is in L.M.L.’s best interest to be placed into the legal
custody of her respective placement with L.M.L. remaining with the Wakefields. Based
on the facts presented, the juvenile court properly relied upon witness testimony and the
GAL’s reports and recommendations.
{¶30} Regarding Mother’s argument that because she completed the case plan
objectives, legal custody of L.M.L. should not have been granted to a third party. This
court, in a permanent custody/termination of parental rights case which consists of a
higher burden of persuasion, previously addressed the question of whether a biological
parent who has completed case plan objectives should be given preference over a non-
parent. In re J.H., 11th Dist. Lake No. 2012-L-126, 2013-Ohio-1293. This court
answered that question in the negative by stating the following:
{¶31} “While the parents’ progress is measured in part by their completion of the
case plan goals, the case plan is not the only measure by which a court determines
whether to grant a motion for permanent custody. Substantial compliance with a case
plan, without more, does not entitle a parent to custody. In re Calvert Children, 9th Dist.
Nos. 05-CA-19, 05-CA-20, 2005-Ohio-5653, ¶74. The main issue considered by the
courts is not whether the parent has substantially complied with the case plan, but,
rather, whether the parent has substantially remedied the conditions that caused the
10 child’s removal. Calvert, supra; In re Palladino, 11th Dist. No. 2002-G-2445, 2002-Ohio-
5606, ¶16. Since the trial court is required to assess the best interests of the child when
determining whether to grant a motion for permanent custody, ‘it is entirely possible that
a parent could complete all of his/her case plan goals and the trial court still
appropriately terminate his/her parental rights.’ Calvert, supra.” (Emphasis sic.) In re
J.H., supra, at ¶103.
{¶32} Upon review and as addressed, the juvenile court did not abuse its
discretion in adopting the magistrate’s decision and awarding legal custody of L.M.L. to
the Wakefields.
{¶33} Mother’s first assignment of error is without merit.
{¶34} In her second assignment of error, Mother contends the juvenile court
abused its discretion in not granting her oral motion to appoint new, separate counsel
for L.L.S. at least, and perhaps for L.M.L. as well. As previously indicated, because this
appeal only involves L.M.L., this court will only address and provide a merit analysis as
to that child in this opinion.
{¶35} “Pursuant to R.C. 2151.352, indigent children, parents, custodians, or
other persons in loco parentis are entitled to appointed counsel in all juvenile
proceedings. See State ex rel. Asberry v. Payne (1998), 82 Ohio St.3d 44, 48 * * *.
‘Generally, when an attorney is appointed as guardian ad litem, that attorney may also
act as counsel for the child, absent a conflict of interest.’ In re Janie M. (1999), 131
Ohio App.3d 637, 639, * * *, citing R.C. 2151.281(H); In re Smith (1991), 77 Ohio
App.3d 1, 14, * * *. ‘The roles of guardian ad litem and attorney are different.’ In re
Janie M. at 639, * * *, citing In re Baby Girl Baxter (1985), 17 Ohio St.3d 229, 232 * * *.
11 ‘Therefore, absent an express dual appointment, courts should not presume a dual
appointment when the appointed guardian ad litem is also an attorney.’ In re Janie M.
at 639, * * *, citing In re Duncan/Walker Children (1996), 109 Ohio App.3d 841, 844-845
* * *; In re Kenneth R. (Dec. 4, 1998), 6th Dist. No. L-97-1435, 1998 Ohio App. LEXIS
5669. (Emphasis sic.)” (Parallel citations omitted.) In re T.L.M., T.S.M., A.L.M., 11th
Dist. Portage Nos. 2010-P-0008, 2010-P-0009, and 2010-P-0010, 2010-Ohio-3553,
¶45.
{¶36} R.C. 2151.281(H), “Guardian ad litem,” states in part:
{¶37} “(H) If the guardian ad litem for an alleged or adjudicated abused,
neglected, or dependent child is an attorney admitted to the practice of law in this state,
the guardian ad litem also may serve as counsel to the ward. Until the supreme court
adopts rules regarding service as a guardian ad litem that regulate conflicts between a
person’s role as guardian ad litem and as counsel, if a person is serving as guardian ad
litem and counsel for a child and either that person or the court finds that a conflict may
exist between the person’s roles as guardian ad litem and as counsel, the court shall
relieve the person of duties as guardian ad litem and appoint someone else as guardian
ad litem for the child.” (Emphasis added.)
{¶38} Similarly, Juv.R. 4(C), “Assistance of counsel; guardian ad litem,” provides
in part:
{¶39} “(C) Guardian ad Litem as Counsel.
{¶40} “(1) When the guardian ad litem is an attorney admitted to practice in this
state, the guardian may also serve as counsel to the ward providing no conflict between
the roles exist.
12 {¶41} “(2) If a person is serving as guardian ad litem and as attorney for a ward
and either that person or the court finds a conflict between the responsibilities of the role
of attorney and that of guardian ad litem, the court shall appoint another person as
guardian ad litem for the ward.” (Emphasis added.)
{¶42} In the instant matter, the record establishes that the GAL was specifically
appointed as guardian ad litem and attorney for L.M.L. Thus, a dual appointment
existed and L.M.L. was with legal representation. Our review of the record reveals that
no conflict existed requiring the appointment of new counsel.
{¶43} L.M.L.’s age, circumstance, and statement do not reveal any conflict
giving rise to any need for new, separate counsel. As stated, L.M.L. advised the GAL
that she wants to reside with the Wakefields. No conflict requiring the appointment of
new, separate counsel for L.M.L. arose in this case. The plain language of R.C.
2151.281(H) and Juv.R. 4(C) is clear. The only parties capable of triggering a new
appointment are the GAL or the court. Here, the GAL expressly stated he did not
believe any conflict existed. The juvenile court also determined that no conflict existed.
We also note that Mother requested new counsel for L.M.L. However, if a conflict
existed, the proper procedure is for the appointment of a new guardian ad litem, not
new counsel. See R.C. 2151.281(H) and Juv.R. 4(C).
{¶44} In determining the best interest of L.M.L., the juvenile court properly relied
upon the GAL’s reports and recommendations that [removed] L.M.L. be placed in the
legal custody of the Wakefields. Thus, the court did not err in denying Mother’s oral
request to appoint new, separate counsel since the GAL had a dual appointment, L.M.L.
13 was legally represented, and there was no conflict of interest. See In re T.L.M., T.S.M.,
A.L.M., supra, at ¶48; R.C. 2151.281(H); Juv.R. 4(C).
{¶45} Mother’s second assignment of error is without merit.
{¶46} For the foregoing reasons, Mother’s assignments of error are not well-
taken. The judgment of the Portage County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division,
is affirmed.
CYNTHIA WESTCOTT RICE, P.J., concurs
DIANE V. GRENDELL, J., concurs in judgment only with a Concurring Opinion.
____________________
DIANE V. GRENDELL, J., concurs in judgment only with a Concurring Opinion.
{¶47} I concur in judgment only as the grant of legal custody with respect to
L.M.L. is addressed and affirmed in the related case of In re L.L.S., 11th Dist. Portage
No. 2016-P-0068, thereby rendering the present opinion duplicative and, as a practical
matter, dicta.