MEMORANDUM DECISION Pursuant to Ind. Appellate Rule 65(D), this Memorandum Decision shall not be FILED regarded as precedent or cited before any Jul 22 2020, 9:10 am
court except for the purpose of establishing CLERK the defense of res judicata, collateral Indiana Supreme Court Court of Appeals and Tax Court estoppel, or the law of the case.
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANT ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE Bryan L. Ciyou JoAnn Jacob Krantz Alexander N. Moseley Kristin T.M. McLaughlin Ciyou and Dixon, P.C. Fine & Hatfield, P.C. Indianapolis, Indiana Evansville, Indiana
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF INDIANA
In re the Matter of the Paternity July 22, 2020 of: C.A.S.R. (Minor Child), Court of Appeals Case No. 19A-JP-1527 Tara Marie Seitz, Appeal from the Warrick Superior Court Appellant-Petitioner, The Honorable Leslie C. Shively, v. Special Judge Trial Court Cause No. Christopher Adam Rhodaback, 87D02-1206-JP-145
Appellee-Respondent,
Robb, Judge.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 1 of 34 Case Summary and Issue [1] Since a paternity decree issued in 2012, Tara Seitz (“Mother”) and Christopher
Rhodaback (“Father”) have shared joint legal custody of their son, C.A.S.R.
(“Child”) with Mother having primary physical custody of Child and Father
exercising parenting time. In 2017, Father filed a motion to modify primary
physical custody and the trial court granted the motion. Mother appeals and
raises one issue for our review, namely whether the trial court’s order
modifying primary physical custody to Father was clearly erroneous.
Concluding it was not, we affirm.
Facts and Procedural History [2] Mother and Father are the biological parents of Child, born January 31, 2012.1
The parties had been in a relationship for some time but broke up several weeks
before Child was born. Mother also has three other biological children, one
teenage daughter she shares with her ex-spouse, Kurt, and two other adult
children. Mother and Kurt share physical custody of their daughter and
exercise equal parenting time.
[3] Since 2011, Mother has been employed as a team leader with the American
Red Cross supervising blood drives, which requires some travel within a two-
1 Child had a twin brother, Z.E.R., who died in his sleep approximately five and a half months after birth while in Father’s care.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 2 of 34 hour radius of Evansville. Mother works approximately forty hours each week
working shifts ranging from 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. depending on the location of
the blood drive. Mother receives her schedule approximately two weeks in
advance. Father works at a bank forty hours each week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00-
5:00 p.m. and works the occasional Saturday from 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. to noon.
[4] On June 4, 2012, Mother filed a petition to establish paternity. The trial court
subsequently issued an order establishing paternity and awarding joint legal
custody with Mother having primary physical custody of Child. Since July
2012, Mother has resided with Nancy, her mother and Child’s maternal
grandmother (“Maternal Grandmother”). In April 2013, Father married his
wife, Amanda, Child’s stepmother (“Stepmother”).
[5] In 2013, the parties entered into an agreed entry regarding child support and
other matters, which was approved by the trial court. In their March 12, 2013
Agreed Entry, the parties agreed to continued joint legal custody with Mother
having primary physical custody and Father having parenting time each
Monday and Wednesday evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and every other weekend
from 5:30 p.m. on Friday to 8:00 a.m. on Monday. They agreed that “any
evening or weekend Mother is unable to care for [C]hild, Father shall have [the]
right of first refusal to parenting time” with Child. Appellant’s Appendix,
Volume 2 at 48. In addition, the parties agreed to change Child’s legal name
from C.A.R. to C.A.S.R. See id. at 47. From October 2013 to April 2015,
Father and Stepmother lived in Michigan before moving back to Indiana.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 3 of 34 [6] On July 15, 2015, the trial court approved another agreed entry pursuant to
which the parties agreed to reduce Father’s child support payments, and agreed
that when Child enters preschool, they would share any costs equally. With
respect to Father’s parenting time, they agreed it would be at a minimum every
other Friday from 5:00 p.m. through Monday at 8:00 a.m., as well as every
Monday and Wednesday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. See id. at 51-52.
[7] In January 2016, Mother was arrested for domestic battery against Father in the
presence of Child. See Exhibits, Volume I at 229; see also Appellant’s App., Vol.
2 at 73. As a result, a no contact order was issued requiring Father and
Maternal Grandmother to communicate regarding Child. Sometime in 2017,
Maternal Grandmother began primarily caring for Child while Mother worked.
Because the parties were unable to agree on a preschool for Child to attend, he
was not enrolled in any preschool. In July 2017, Mother enrolled Child in
Kindergarten at Hebron Elementary School without first consulting Father.
[8] On August 24, 2017, Father filed his Petition to Modify Custody alleging a
material change in circumstances had occurred since the last custody order –
the July 2015 Agreed Entry. Specifically, Father alleged, in part:
2. Child is being raised in a maternal grandparent headed family, which is causing developmental, behavioral and emotional problems for the parties’ Child.
3. Child has not participated in early childhood education to be prepared for Kindergar[t]en.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 4 of 34 4. Mother . . . has unreasonably delayed Kindergar[t]en enrollment.
5. . . . Father should have primary physical and legal custody of the Child.
Appellant’s App., Vol. 2 at 54. Father also filed a verified petition for the
appointment of a guardian ad litem (“GAL”). On January 23, the trial court
appointed Amy Brandsasse as GAL to represent Child’s interests.
[9] Throughout Child’s Kindergarten year (2017-2018 school year), Child had
behavioral issues in the classroom. These issues were communicated through
Child’s agenda book that was sent home with Child and required a daily
signature by a parent or guardian. Based on behavior, students could earn a
daily “Hawk stamp” in their agenda book, which represents “a school wide
procedure . . . [of] positive reinforcement instead of . . . negative
consequences.” Transcript of Evidence, Volume II at 85-86. With respect to
the “HAWKS” acronym, “H is honesty, A accountability, W work hard, K
show kindness, and S self control.” Id. at 85. Typically, Mother or Maternal
Grandmother signed the agenda book; Father never saw the book. Kelsey
Krohn, Child’s Kindergarten teacher, reported that Child frequently squeezed
his genitals during class, was aggressive with other students, and often
untruthful with her. In response to Child’s behavior of holding his private
parts, Mother met with Ms. Krohn and the Assistant Principal in April 2018.
Father was not notified of the meeting. At some point during the year, there
was an incident in which another student bit Child. At home, Child was also
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 5 of 34 untruthful with his parents and, while at his Father’s house, he began sleeping
in his Father’s bed and Stepmother would sleep in another room.
[10] On June 7, 2018, Father filed an Information for Contempt alleging he was
entitled to extended summer parenting time but Mother had failed to comply
with the extended summer parenting time provision contained in the Indiana
Parenting Time Guidelines. See Appellant’s App., Vol. 2 at 66-67. The trial
court held a hearing on June 27 to address summer parenting time. Following
the hearing, the trial court ordered that Father have extended summer parenting
time and that:
Mother shall not have the Maternal Grandmother provide care, beyond the work day period, for [C]hild, if Mother is unable [to] care for [C]hild. Mother shall immediately notify the Father and offer him the opportunity for additional parenting time. Mother shall timely provide her work schedules, so the Father can make timely elections.
***
Mother shall transport [C]hild at the start of her parenting time and the Father shall transport [C]hild at the end of the Mother’s parenting time. The parent responsible to arrange transportation may not utilize a third party for transportation.
Appendix of Appellee, Volume 2 at 2-3. The trial court deferred the contempt
issue until a later scheduled hearing.
[11] The GAL filed her first report on July 23, 2018, which summarized her
observations and concerns based on documentation and interviews with Child, Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 6 of 34 Mother, Father, Maternal Grandmother, Stepmother, and Ms. Krohn.
Ultimately, the GAL opined that a significant change in circumstances had
occurred in that “the evidence shows [Mother] has interfered with the
parent/child relationship between [Child] and [Father] by allowing [Maternal
Grandmother] to be a primary caregiver for [Child], not communicating about
[Child]’s educational needs, medical needs, dental needs, and lacking in overall
co-parenting.” Appellant’s App., Vol. 2 at 87. Therefore, she recommended
that physical custody be changed to Father before the 2018-2019 school year,
that Child stay in his current school district, and that Mother have parenting
time according to the Guidelines with extra parenting time to be offered when
Father is not available to care for Child for more than two hours. The GAL
identified several problems that Child should immediately begin counseling to
address, including learning and demonstrating (1) the identities and roles of his
immediate and extended family; (2) appropriate boundaries with his body and
others’ bodies; (3) truthful behaviors; (4) coping skills regarding his twin brother
who passed away, domestic violence between his parents, and the transition
from one parent to the other; and (5) sleeping in his own bed. See id. at 88.
[12] Following a July 31 hearing during which Ms. Krohn testified about the agenda
book, the GAL obtained additional documentation, including Child’s
Kindergarten agenda book, text messages between Mother and Ms. Krohn
regarding Child’s behavioral issues, and a binder of text messages between
Mother and Father submitted to refute statements Father made to the GAL that
were included in her previous report. After reviewing the additional
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 7 of 34 information, the GAL filed an updated report on September 7, 2018, solidifying
her previous recommendation and recommending that Child be seen at
Midwest Behavioral Health for counseling within ten days. See App. of
Appellee, Vol. 2 at 10.
[13] Mother disagreed that Child needed counseling and had Child evaluated by
Laura Ellsworth, a licensed counselor, to refute the GAL’s recommendation.
In September 2018, Mother attended an intake appointment with Ellsworth and
Child later met with Ellsworth for two one-hour sessions. Following the
sessions, Ellsworth completed a written mental health assessment and
recommended the following:
[C]hild would not be harmed by engaging in counseling with a trained and experienced certified play therapist to assist [C]hild with issues which may not have been addressed by this evaluation, or in the event [C]hild displays future issues (grief, anxiety, boundaries). It is suggested the therapist have a clinical understanding of custody and high conflict co-parenting in order to avoid being put in the middle of the parent issues. It [is] also recommended the parents not be allowed to use [C]hild’s counseling for future litigation.
Exhibits, Vol. III at 179.
[14] At a March 26, 2019 hearing, Mother still had not yet submitted the paperwork
to change Child’s legal name (pursuant to the March 12, 2013 Agreed Entry)
and the trial court ordered that she do so within five business days. On the
same day, Mother testified that she accepted a new full-time job working
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 8 of 34 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and one Saturday per
month.
[15] Following the presentation of evidence over the course of nine-days,2 the trial
court issued an order awarding joint legal custody to the parties, primary
physical custody to Father, and additional parenting time for Mother. The trial
court made findings, which will be detailed below, and concluded that the
“evidence before the Court, which supports the Court’s findings demonstrate a
substantial change in circumstances so substantial and continuing as to make
the terms of the current child custody order unreasonable such that
modification of the child custody order is appropriate.” Appealed Order at 15.
As such, the trial court ordered that Father be the primary physical custodian of
Child, the parties continue to have joint legal custody of Child, and “in the best
interest of the [C]hild[,] Mother have parenting time beyond the minimum
provided for under the parenting time guidelines.” Id. Mother now appeals.
Discussion and Decision I. Standard of Review [16] On appellate review of judgments with findings of fact and conclusions of law,
we “shall not set aside the findings or judgment unless clearly erroneous, and
2 The trial court held hearings on June 27, July 31, September 17, October 12 and 16, 2018, and February 22 and 25, and March 11 and 26, 2019.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 9 of 34 due regard shall be given to the opportunity of the trial court to judge the
credibility of the witnesses.” Ind. Trial Rule 52(A)). When a party has
requested special findings of fact and conclusions thereon pursuant to Indiana
Trial Rule 52(A),3 we may affirm the judgment on any legal theory supported
by the findings. Werner v. Werner, 946 N.E.2d 1233, 1244 (Ind. Ct. App. 2011),
trans. denied.
[17] When reviewing such findings, we apply a two-tiered standard of review.
Tompa v. Tompa, 867 N.E.2d 158, 163 (Ind. Ct. App. 2007). We first determine
whether the evidence supports the findings and then whether the findings
support the judgment. Id. We will set aside the trial court’s findings and
conclusions only if clearly erroneous. Id. “Findings are clearly erroneous only
when the record contains no facts to support them either directly or by
inference.” Yanoff v. Muncy, 688 N.E.2d 1259, 1262 (Ind. 1997). A judgment is
clearly erroneous if it applies the wrong legal standard to properly found facts.
Id.
[18] We do not reweigh the evidence or assess the credibility of the witnesses. D.C.
v. J.A.C., 977 N.E.2d 951, 954 (Ind. 2012). Instead, we view the evidence most
favorably to the judgment. Id. “In conjunction with the Trial Rule 52
standard, there is a longstanding policy that appellate courts should defer to the
3 On July 31, 2018, Mother requested specific findings. See Appellant’s App., Vol. 2 at 92.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 10 of 34 determination of trial courts in family law matters.” D.G. v. S.G., 82 N.E.3d
342, 348 (Ind. Ct. App. 2017), trans. denied. Our supreme court has stated:
Appellate deference to the determinations of our trial court judges, especially in domestic relations matters, is warranted because of their unique, direct interactions with the parties face- to-face, often over an extended period of time. Thus enabled to assess credibility and character through both factual testimony and intuitive discernment, our trial judges are in a superior position to ascertain information and apply common sense, particularly in the determination of the best interests of the involved children.
Best v. Best, 941 N.E.2d 499, 502 (Ind. 2011).
II. Modification of Custody [19] Modification of custody is a determination that rests in the sound discretion of
the trial court. In re Marriage of Sutton, 16 N.E.3d 481, 484 (Ind. Ct. App. 2014).
Accordingly, we review the trial court’s decision to modify custody for an abuse
of this discretion, affording wide latitude and deference to the trial court.
Collyear-Bell v. Bell, 105 N.E.3d 176, 183 (Ind. Ct. App. 2018). An abuse of
discretion occurs when a decision is clearly against the logic and effect of the
evidence before the court. Russell v. Russell, 682 N.E.2d 513, 515 (Ind. 1997).
A. Findings of Fact [20] First, Mother argues that twenty-two of the trial court’s sixty-seven findings are
clearly erroneous. Mother challenges findings 8, 18, 22-23, 27, 31, 33, 37-39,
41, 43-47, 49-51, 62, 64, and 67:
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 11 of 34 8. Father filed his Information for Contempt on June 7, 2018, regarding the Mother’s failure to abide by the extended summer parenting time provisions of the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines (“IPTG”).
Significant Events Regarding Resolution of Pending Issues
18. The [GAL] testified that the Mother was uncooperative in scheduling her preliminary meeting with the [GAL]. The [GAL] testified that the Mother cancelled her first appointment with her and that the Mother only contacted the [GAL] after being ordered to do so. Conversely, the [GAL] testified that the Father was responsive to the [GAL] in scheduling his appointment, attending the appointment and signing and returning the proper paperwork.
Schooling
22. Ms. Krohn . . . testified that the . . . failure to enroll [Child] in preschool affected his socialization and behavior during Kindergarten.
23. The [GAL] testified that the Mother failed to communicate information relayed by [Child]’s school to home through the Agenda book to the Father.
Custody and Parenting Time
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 12 of 34 ***
27. [Child] attended Kindergarten at Hebron Elementary for the 2017-2018 academic year. The Mother waited until approximately one (1) week prior to school commencing to enroll [Child].
31. [Child]’s pediatrician, Dr. Selby, testified that [Child] exhibited “abnormal” behavior or a “tick” in excessively touching his genitals[.] The Mother failed to communicate this information to the Father.
33. Despite the [order] as to [Child]’s legal name, the Mother has contributed to [Child]’s identity issues by hyphenating [Child]’s last name on multiple occasions, which is not his legal name.
37. The Mother allows [Maternal Grandmother] . . . to co- parent [Child]. The Updated [GAL] Report September 7, 2018 showed that [Child] spent twenty-five (25) days in the care of [Maternal Grandmother] between January 8, 2018 and June 15, 2018, when [Child] could have been with his Father.
38. The Mother allowed [Maternal Grandmother] . . . to sign [Child] up for extracurricular activities in 2018, such a Hebron basketball, YMCA soccer, and drum lessons, without the Father’s knowledge.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 13 of 34 39. The Mother does not communicate or co-parent with the Father as evidenced by the following:
• failure to enroll [Child] in preschool;
• failure to inform the Father of the biting incident at [Child]’s school;
• failure to inform the Father of a school conference regarding [Child]’s behavior [of] touching himself in class;
• failure to inform the Father of extracurricular activities;
• failure to notify the Father of [Child]’s doctor’s appointments;
• failure to notify the Father of regular and ongoing behavior problems at school [Child]’s entire kindergarten year;
• failure to notify the Father of opportunities for additional parenting time when the Mother worked late and instead allowing [Child] to be care for by his [M]aternal [G]randmother; and
• failure to inform the Father of the meeting between the Mother, Ms. Krohn and the Assistant Principal in April 2018.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 14 of 34 41. The Mother testified that she does not think [Child] needs to be in counseling. The Mother refused to enroll [Child] in counseling despite the [GAL]’s recommendation.
43. Rather than choose a therapist to meet the needs of [Child], which were identified in the [GAL’s] Report July 23, 2018, the Mother retained Ms. Ellsworth for a mental health assessment[.]
44. The Mother’s expert witness, Laura Ellsworth, MA, rendered a report based upon her mental health assessment of [Child]. It was Ms. Ellsworth’s clinical opinion that “[Child] would not be harmed by engaging in counseling with a trained and experienced certified play therapist to assist [Child] with issues which may not have been addressed by this evaluation, or in the event [Child] displays future issues (grief, anxiety, boundaries).” Ms. Ellsworth’s clinical opinion was not inconsistent with the [GAL’s] Report of July 23, 2018.
45. The Father scheduled [Child] for an appointment with Midwest Behavioral Health (hereinafter, “MBH”). Mother was notified of the appointment. The Mother did not appear for the appointment. Mother did not complete necessary paperwork requested by MBH after notice by the Father that the paperwork needed to be completed.
46. The next scheduled [counseling] appointment in January 2019 was rescheduled to February 26, 2019 due [to Child’s] illness.
47. On February 25, 2019, the Mother participated for the first time, in [Child]’s counseling.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 15 of 34 ***
49. The Report of July 23, 2018 states that the Mother was not in a domestic relationship based upon GAL’s interview of Mother. Mother, however, testified that she has been in a domestic relationship since September 2018 with “Eddie” [who] lives in Oakland City, Indiana. “Eddie” has been with [Child] on two (2) occasions. The Mother failed to report this relationship to the [GAL].
50. Mother’s ex-spouse . . . testified that he and the Mother share “equal time” with their biological daughter. However, [he] posted on Facebook that he has had “personal challenges in having to raise [his] daughter alone.”
51. The Mother denied ever being arrested. However, the Mother was arrested on January 7, 2016, for domestic battery against the Father in the presence of [Child], a minor less than sixteen (16) years old.
62. From the end of summer 2018 to February 25, 2019, the Mother did not provide the Father with her work schedule as ordered by this court . . . effectively denying the Father opportunities to enjoy additional parenting time with [Child].
64. The Mother testified that she knowingly and willfully violated the Order June 27, 2018 that she not utilize a third party to provide transportation for [Child]. The Mother allowed [Maternal Grandmother] to regularly provide transportation for [Child] in direct violation of the Court’s Order June 27, 2018.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 16 of 34 ***
67. [Child] had regular and ongoing behavioral problems at school his entire Kindergarten academic year. The Mother failed to notify the Father of these problems.
Appealed Order at 2, 4-10, 12-13.
[21] A finding of fact is clearly erroneous only when there is no evidence in the
record to support it directly or by inference. Yanoff, 688 N.E.2d at 1262. Based
on careful review of the record, we conclude there is evidence in the record to
support all but one of the challenged findings.4
B. Challenged Findings [22] We begin our analysis with the only clearly erroneous finding. In finding 45,
the trial court found that Father scheduled an appointment for Child at MBH,
Mother was notified but did not attend, and Mother did not complete the
necessary paperwork. Appealed Order at 9. In the GAL’s updated report, she
recommended that Child have a counseling appointment scheduled at MBH
within ten days. See App. of Appellee, Vol. 2 at 10. Father initially contacted
MBH to make the appointment; however, he was unable to schedule an
appointment because Mother was the custodial parent and insurance carrier.
See Tr., Vol. III at 20-21. Father relayed this information to Mother and she
4 Mother claims many of the trial court’s other findings are “mere surplusage[.]” Appellant’s Brief at 15.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 17 of 34 eventually scheduled an appointment for September 26, 2018. Id. at 21.
Mother was unable to attend, so Father took Child to the appointment where
he completed the necessary paperwork. Id. Although Father initially reached
out to MBH to make the appointment, Mother scheduled the appointment
because she was the custodial parent and insurance carrier. Therefore, only this
portion of the trial court’s finding is erroneous. Nonetheless, as discussed
below, we conclude that despite this erroneous statement in finding 45, the
remaining challenged and unchallenged findings are sufficient to support the
trial court’s modification order. See In re A.S., 17 N.E.3d 994, 1003-06 (Ind. Ct.
App. 2014) (holding that, in the context of a termination of parental rights
proceeding, despite several clearly erroneous findings of fact, there was
sufficient evidence to support the juvenile court’s order terminating parental
rights even absent the erroneous findings), trans. denied.
[23] Mother argues finding 8 is clearly erroneous because the parties never agreed to
follow the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines. However, the record reveals
and finding 8 recites that Father did file an Information for Contempt in June
2018 alleging that he was entitled to extended summer parenting time and
Mother failed to comply with the extended parenting time provision contained
in the IPTG. See Appellant’s App., Vol. 2 at 66-67. Here, the trial court is
simply setting forth the pertinent procedural history of the case – not making
any finding as to whether or not the parties agreed to follow the IPTG.
[24] The GAL’s testimony supports finding 18 that Mother was uncooperative. At
the September 17, 2018 hearing, the GAL testified, “Whenever I reached out to
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 18 of 34 [Mother] in the beginning to schedule the intake appointment, just to get the
case started, she did not cooperate. . . . Meaning she didn’t call me. She
scheduled an appointment, canceled the appointment. Just didn’t cooperate.”
Tr., Vol. II at 121. Although Mother may disagree with the finding and points
to other evidence in the record to refute its accuracy, we cannot conclude there
is no evidence in the record to support this finding.
[25] Mother contends finding 22 is “frankly shocking” because there is no evidence
in the record to support a finding that Ms. Krohn believed Child suffered as a
result of not attending preschool. Appellant’s Brief at 15. On cross
examination, Ms. Krohn agreed she reported to the GAL that “sometimes
[Child] did not know how to act.” Tr., Vol. II at 93. She testified that Child
would display aggression with the other students. For example, “[m]aybe they
didn’t wanna play and [Child] did and he didn’t know . . . how to respond to
that.” Id. Ms. Krohn also acknowledged she reported to the GAL that Child’s
behavior was not uncommon given that Child had never been in a formal
school setting, such as preschool, before attending Kindergarten. Id. at 93-94.
We conclude that the trial court’s finding that the failure to attend preschool
affected (not suffered, as Mother characterizes it) Child’s behavior and
socialization during Kindergarten is a reasonable interpretation of this
testimony and not clearly erroneous.
[26] With respect to finding 23, Ms. Krohn testified that the agenda book required a
daily signature and either Mother or Maternal Grandmother initialed or signed
Child’s agenda book. See id. at 83. For the GAL’s updated report, she
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 19 of 34 reviewed Child’s agenda book and noted there were sixty-six entries throughout
the school year which reported Child had behavioral problems. See App. of
Appellee at 5-6. Father testified he was not provided with the agenda book as it
was never sent home with Child on the weekend. See Tr., Vol. III at 19. The
GAL testified that Ms. Krohn had reported Child “was a bully” and noted that
Father had believed Child was being bullied “because there [was] not the
information being passed along from [Mother] through the agenda book, and
gave a completely different view of what was happening in the classroom.” Id.,
Vol. II at 141. This evidence supports the trial court’s finding.5
[27] Finding 27 concerns Child’s last-minute Kindergarten enrollment. Mother
argues this finding is clearly erroneous because it has “no bearing on whether
there has been a substantial change in circumstances to justify a modification of
custody” and she enrolled Child in Kindergarten within the enrollment period.
Appellant’s Br. at 18. However, this finding is supported by Father’s testimony
that he and Mother discussed enrolling Child in Castle Elementary school but
5 Mother uses finding 23 to illustrate what she characterizes as “a significant issue in this case, that being the GAL’s overall failure to stay as a neutral in the case and make recommendations in the best interests of [Child]. The GAL routinely sided with Father, which resulted in a biased or inaccurate report being submitted to the Court.” Appellant’s Br. at 17. At the September 17, 2018 hearing, with respect to a portion of the GAL’s report and Child’s pediatrician’s testimony, Mother’s attorney stated, “My hope is an unbiased individual that has had contact with [Child] could identify what type of – should [Mother] have been telling me that . . . he received a note in his agenda book . . . .” Tr., Vol. II at 184. Father objected to the GAL being characterized as biased. Id. Later, Mother’s attorney conceded she “inadvertently implied” the GAL was biased or unbiased in the case, and the GAL confirmed she did not have any knowledge of either party, their significant others, family members, or anything else that would lead to bias. See id. at 222. Although Mother may have hinted that she believed the GAL was biased, she did not properly raise the issue before the trial court. Mother’s failure to object to the GAL’s report or raise this issue to the trial court results in waiver on appeal and as such, we decline to address it. Thalheimer v. Halum, 973 N.E.2d 1145, 1150 (Ind. Ct. App. 2012).
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 20 of 34 Mother “flat out told [him] no [because s]he didn’t want to.” Tr., Vol. III at 11.
Instead, Mother enrolled Child in Hebron Elementary school at the end of July
– several days before school began – without first communicating with Father.
Father testified that a few days before school, “She just told me ‘He’s been
enrolled’” and told Father what school supplies Child needed. Id. at 12. We
find no error because the finding clearly relates to communication between the
parties, a factor to be considered in modifying custody.
[28] With respect to finding 31, Mother takes issue with the trial court’s
characterization of Dr. William Selby’s, Child’s pediatrician, testimony
regarding Child’s excessive touching of his private area in the classroom. Dr.
Selby testified, “I would consider it to be abnormal but not alarming in any way,
as ticks or behaviors like this are presented quite frequently in this age range
and often are of no consequence.” Tr., Vol. II at 178 (emphasis added). As
such, the trial court’s finding that Dr. Selby testified that Child “exhibited
‘abnormal’ behavior or a ‘tick’ in excessively touching his genitals” is not
clearly erroneous. Appealed Order at 6.
[29] Findings 33, 37 and 636 are supported by the GAL’s July report, in which she
stated: Child “potentially has identity issues as a result of having his twin pass
away. This is further complicated by [Mother] clearly hyphenating [Child]’s
last name on multiple occasions, which is not his legal name[;]” and Mother
6 Mother contends this finding is “merely a rewording” of finding 37 and the same analysis applies. Appellant’s Br. at 40.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 21 of 34 worked past 6:00 p.m. on forty-two days, twenty-five of which were days where
Child could have spent extra parenting time with Father instead of Maternal
Grandmother, which the GAL believed was “very telling of [Mother]
promoting [Maternal Grandmother]’s relationship with [Child] over [Father]’s,
regardless of whether or not there was a court order.” Appellant’s App., Vol. 2
at 84, 86.
[30] In findings 38, 41, 43, 46-47, 49, the trial court found that Maternal
Grandmother signed Child up for extracurricular activities; Mother does not
believe Child needs counseling; Mother attended Child’s second counseling
session for the first time in February 2019; and Mother failed to inform the
GAL she was in a relationship. These findings are supported by the following
evidence in the record:
• In her July report, the GAL stated that Maternal Grandmother reported
she signed Child up for various extracurricular activities. Id. at 80.
• The GAL’s July report recommended that Child be enrolled in therapy.
Mother testified she does not believe Child needs counseling and instead,
sought a clinical assessment for Child with Ellsworth. See Tr., Vol. IV at
96-97, 99. The GAL testified that Mother “did it to refute what my
recommendations were, not to promote [Child]’s best interest.” Tr., Vol.
II at 140; see also App. of Appellee, Vol. 2 at 137 (Mother’s text message
to Father stating Ellsworth is “seeing [Child] as a rebuttal to your
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 22 of 34 claims”). Therefore, the trial court’s interpretation that Mother “refused
to enroll” Child in counseling is reasonable. Appealed Order at 9, ¶ 41.
• Child had a second appointment at MBH scheduled for January 2019;
however, Child was ill with the flu and the appointment was rescheduled
for February 25. See Tr., Vol. III at 169. Mother was unable to attend
the first appointment on September 26, 2018 because she had to work,
and she participated in counseling for the first time at Child’s second
appointment on February 25. See Appellant’s Br. at 36-37 (Mother does
not challenge the accuracy of the finding 47 but rather how the finding
allegedly “paint[s her] as an uninvolved parent”).
• The GAL’s July report indicated Mother was not in a relationship, which
was true at the time. At the March 26, 2019 hearing, Mother testified
that she had been in a relationship since September 2018 but never
reported the relationship to the GAL. Tr., Vol. IV at 103-04.
Because there is evidence in the record to support each of these findings, we
cannot conclude they are clearly erroneous. We find no error.
[31] Mother contends finding 44 is clearly erroneous because Ellsworth’s clinical
opinion that Child would not be harmed by counseling with a certified licensed
counselor that understood custody/high conflict co-parenting issues differed
from the GAL’s general recommendation that Child begin counseling. See Tr.,
Vol. III at 113-14. The fact that Ellsworth may have been more specific and
tailored her recommendation to the high conflict situation does not render the
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 23 of 34 trial court’s finding that the two recommendations were not inconsistent clearly
erroneous.
[32] With respect to finding 50, Mother claims the finding “mischaracterizes what
[her ex-spouse’s Facebook] post was truly about.” Appellant’s Br. at 38. Here,
once again, Mother does not challenge the accuracy of her ex-spouse’s
testimony or the content of his Facebook post. Instead, she disapproves of the
trial court’s interpretation of the evidence and asks us to reweigh the evidence,
which we cannot do. D.C., 977 N.E.2d at 954.
[33] In finding 51, the trial court found Mother denied ever being arrested. Mother
argues she was confused by the line of questioning – causing her to answer
incorrectly. At the March 26 hearing, when asked, “Have you ever been
arrested[?]” Mother responded “No.” Tr., Vol. IV at 74. Later, when presented
with her arrest record, Mother admitted she had been arrested and explained
she turned herself in. Id. at 91. Given this evidence, we find no error.
[34] Mother contends finding 62 is clearly erroneous because she was unaware that
she was required to provide Father with her work schedule beyond the summer
as the June 27, 2018 order only addressed summer parenting time. See
Appellant’s Br. at 39. Mother concedes she did not provide Father with her
work schedule from the end of summer until February 2019 and we conclude
the trial court’s interpretation of its own order is sufficient to support this
finding.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 24 of 34 [35] Finding 64 concerns Mother’s violation of the June 27 order prohibiting her
from utilizing a third party to transport Child. Mother concedes that she
allowed Maternal Grandmother to transport Child and at trial, Mother also
conceded that she understood the order but agreed that she violated it anyway.
Tr., Vol. IV at 96. As such, this finding is not clearly erroneous.
[36] Findings 39 and 67 concern Mother’s failure to enroll Child in preschool and
inform or notify Father of Child’s behavioral issues at school, medical
appointments, extracurricular activities, and opportunities for additional
parenting time. See Appealed Order at 7-8, 13. Mother argues the “only
evidence to support [these findings] is Father’s self-serving testimony, and a
biased or inaccurate GAL report based only on Father’s statements.”
Appellant’s Br. at 25 (internal quotation omitted). Here, Mother acknowledges
there is evidence to support these findings – she just disagrees with the weight
the trial court assigned to Father’s testimony and the GAL’s reports. Mother’s
argument is simply a request for this court to reweigh the evidence and assess
witness credibility in her favor, which we cannot do. D.C., 977 N.E.2d at 954.
Nonetheless, we conclude there is ample evidence in the record to support the
trial court’s findings:
• Father testified that he obtained information about several preschools,
visited them, and provided this information to Mother; however, he
“pretty much got a no [from Mother]. . . . I would give her information. .
. . She said no.” Tr., Vol. III at 10-11. Mother also testified that she and
Father discussed preschool but “just couldn’t agree on where[,]” so Child
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 25 of 34 was never enrolled. Tr., Vol. IV at 53. Further, the GAL wrote in her
report that Child “did not go to preschool due to a lack of co-parenting.”
App. of Appellee, Vol. 2 at 9.
• The GAL testified that Father observed a bite mark on Child’s arm
during parenting time and contacted the school directly to find out what
happened. Tr., Vol. II at 217. Ms. Krohn also testified that Father
reached out to her via email asking whether Child was being bullied –
referring to the biting incident. See id. at 90; see also Id., Vol. IV at 40
(Mother’s testimony indicating she was aware of the biting incident).
• Ms. Krohn testified that on April 17, 2018, she, Mother, and the
Assistant Principal met to discuss Child’s behavior of holding his private
parts. See Tr., Vol. II at 91. The GAL reported that Mother failed to
inform Father of the biting incident, the school conference regarding
Child holding his private parts during class, and extracurricular
activities.7 Appellant’s App., Vol. II at 86.
• Father testified that he was not aware of most of Child’s medical
appointments until after they were over. See Tr., Vol. III at 50-51. In
addition, the GAL’s September report found that Mother “only informed
[Father] of two (2) doctor’s appointments out of ten (10) as documented
7 Although Mother points to several examples in which she provided information on extracurricular activities via text message to Father, the GAL reported that Mother failed to inform Father of these activities and we must view the evidence most favorably to the trial court’s judgment. D.C., 977 N.E.2d at 954.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 26 of 34 by Dr. Selby’s medical records. On September 7, 2017, [Mother]
informed [Father] after she was already on her way to the appointment
[and then] after an appointment on December 26, 2017.” App. of
Appellee, Vol. 2 at 7.
• The GAL indicated in her September report that Father was not notified
that Child had regular and ongoing behavioral issues at school
throughout the year. Id. at 9. Throughout Child’s Kindergarten year,
there were sixty-six entries in his agenda book where Child was cited for
lack of self-control in the classroom, id. at 5-6, but Father testified he
never saw the agenda book, tr., vol. III at 19.
• In the GAL’s July report, she reviewed Mother’s work schedule from
January 8 through June 15, 2018 and found forty-two days on which
Mother worked past 6:00 p.m. and twenty-five of those days were days
when Child could have had extra parenting time with Father instead of
being with Maternal Grandmother. Appellant’s App., Vol. II at 84-86.
[37] In addition to her challenges to specific findings, Mother argues that the trial
court’s findings are inadequate because “the vast majority of [them] merely
recite witness testimony or procedural history[.]” Appellant’s Br. at 11.
Indeed, “[a] finding of fact must indicate, not what someone said is true, but
what is determined to be true, for that is the trier of fact’s duty.” Moore v. Ind.
Family & Soc. Servs. Admin., 682 N.E.2d 545, 547 (Ind. Ct. App. 1997).
However, we disagree with Mother.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 27 of 34 [38] Based on how the trial court articulated its findings, we conclude that its
findings are not merely a litany of each witnesses’ testimony. Rather, the trial
court, as trier of fact, picked out aspects of testimony it determined to be
credible and established those as facts. This is not a “he said/she said”
situation, in which the trial court simply provides a recitation of each witnesses’
testimony. Cf. Hazelett v. Hazelett, 119 N.E.3d 153, 159-60 (Ind. Ct. App. 2019)
(remanding custody order after holding that the trial court’s findings of fact
were “merely a recitation of each party’s contentions, arguments, proposed
findings, and portions of relevant statutory provisions” and therefore, were an
inadequate basis for the appellate court to determine whether the trial court
made a proper custody determination) (emphasis added). Viewing the trial
court’s findings as a whole, it is clear that the trial court, through these findings,
made credibility determinations. It is the trial court that listened to the
testimony over the course of nine days, directly interacted with the parties, and
assessed the witnesses’ “credibility and character through both factual
testimony and intuitive discernment[,]” tasks solely entrusted to the trial court.
Best, 941 N.E.2d at 502. The fact that the modification hearing took place over
nine days only supports our conclusion that the trial court carefully selected the
portions of testimony it found as fact. And we will not second guess the trial
court in this regard.
[39] In sum, despite one erroneous provision contained in finding 45 (that Father
made the September counseling appointment at MBH for Child when Mother
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 28 of 34 actually made the appointment), we conclude the evidence in the record
supports the challenged findings and therefore, they are not clearly erroneous.
B. Conclusions of Law [40] Next, Mother challenges the trial court’s modification of physical custody in
favor of Father. Specifically, she contends that the trial court’s findings are
insufficient to support such modification because they “are completely devoid
of any mention of the Best Interests Factors [and] fail[] to make one (1)
finding[] as to how, or why a custody modification would be in the best
interest” of Child. Appellant’s Br. at 42-43. She contends that the trial court
“simply makes a generalized statement that ‘a substantial change has occurred’
yet failed to say what substantial change occurred. Clearly, no substantial
change occurred based on the trial court’s [f]indings. More importantly, the
trial court failed to find that modification would be in the best interests” of
Child. Id. at 43. We disagree.
[41] A modification of custody in the paternity context is governed by Indiana Code
section 31-14-13-6, which allows a trial court to modify a child custody order
only if modification is in the child’s best interests and a substantial change in
one or more of the designated statutory factors has occurred. The trial court
must consider all relevant factors, including:
(1) The age and sex of the child.
(2) The wishes of the child’s parents.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 29 of 34 (3) The wishes of the child, with more consideration given to the child’s wishes if the child is at least fourteen (14) years of age.
(4) The interaction and interrelationship of the child with:
(A) the child’s parents;
(B) the child’s siblings; and
(C) any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interest.
(5) The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community.
(6) The mental and physical health of all individuals involved.
(7) Evidence of a pattern of domestic or family violence by either parent.
(8) Evidence that the child has been cared for by a de facto custodian, and if the evidence is sufficient, the court shall consider the factors described in section 2.5(b) [de facto custodian factors] of this chapter.
Ind. Code 31-14-13-2.
[42] A substantial change in any one of these factors is sufficient to support
modification of custody. K.I. ex rel. J.I. v. J.H., 903 N.E.2d 453, 460 (Ind. 2009).
The trial court must consider all relevant factors, but it is not required to make
specific findings on each factor unless requested to do so by the parties. H.H. v.
A.A., 3 N.E.3d 30, 36 (Ind. Ct. App. 2014). Here, Mother filed a request for Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 30 of 34 specific findings of fact. In making a determination regarding modification of
custody, the trial court may not hear evidence of things occurring before the last
custody proceeding unless it relates to a change in the factors relating to the
child’s best interests. Ind. Code § 31-14-13-9.
[43] Here, listed under “Significant Events Regarding Resolution of Pending Issues”
of the order, the trial court made extensive findings with respect to Child’s
schooling, custody, and parenting time. Appealed Order at 4. Taking the trial
court’s order as a whole, it is apparent that it did consider the best interest
factors and then made extensive and specific findings on the applicable factors,
including Child’s age, his relationships and adjustment to both homes and
school, his documented behavioral and health issues, and domestic violence
between the parents:
• Child is seven years old and had a twin who passed away. Id., ¶¶ 16-17.
• Child was not enrolled in preschool, which “affected his socialization
and behavior during Kindergarten.” Id. at 5, ¶ 22.
• Child has exhibited various behavioral issues throughout his
Kindergarten school year. Id. at 6, 13, ¶¶ 31, 66-67. And Mother has
demonstrated a pattern of failing to communicate these issues to Father.
Id. at 5, 13, ¶¶ 23, 67.
• Child potentially has identity issues as a result of his twin passing away;
Mother has contributed to these issues by failing to change Child’s legal
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 31 of 34 name as the parties agreed, and Mother was ordered by the court to
submit the necessary paperwork on March 26, 2019. Id. at 6-7, ¶¶ 32-36.8
• Mother allows Maternal Grandmother to co-parent Child and sign Child
up for numerous extracurricular activities. Id. at 7, ¶¶ 37-38.
• Mother does not co-parent or communicate with Father as demonstrated
by her failure to enroll Child in preschool and failure to inform Father of
important decisions or issues in Child’s life, including medical
appointments, extracurricular activities, and behavioral issues. Id. at 7-8,
¶ 39.
• The GAL identified Child’s specific problems and recommended that
Child begin therapy to address these issues, such as appropriate
boundaries with his body, identity of family members, and coping skills.
Id. at 8-9, ¶¶ 40, 42.
• Mother disagreed that Child needed counseling and instead of getting
Child into counseling, Mother sought a mental health assessment for
Child to refute the GAL’s recommendation. Id. at 9, ¶¶ 41-44.
• In January 2016, Mother was arrested for domestic battery committed
against Father with Child present. Id. at 10, ¶ 51.
8 It appears the trial court inadvertently listed two separate findings as finding 35.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 32 of 34 • Mother failed to provide her work schedule to Father from the end of
summer 2018 to February 25, 2019, in violation of the June 27 order. As
a result, Mother “effectively den[ied] the Father opportunities” for
additional parenting time. Id. at 12, ¶ 62. During this time, Mother
worked past 6:00 p.m. on forty-two days – twenty-five of which were
days where Child was with Maternal Grandmother, but Father could
have had extra parenting time. The GAL reported that Mother promotes
Child’s relationship with Maternal Grandmother over Father. Id. at 12, ¶
63.
• The GAL recommended that primary physical custody be changed to
Father. Id. at 6, ¶ 28.
[44] These findings address a substantial change in Child’s schooling, relationships,
behavior, and adjustment to both homes and school, as well as domestic
violence between the parents. Contrary to Mother’s argument, by going
through each of the applicable best interest factors, the trial court is finding that
modification is in the Child’s best interests. It is clear the trial court afforded
substantial weight to the GAL’s reports and testimony and Mother’s arguments
constitute an invitation for this court to reweigh the evidence and assess witness
credibility in her favor, which we cannot do. D.C., 977 N.E.2d at 954.
Nonetheless, we may affirm the trial court’s modification order on any legal
theory supported by the findings, Werner, 946 N.E.2d at 1244, and we conclude
the findings support the trial court’s order modifying physical custody.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 33 of 34 [45] Because the evidence in the record supports the trial court’s findings, which
support the modification order, we conclude the trial court’s judgment was not
clearly erroneous.9
Conclusion [46] We conclude the evidence supports the findings and those findings support the
trial court’s modification order. As such, the trial court’s judgment was not
clearly erroneous. Accordingly, we affirm.
[47] Affirmed.
May, J., and Vaidik, J., concur.
9 One of the significant issues in this case was Mother’s unavailability to spend time with Child – leaving Maternal Grandmother to essentially be Child’s primary custodian and thereby preventing any additional parenting time for Father. Nonetheless, Mother asks this court to reverse the trial court’s order awarding Father primary physical custody. Under the circumstances of this case, the trial court’s order awarding joint legal custody and extra parenting time for Mother is extremely generous.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JP-1527 | July 22, 2020 Page 34 of 34