Ireland v. Smith

542 N.W.2d 344, 214 Mich. App. 235

• Court: Michigan Court of Appeals
• Decided: November 7, 1995
• Docket: Docket 177431, 182369
• Status: Published

Opinion

Gribbs, J.

Plaintiff appeals as of right in Docket No. 177431 from a circuit court order changing custody of the parties’ daughter to defendant. Defendant has filed a cross appeal. In a consolidated appeal, Docket No. 182369, plaintiff also appeals by leave granted an order of the chief judge of the circuit court denying plaintiff’s motion for disqualification of the trial judge. Numerous amici curiae briefs have been filed and considered. We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for further proceedings.

On April 22, 1991, plaintiff gave birth to a daughter. At the time, both plaintiff and defendant-father were sixteen years old. They never married or lived together. Defendant signed papers agreeing to place the child for adoption, and she was placed in foster care. Within about three weeks, however, plaintiff decided to raise the child herself. At the time of the child’s birth, and until September 19, 1993, both parties lived with their respective families. Plaintiff lived with her mother and younger sister, who helped her raise the child. Defendant continued to live with his parents. Both parties continued in high school with apparently normal pursuits, including sports, cheerleading, dating, and partying, and both eventually graduated. Defendant did not attempt to see his daughter during the first year of her life. Since that time, defendant has visited the child regularly.

In the fall of 1993, plaintiff and the child moved to Ann Arbor, where plaintiff began attending the University of Michigan on a scholarship. Plaintiff and the child lived in an apartment in the university family housing unit. When plaintiff attended class, the child was cared for in university-approved day care. Plaintiff and the child came back to plaintiff’s mother’s home during the spring of 1994 for this custody trial, and plaintiff returned to the University of Michigan with her daughter in September 1994. Defendant has continued to live in his parents’ home throughout these proceedings.

On January 29, 1993, plaintiff filed an action for child support. Defendant then petitioned for custody. The trial court conducted a several-day evidentiary hearing in May and June 1994, and issued a written opinion on June 27, 1994, transferring custody to defendant. The trial court found that there was an established custodial environment in plaintiff and found the parties equal or the proofs neutral with regard to all but one of the factors contained in the Child Custody Act, MCL 722.21 et seq.) MSA 25.312(1) et seq. Because defendant argues on cross appeal that the trial court was correct in its disposition but erred in virtually all its findings, we will review each aspect of the trial court’s decision.

A court may not change the established custodial environment of a child unless clear and convincing evidence is presented that it is in the best interest of the child. Baker v Baker, 411 Mich 567; 309 NW2d 532 (1981). Section 7(l)(c) of the Child Custody Act explains that "[t]he custodial environment of a child is established if over an appreciable time the child naturally looks to the custodian in that environment for guidance, discipline, the necessities of life, and parental comfort.” MCL 722.27(l)(c); MSA 25.312(7)(l)(c).

Whether a custodial environment is established is a question of fact. Baker, supra; Hayes v Hayes, 209 Mich App 385, 387-388; 532 NW2d 190 (1995); Wilson v Gauck, 167 Mich App 90; 421 NW2d 582 (1988); Sedlar v Sedlar, 165 Mich App 71; 419 NW2d 18 (1987). Findings of fact in a child custody case are reviewed under the great weight of the evidence standard. MCL 722.28; MSA 25.312(8). Fletcher v Fletcher, 447 Mich 871; 526 NW2d 889 (1994). Under that standard, the trial court’s findings will be sustained unless the evidence clearly preponderates in the opposite direction. Id. at 878.

The trial court’s finding in this case that there was an established custodial environment in plaintiff is not contrary to the great weight of the evidence. As the trial judge noted, the child has lived with her mother for her entire life. Although plaintiff’s mother and sister acted as a support group for plaintiff and the child, plaintiff has been a consistent part of the child’s life since the beginning. Most of the necessities of life have been provided by plaintiff’s mother. Neither plaintiff nor defendant earns a living wage, and defendant’s parents acknowledge that they have not provided any financial support for plaintiff or the child, although they have purchased numerous items for the child’s use while she is in their home. Defendant did not seek visitation for more than a year after the child was born. Although his visits since then have been regular and satisfactory, he has never had the sole obligation of taking care of the child for any extended period. Defendant contends that plaintiff’s mother, sister, and friends have done more to raise the child than plaintiff. However, defendant, who lives with his parents, also has a support group for his involvement with the child during visitation. Since September 1993, plaintiff has lived alone with the child for most of the year and, as the trial court notes in its thorough opinion, has matured considerably in her commitment to parenting. The trial court’s finding that there was an established custodial environment with plaintiff is affirmed.

Because there was an established custodial environment in this case, the trial court is prohibited from changing custody unless clear and convincing evidence demonstrates that a change in custody would be in the child’s best interest. Baker, supra at 577; Hayes, supra at 387. The trial court’s determination regarding best interest is made by weighing the "sum total” of twelve statutory factors. MCL 722.23; MSA 25.312(3). A court’s ultimate finding regarding a particular factor is a factual finding that can be set aside if it is against the great weight of the evidence. A trial court’s discretion in weighing the evidence is "not unlimited; rather, it must be supported by the weight of the evidence.” Fletcher, supra at 881. Questions of law are reviewed by this Court for legal error. When a trial court "incorrectly chooses, interprets, or applies the law, it commits legal error that the appellate court is bound to correct.” Id.

In this case, as required by the Child Custody Act, the trial court made findings of fact regarding each of the following statutory factors contained in MCL 722.23; MSA 25.312(3).

"(a) The love, affection, and other emotional ties existing between the parties involved and the child.” The trial court found that the child has a strong attachment to both parents and that both parents now "exhibit a strong degree of love and affection for the child.” The trial court found that this factor does not weigh in either party’s favor and we agree. The evidence does not "clearly preponderate” against the trial court’s finding that this factor is neutral.

"(b) The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to give the child love, affection, and guidance and to continue the education and raising of the child in his or her religion or creed, if any.” As the trial court noted in its findings, neither party demonstrated significant parenting ability during the child’s early life. Since shortly after high school graduation, however, plaintiff, has demonstrated a "new maturity and determination.” Defendant has shown himself to be "very capable” in caring for the child during visitation. We are aware that defendant presented at the hearing a great deal of testimony purporting to show that defendant’s child-rearing techniques were preferable to plaintiff’s. We commend the trial court’s recognition that the parties’ parenting styles are not identical and that "it is anticipated that each one would, in their own way, bring to the child their concept of nurturing, guidance and love.” Both parties share the Roman Catholic faith and, although both "practice their faith as they see fit,” they agree that the child will be raised in their faith. The trial court’s finding that the parties are equal with regard to this factor is not contrary to the great weight of the evidence.

"(c) The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care or other remedial care recognized and permitted under the laws of this state in place of medical care, and other material needs.” The trial court found that the day-to-day costs of raising the child have been paid by the maternal grandmother. However, the trial court correctly found that the grandparents’ contributions to expenses did not weigh in favor of either party. Although both parties work part-time, "these child-parents are in no position to adequately support their baby.” The evidence supports the trial court’s finding that the parties are equal with regard to this factor.

"(d) The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment, and the desirability of maintaining continuity.” The child has lived virtually all her life with plaintiff, most of the time in plaintiff’s family home. As the trial court indicated in its opinion, defendant presented "derogatory comments relating to conditions that existed in the plaintiff’s home prior to the summer of 1993.” The trial court also found that the evidence showed that the conditions improved "with the maturity of the plaintiff,” and that, in any event, the plaintiff is now living independently of her mother most of the time. The trial court’s conclusion that this factor "carries little, if any, weight in favor of either party” is not contrary to the evidence.

"(e) The permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home or homes.” In evaluating this factor, the trial court extensively considered each party’s child-care plans and living arrangements. The trial court contrasted the child’s care by a grandparent with child care by a university-approved provider, and contrasted plaintiff’s university housing with defendant’s childhood home with his parents. The trial court acknowledged that defendant’s plans for his own future education, housing, or employment were "not completely clear,” but concluded that, in the meantime, defendant’s home, with his parents, was a "regular home and a regular program,” and therefore preferable to plaintiff’s university life style.

We find no support in the record for the trial court’s speculation that there is "no way that a single parent, attending an academic program at an institution as prestigious as the University of Michigan, can do justice to their studies and to raising of an infant child.” The evidence shows that the child has thrived in the university envi ronment. Defendant concedes that he has no complaint about the university day care, and the trial court recognized that the child has had a "meaningful experience” there. The trial court found plaintiffs day-care arrangements "appropriate,” but concluded that defendant’s plan to have his mother baby-sit was better for the child because she was a "blood relative” rather than a "stranger.” Both parties will necessarily need the help of other people to care for their child as they continue their education and employment, and eventually their careers. In light of undisputed evidence that plaintiffs child-care arrangements are appropriate and working well, the evidence does not support the trial court’s judgment that defendant’s proposed, but untested, plans for the child’s care would be better.

Moreover, an evaluation of each party’s arrangements for the child’s care while her parents work or go to school is not an appropriate consideration under this factor. We find the trial court committed clear legal error in considering the "acceptability” of the parties’ homes and child-care arrangements under this factor, which is directed to the "permanence, as a family unit,” of the individual parties. "This factor exclusively concerns whether the family unit will remain intact, not an evaluation about whether one custodial home would be more acceptable than the other.” Fletcher v Fletcher, 200 Mich App 505, 517; 504 NW2d 684 (1993). Our Supreme Court affirmed this Court’s opinion in Fletcher on this issue, 447 Mich 871, 884-885, stating: "We agree with the Court of Appeals. The facts relied upon and expressed by the judge relate to acceptability, rather than permanence, of the custodial unit.” 1

Because the trial court’s finding with regard to this factor was the basis for a change in the child’s established custodial environment, the error is not harmless. Were we permitted to do so, we would reverse the trial court’s decision and resolve the matter. However, review de novo of a custodial disposition is expressly prohibited by Fletcher. 447 Mich 889. Although fit appears from the record that both of thé child’s "custodial units” are equally committed to permanence, we are no longer permitted to reach a speedy resolution. Particularly in a case such as this, in our view it ill serves the best interest of the child to remand for further proceedings. Nonetheless, Fletcher requires that we remand to the trial court for reevaluation of this factor. Id.

On remand, the trial court is to consider "up-to-date information” regarding this factor, as well as the fact that the child has "been living with the plaintiff during the appeal and any other changes in circumstances arising since the trial court’s original custody order.” Id., emphasis added. The trial court is not, however, to entertain or revisit further "evidence” concerning events before the trial in May and June, 1994. See id.

"(f) The moral fitness of the parties involved.” The trial court noted that both parties were apparently "sexually indiscriminate” during high school, and concluded that "neither one of these parties deserve any medals for their youthful activities.” The evidence supports the trial court’s finding that neither party benefits under this factor and that both parties have shown considerable growth during the past year.

"(g) The mental and physical health of the parties involved.” The evidence does not clearly preponderate against the trial court’s finding that this factor does not weigh in favor of either party. As the trial court stated, "the parties appear to be youthfully healthy and at this time have a good mental outlook on their future.”

"(h) The home, school, and community record of the child.” Although there was testimony from the child’s day-care provider that the child was well adjusted and clean, the trial court’s conclusion that the child is too young to have a significant school and community record is affirmed.

"(i) The reasonable preference of the child, if the court considers the child to be of sufficient age to express preference.” The trial court found that, after seeing the child, "it was apparent that due to the infant’s youth that no meaningful preference could be ascertained.” The trial court’s finding is not contrary to the evidence.

"(j) The willingness and ability of each of the parties to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent.” The record amply supports the trial court’s conclusion that "pettiness, jealousy, etc., is still going to be on the scene and that the situation would require constant court monitoring.” The trial court’s finding that both parties have contributed to the "considerable discord,” and are equal on this factor, is supported by the evidence.

"(k) Domestic violence, regardless of whether the violence was directed against or witnessed by the child.” Although there was evidence of violence between the parties, the trial court found the issue of domestic violence "not pertinent here.” While we agree that the trial court’s choice of words was unfortunate, it is apparent from the record that the trial court carefully considered the issue and found the parties neutral with regard to this factor after reviewing the vastly conflicting evidence. The evidence presented in this case does not clearly preponderate against the trial court’s finding.

"(1) Any other factor considered by the court to be relevant to a particular child custody dispute.” The parties do not dispute the trial court’s finding that no other factors were relevant in this case.

As noted previously, we affirm the trial court’s finding that there was an established custodial environment in plaintiff. We also affirm the trial court’s finding that the parties are equal, or the proofs neutral, with regard to eleven of the twelve statutory factors. We find no record support for the trial court’s finding that factor e favored defendant, and find that it was clear legal error to consider, under factor e, which party’s arrangement was preferable for the child’s care while her parent was working or at school. Because we are no longer permitted, under Fletcher, to resolve this matter here, we remand for reevaluation of factor e. Only changes in circumstances since the previous custody hearing are to be considered on remand by the trial court. Fletcher, 447 Mich 889.

In Docket No. 182369, plaintiff argues that the lower court erred in denying plaintiff’s motion to disqualify the trial judge in this matter.

Letters, or even complaints, to the Judicial Tenure Commission alone do not require disqualification of a trial judge. See People v Bero, 168 Mich App 545, 552; 425 NW2d 138 (1988). A trial judge’s erroneous ruling, even when "vigorously and consistently expressed,” is not grounds for disqualification. Wayne Co Prosecutor v Parole Bd, 210 Mich App 148, 155; 532 NW2d 899 (1995); People v Houston, 179 Mich App 753, 756; 446 NW2d 543 (1989).

Nor do a judge’s public statements necessarily require disqualification. MCR 2.003(B). The Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3, (A)(6), "does not pro hibit a judge from making public statements in the course of official duties or from explaining for public information the procedures of the court or the judge’s holdings or actions.”

As a general rule, a trial judge is not disqualified absent a showing of actual bias or prejudice. Crampton v Dep’t of State, 395 Mich 347; 235 NW2d 352 (1975); Houston, supra; Band v Livonia Associates, 176 Mich App 95, 118; 439 NW2d 285 (1989); Czuprynski v Bay Circuit Judge, 166 Mich App 118, 124; 420 NW2d 141 (1988). In Houston, at 757, this Court provided the following test for determining whether a trial judge should be disqualified:

"The test is not [just] whether or not actual bias exists but also whether there was 'such a likelihood of bias or an appearance of bias that the judge was unable to hold the balance between vindicating the interests of the court and the interests of the [affected party].’ [People v Lowenstein, 118 Mich App 475, 482; 325 NW2d 462 (1982), lv den 414 Mich 947 (1982), quoting Ungar v Sarafite, 376 US 575, 588; 84 S Ct 841; 11 L Ed 2d 921 (1964)].” [Emphasis added.]

Even when a judge is personally convinced that he is impartial, disqualification is warranted "where there are circumstances of such a nature to cause doubt as to [the judge’s] partiality, bias or prejudice.” Lowenstein, supra at 482.

In this case, the media frenzy generated by the trial court’s decision reached national proportions. Numerous newspaper and magazine articles, as well as radio and television references, appeared throughout Michigan and elsewhere. We are concerned that some of the trial judge’s reported comments appear inconsistent with his expressed findings of fact. Because we have found that the record supports those factual findings, we conclude that the nature and scope of the media exposure create an appearance of bias in this case.

In our view, it would be unreasonable to expect the trial judge to be able to put previously expressed views out of his mind without substantial difficulty. United States v Sears, Roebuck & Co, Inc, 785 F2d 777 (CA 9, 1986). We find that the advancement of the interests of preserving the appearance of justice and fairness outweighs other considerations here. Accordingly, we reverse the trial court’s decision to deny plaintiffs motion to disqualify and order this case to be heard by a different judge on remand.

Plaintiffs issues concerning the chief judge’s review of this matter, and the trial court’s ability to hear future proceedings, are not preserved for review because they were not raised in the application for leave to appeal and supporting brief. MCR 7.205(D)(4). Defendant’s claim on cross appeal that plaintiff should have been ordered to pay child support is moot at this time in light of our disposition.

In Docket No. 182369, the denial of plaintiffs motion to disqualify the trial judge is reversed. In Docket No. 177431, we affirm all the trial court’s findings with the exception of its findings regarding factor e. Because the trial court’s finding with regard to that factor was "pivotal,” the trial court’s change of custody is reversed. This matter is remanded to a different judge for reevaluation of factor e and reconsideration whether clear and convincing evidence dictates a change in custody. In order to expedite a speedy and final resolution, to the extent that we are able under Fletcher, we retain jurisdiction.

1 We recognize that the trial court did not have the benefit of the Supreme Court’s ruling on this issue in Fletcher at the time of trial.