Kimberly Marie Marik v. Peter Brian Marik

925 N.W.2d 885, 325 Mich. App. 353

Opinion

Cameron, P.J.

*888 *356 Defendant appeals the trial court's order denying his request to change the school enrollment for the parties' minor children and his corresponding request to modify parenting time. Defendant asserts that the trial court erred by denying his motion to change the minor children's school enrollment from a public school near plaintiff's home to a parochial school. Additionally, defendant challenges the trial court's denial of his request for an increase of 18 overnights to his parenting time. We conclude that the trial court failed to address the children's established custodial environment, to describe the applicable burden of proof, and to consider the statutory best-interest factors in deciding the requests as required by our caselaw. Therefore, we vacate and remand to the trial court to properly address these issues.

I. BACKGROUND

The parties divorced in 2011. The judgment of divorce awarded joint legal and physical custody, with plaintiff's home as the minor children's primary residence. As support for his requests, defendant asserts that the children will benefit from attending a different school system. Although defendant does not identify any particular deficiency with regard to the children's current educational environment or in their respective academic performances, he contends that their ability to thrive would increase in a different school system he contends is "better." Defendant implies that the change in school enrollment should also coincide with an increase in his parenting time to include an additional 18 overnights with the minor children. The parties currently share joint physical and legal custody, with plaintiff having 55% of the parenting time with the minor children and defendant enjoying 45% of the available *357 parenting time. The parenting-time modification requested by defendant would equalize the amount of time the parties have with the minor children.

The trial court conducted a de novo hearing on June 13, 2016, at which the parties presented their arguments on the request to change the children's school enrollment and the request to modify parenting time. During the hearing, the parties were sworn in and questioned briefly by the trial court. At the conclusion of the hearing, the trial court did not expressly address whether there was an established custodial environment, whether the requests would change that environment, or whether the requests weighed in favor of the individual best-interest factors under MCL 722.23. Instead, the trial court stated that

whether or not we use the clear and convincing standard or the preponderance of the evidence standard in both directions it is my opinion based on everything that I have heard and read that this is something driven by [defendant] who would like to create reasons.

And the reasons that you have come up with ... really benefit you. There is no problem with your children. They seem to be, as I indicated, thriving.

... They are doing well. Their grades are satisfactory. They are young. If there were a problem, then you would know about it.

But in the interim, this is exactly a normal life thing that these children might be doing adequate and next year might do superior. We don't know.

*889 But you are anticipating problems because you see problems within the school system. And I agree with [plaintiff's counsel], find a school system that doesn't have some issues.

And so you would prefer to move into Parochial. It's joint. Legal mother doesn't want it. Most important you gave up your argument years ago and so the children are established in this school.

*358 I will not interrupt their weeknights when they are doing the way that they are doing and those things that you can work out, you need to work out. If you are not hearing from the district, you will have to communicate with them that you need to be notified of this. Obviously if he is borderline, I think there should be an intelligent discussion about what should occur whether or not additional schooling is a good idea.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the trial court dismissed defendant's objections. Defendant appeals, claiming that the trial court erred when it denied his motion to change the children's school enrollment and modify parenting time.

II. PRESERVATION AND STANDARDS OF REVIEW

"Generally, an issue is not properly preserved if it is not raised before, addressed, or decided by the circuit court or administrative tribunal." AFSCME Council 25 v. Faust Pub. Library , 311 Mich. App. 449 , 462, 875 N.W.2d 254 (2015) (quotation marks and citation omitted). Defendant filed a motion to change the school enrollment and modify the parenting time for the minor children. Plaintiff filed a response, and the trial court held a hearing. The trial court denied defendant's motion. Accordingly, the issue is generally preserved for appellate review. However, defendant's argument as to the trial court's improper application of res judicata is raised for the first time on appeal and is not preserved.

As discussed in Lieberman v. Orr , 319 Mich. App. 68 , 76-77, 900 N.W.2d 130 (2017) :

All custody orders must be affirmed on appeal unless the circuit court's findings were against the great weight of the evidence, the circuit court committed a palpable abuse of discretion, or the circuit court made a clear legal error on a major issue.

*359 The great weight of the evidence standard applies to all findings of fact. A trial court's findings regarding the existence of an established custodial environment and regarding each custody factor should be affirmed unless the evidence clearly preponderates in the opposite direction. An abuse of discretion standard applies to the trial court's discretionary rulings such as custody decisions. Questions of law are reviewed for clear legal error. A trial court commits clear legal error when it incorrectly chooses, interprets, or applies the law.

The applicable burden of proof presents a question of law that is reviewed de novo on appeal. [Citations and quotation marks omitted.]

Unpreserved issues are reviewed "for plain error." Kern v. Blethen-Coluni , 240 Mich. App. 333 , 336, 612 N.W.2d 838 (2000). "To avoid forfeiture under the plain error rule, three requirements must be met: 1) the error must have occurred, 2) the error was plain, i.e., clear or obvious, 3) and the plain error affected substantial rights." Id . (quotation marks and citation omitted).

III. ANALYSIS

A. REQUEST TO CHANGE SCHOOLS

Defendant first challenges the trial court's lack of adherence to procedural *890 requirements in denying his motion to change the children's school enrollment. He asserts that the trial court erred by failing to conduct a full evidentiary hearing and by failing to determine whether an established custodial environment existed for the minor children. We agree.

"The Child Custody Act, MCL 722.21 et seq ., applies to all circuit court child custody disputes and actions, whether original or incidental to other actions."

*360 Pierron v. Pierron , 282 Mich. App. 222 , 243; 765 N.W.2d 345 (2009) ( Pierron I ), aff'd 486 Mich. 81 , 782 N.W.2d 480 (2010) (quotation marks and citation omitted). The purpose of the Child Custody Act is "to promote the best interests of the child and to provide a stable environment for children that is free of unwarranted custody changes." Lieberman , 319 Mich. App. at 78 , 900 N.W.2d 130 (quotation marks and citation omitted). Specifically, MCL 722.27 provides, in relevant part:

(1) If a child custody dispute has been submitted to the circuit court as an original action under this act or has arisen incidentally from another action in the circuit court or an order or judgment of the circuit court, for the best interests of the child the court may do 1 or more of the following:

* * *

(c) Subject to subsection (3), modify or amend its previous judgments or orders for proper cause shown or because of change of circumstances until the child reaches 18 years of age.... The court shall not modify or amend its previous judgments or orders or issue a new order so as to change the established custodial environment of a child unless there is presented clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child.

Preliminarily, it is important to remember that the Child Custody Act "provides that when parents share joint legal custody-as the parties do here-the parents shall share decision-making authority as to the important decisions affecting the welfare of the child. However, when the parents cannot agree on an important decision, such as a change of the child's school, the court is responsible for resolving the issue in the best interests of the child." Pierron v. Pierron , 486 Mich. 81 , 85, 782 N.W.2d 480 (2010) ( Pierron II ) (quotation and citations omitted). The threshold determination is whether an established custodial environment exists.

*361 Pierron I , 282 Mich. App. at 244 , 765 N.W.2d 345 . "The established custodial environment is the environment in which over an appreciable time the child naturally looks to the custodian in that environment for guidance, discipline, the necessities of life, and parental comfort." Pierron II , 486 Mich. at 85-86 , 782 N.W.2d 480 (quotation marks and citation omitted). "An established custodial environment may exist in more than one home and can be established as a result of a temporary custody order, in violation of a custody order, or in the absence of a custody order." Pierron I , 282 Mich. App. at 244 , 765 N.W.2d 345 (quotation marks and citations omitted). An important decision affecting a child's welfare does not necessarily mean the established custodial environment has been modified. Pierron II , 486 Mich. at 86 , 782 N.W.2d 480 . There is only a change to the established custodial environment if parenting-time adjustments change "whom the child naturally looks to for guidance, discipline, the necessities of life, and parental comfort...." Id . A court may not change the established custodial environment "unless there is presented clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child." Id . (quotation marks and citation omitted). If the request to change schools does not change the established *891 custodial environment, "the heightened evidentiary burden is not applicable, and [the] defendant is required to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the proposed change of schools would be in the best interests of the children...." Id . at 89-90, 782 N.W.2d 480 . "If, on the other hand, the court finds that no established custodial environment exists, then the court may change custody or enter a new order 'if the party bearing the burden proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the change serves the child's best interests.' " Pierron I , 282 Mich. App. at 245 , 765 N.W.2d 345 (citation omitted). *362 In other words, when making these determinations, trial courts must first address whether an established custodial environment exists. If it does, the trial court must determine whether the requested change would affect the established custodial environment of the child and, dependent on that outcome, ascertain the proper burden of proof to be employed. If the proposed change alters the established custodial environment, the party seeking the change must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the change is in the child's best interests. If the change does not alter the established custodial environment, then the proponent of the change need only demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that the requested change is in the child's best interests. Pierron II , 486 Mich. at 89-90 , 782 N.W.2d 480 .

The child's best interests are determined by evaluating the factors designated in MCL 722.23. As clarified in Pierron II :

MCL 722.23 requires "the sum total of the ... factors to be considered, evaluated, and determined by the court[.]" (Emphasis added.) In Parent v. Parent , 282 Mich. App. 152 , 762 N.W.2d 553 (2009), the Court of Appeals addressed this issue, also in the context of a dispute over a proposed change of school. Recognizing that even though each of the factors might not be relevant to the issue, MCL 722.23 requires consideration of "all" the factors, the Court held that "[t]he trial court must at least make explicit factual findings with regard to the applicability of each factor." Id . at 157 (emphasis added). We believe that this approach complies with MCL 722.23 and allows for the proper evaluation of whether an important decision is genuinely in the best interests of the children, in accordance with the Child Custody Act. Therefore, we hold that when a trial court is considering a decision that will not modify the established custodial environment, such as the change-of-school issue in this case, it must consider the applicability of all the factors. However, if the trial court determines *363 that a particular factor is irrelevant to the immediate issue, it need not make substantive factual findings concerning the factor beyond this determination, but need merely state that conclusion on the record. [ Pierron II , 486 Mich. at 91 , 782 N.W.2d 480 (alterations in original).]

While the trial court did not designate it as such, the de novo hearing the court conducted on June 13, 2016, was in essence a Lombardo 1 hearing. At a Lombardo hearing, the trial court "must consider, evaluate, and determine each of the factors listed at MCL 722.23 for the purpose of resolving disputes concerning important decisions affecting the welfare of the child that arise between joint custodial parents." Pierron I , 282 Mich. App. at 247, 765 N.W.2d 345 (quotation marks and citation omitted).

*892 Defendant initially argues that the trial court erred by failing to conduct a full evidentiary hearing. We agree. The record makes clear that the trial court did not allow the parties an opportunity to fully present evidence on the issue of whether changing the children's school was in their best interests. Instead, the parties' attorneys presented their arguments, plaintiff and defendant were placed under oath, and the trial court asked them questions. We have long held that when the trial court must first answer the threshold question of whether there was a proper cause or change of circumstances, "the court need not necessarily conduct an evidentiary hearing on the topic." Corporan v. Henton , 282 Mich. App. 599 , 605, 766 N.W.2d 903 (2009). In this case, however, the trial court was not required to answer this threshold question before considering a request to change schools. 2 Instead, the trial *364 court was tasked with determining the children's established custodial environment, whether the requested change would alter it, and whether the requested change was in the best interests of the minor children. This determination requires an evidentiary hearing in the form of a Lombardo hearing. See Pierron I , 282 Mich. App. at 247, 765 N.W.2d 345 ("The court must do so by holding an evidentiary hearing and considering the relevant best-interest factors contained in MCL 722.23."). There was no evidence introduced, no witnesses called, no cross-examination by opposing counsel, and, as stated in more detail later in this opinion, no express consideration of the best-interest factors contained in MCL 722.23. Therefore, we conclude that the trial court failed to conduct a full evidentiary hearing on the request to change the children's school enrollment, and for that reason, remand is required.

Furthermore, even if the hearing itself was adequate, the trial court failed to properly analyze the request to change schools consistently with the Child Custody Act. To begin, the trial court did not determine whether an established custodial environment exists or whether the change of schools would alter that environment. Our Supreme Court has directed that "[w]hen resolving important decisions that affect the welfare of the child, the court must first consider whether the proposed change would modify the established custodial environment." Pierron II , 486 Mich. at 85 , 782 N.W.2d 480 . In this case, the trial court failed to consider that question, and this legal error is sufficient to require that we vacate and remand this case to the trial court.

*365 Moreover, the trial court concluded that, regardless of the legal standard applied, a change of schools would not be in the children's best interests. Even if the trial court would have made a record that the more stringent clear-and-convincing standard was appropriate, it failed to analyze a single best-interest factor under MCL 722.23, which requires "the sum total of the ... factors to be considered, evaluated, and determined by the court[.]" Pierron II , 486 Mich. at 91 , 782 N.W.2d 480 (quotation marks and citation omitted; alterations in original). "[E]ven though each of the factors might not be relevant to the issue, MCL 722.23 requires consideration of 'all' the factors," and "[t]he trial court must at least make explicit factual findings with regard to the applicability of each factor."

*893 Pierron II , 486 Mich. at 91 , 782 N.W.2d 480 (quotation marks and citation omitted). If a particular factor is irrelevant, then the trial court "need merely state that conclusion on the record." Id . The trial court's failure to address any of the factors under MCL 722.23, let alone declare which factors were applicable and which were not, is fatal. On remand the trial court must first determine the issues concerning the established custodial environment and then conduct a full analysis of the best-interest factors.

Defendant's second claim of error-that the trial court improperly dismissed his objections on a res judicata theory-is without merit. Contrary to defendant's contention, the trial court did not improperly rely on a motion to change school systems that defendant had filed in 2012, and defendant's subsequent withdrawal of that request does not evidence the trial court's improper application of the doctrine of res judicata 3 to the issue of school enrollment. Rather, the *366 trial court pressed defendant during the hearing to identify how the requested change was in the children's best interests. Defendant's previous withdrawal of a similar motion several years earlier was used by the trial court to question defendant about what had changed in the four-year interim between motions to necessitate the enrollment of the children in a different school system. In noting that the children had been attending their current school for four years, without defendant challenging their current academic placement, the trial court was seeking to obtain an explanation of why a change was now necessary and how it would serve the best interests of the children. The trial court's reference to defendant's prior motion was not to preclude or raise a barrier to a new motion but simply to evaluate the merits of that new motion.

Plaintiff's contention that the children's "graduation" from Kenwood Elementary School at the conclusion of this academic year renders the issue moot is also mistaken. According to plaintiff, the children will conclude fifth grade at Kenwood Elementary School, presumably within the upcoming month. Plaintiff suggests that this renders defendant's issue regarding school enrollment moot because Kenwood Elementary School does not have classes beyond the fifth-grade level and defendant has only taken exception to the children's attendance at this particular school. First, this is a mischaracterization of defendant's argument. Defendant challenged the children's attendance in their current school district , with emphasis on issues pertaining to Kenwood Elementary School, due to various alleged financial problems that both the district *367 and school were experiencing. Second, when indicating a preference for the children's enrollment in a parochial school, defendant specifically observed that their enrollment could continue in the proposed school until high school, allegedly contributing to greater stability and continuity. It can be anticipated, given the history and evident animosity between plaintiff and defendant, that the need for the children to select a school to attend for middle school will result in new litigation should plaintiff and defendant be unable to agree on a school for their enrollment. However, if the parties cannot agree on a school in which to enroll the minor children, the issue would need to be presented to the trial court for resolution of that specific conflict between the joint legal *894 custodians. Lombardo , 202 Mich. App. at 159, 507 N.W.2d 788 .

B. REQUEST TO MODIFY PARENTING TIME

The final issue to be addressed is defendant's request to modify parenting time. Defendant argues that the trial court applied the wrong standard when evaluating his request to add 18 overnights. Specifically, he contends that the trial court improperly relied on Vodvarka v. Grasmeyer , 259 Mich. App. 499 , 675 N.W.2d 847 (2003), rather than Shade v. Wright , 291 Mich. App. 17 , 805 N.W.2d 1 (2010).

Changes in custody or parenting time may be modified only if the moving party demonstrates that modification is justified by proper cause or because of a change of circumstances. MCL 722.27(1)(c). If the requested modification, such as a motion to change custody, alters the child's established custodial environment, the stricter Vodvarka framework would apply. Shade , 291 Mich. App. at 25-26 , 805 N.W.2d 1 . However, "a lesser, more flexible, understanding of 'proper cause' or *368 'change in circumstances' " is applicable to a request to modify parenting time. Kaeb v. Kaeb , 309 Mich. App. 556 , 570-571, 873 N.W.2d 319 (2015). Specifically, "the very normal life change factors that Vodvarka finds insufficient to justify a change in custodial environment are precisely the types of considerations that trial courts should take into account in making determinations regarding modification of parenting time." Shade , 291 Mich. App. at 30 , 805 N.W.2d 1 .

As more recently explicated by this Court in Kaeb , 309 Mich. App. at 570-571 , 873 N.W.2d 319 :

Because the imposition, revocation, or modification of a condition on the exercise of parenting time will generally not affect an established custodial environment or alter the frequency or duration of parenting time, we are persuaded that a lesser, more flexible, understanding of "proper cause" or "change in circumstances" should apply to a request to modify or amend a condition on parenting time. As in Shade , it is evident that even normal changes to the lives of the parties affected by a parenting-time order may so alter the circumstances attending the initial imposition of a condition that a trial court would be justified in revisiting the propriety of the condition. A condition that was in the child's best interests when the child was in elementary school might not be in the child's best interests after he or she reaches high school. Even ordinary changes in the parties' behavior, status, or living conditions might justify a trial court in finding that a previously imposed condition is no longer in the child's best interests. We conclude that "proper cause" should be construed according to its ordinary understanding when applied to a request to change a condition on parenting time; that is, a party establishes proper cause to revisit the condition if he or she demonstrates that there is an appropriate ground for taking legal action. [Citations omitted.]

In this instance, defendant implies that a change in the children's school enrollment would also constitute *369 a change in circumstances sufficient to revisit the issue of parenting time. Defendant also suggests that his remarriage and the children's relationship with his wife and her daughter comprise a sufficient change in circumstances to revisit parenting time.

Because the trial court denied defendant's request to alter the children's school enrollment, there existed no change in circumstances on this alleged basis to support defendant's modification of parenting time. However, because we are remanding for further proceedings on the request to *895 change schools, this issue will need to be addressed at that time as well. See Pierron I , 282 Mich. App. at 249, 765 N.W.2d 345 (acknowledging that a change in school enrollment "might require minor modifications to [the] plaintiff's parenting time schedule").

Defendant's alternative basis for the modification of parenting time, his remarriage and the relationship of the children with members of their stepfamily, is sufficient under Shade to meet the initial threshold of a change of circumstances to consider the request. Defendant contends, however, that the trial court ignored Shade and applied the stricter, and inappropriate, standard imposed by Vodvarka in its analysis. Because the trial court failed to determine whether an established custodial environment exists, let alone whether a modification of parenting time would change that environment, remand is also required on this issue. 4

*370 Whether the Vodvarka or Shade standard is applied depends on the existence of an established custodial environment and whether the proposed parenting-time change would serve to alter that environment. Specifically:

In a parenting-time matter, when the proposed change would not affect the established custodial environment, the movant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the change is in the best interests of the child. However, ... when the proposed parenting-time change alters the established custodial environment, the proposal is essentially a change in custody, and Vodvarka governs. [ Lieberman , 319 Mich. App. at 84 , 900 N.W.2d 130 (citation omitted).]

Again, the trial court did not specifically address or discuss the existence of an established custodial environment for the children or the extent to which the best-interest factors were applicable. While the judgment of divorce granted joint physical and legal custody, a trial court must not "presume an established custodial environment by reference only to" the most recent custody order but rather must "look into the actual circumstances of the case." Curless v. Curless , 137 Mich. App. 673 , 676-677, 357 N.W.2d 921 (1984). This determination is required before the trial court may make a conclusion on the best-interest factors.

Moreover, a determination of the effect of the parenting-time modification on the custodial environment is necessary to determine the proper standard- Vodvarka (clear and convincing evidence) versus Shade (preponderance of the evidence)-to be applied in determining the best interests of the children. Although defendant argues that the trial court improperly applied the stricter Vodvarka standard, in reality, the trial court opined that under either standard *371 the best interests of the children were not served by the increase in overnight parenting time with defendant. Specifically, the trial court stated, "Now, whether or not we use the clear and convincing standard or the preponderance of the evidence standard in both directions it is my opinion based on everything that I have heard and read that this is something driven by the Defendant who would like to create reasons." Given the trial court's implication that the requested parenting time would affect the established custodial environment, application of the Vodvarka standard *896 would not be misplaced or constitute error. However, the trial court did not reach a conclusion as to whether the Vodvarka standard or the Shade standard applies to this case, and the standard dictates whether the trial court must address each best-interest factor or may only address those factors in dispute. See Shade , 291 Mich. App. at 31-32 , 805 N.W.2d 1 (concluding that "[c]ustody decisions require findings under all of the best-interest factors, but parenting time decisions may be made with findings on only the contested issues").

Therefore, even though the trial court repeatedly sought to focus on and emphasize the best interests of the minor children, it did not expressly address any of the best-interest factors. If, on remand, the trial court concludes that the Shade standard applies, then it need only make findings on the contested issues. However, if it concludes that the stricter Vodvarka standard applies, then it must address all the best-interest factors.

Vacated and remanded. We do not retain jurisdiction.

Jansen, J., concurred with Cameron, P.J.

O'Connell, J. (concurring ).

*372 I concur with Judge CAMERON'S well written majority opinion. I write separately to propose an Inevitable Remand Rule. Generally speaking, the controlling issue in any child custody case is the child's established custodial environment (ECE) at the time of the hearing. This is true whether the issue presented is legal custody or physical custody of the minor child. As I stated in Lieberman v. Orr , 319 Mich. App. 68 , 105, 900 N.W.2d 130 (2017) ( O'CONNELL , J., dissenting), "the controlling consideration is the child's custodial environment at the time of the hearing."

When a trial court fails to articulate, with precision, which party has, or which parties share, the ECE and the ECE cannot be discerned from the lower court record, the Court of Appeals should invoke the Inevitable Remand Rule with the help of a motion from one of the parties. Simply put, on appeal, when the trial transcript is devoid of a trial court's findings on which party has, or which parties share, the ECE, a motion to remand should immediately be filed with the Court of Appeals. The motion should articulate that the trial court erred and request a remand for an evidentiary hearing for the trial court to decide which party has, or which parties share, the ECE. (Needless to say, the motion should not be filed if the trial court has made a finding on the ECE and a party simply disagrees with the trial court findings. Such a motion would be considered frivolous.)

In the present case, the trial court decided a parenting-time issue and a school issue on June 13, 2016, without first deciding the ECE of the minor children. The majority opinion sets forth the framework for this Court's review of the trial court's decision; there is no need to repeat it in this concurring *373 opinion. (Both the majority and dissenting opinions in Lieberman , 319 Mich. App. 68 , 900 N.W.2d 130 , have an excellent discussion of this issue.) But, it is now approximately two years since the trial court made its initial decision, and we are remanding this case for a determination of the ECE. Of course, the trial court can consider any change of circumstances in the past two years. Needless to say, for numerous reasons, such a process is a colossal waste of time, damaging to the children, very expensive to the parties, and highly inefficient in deciding child custody matters.

I write this concurring opinion simply to propose and advocate an Inevitable Remand *897 Rule when the trial court fails to make a finding regarding the ECE.

1 Lombardo v. Lombardo , 202 Mich. App. 151 , 160; 507 N.W.2d 788 (1993).

2 In this case, as in the Pierron cases, there was no prior order regarding the children's enrollment in school, and therefore, defendant was not required to show proper cause or a change of circumstances as to the request to change schools. There was, however, a prior interim order involving the 2012-2013 school year, but nothing addressing the current or future enrollment of the minor children.

3 "Michigan law defines res judicata broadly to bar litigation in the second action not only of those claims actually litigated in the first action, but also claims arising out of the same transaction that the parties, exercising reasonable diligence, could have litigated but did not." Peterson Novelties, Inc v City of Berkley , 259 Mich App 1 , 11; 672 NW2d 351 (2003).

4 We make clear that the trial court in no way expressed its reliance on a referee's analysis, wherein the referee might have properly addressed the established custodial environment and best-interest factors at a hearing. In fact, there is no transcript of the referee's hearing in this case, and the trial court instead reevaluated the evidence, questioned the parties, and made an independent decision based on the parties' briefing and the record.