R.A.R. v. C.E.R.

2023 Ohio 232

• Court: Ohio Court of Appeals
• Decided: January 26, 2023
• Docket: 2022 CA 00011
• Status: Published

Opinion

[Cite as R.A.R. v. C.E.R., 2023-Ohio-232.]

COURT OF APPEALS LICKING COUNTY, OHIO FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

R.A.R. : JUDGES: : : Hon. Earle E. Wise, Jr., P.J. Plaintiff-Appellant : Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J. : Hon. Craig R. Baldwin, J. -vs- : : Case No. 2022 CA 00011 : C.E.R. : : : Defendant-Appellee : OPINION

CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Appeal from the Licking County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, Case No. 2019 DR 01039 DF

JUDGMENT: AFFIRMED IN PART; REVERSED AND REMANDED IN PART

DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: January 26, 2023

APPEARANCES:

For Plaintiff-Appellant: For Defendant-Appellee:

ERIC M. BROWN MELINDA G. SEEDS 250 Civic Center Dr., Suite 220 195 East Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215 P.O. Box 958 Pataskala, OH 43062 Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 2

Delaney, J.

{¶1} Plaintiff-Appellant R.A.R. appeals the February 8, 2022 judgment entry of

the Licking County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Decree of Shared Parenting

{¶2} Plaintiff-Appellant R.A.R. (“Father”) and Defendant-Appellee C.A.R.

(“Mother”) were married on October 16, 2010. They have two children as issue of the

marriage: P.R., born in November 2012, and M.R., born in October 2015.

{¶3} The parties filed a petition for dissolution of marriage on September 30,

2019. The petition for dissolution of marriage included a separation agreement and a

shared parenting plan.

{¶4} The Licking County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division,

issued a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage on November 18, 2019. The trial court also

issued a Decree of Shared Parenting on November 18, 2019. Both parents were

designated the legal custodians and residential parents of the children. Mother was

named the child support obligor and ordered to pay $1,130.72 per month in child support

to Father.

{¶5} Mother and Father also entered into an Agreed Judgment Entry appointing

Charlotte Parsons to serve as the Parenting Coordinator for the minor children and the

parties. The Parenting Coordinator was appointed for a term of one year, ending on

October 23, 2020, unless agreed otherwise by the parties. The duties of the Parenting

Coordinator included assisting the parties to resolve disputes related to the Court Order Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 3

by consulting outside sources and issuing a written decision. Mother and Father were

equally responsible for the Parenting Coordinator’s fees.

Mother’s Motion for Reallocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities

{¶6} On December 22, 2020, Mother filed a Motion to Reallocate Parental Rights

and Responsibilities. Her motion stated that she moved the trial court “to modify the

current orders in this case regarding the minor children * * *, and reallocate the parental

rights and responsibilities by terminating the current shared parenting plan and naming

the mother as the residential parent with sole legal custody of the minor children or in the

alternative, by modifying the current shared parenting plan and by addressing child

support, parenting time, health insurance, tax dependency issues, in such a way as to

ensure the best interests of the children.” Mother alleged in her motion that Father was

no longer cooperating or communicating with her in regard to the care of the children, so

that the shared parenting plan was not providing for the best interests of the children.

Mother noted that Father’s failure to abide by the shared parenting plan was especially

problematic due to P.R.’s health needs, which included a diagnosis of ADHD.

{¶7} Mother also filed a motion for temporary orders. In the motion, she

requested an order that the parties to follow the directions of P.R.’s medical providers for

his ADHD treatment plan that included medication. Mother also requested the parenting

time schedule be changed to a 2-2-3 schedule.

{¶8} Father responded in contra to the motions for reallocation and temporary

orders. He also moved to appoint a Guardian ad Litem for the children. Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 4

{¶9} The trial court appointed a GAL on January 28, 2021. The trial court denied

Mother’s motion for temporary orders but ordered the parties to complete one mediation

session and the GAL to complete an interim report on P.R.’s ADHD treatment plan.

{¶10} Father filed a proposed shared parenting plan on March 10, 2021.

{¶11} Mother filed a motion for ex-parte temporary orders, which the trial court

denied on April 21, 2021. The court set the matter for an expedited hearing. After a pre-

trial, the parties entered into a settlement of all temporary issues before the trial court. On

May 26, 2021, the trial court filed an Agreed Magistrate’s Order that found the parties

would continue under the November 18, 2019 shared parenting plan, with modifications

in parenting time outlined in the agreed order. The parties would conduct all

communication regarding shared parenting matters through the Our Family Wizard

program.

Hearing

{¶12} Mother’s motion for reallocation of parental rights came on for hearing

before the magistrate on July 12, 2021 and July 29, 2021. At the start of the hearing, the

magistrate asked Mother’s counsel, “what specifically is it that you’re asking the Court to

do today?” (T. 5). Mother’s counsel responded, “Your Honor, my client is requesting that

this Court terminate the shared parenting plan that’s been in place since November 18th

of 2019.” (T. 7). Father’s counsel stated Father did not believe the shared parenting plan

should be terminated because there was no change in circumstances and the Mother’s

requested modifications were not in the best interests of the children. Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 5

ADHD Diagnosis

{¶13} Charlotte Parsons, the parties’ Parenting Coordinator, testified that she was

assigned by court order to help Mother and Father negotiate and implement the shared

parenting plan. The parties signed the contract on December 11, 2019. During her tenure

as the parties’ parenting coordinator, Parsons noted Mother and Father’s main source of

conflict was P.R. and his diagnosis of ADHD.

{¶14} Parsons recollected that issues between Mother and Father started in

March 2020, at the start of the COVID pandemic. Parsons recommended Mother and

Father utilize the Our Family Wizard (“OFW”) program for communication, so that there

was transparency. Parsons was able to view the parties’ communications on the online

{¶15} P.R. experienced developmental delays as a toddler. In November 2019,

when P.R. was in first grade, he received an IEP for learning difficulties. His services

included summer services for reading and writing. He also received counseling from Dr.

Peterson, who recommended further evaluation to determine if P.R. had other diagnostic

considerations that could explain P.R.’s school struggles and other behaviors.

{¶16} In March 2020, when the schools switched to virtual learning due to the

COVID pandemic, P.R. struggled with the different learning modality.

{¶17} In August 2020, Mother communicated with Father through OFW,

expressing that P.R. should be evaluated to determine if he needed further services,

based on the counselor’s and other professional recommendations. She contacted

Nationwide Children’s Hospital, which recommended Dr. Michelle Spader to conduct an

evaluation of P.R. Father responded to Mother that he disagreed with her on all accounts Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 6

and would not approve of any further doctor visits. He felt that P.R.’s difficulties were due

to Mother’s parenting style.

{¶18} Mother had P.R. evaluated by Dr. Michelle Spader on August 18, 2020.

Father did not participate in the August 2020 evaluation. Dr. Spader diagnosed P.R. with

ADHD. Father reiterated through OFW that he did not approve of P.R.’s evaluation.

{¶19} P.R.’s second grade teachers recommended that P.R. receive further

evaluations for learning difficulties. P.R.’s teachers also noticed him exhibiting behaviors

they felt required further evaluation. Based on the recommendations, Mother scheduled

a follow-up assessment with Dr. Spader on September 14, 2020. Father objected to the

assessment. He wanted to give P.R.’s teachers more time in the new school year to work

with P.R. He also felt that P.R.’s behaviors could be managed through better parenting

by Mother. Mother agreed to move P.R.’s assessment with Dr. Spader to October 20,

2020 to allow Father to consult with P.R.’s counselor, teachers, and specialists. Mother

requested P.R.’s evaluation be completed before P.R.’s IEP meeting in November 2020,

so the IEP could include any new services. Father continued to object to the evaluation,

at which point Parsons stated she would be required to investigate and issue a parenting

coordinator decision as to whether P.R. should receive a second evaluation. Parsons

independently consulted with P.R.’s teachers, specialists, and counselors and agreed that

they all recommended that P.R. receive further evaluation. Mother and Father were

responsible for the fees incurred by Parson’s investigation.

{¶20} Father responded to Parson’s recommendation that an evaluation was

necessary with an OFW communication stating, “[T]his is a formal complaint.” He went

on to state that he wanted to stop the parenting coordinator process to avoid more fees Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 7

from accruing. Parsons agreed to terminate the parenting coordinator contract a few

weeks earlier than the termination date because she felt the parties’ money could be used

on attorneys’ fees, not her fees. On October 6, 2020, Father stated through OFW that

Mother could proceed with P.R.’s assessment.

{¶21} Dr. Spader conducted P.R.’s second assessment on October 20, 2020,

where she diagnosed P.R. with ADHD. Dr. Spader recommended a combined behavioral

management/skill building plus medication approach.

{¶22} In November, Father texted with Mother and stated he was not going to

medicate P.R. for ADHD. He stated that maybe Mother should be evaluated and

medicated. Mother took P.R. to the pediatrician in December 2020. Mother emailed

Father that the pediatrician recommended an ADHD medication. Father responded by

email that he would not approve of any treatment or medication for P.R. without first

exploring other alternatives.

{¶23} Mother filed the motion for reallocation of parental rights and responsibilities

in December 2020.

{¶24} In April 2021, Father obtained a second opinion for P.R., which confirmed

the diagnosis of ADHD. Mother located a behavioral therapist who specialized in ADHD

for P.R. The therapist was recommended by Father’s evaluator.

{¶25} Mother obtained P.R.’s ADHD medication in April 2021, after Father’s

second evaluation confirmed P.R.’s October 2020 diagnosis. Father agreed to provide

P.R. the medication as prescribed. However, P.R. had a counseling session with his

behavioral therapist and Father admitted that he did not give P.R. his ADHD medication

before the appointment. Father testified he did not give P.R. the medication because he Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 8

wanted the therapist to understand P.R.’s baseline and his behaviors. (T. 318). Father

did not discuss his plan with Mother before the appointment. (T. 319).

Communication Issues

{¶26} Mother and Father agreed that they had not verbally communicated with

each other since March or April 2020. The parties communicated through OFW, email, or

text.

{¶27} There was one incident where Father forgot it was his scheduled night to

pick up a child from school. Mother picked up the child after the school called and brought

him to Mother’s home. Father picked up the other child and brought him to Mother’s home.

Mother stood outside Father’s car to speak with him after the child left the vehicle, but

Father would not speak with Mother because he was on the phone. Father said Mother

did not wait for him to get off the phone. He emailed her through the OFW, acknowledging

he had made a mistake about the schedule.

{¶28} When Father dropped the children off at Mother’s house, he parked on the

street and the children walked independently to Mother’s house.

{¶29} Father and Mother agreed the children should be enrolled in sports

activities. Father enrolled the children in activities without consulting Mother about the

schedule, resulting in difficulties for Mother to get the children to activities because they

were scheduled at the same time in different locations.

{¶30} Mother and Father disagreed on a dental treatment for P.R. P.R. required

dental work but was afraid of the dentist. The dentist recommended sedation to complete

the dental procedure. Father refused to permit the dentist to sedate P.R. Father Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 9

rescheduled the appointment and reported to Mother the procedure went smoothly.

Mother learned the dentist was not able to complete the procedure as planned.

{¶31} There was an incident where Mother and Father stayed at the medical

facility after one of P.R.’s medical appointments. They were discussing the appointment

and the discussion became heated to the point a security officer was called to check on

the parties.

{¶32} At the time of the hearing, Father testified that he was working with a

parenting coach and had four sessions with a mental health counselor but did not have a

mental health diagnosis. Mother also reported seeing a counselor due to the divorce but

did not have a mental health diagnosis.

Child Support

{¶33} At the time of the hearing, Father was 43 years old. He was employed as

an office manager and recruiter for a business in Granville, Ohio. In 2020, Father became

a salary plus commission employee after being only a commission employee. He was

paid twice a month. According to Father’s 2020 W-2, he earned $36,452.99 in gross

wages. Father earned a commission through June 15, 2021 in the amount of $18,580.20.

His total gross wages through June 15, 2021 were $36,076.20. His other source of income

was a rental property. In 2020, Father received $11,150 in rent but paid expenses in the

amount of $3,758. Father also sold items on eBay, which he argued was a hobby not a

business.

{¶34} Mother was also 43 years old. She was employed as a pharmaceutical

representative, with a flexible working schedule. Her bi-weekly pay rate in 2021 was Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 10

$5,458.92. Mother was responsible for the health, dental, and vision insurance for the

children.

GAL Report

{¶35} The GAL filed her report on July 2, 2021. She recommended it was in the

best interests of the children that the trial court terminate the shared parenting plan and

name Mother as the sole residential parent and legal custodian of the children.

Bruns or Fisher

{¶36} At the conclusion of the hearing, the magistrate requested the parties to

brief the issue of whether the trial court was required to consider a change in

circumstances when ruling on Mother’s motion for reallocation of parental rights.

{¶37} On August 13, 2021, Mother filed her brief arguing that pursuant to Bruns

v. Green, 163 Ohio St.3d 43, 2020-Ohio-4787, 168 N.E.3d 396, the trial court was not

required to consider a change in circumstances when terminating a shared parenting

decree, which included the shared parenting plan, as Mother had requested in this case.

The trial court was only required to consider the best interests of the children. Father filed

his memorandum on August 23, 2021, arguing that Bruns did not overrule Fisher v.

Hasenjager, 116 Ohio St.3d 53, 2007-Ohio-5589, 876 N.E.2d 546, which required the trial

court to consider a change in circumstances when modifying a shared parenting plan.

Father argued that by requesting the trial court name Mother a sole residential parent and

legal custodian of the children, she was requesting a modification of the shared parenting

plan. Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 11

Magistrate’s Decision

{¶38} On October 12, 2021, the magistrate issued the Magistrate’s Decision

terminating the shared parenting decree. The magistrate found that Mother had requested

the trial court terminate the shared parenting decree, which included the shared parenting

plan, thereby placing the matter under the purview of Bruns and requiring the court to

only consider the best interests of the children. The magistrate found based on the parties’

failure to communicate, especially to the detriment of P.R.’s medical needs, it was in the

best interests of the children to terminate the shared parenting decree and name Mother

as the sole residential parent and legal custodian of the children. The magistrate further

recommended there was a change of circumstances necessitating the termination of the

shared parenting plan. The magistrate ordered parenting time to the schedule agreed to

by the parties in the May 26, 2021 Agreed Magistrate’s Order. The magistrate next

recommended that Father pay child support in the amount of $581.19 per month, after

granting a downward deviation.

{¶39} The trial court approved and adopted the Magistrate’s Decision on October

12, 2021.

Father’s Objections

{¶40} Father filed multiple objections to the Magistrate’s Decision. He first argued

it was error for the magistrate to follow Bruns instead of Fisher. He next argued there was

no change of circumstances in the parties’ relationship when they entered into the shared

parenting plan because the parties never got along and never communicated well. Finally,

Father challenged the magistrate’s calculation of his child support obligation and the start

date of his child support obligation. Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 12

{¶41} On February 8, 2022, the trial court issued its judgment entry overruling all

but two of Father’s objections to the Magistrate’s Decision. The trial court followed Bruns

to find that a change in circumstances analysis was not necessary because Mother

requested the trial court to terminate the shared parenting decree, which included the

shared parenting plan. The trial court sustained Father’s objections as to a clerical error

and to order that both Mother and Father were required to follow the physician’s orders

as to the administration of medication for the children.

{¶42} It is from this judgment that Father now appeals.

ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR

{¶43} In Father’s appellate brief, he lists two Assignments of Error in the “Table of

Contents.” In his “Statement of Assignment(s) of Error,” Father lists 15 Assignments of

Error. Pursuant to App.R. 16(A)(3), “the appellant shall include in its brief * * * a statement

of the assignment of error presented for review, with reference to the place in the record

where each error is reflected.” We recite the 15 Assignments of Error listed in Father’s

statement:

{¶44} “I. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION WHEN

IT ENTERED AN ORDER REALLOCATING PARENTAL RIGHTS AND

RESPONSIBILITIES. [First Assignment of Error in the Table of Contents.]

{¶45} “II. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY

CONCLUDING THAT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY FOR APPELLEE TO PROVE A

CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES HAD OCCURRED IN ORDER TO TERMINATE

SHARED PARENTING FOR THE PARTIES. Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 13

{¶46} “III. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY

FINDING CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES.

{¶47} “IV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY

CONCLUDING THAT IT WAS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILDREN TO

TERMINATE SHARED PARENTING AND DESIGNATE APPELLEE AS RESIDENTIAL

PARENT AND LEGAL CUSTODIAN.

{¶48} “V. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY

CONCLUDING THAT APPELLANT REFUSED TO ENGAGE IN THE PROCESS OF

NEGOTIATING AN ADHD EVALUATION WITH APPELLEE.

{¶49} “VI. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY

CONCLUDING THAT APPELLANT FAILED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF P.R.’S

MEDICATION IN A TIMELY MANNER.

{¶50} “VII. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY

CONCLUDING THAT APPELLANT WAS UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO BE FLEXIBLE

WITH THE PARENTING TIME SCHEDULE.

{¶51} “VIII. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY

CONCLUDING THAT THE PARTIES STRUGGLED TO MAKE JOINT DECISIONS.

{¶52} “IX. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY

CONCLUDING THAT PARTY COMMUNICATION WAS ALMOST NON-EXISTENT.

{¶53} “X. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY

ATTRIBUTING CREDIBILITY TO THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE

GUARDIAN AD LITEM. Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 14

{¶54} “XI. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION IN

ENTERING ORDERS FOR CHILD SUPPORT. [Second Assignment of Error in the Table

of Contents.]

{¶55} “XII. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY

CONCLUDING THAT APPELLANT SHALL PAY CHILD SUPPORT TO APPELLEE.

{¶56} “XIII. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY

CONCLUDING THAT APPELLANT’S ANNUAL COMMISSION INCOME WAS

$40,538.64.

{¶57} “XIV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY

CONCLUDING THAT A DEVIATION FOR EQUAL PARENTING TIME WAS VALUED AT

$134.05 PER MONTH.

{¶58} “XV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY

CONCLUDING THAT APPELLANT’S CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATION SHALL BE

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 13, 2021.

ANALYSIS

I. Termination of the Shared Parenting Plan and Decree

{¶59} In his first through tenth Assignments of Error, Father contends the trial

court erred in terminating the shared parenting plan and decree and naming Mother as

the sole residential parent and legal custodian of the minor children. We disagree.

{¶60} In his second Assignment of Error, Father contends the trial court erred

when it relied upon Bruns v. Green, 163 Ohio St.3d 43, 2020-Ohio-4787, 168 N.E.3d 396,

to find it was required to consider only the best interests of the minor children before Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 15

terminating a shared parenting plan and decree and designating one parent as the

residential parent and legal custodian. He contends the trial court should have utilized

Fisher v. Hasenjager, 116 Ohio St.3d 53, 2007-Ohio-5589, 876 N.E.2d 546.

{¶61} In Bruns, the Supreme Court considered R.C. 3109.04, which governs the

process for allocating parental rights and responsibilities between the parents of minor

children. The parents in Bruns asked the trial court to terminate their shared parenting

plan under R.C. 3109.04(E)(2)(c), or in the alternative, to modify the plan. The trial court

terminated the shared parenting plan and found it was in the best interest of the child to

name mother as the sole residential parent and legal custodian. On appeal to the Tenth

District, the court affirmed that a change of circumstances analysis was not required in

order to issue a modified decree allocating parental rights and responsibilities to a single

parent, after a prior shared parenting plan had been terminated. Id. at ¶ 5.

{¶62} The Bruns appeal was certified for a conflict with this Court’s decision in

Wright v. Wright, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2011CA00129, 2012-Ohio-1560, where we held that

a change of circumstances analysis was necessary for the modification of the designation

of a residential parent and legal custodian following the termination of a shared parenting

plan. Id. at ¶ 6. The Supreme Court was asked whether the termination of a shared

parenting plan and decree and subsequent modification of parental rights and

responsibilities under R.C. 3109.04(E)(2) required first a finding of a change in

circumstances under R.C. 3109.04(E)(1)(a). Id.

{¶63} The Supreme Court found that while subsection R.C. 3109.04(E)(1)(a)

outlined how to modify a custody decree, and subsections (E)(2)(a) and (b) outlined how Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 16

to modify the terms of a shared parenting plan, it was subsection (E)(2)(c) that provided

the procedures for terminating a shared parenting plan. The statute reads:

The court may terminate a prior final shared parenting decree that includes

a shared parenting plan * * * upon the request of one or both of the parents

or whenever it determines that shared parenting is not in the best interest

of the children.

{¶64} The Court then stated, “[i]n the event that the court terminates a shared-

parenting decree, R.C. 3109.04(E)(2)(d) provides:

Upon the termination of a prior final shared parenting decree under division

(E)(2)(c) of this section, the court shall proceed and issue a modified decree

for the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the

children under the standards applicable under divisions (A), (B), and (C) of

this section as if no decree for shared parenting had been granted and as

if no request for shared parenting ever had been made.

(Emphasis sic.) Bruns, ¶ 12-13. Accordingly, under the plain language of R.C. 3109.04,

the Bruns Court held that a trial court is not required to find a change in circumstances,

in addition to considering the best interest of the child, before terminating a shared

parenting plan and decree and designating one parent as the residential parent and legal

custodian. Id. at ¶ 21.

{¶65} In so ruling, the Court explained its conflicting decision in Fisher v.

Hasenjager, 116 Ohio St.3d 53, 2007-Ohio-5589, 876 N.E.2d 546, where it held that a

modification of the designation of a residential parent and legal custodian of a child

requires that a change of circumstances has occurred, as well as finding that the Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 17

modification is in the best interests of the child. Id. at ¶ 15. In Fisher, both parents

requested a termination of the shared parenting plan, which the trial court granted and

found it was in the best interest of the child for mother to be named the residential parent

and legal custodian. On appeal, the Third District construed the trial court’s actions as a

modification of a shared parenting plan, not a termination of shared parenting plan, but

found the trial court was not required to consider a change of circumstances under R.C.

3109.04(E)(1)(a). Id. at ¶ 17. The matter was certified for a conflict and the issue

presented to the Supreme Court was whether a change in the designation of the residential

parent and legal custodian was simply a “term” of the shared parenting plan, thereby

allowing the designation to be modified solely on the consideration of the best interest

of the child, not whether there was a change of circumstances. Id. at ¶ 18. Based on the

parties’ and appellate court’s interpretation of the trial court’s decision as a

modification not a termination of a shared parenting plan, the Supreme Court answered

the question in the negative. It found the trial court was required to utilize a change of

circumstances analysis. Id. at ¶ 19-20.

{¶66} In her concurring opinion, Justice Kennedy explained the Court’s decision:

Fisher involved the termination of a decree and plan of shared parenting,

and in its decision, this court erred by applying the statutory provision that

controls the modification of the allocation of parental rights and

responsibilities of a decree and plan of shared parenting, R.C.

3109.04(E)(1)(a), to a termination case. That is, Fisher treated a termination

of a decree and plan of shared parenting like it was a modification of Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 18

parental rights and responsibilities contained within a decree and plan of

shared parenting.

Bruns v. Green, 163 Ohio St.3d 43, 2020-Ohio-4787, 168 N.E.3d 396, ¶ 22.

{¶67} Justice Kennedy further clarified:

Therefore, once a trial court has granted an original decree and plan of

shared parenting, the central question a trial court faces at the outset of

postdecree litigation is whether the parties are seeking to modify the decree

and plan of shared parenting or terminate the decree and plan of shared

parenting. The answer to that question drives which statute applies.

Bruns v. Green, 163 Ohio St.3d 43, 2020-Ohio-4787, 168 N.E.3d 396, ¶ 27.

{¶68} In this case, we agree with Father that the facts are essentially identical to

those in Bruns and Fisher; however, Bruns controls. The record shows there is no dispute

that Mother sought a termination of the shared parenting plan and decree and to issue a

custody order that she would be named the sole residential parent and legal custodian.

Pursuant to Bruns, a trial court must consider a termination under the standard set forth

in R.C. 3109.04(E)(2)(c). We find no error for the trial court to consider only the best

interest of the child when deciding whether to terminate the shared parenting plan and

decree to which parent to designate as the residential and custodial parent of the minor

child.

Best Interests

{¶69} Our standard of review in assessing the disposition of child custody matters

is that of abuse of discretion. DiDonato v. DiDonato, 5th Dist. Tuscarawas No. 2015 AP

07 0042, 2016-Ohio-1511, 63 N.E.3d 660, ¶ 44, quoting Miller v. Miller, 37 Ohio St.3d 71, Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 19

523 N.E.2d 846 (1988). In order to find an abuse of discretion, we must determine the

trial court's decision was unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable and not merely an

error of law or judgment. Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 450 N.E.2d 1140

(1983). Furthermore, as an appellate court reviewing evidence in custody matters, we do

not function as fact finders; we neither weigh the evidence nor judge the credibility of the

witnesses. Our role is to determine whether there is relevant, competent, and credible

evidence upon which the fact finder could base his or her judgment. Id., quoting Dinger

v. Dinger, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2001 CA 00039, 2001-Ohio-1386, 2001 WL 1141268.

{¶70} The trial court is “best able to view the witnesses and observe their

demeanor, gestures, and voice inflections, and use these observations in weighing the

credibility of the proffered testimony.” Seasons Coal Co. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St.3d 77,

461 N.E.2d 1273 (1984). Deferential review in a child custody determination is especially

crucial “where there may be much evidence by the parties' demeanor and attitude that

does not translate to the record well.” Davis v. Flickinger, 77 Ohio St.3d 415, 674 N.E.2d

1159 (1997). We are mindful that the knowledge a trial court gains through observing the

witnesses and the parties in a custody proceeding cannot be conveyed to a reviewing

court by a printed record, and the reviewing court should be guided by the presumption

that the trial court's findings were correct. See Miller v. Miller, 37 Ohio St.3d 71, 74, 523

N.E.2d 846 (1988).

{¶71} The trial court must weigh the best interest of the children before terminating

a shared parenting decree.1 R.C. 3109.04(E)(2)(c). R.C. 3109.04(F), which sets forth the

factors a trial court must consider in determining the best interest of the child, provides:

1 Based on Bruns, we do not consider the issue of change of circumstances. Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 20

(F)(1) In determining the best interest of a child pursuant to this section,

whether on an original decree allocating parental rights and responsibilities

for the care of children or a modification of a decree allocating those rights

and responsibilities, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including,

but not limited to:

(a) The wishes of the child's parents regarding the child's care;

(b) If the court has interviewed the child in chambers pursuant to division

(B) of this section regarding the child's wishes and concerns as to the

allocation of parental rights and responsibilities concerning the child, the

wishes and concerns of the child, as expressed to the court;

(c) The child's interaction and interrelationship with the child's parents,

siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best

interest;

(d) The child's adjustment to the child's home, school, and community;

(e) The mental and physical health of all persons involved in the situation;

(f) The parent more likely to honor and facilitate court-approved parenting

time rights or visitation and companionship rights;

(g) Whether either parent has failed to make all child support payments,

including all arrearages, that are required of that parent pursuant to a child

support order under which that parent is an obligor;

(h) Whether either parent or any member of the household of either parent

previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any criminal offense Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 21

involving any act that resulted in a child being an abused child or a

neglected child * * *;

(i) Whether the residential parent or one of the parents subject to a shared

parenting decree has continuously and willfully denied the other parent's

right to parenting time in accordance with an order of the court;

(j) Whether either parent has established a residence, or is planning to

establish a residence, outside this state.

(F)(2) In determining whether shared parenting is in the best interest of the

children, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not

limited to, the factors enumerated in division (F)(1) of this section, the

factors enumerated in section 3119.23 of the Revised Code, and all of the

following factors:

(a) The ability of the parents to cooperate and make decisions jointly, with

respect to the children;

(b) The ability of each parent to encourage the sharing of love, affection,

and contact between the child and the other parent;

(c) Any history of, or potential for, child abuse, spouse abuse, other

domestic violence, or parental kidnapping by either parent;

(d) The geographic proximity of the parents to each other, as the proximity

relates to the practical considerations of shared parenting;

(e) The recommendation of the guardian ad litem of the child, if the child

has a guardian ad litem. Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 22

{¶72} The Magistrate’s Decision and trial court’s judgment entry overruling

Father’s objections to the Magistrate’s Decision thoroughly and independently examined

the record and the best interest considerations under R.C. 3109.04(F). The most weighing

factor in this case as to whether it was in the best interest of the children to terminate the

shared parenting plan was found in R.C. 3109.04(F)(2)(a), the ability of the parents to

cooperate and make decisions jointly, with respect to the children. The parties started

with a shared parenting plan, but the evidence demonstrated that when it came to making

an important medical decision for P.R. after the inception of the shared parenting plan,

the parties could not cooperate and make decisions jointly. In 2020, medical and

educational professionals recommended to Mother and Father that P.R. be evaluated to

determine if he suffered from any additional challenges so that he could receive the

appropriate medical and educational attention. The OFW communications between

Mother, Father, and the parenting coordinator showed that after being presented with the

professional recommendations, Father refused to allow P.R. even to be evaluated, which

did not require the administration of any medication. Father blamed Mother’s parenting

for P.R.’s learning and behavioral challenges. After the parenting coordinator’s

intercession confirming the professional recommendations, Father conceded to P.R.’s

evaluation by a mental health professional (but he would not participate in the evaluation),

which determined P.R. had ADHD in addition to his other learning difficulties. It was not

until 2021 and after Father’s own evaluator confirmed the 2020 diagnosis of ADHD that

Father permitted his child be prescribed medication to assist with his mental health needs.

{¶73} The magistrate and trial court noted that P.R.’s medical issue was an

example of the larger communication difficulties between Mother and Father. Both parties Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 23

testified they had not verbally spoken to each other since March or April 2020. Father

enrolled the children in sporting activities without consulting Mother about the schedule

when she would be involved in getting the children to and from the events. Father would

not exit the vehicle when he dropped off the children at Mother’s home. After a confusion

in the parenting time schedule, Father would not respond to Mother’s phone calls or speak

to her when she was standing at his car window. In one of his text messages to Mother

in regard to the children, he called her, “bitch.”

{¶74} The GAL recommended the termination of the shared parenting plan. Father

argues on appeal that the trial court gave improper weight to the GAL’s findings and

recommendations. The trial court, as the trier of fact, is permitted to assign weight to the

GAL's testimony and recommendation and to consider it in the context of all the

evidence before the court. In re K.A., 5th Dist. Fairfield No. 2021 CA 00004, 2021-Ohio-

1773, ¶ 48, citing In the Matter of D.S., 5th Dist. Fairfield No. 15 CA 30, 2016-Ohio-79.

The GAL testified at the hearing where Father’s counsel had the opportunity to cross

examine the GAL. Father did not object to the admission of the GAL’s report.

{¶75} At the hearing, Father testified that Mother and Father were able to

eventually agree on issues, as evidenced by the shared parenting plan and P.R.’s

treatment plan. The trial court noted that Father’s interpretation of “agreement” was more

akin to Mother’s acquiescence to Father. The magistrate was in the best position to

assess the credibility of Father and Mother when they testified at the hearing. In this case,

the magistrate found Mother to be more credible than Father as to their inability to agree

and work jointly for the benefit of the children. Upon this record, we find the trial court did

not abuse its discretion to find it was in the best interest of the children to terminate the Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 24

shared parenting plan and decree and name Mother as the sole residential parent and

legal custodian of the children.

{¶76} Father’s Assignments of Error related to the issue of the termination of the

shared parenting plan and decree are overruled.

II. Child Support

{¶77} In his eleventh through fifteenth Assignments of Error, Father contends the

trial court erred as to the award of child support.

{¶78} The abuse-of-discretion standard is the appropriate standard of review in

matters concerning child support. Kiehborth v. Kiehborth, 169 Ohio App.3d 308, 2006-

Ohio-5529, 862 N.E.2d 863, ¶ 21 (5th Dist.), citing Booth v. Booth, 44 Ohio St.3d 142,

541 N.E.2d 1028 (1989). In order to find an abuse of discretion, we must determine that

the trial court's decision was unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable. Id., citing

Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 219, 450 N.E.2d 1140 (1983).

{¶79} Father first argues that he should not be obligated to pay child support. In

the shared parenting plan and decree, Mother was obligated to pay child support in the

amount of $1,130.72 per month. After the termination of the shared parenting plan and

decree, Father was ordered to pay child support in the amount of $581.19 per month,

after a downward deviation. Father contends that although Mother was named the sole

residential parent and legal custodian, the modest modification of the parenting time

schedule should not warrant an increase in child support to $1,711.91 per month

($1,130.72 + $581.19). Father appears to argue that there is still a shared parenting like-

plan in place; therefore, he should not be obligated to pay child support because Mother

was obligated to pay child support under the now-terminated shared parenting plan. Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 25

{¶80} Pursuant to R.C. 3119.07(A), the trial court did not agree with Father’s basic

premise that he should not be obligated to pay child support. R.C. 3119.07(A) reads,

“Except when the parents have split parental rights and responsibilities, a parent's child

support obligation for a child for whom the parent is the residential parent and legal

custodian shall be presumed to be spent on that child and shall not become part of a child

support order, and a parent's child support obligation for a child for whom the parent is

not the residential parent and legal custodian shall become part of a child support order.”

It is under R.C. 3119.02 that the trial court calculates “the amount of the parents' child

support and cash medical support in accordance with the basic child support schedule,

the applicable worksheet, and the other provisions of Chapter 3119. of the Revised

Code.” In this case, there is no shared parenting plan and Mother is named the sole

residential parent and legal custodian. Father is not the residential parent and legal

custodian. The trial court is obligated to calculate the amount of child support pursuant to

R.C. 3119.02.

Calculation of Child Support

{¶81} Father next argues the trial court erred in its calculation of child support,

specifically as to the Father’s commission income and the determination of the deviation.

Several statutory provisions govern the calculation of child support. R.C. 3119.03

establishes a rebuttable presumption that the child support amount calculated using the

statutory schedule and worksheet is the correct amount of child support:

In any action or proceeding in which the court determines the amount of

child support that will be ordered to be paid pursuant to a child support order

* * * the amount of child support that would be payable under a child support Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 26

order, as calculated pursuant to the basic child support schedule and

applicable worksheet through the line establishing the actual annual

obligation, is rebuttably presumed to be the correct amount of child support

due.

Commission Income

{¶82} Father testified at the hearing that he earned a salary and a commission,

for which he was paid semi-monthly, on the 15th and 30th of the month. He started at his

position in 2019 and he did not begin earning a commission until June 2020. His base

salary was $1,458.00 semi-monthly, equaling $34,992.00 per year. The total

commissions earned year to date through June 15, 2021 was $18,580.22. His gross

earnings through June 15, 2021 were $36,076.20. The magistrate prorated Father’s

commission based on the estimated number of pay periods and found that Father’s semi-

monthly commission income was $1,689.11 for support calculation purposes, which

totaled $40,538.64 per year.

{¶83} In his objections and on appeal, Father argues that pursuant to the language

of R.C. 3119.05(D), the trial court was not permitted to include Father’s commission

income in the child support calculation. R.C. 3119.05(D) states:

(D) When the court or agency calculates the annual income of a parent, it

shall include the lesser of the following as income from overtime and

bonuses:

(1) The yearly average of all overtime, commissions, and bonuses received

during the three years immediately prior to the time when the person's child

support obligation is being computed; Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 27

(2) The total overtime, commissions, and bonuses received during the year

immediately prior to the time when the person's child support obligation is

being computed.

{¶84} When confronted with income earned through overtime, bonuses, and

commissions, R.C. 3119.05(D) instructs the court to use the lesser of the following two

figures: “[t]he yearly average of all overtime, commissions, and bonuses received during

the three years immediately prior,” R.C. 3119.05(D)(1), or “[t]he total overtime,

commissions, and bonuses received during the year immediately prior,” R.C.

3119.05(D)(2). The court must follow the statutory directives for calculating gross income

before determining the appropriate child-support award based on that income. A.S. v.

J.W., 157 Ohio St.3d 47, 2019-Ohio-2473, 131 N.E.3d 44, 2019 WL 2587857

{¶85} Father states there was no evidence presented of Father’s commission

from three years immediately prior to the time when his child support obligation was being

computed (2018-2020) nor was there evidence presented of Father’s commission income

received during the year immediately prior to the time when Father’s child support

obligation was being computed (2020). Father contends his testimony showed he started

his current employment in 2019 and began earning a commission in June 2020. Evidence

of his commission earnings from January 1, 2021 through June 15, 2021 was presented

at trial through Father’s pay stub (Plaintiff’s Exhibit 4). The trial court completed the child

support worksheet on October 12, 2021. Father argues the trial court could not to estimate

his commission income under R.C. 3119.05(D) for child support calculation purposes.

{¶86} The trial court rejected Father’s argument and found the magistrate did not

err when she averaged Father’s commissions for the duration Father earned the Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 28

commissions to determine Father’s annual income. Pursuant to A.S. v. J.W., 157 Ohio

St.3d 47, 2019-Ohio-2473, 131 N.E.3d 44, 2019 WL 2587857, we disagree.2

{¶87} In A.S. v. J.W., the trial court averaged the father-obligor’s commissions

received during 2014 and 2015 and his projected commissions for 2016. It then added

that figure to father-obligor’s 2016 salary to determine father-obligor’s total gross income

for 2016. The Supreme Court held the plain language of R.C. 3119.05(D)(1) directs the

trial court to use the average of the commissions earned during the three years prior to

the time that the child-support obligation is being computed. The Supreme Court found,

“the magistrate deviated from the mandate of R.C. 3119.05(D)(1) by using the current

year's projected commissions when calculating the average commissions to be included

in Father's total annual gross income. Instead, the court should have used the average of

the commissions earned during 2013, 2014, and 2015, or the commissions earned in

2015, whichever is lower. R.C. 3119.05(D).” Id. at ¶ 21.

{¶88} The trial court in this case utilized Father’s current year commission earnings

to calculate the average commissions to be included in Father’s total annual gross

income for child support calculation purposes, which is in contravention of the plain

language of R.C. 3119.05(D). See A.S. v. J.W., 2019-Ohio-2473.

{¶89} We hereby sustain Father’s Assignment of Error as to the calculation of

Father’s commission under R.C. 3119.05(D). The matter is remanded to the trial court for

further proceedings consistent with this Opinion and law.

2 Effective March 28, 2019, R.C. Chapter 3119 was amended by 2018 Am.Sub.H.B. 366. A.S. v. J.W. interprets and applies the version of R.C. Chapter 3119 applicable prior to H.B. 366's recent amendments. However, the language of R.C. 3119.05(D) is identical in the prior and current versions of R.C. Chapter 3119. Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 29

Deviation

{¶90} Father next contends the trial court erred and abused its discretion by

concluding a deviation for equal parenting time was valued at $134.05 per month. The

Magistrate’s Decision provided Father with an adjustment of 10% to his support obligation

as a result of exercising parenting time in excess of 90 over nights per year. The

Magistrate’s Decision next recommended a deviation based on Father’s extended

parenting time under R.C. 3119.23(C). The Magistrate’s Decision stated,

The parents have equal time with the children. Accordingly, Father

exercises parenting time which exceeds 147 overnights per year. The

Father is, therefore, entitled to a deviation for such parenting time. R.C.

3119.231. The Magistrate values such a deviation at $134.05 per month.

The Magistrate finds that guildeline support would be unjust or inappropriate

and would not be in the best interest of the children.

(Magistrate’s Decision, October 12, 2021).

{¶91} When issuing an order of child support, the trial court must calculate the

amount of support “in accordance with the basic child support schedule, the applicable

worksheet, and the other provisions of Chapter 3119.” R.C. 3119.02. The child support

amount that results from the use of the basic worksheet is presumed to be the correct

amount of child support due. R.C. 3119.03. However, under R.C. 3119.22, a court may

deviate from the guideline amount of child support, if, after consideration of the factors

set forth in R.C. 3119.23, the court determines that the guideline amount “would be unjust

or inappropriate and therefore not in the best interest of the child.” R.C. 3119.22. The trial

court is vested with the discretion to determine when and whether to grant a deviation Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 30

from the guideline child support amount. Caleshu v. Caleshu, 10th Dist. Franklin No.

19AP-742, 2020-Ohio-4075; Bible v. Bible, 5th Dist. Coshocton No. 2018CA0001, 2018-

Ohio-5147.

{¶92} R.C. 3119.231(A) provides that “if court-ordered parenting time exceeds

ninety overnights per year, the court shall consider whether to grant a deviation pursuant

to R.C. 3119.22 of the Revised Code for the reason set forth in division (C) of section

3119.23 of the Revised Code. This deviation is in addition to any adjustments provided

under division (A) of section 3119.051 of the Revised Code.”

{¶93} R.C. 3119.051(A) states as follows:

Except as otherwise provided in this section, a court or child support

enforcement agency calculating the amount to be paid under a child support

order shall reduce by ten percent the amount of the annual individual

support obligation for the parent or parents when a court has issued or is

issuing a court-ordered parenting time order that equals or exceeds ninety

overnights per year. This reduction may be in addition to the other

deviations and reductions.

{¶94} In this case, Father is entitled to an automatic 10% deviation because he

has more than 90 overnights visits with the children. R.C. 3119.50(A); Glover v. Canann,

11th Dist. Trumbull No. 2020-T-0081, 2021-Ohio-2641. If the obligor enjoys more than

147 overnights per year, as Father does here, the guidelines provide that the court will

consider a deviation in addition to the R.C. 3119.051 deviation. R.C. 3119.231(B). In

reviewing whether a deviation is appropriate, the trial court considers whether the

calculated amount is inappropriate or unjust and not in the best interests of the child by Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 31

applying the relevant factors contained in R.C. 3119.23, and, in the case of shared

parenting, consider any extraordinary circumstances of the parents or other factors

contained in R.C. 3119.23. R.C. 3119.24; Glover v. Canann, 11th Dist. Trumbull No.

2020-T-0081, 2021-Ohio-2641. Getreu v. Getreu, 5th Dist. Licking No. 2020 CA 00083,

2021-Ohio-2761, 2021 WL 3524063, ¶¶ 48-51.

{¶95} Father contends this case is identical to the fact pattern of Getreu v. Getreu,

5th Dist. Licking No. 2020 CA 00083, 2021-Ohio-2761, 2021 WL 3524063, where we

reversed and remanded a trial court’s calculation of a downward deviation because the

court failed to discuss its basis for the deviation so that we could conduct a meaningful

review. The record in Getreu showed that the father-obligor enjoyed more than 147

overnights per year, but the trial court did not state that factor in its judgment entry or on

the record. The record in the case showed:

Pursuant to the child support worksheet, Father's annual support obligation

without deviation was $10,173 per year. This amount was reduced by the

R.C. 3119.051 automatic 10% deviation of $1,017.30 in lines 19-22 of the

worksheet, leaving an adjusted child support obligation of $9,155.70 per

year, or $762.98 per month. The court then granted an additional deviation

on line 25a of the child support worksheet, reducing Father's support

obligation by $76.29 per month. In the judgment entry, the trial court found

the additional deviation was “just, appropriate, and in the child's best

interest and the reason for the deviation is the extended parenting time and

support provided by Father.” Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 32

Getreu v. Getreu, 5th Dist. Licking No. 2020 CA 00083, 2021-Ohio-2761, 2021 WL

3524063, ¶ 52. We reversed the trial court’s calculation of a 10% downward deviation in

the father’s child support obligation, in addition to the standard 10% deviation for 90

overnight visits, because the trial court failed to discuss the factors and/or extraordinary

circumstances in the record or judgment entry so that this Court could conduct a

meaningful review. Id. at ¶ 55.

{¶96} In this case, the Magistrate’s Decision states, “The parents have equal time

with the children. Accordingly, Father exercises parenting time which exceeds 147

overnights per year.” (Magistrate’s Decision, October 12, 2021). The magistrate found

that a 10% deviation plus an 8% downward deviation was recommended based on

Father’s equal time with the children, in excess of 147 overnights per year. We find that

unlike Getreu, the trial court stated the factor it considered in awarding Father an

additional 8% downward deviation so that we could conduct a meaningful review. Based

on our abuse of discretion standard of review, we find no error.

Child Support Effective Date

{¶97} In his final Assignment of Error, Father contends the trial court erred when

it found the effective date of child support should be January 13, 2021, when service of

Mother’s motion for reallocation of parental rights and responsibilities was served on

Father. Father argues the child support obligation should be effective on October 12,

2021, when the trial court terminated the shared parenting plan and decree and modified

the child support obligation.

{¶98} In her appellate brief, Mother does not concede to Father’s argument, but

in an act of “grace and mercy,” states the effective date of Father’s child support obligation Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 33

should be July 29, 2021. While this Court appreciates the spirit of conciliation, appellate

briefing is not the appropriate venue for the parties’ negotiations. Further, Mother did not

raise this argument to the trial court and therefore cannot be considered by this Court on

appeal.

{¶99} Generally, the choice of the effective date for payment of a modified child

support obligation is left to the discretion of the trial court. Nichols v. Nichols, 10th Dist.

No. 13AP–13, 2013–Ohio–3927, ¶ 20; O'Brien v. O'Brien, 10th Dist. No. 07AP–313,

2007–Ohio–5448, ¶ 10. Trial courts most often make modifications of child support

effective from the date the motion for modification was filed. Mayberry v. Mayberry, 10th

Dist. Franklin No. 15AP-160, 2016-Ohio-1031, 2016 WL 1034928, ¶ 38; Baxter v.

Thomas, 8th Dist. No. 101186, 2015–Ohio–2148, ¶ 36; Nichols at ¶ 20; Sandel v. Choma,

9th Dist. No. 25995, 2012–Ohio–3781, ¶ 5; In re P.J.H., 196 Ohio App.3d 122, 2011–

Ohio–5970, ¶ 12 (2d Dist.); Meyer v. Meyer, 4th Dist. No.2006CA00145, 2008–Ohio–436,

¶ 38; Maynard v. Landon, 5th Dist. Morrow No. 2006-CA-0015, 2007-Ohio-2813, ¶ 10; In

re Smith, 11th Dist. No. 2005–A–0048, 2007–Ohio–893, ¶ 76. This Court found absent

special circumstances, a trial court should make the modified child support retroactive to

the date the parties received notice of the request for modification, because this makes

decisions regarding the effective date of child support modification consistent,

predictable, and fair. Maynard v. Landon, 5th Dist. Morrow No. 2006-CA-0015, 2007-

Ohio-2813, 2007 WL 1651986, ¶ 10.

{¶100} “Alternatively, a trial court may choose an effective date subsequent to

the filing of the motion for modification if such a date bears significance in relation to the

grounds for the modification and the court explains its reasoning for selecting the Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 34

date.” Mayberry v. Mayberry, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 15AP-160, 2016-Ohio-1031, 2016

WL 1034928, ¶ 38. This Court has held a trial court may order a child support modification

retroactive to the date the shared parenting agreement terminated. McNeeley v. Ortiz, 5th

Dist. Stark No. 2010-CA-00012, 2010-Ohio-4650, 2010 WL 3784435, ¶ 22 citing Kemp v.

Kemp, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2009-CA-00035, 2009-Ohio-6089.

{¶101} In this case, the Magistrate’s Decision relied upon Maynard to set the

effective date of Father’s child support obligation to January 13, 2021, when service of

Mother’s motion for reallocation was perfected on Father via certified mail. We cannot

find the trial court abused its discretion in following the general rule regarding effective

dates. Father sets forth multiple reasons justifying October 12, 2021 as the effective date,

but his reasons do not render the selection of the January 13, 2021 date as unreasonable,

arbitrary, or unconscionable. We find no abuse of discretion.

{¶102} Father’s Assignments of Error as to the determination of c hild support

are sustained in part and overruled in part. The matter is remanded to the trial court for

further proceedings pursuant to this Opinion and law. Licking County, Case No. 2022 CA 00011 35

CONCLUSION

{¶103} The judgment of the Licking County Court of Common Pleas,

Domestic Relations Division, is affirmed in part and reversed and remanded in part.

By: Delaney, J.,

Wise, Earle, P.J. and

Baldwin, J., concur.