Stapley v. Stapley

485 P.2d 1181, 15 Ariz. App. 64, 1971 Ariz. App. LEXIS 674

• Court: Court of Appeals of Arizona
• Decided: June 16, 1971
• Docket: 1 CA-CIV 1403
• Status: Published

Opinions

KRUCKER, Chief Judge.

This appeal questions the sufficiency of the evidence to support an order changing the custody of three minor children from their mother to their father.¹

The parties were divorced in August, 1967, and custody of their three children, then 5, 3 and 1, respectively, was given to the mother with the father to have certain visitation privileges, including alternate weekends and “on their birthdays, and national holdidays if the children, or any of them, chooses to go with their father on said visits.” In December, 1968, the father petitioned the court to modify the custody provisions of the decree because “a certain amount of confusion” had developed with respect to his visitation privileges. In February, 1969, an order was entered modifying the divorce decree as to his privileges. It specifically detailed his visitation rights on weekends, holidays, and during the summer months and further ordered that neither party:

“ * * * shall remove said minor children, or cause, or permit said minor children to be removed from the State of Arizona without the consent thereto of the other party hereto being first obtained in writing, or an order of this court being first obtained permitting such removal.”

The following July the father petitioned for a change of custody on the grounds that the mother had refused to comply with the prior order of the court in that certain visitorial rights had been denied him, that the mother and her new husband had informed him that he would not be allowed with the minor children, and that the mother contemplated removal of the children from Arizona without obtaining court authorization. He further alleged changed circumstances in that the mother thad remarried, and she and her husband were continuously engaged in a course of conduct contemplated to alienate the minor children from the father and to prevent him from visiting with his children. The “home atmosphere” created by the mother was jeopardizing “the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the minor children,” it was asserted. Another petition was filed two weeks later alleging that the mother and her husband had in fact removed the children from the State of Arizona to California.

The mother’s response admitted that the father would have been entitled to visit with the children on the days he claimed he was denied visitation rights and that she had removed the children from the State without obtaining permission from the court or the father. She claimed that she did not wilfully violate the court orders or what she believed to be “the spirit of the orders” and that although she was advised by counsel as to what the court order said, she did not believe “it meant what it literally said.”

An extensive hearing was held with respect to the mother’s purported contempt and the father’s claim of “changed circumstances.” The record of this hearing reflects the following. The mother had married one Raymond Hallquist and both were very devout members of the Jehovah’s Witness sect. The new husband set the policies for the household and all decisions were made by him. The children were being indoctrinated in the tenets of the Jehovah’s Witnesses: that the flag is a pagan symbol and it is evil to salute it or pledge allegiance to it or to participate in any governmental function, including voting and serving in the armed forces; that it is wrong to celebrate Christmas and Easter; and that if the laws of the State of Arizona or the United States are in conflict with their interpretation of the Bible, they are at liberty to disregard the law insofar as it does conflict. The children accompanied the mother and her husband when they went out “servicing”, i. e., knocking on doors to obtain converts to their religion. The oldest child, then age 7, was required to sell weekly the religious publication “Watchtower” in shopping centers such as Christown.

The mother and her husband both testified that they did not believe in blood transfusions and that if one of the children should be seriously ill or injured and a blood transfusion necessary to save its life, they would not consent to a transfusion. The mother also admitted, in response to questioning by the court, that if a child needed medical treatment and she had the opportunity to contact the father to consult him with regard to such treatment, she would not do so. The parties, however, admitted to the court that their differences as to child custody were derived from the difference in religious beliefs.

On September 18, 1969, a formal order modifying the divorce decree was entered. The father’s request for a change of custody was denied, but his visitation privileges were even more specifically delineated so that the mother could not subsequently claim that she did not understand them. It prohibited removal from the State of Arizona, either permanently or temporarily,² without first obtaining the written consent of the father or a court order prior to such removal and decreed:

“ * * * that when and if any of the minor children of the parties become ill or injured and require medical treatment, the defendant shall forthwith notify the plaintiff of such illness or injury. The plaintiff shall be entitled to participate in the decision of selecting a physician, hospital and course of treatment. In the event a whole blood transfusion is recommended by a licensed physician as being in the best interest of any of the minor children, the plaintiff shall be entitled to exclusively make the decision to authorize or not, said whole blood transfusion. In the event the defendant attempts or does interfere with such decision by the plaintiff or fails or refuses to permit him to exercise the aforesaid rights, the permanent care, custody and control of each and all of the minor children of the parties shall thereafter vest in the plaintiff.”

The order prohibited the mother from taking or allowing the children to be taken to any public place for the purpose of selling, offering for sale or exposing for sale any newspaper, magazines, periodicals or other merchandise as referred to in A.R.S. § 23-235 and stated that a violation of the spirit or intent of this order would be punishable as a contempt of court. The court found that the mother had wilfully violated prior orders of the court by denying the father visitation rights, adjudged her in contempt for such wilful violation, and directed that she might purge herself of said contempt by strict compliance with the divorce decree as modified.

In December, 1969, the father again petitioned for a change of custody, once again alleging the mother’s disregard of the court orders, namely with respect to visitation, notification of illness, and allowing the children to be taken to public places for the purpose of selling, offering and exposing for sale magazines and periodicals. In response to the father’s petition, the mother denied contumacious violation of any orders of the court since the September 17, 1969 order and alleged that her failure to advise the father of one child’s illness on one occasion and her failure to permit visitation “were the result of extenuating circumstances which will be made apparent through [sic] the Court” and that “the said ‘failures’ were the result of concern for the welfare of the children, rather than any contempt for the orders of this Court.”

A lengthy hearing was conducted, both parties presenting evidence in support of their respective positions. In addition, the court questioned the mother as to her attitude towards blood transfusions. The tenor of the questioning reflects a grave concern on the part of the court as to what would happen in the event a blood transfusion was necessary:

******

“THE COURT: Now, you stated a moment ago that you would have a great difficulty in complying with the Court order as it now stands if you were confronted with an emergency where you were advised you have to have a transfusion for one of your children, that you would have great difficulty in complying with that order because of your personal and religious beliefs. Is that correct?

A. That’s right.

Q. But you would have the knowledge and incentive by virtue of this Court order to comply with it; is that correct ?

A. Yes, I do have that knowledge. ******

Q. Getting back to the blood transfusion question I asked you before, you had some difficulty in bringing yourself around to calling Mr. Stapley when you took the boy to a doctor on at least one occasion. You said that you were kind of avoiding the issue.

A. Yes.

Q. So you were several days late in calling him?

A. No, I think it was one day.

Q. One day, and does that relate to the same reluctance and difficulty that you referred to with respect to a blood transfusion? It is an annoying subject matter?

A. I called Keith twice after that. I really, Your Honor, have attempted — I believe that I have gotten better.

Q. How would you react if you really had a bad emergency—

A. I think I would—

Q. —And Mr. Stapley was not available, he was on a vacation or out of town on business and you were in the emergency ward of Good Samaritan Hospital and Dr. John R. Green or some competent neurosurgeon said if the boy doesn’t have an immediate whole blood transfusion he will die? What will you do then?

A. I would recommend a plasma expander or a saline solution.

Q. But unless you could make the decision that of Mr. Stapley’s by his being available, you would not give the okay yourself for whole blood or a plasma transfusion?

A. No.

Q. He would have to personally do that?

A. That’s right.

Q. Would you be willing to call this Court ?

A. I would prefer calling this court.

******

THE COURT: * * * What if Mrs. Stapley [father’s second wife] was also designated as a party authorized to make such a decision? Would you honor that or does that make a difference?

THE WITNESS. Yes.

Q. It does make a difference ?

THE WITNESS: Yes.

THE COURT: You would not accept that?

THE WITNESS: No.

THE COURT: Is that a very definite or is that a snap decision that you would like to think about?

THE WITNESS: I don’t believe she has the best interest of the children at heart.

THE COURT: Then it is not — it would not be for a religious reason?

THE WITNESS: I don’t think that she could authorize my children to have a blood transfusion.

THE COURT: Even if the Court so ordered it?

THE WITNESS: No — yes. I guess I’d reconsider that. It gets pretty far afield, though.”

The trial court found that the mother had flagrantly, wilfully and without cause or justification refused to comply with the orders of the court as to the father’s visitation rights, notification of the father as to a child’s illness requiring medical attention, allowing the children to be taken to public places in violation of A.R.S. § 23-235, and, therefore, by virtue of her flagrant and wilful violation of court orders, was in contempt of court and had failed to purge herself as previously ordered by the court.

The court further found a material change in circumstances in that the father had remarried; that the mother had remarried and her husband exercised a very strong degree of control and authority over both her and the minor children; that he had aided, advised and participated with the mother in violation of the court order; that the mother and her husband had created an environment of tension and turmoil for the children thus jeopardizing their welfare, by refusing exercise of the father’s visitation rights, by refusing to allow the children to participate in activities with their father and instilling fear in their minds as to associating with their father and possessing gifts given by him to them; that the mother and her husband had taken and allowed the children to be taken to public places and from door to door in the community in violation of A.R.S. § 23-235 and the express order of the court; and that all of this conduct on the part of the mother and her husband had adversely affected the children and jeopardized their welfare. '

The court also found that the mother and her husband had indicated by their conduct that in the event any child had an illness or an accident which required blood transfusions, they would not comply with court orders to notify the father so that he could make a decision as to whether a transfusion should be given and that if thp choice was left to them as to such transfusion, they would allow the child to die rather than to permit a transfusion; that the safety and welfare of the children was in jeopardy and would further be jeopardized if they were allowed to remain in theijr mother’s custody; that the mother and her present husband were not fit and proper persons to have the care, custody and con.trol of the children whereas the father and his wife were; and that the best interests and welfare of the children would best be served by awarding custody of them to the father. This appeal followed.³ The judgment of the court was not superseded and therefore the children have been in their father’s custody since early 1970.

A.R.S. § 14-846 is an expression of the legislative policy as to custody of children. Subsection (B) thereof provides:

“As between parents adversely claiming the custody or guardianship, neither parent is entitled to it as of right, but, other things being equal> if the child is of tender years, it shall be given to the mother.” (Emphasis added)

We have held that this child custody provision is applicable in determining the right to custody in divorce proceedings. Bergman v. Bergman, 1 Ariz.App. 209, 401 P.2ct 163 (1965). It is clear from the record that the lower court adhered to this declared policy in awarding custody of these children to the mother. This, however, does not impugn the father’s fitness — the only presumption that arises from the decree is that “other things” were equal. Ward v. Ward, 88 Ariz. 130, 353 P.2d 895 (1960), modified in another respect, 88 Ariz. 285, 356 P.2d 30 .(1960).

It is axiomatic that the children’s welfare is the primary concern and that appellate courts will defer to the trial court’s determination unless the record discloses an abuse of judicial discretion. Dunbar v. Dunbar, 102 Ariz. 352, 429 P.2d 949 (1967); Borg v. Borg, 3 Ariz.App. 274, 413 P.2d 784 (1966). A.R.S. § 25-321 confers continuing jurisdiction on the superior court to alter "custodial provisions of a divorce decree. However, before the custody of a minor may be changed, there must be shown a change in the conditions or circumstances of the children affecting their general welfare and that a custodial change would be in their best interests. In re Guardianship of Rodgers, 100 Ariz. 269, 413 P.2d 744 (1966).

Here, the father, who was seeking the change, had the burden of showing changed circumstances affecting the welfare of the children. Hoffman v. Hoffman, 4 Ariz. App. 83, 417 P.2d 717 (1966). The appellate role is a limited one — we do not sit as a super trial court but confine ourselves to one question: Is there evidentiary support for the trial court’s determination?

We agree with the proposition that the mother’s religious views, albeit at variance with those of the majority, is not, standing alone, a ground for a change of custody. Smith v. Smith, 90 Ariz. 190, 367 P.2d 230 (1961); Annot., 66 A.L.R.2d 1410 .(1959). Where, however, there is a serious .danger to the life or health of a child as a .result of the religious views of a parent, courts in other jurisdictions have recognized that this may bar custody by the parent holding such views, or may call for protection against such views by an appropriate order. See, Levitsky v. Levitsky, 231 Md. 388, 190 A.2d 621 (1963) Battaglia v. Battaglia, 9 Misc.2d 1067, 172 N.Y.S.2d 361 (1958); Commonwealth ex rel. Derr v. Derr, 148 Pa.Super. 411, 25 A.2d 769 (1942). As stated in Battaglia, supra:

“Petitioner, of course, enjoys her constitutional right to freedom of religion and may practice the religious faith of her choice without interference. She has not, however, the right to impose upon an innocent child the hazards to it flowing from her own religious convictions. The welfare of the child is paramount.

H* ^ ^ «!♦ «I»

The child has a right to survival and a chance to live and the court has a duty to extend its protecting arm to the child. It is of no concern to the court what religious preference the parents may elect. The best interests of the child are the primary concern in all custody conflicts and not the desires of either the mother or father.” 9 Misc.2d at 1068, 172 N.Y.S.2d at 362.

See also, Prince v. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 321 U.S. 158, 64 S.Ct. 438, 88 L.Ed. 645 (1944).

As noted above, in July, 1969, the court declined to change custody merely because the mother’s religious beliefs posed a potential threat to the children. Instead, the court entered what it deemed an appropriate order for the protection of the children’s welfare. The propriety of such order was never challenged by appeal or otherwise. However, within a very brief period the parties were back in court, once again for the same reason — the mother had ignored the orders of the court.

The trial court’s position was not an enviable one. It had overlooked the mother’s prior conduct in ignoring its orders, or as she puts it, it gave her “a second chance.” This action was in keeping with the principle that punishment of a parent for contempt is not to be visited on the children and custody is not to be used as a reward or punishment of parental conduct. Galbraith v. Galbraith, 88 Ariz. 358, 356 P.2d 1023 (1960); Shaffer v. Shaffer, 61 Wash.2d 699, 379 P.2d 995 (1963). Although courts should not change custody as punishment for contempt, we believe it is not inappropriate to consider such conduct both as a change of condition and as a factor in determining the child’s welfare. Young v. Young, 383 P.2d 211 (Okla.1963) ; Sweeny v. Sweeny, 43 Wash.2d 542, 262 P.2d 207 (1953); Wilson v. Wilson, 260 S.W.2d 770 (Mo.App.1953).

The fact that in July, 1969, the trial court refused to change custody on the basis of the facts then presented did not preclude the later modification if the facts warranted it. McClendon v. McClendon, 35 Wash.2d 702, 214 P.2d 708 (1950). Furthermore, it was not inappropriate to consider the mother’s conduct which occurred between the time she was awarded custody and .the denial of the husband’s July, 1969 request for modification in order to show changed, conditions. Bachtel v. Bachtel, 97 Ohio App. 521, 127 N.E.2d 761 (1954).

The welfare of children requires that they be happy and content, as well as that they be treated with kindness and be well fed, educated and disciplined. The record here reflects that several conditions had occurred since the original decree which materially affected the children’s welfare. Although the mother’s remarriage in and of' itself would not constitute a sufficient reason for changing custody, it was a factor to consider in combination with other circumstances. Oberosler v. Oberosler, 128 Mont. 140, 272 P.2d 1005 (1954) ; H_ v. D_, 373 S.W.2d 646 (Mo. App.1963) ; 24 Am.Jur.2d Divorce & Separation § 821; Annot., 43 A.L.R.2d 363 § 1 (1955). Another circumstance was her attitude indicating animosity towards the father, as evidenced by her repeated thwarting of his attempts to exercise his rights of visitation. Thurman v. Thurman, 73 Idaho 122, 245 P.2d 810 (1952); 24 Am.Jur.2d Divorce & Separation § 822; Ward v. Ward, supra. Finally, and by no means a factor to be minimized, was the mother’s disregard of court orders which adversely reflected on her suitability. Holland v. Holland, 150 Colo. 442, 373 P.2d 523 (1962) ; S_v. G_, 298 S.W.2d 67 (Mo.App.1957). All the more'so 'when" the court orders specifically pertained and were designed to protect the children. As stated in Sweeny v. Sweeny, supra:

“In assuming responsibility for the custody and care of children of divorced parents, the courts are entitled to expect a custodial parent to assume some responsibility and to act in a reliable manner in performing any responsibility imposed by the court as to the care of a child. In the instant case, Mrs. Sweeny’s conduct was not solely a matter of violating a court order or of disrespect for the court. That alone is a serious matter and might very well bear upon the determination of a parent’s fitness to discipline, instruct, and care for a child. Certainly, a lack of respect for the courts, for law and order, may quite conceivably set an example not conducive to good citizenship or to a well-adjusted character or personality on the part of a child.” 43 Wash.2d at 552, 262 P.2d at 213.

The trial court apparently concluded, and the record supports such conclusion, that the Stapley children would continue to be exposed to emotional turmoil and their physical well-being jeopardized if custody in the mother continued. Under the facts and circumstances here involved, coupled with the trial court’s advantage in having the opportunity to observe the witnesses personally and to gauge firsthand their candor and truthfulness, we cannot say that there was a manifest abuse of discretion in refusing to give the mother a third chance.

Order affirmed.

1 . An additional complaint is made with respect to certain “differences” between the minute entry order and the formal written order. However, no objection with respect thereto was presented to the trial court and we therefore deem it to be without merit. Rule 58(d), as amended, Rules of Civil Procedure, 16 A.R.S.

2 . The word “temporarily” was apparently added because the mother testified that she interpreted the prior order prohibiting removal as meaning only permanent removal.

3 . The notice of appeal, in addition to designating this order as the subject of this appeal, has designated the two prior 1969 order’s which modify the divorce decree. Those orders, however, are now res judicata since the time for appeal therefrom has expired. Casa Grande Trust Co. v. Superior Court, 8 Ariz.App. 163, 444 P.2d 521 (1968).