Kranz v. Kranz
Kranz v. Kranz
Dissenting Opinion
(dissenting).
As I read this record, the only basis for requiring the husband to move from his home pending the determination of the domestic litigation was the master’s generalized observation that the parties could likely not get along together in the same residence — an observation which is almost by definition true of every couple involved in a dissolution proceeding. Such a conclusion is insufficient as a matter of law to justify the granting of this relief, which is only available upon an affirmative showing of
intemperance ... quarreling or fighting between the parties, or [an] adverse effect upon the children.
Daniel v. Daniel, 236 So.2d 197, 198 (Fla. 1st DCA 1970). As Daniel makes clear, neither spouse should automatically be deprived of his or her emotional and property interest in the common residence at the commencement of the case merely because of the existence of the dispute itself; to do otherwise is to pre-judge the case by de
. Because the Kranzes’ residence is a large three-level home which would lend itself to one spouse living on a separate floor from the other, there is all the more reason to believe that this remedy might be effective.
Opinion of the Court
Scott Kranz appeals from a nonfinal order granting his estranged wife exclusive use and possession of the marital home. We affirm.
The general master recommended that the wife have exclusive use and possession of the house on the grounds that it was unlikely that the parties could peacefully live together and that it was in the child’s best interests to remain with her mother. The report stated that its provisions “shall not give to the wife any right to occupancy or ownership that she did not have prior to date hereof” and that the provisions “shall be without prejudice to be reconsidered ninety (90) days from entry of an Order approving same." The trial court approved the master’s report over the husband’s objection and adopted the master’s recommendations.
The trial court correctly approved and adopted the general master’s recommendations. “Once a trial court decides to appoint a master to hear testimony and make findings of fact, it loses the prerogative of substituting its judgment for that of the master’s ... The master’s findings cannot be overturned by the trial court unless the findings are clearly erroneous.” Bragassa v. Bragassa, 505 So.2d 556, 558 (Fla. 3d DCA 1987) (cites omitted). Daniel v. Daniel, 236 So.2d 197, 198 (Fla. 1st DCA 1970) stands for the proposition that an affirmative showing of “intemperance ... quarreling or fighting between the parties” is a prerequisite to an order requiring a husband to absent himself from the marital home. The husband made such a showing here by his own testimony.
Moreover, the record reflects that the husband has rented for himself an apartment at Plaza Venetia in Dade County; he also has a temporary residence in Dallas, Texas, where he spends approximately twenty days each month.
Given the husband’s testimony at the hearing and the temporary nature of the order, no abuse of discretion is shown.
AFFIRMED.
JORGENSON, J., and JOHN G. FERRIS, Associate Judge, concur.
. The dispute over the business papers is not before this court.
. The residence is titled in the husband's name alone; it is unclear from the record whether the wife contributed to the purchase of the residence.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.