Arthurs v. Arthurs, Unpublished Decision (7-26-2000)
Arthurs v. Arthurs, Unpublished Decision (7-26-2000)
Concurring Opinion
I agree with the majority as to the analysis and disposition of the first and third assignments of error. I agree with the majority as to the disposition of the second assignment of error but not the analysis. Appellant's second assignment of error should be overruled because an inquiry into whether there has been a change in the financial circumstances of the either of the parties or the child is irrelevant at this point under the facts of the case sub judice. The parties' agreement was that support was to continue until Shannon finished any special classes even if said classes continued beyond her eighteenth birthday. The Magistrate recommended extending child support for the "school year 1998/1999 and beyond for as long as Shannon remains in Starlight School." It appears to me that the issue before the Magistrate was the interpretation of the parties' agreement. There was no need, therefore, to present proof of changed circumstances or Shannon's inability to support herself to the Magistrate. However, to set a child support amount after the expiration of the parties' agreement, the movant would need to comply with Castle v. Castle (1984),
Opinion of the Court
OPINION
Appellant, Robert R. Arthurs, and appellee, June Arthurs nka Wickheiser, were divorced on March 18, 1980. The parties have one child, Shannon, born May 27, 1977. Shannon has a mental disability. The decree of divorce incorporated their separation agreement which provided appellant to pay $150.00 per month for child support. Said support was to continue until Shannon finished any special classes even if said classes continued beyond her eighteenth birthday. By order filed January 13, 1997, the amount was increased to $354.00 per month. On July 7, 1998, appellee filed a motion to extend child support through the 1998-1999 school year. A hearing before a magistrate was held on August 5, 1998. By decision filed December 4, 1998, the magistrate recommended extending child support for the "school year 1998/1999 and beyond for as long as Shannon remains in Starlight School." On December 17, 1998, appellant filed objections to the magistrate's decision. A hearing was held on January 4, 1999. By judgment entry filed January 25, 2000, the trial court modified the recommendation and ordered appellant to pay child support as long as Shannon "is unable to support herself because of her mental or physical disability, which existed before attaining the age of majority." Appellant filed an appeal and this matter is now before this court for consideration. Assignments of error are as follows:I. THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION IN ORDERING APPELLANT TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT FOR AS LONG AS SHANNON ARTHURS IS UNABLE TO SUPPORT HERSELF WHERE THERE WAS NO MOTION BEFORE THE COURT TO MODIFY CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS.
II. THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION IN ORDERING APPELLANT TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT FOR AS LONG AS SHANNON ARTHURS IS UNABLE TO SUPPORT HERSELF BECAUSE APPELLEE FAILED TO PRODUCE ANY EVIDENCE INDICATING A CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES AS REQUIRED TO MODIFY CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATIONS.
III. THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION IN ORDERING APPELLANT TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT FOR AS LONG AS SHANNON ARTHURS IS UNABLE TO SUPPORT HERSELF WITHOUT A FACTUAL DETERMINATION AS TO WHETHER AND/OR TO WHAT EXTENT SHANNON ARTHURS IS UNABLE TO SUPPORT HERSELF.
The record establishes Shannon's mental disability existed before she attained the age of majority. See, Magistrate's Decision filed September 20, 1996 at Finding of Fact No. 1. Further, in her July 7, 1998 motion, appellee specifically moved to extend child support through the 1998-1999 school year and "for such other relief as the court deems just and equitable." Upon review, we find the trial court did not exceed its jurisdiction. Assignment of Error I is denied.
Based upon this holding, we find a trial court may continue child support for a disabled child as long as it finds "the children are unable to support themselves" and a change in circumstances is found. Because no transcript of the magistrate's hearing was filed for the trial court's review on the objections, we are unable to determine if a change in circumstances was proven. Absent a transcript, we must presume regularity in the proceedings in the trial court and affirm. Knapp v. Edwards Laboratory (1980),
The judgment of the Court of Common Pleas of Tuscarawas County, Ohio is hereby reversed and remanded.
_______________________ Farmer, J.
By Farmer, P.J. Edwards, J. and Milligan, V.J. concur.
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