THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
In The Court of Appeals

Oscar Franklin DuBose, Jr.,        Respondent,

v.

Kathy Sarnowski, f/k/a Kathy D. DuBose,        Appellant.

Appeal From Lexington County
Donna S. Strom, Family Court Judge

Unpublished Opinion No. 2004-UP-078
Heard November 4, 2003 – Filed February 12, 2004

AFFIRMED

Jean Perrin Derrick, of Lexington, for Appellant.

Carolyn B. Steigner and Daun C. Steigner, both of Lexington, for Respondent.

PER CURIAM: In this domestic case, Frank DuBose (“Father”) sued Kathy Sarnowski (“Mother”), seeking a change of custody following Mother’s move with her new husband to Kentucky.  The family court found a change of circumstances occurred and granted a change of custody to Father.  Additionally, the family court granted Father’s request for attorney’s fees.  Mother appeals, arguing the family court erred by:  1) finding a change of circumstances occurred based solely upon Mother’s move from South Carolina to Kentucky; 2) excluding evidence of the children’s custody preference; 3) excluding evidence of Father’s past violent acts; 4) awarding Father attorney’s fees; and 5) refusing to award Mother attorney’s fees.   We affirm. 

FACTUAL/PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Father and Mother were divorced in 2000, and pursuant to an agreement later incorporated into a divorce decree, Mother was granted sole custody of the children.  The divorce decree also provided that if Mother intended to move out of the state with the children, she could only do so after giving Father seventy-five days notice. 

On March 3, 2000, Mother gave Father written notice of her intent to move out of the state with the children.  However, she did not provide Father with information as to where she was moving.  On May 18 or 19, 2000, Mother left South Carolina with the intention of permanently moving to Kentucky with her new husband. 

Father filed a summons and complaint seeking custody of the children, and following a hearing at which Mother did not appear, the family court awarded Father temporary custody. 

At the final hearing, the family court found that a substantial change of circumstances occurred, and the best interests of the children would be served by awarding custody to Father.  Additionally, the court awarded Father attorney’s fees.  Mother appeals.

STANDARD OF REVIEW

“On appeal from an order of the family court, this court has jurisdiction to find facts in accordance with its own view of the preponderance of the evidence.”  Hopkins v. Hopkins, 343 S.C. 301, 304, 540 S.E.2d 454, 456 (2000).  However, this broad scope of review does not require this Court to disregard the findings of the family court.  Greene v. Greene, 351 S.C. 329, 335, 569 S.E.2d 393, 397 (Ct. App. 2002).   Rather, because this Court lacks the opportunity for direct observation of witnesses, it should give great deference to the family court’s findings where matters of credibility are involved, especially in cases involving the welfare and best interests of children.  Kisling v. Allison, 343 S.C. 674, 677-78, 541 S.E.2d 273, 275 (Ct. App. 2001). 

LAW/ANALYSIS

I.     Change of Circumstances

Mother argues the family court erred by ruling her relocation to Kentucky, standing alone, constituted a change of circumstances sufficient to alter the custody award. 

Appellate courts should interpret judgments by the trial courts as they would any other instrument.  Eddins v. Eddins, 304 S.C. 133, 135-36, 403 S.E.2d 164, 166 (Ct. App. 1991); see also State v. Evans, 354 S.C. 579, 584, 582 S.E.2d 407, 410 (2003) (holding an appellate court must view the circuit court’s statements as a whole to determine its reasoning). 

The family court’s order states in pertinent part:

I find that the move to Kentucky is not beneficial to the children; that their lives would not be enhanced by the move; that their relationship with their father was very good prior to the move and would suffer; and that the mother’s reasons for moving were very poor . . . . This Court finds that the mother’s move to Kentucky and subsequent behavior constitutes a substantial change in circumstances which necessitates a change in permanent custody to the father.

(emphasis added).  Additionally, the family court’s numerous findings of fact and conclusions of law support the conclusion the decision is based on many factors, only one of which was Mother’s move to Kentucky.  Thus, Mother’s claim that the family court found a change of circumstances and altered the custody award based solely on her move to Kentucky is without merit.

Furthermore, based on our own review of the record and considering the totality of the circumstances, we hold the family court did not err by altering the custody award and awarding custody to Father.

In South Carolina, there is a presumption against removing a child from the state.  McAlister v. Patterson, 278 S.C. 481, 483, 299 S.E.2d 322, 323 (1982).  However, the presumption may be rebutted by a showing the move will benefit the child. See id. at 483, 299 S.E.2d at 323 (“In situations where removal will benefit the child, removal has been allowed.”). Thus, the question of whether relocation will be allowed requires a determination of whether relocation is in the best interest of the children.  Rice v. Rice, 335 S.C. 449, 454, 517 S.E.2d 220, 222 (Ct. App. 1999).  In child custody cases, a court must examine the totality of the circumstances to determine the best interests of the child.  Wheeler v. Gill, 307 S.C. 94, 99, 413 S.E.2d 860, 863 (Ct. App. 1992).

In reaching a determination as to custody, the family court should consider how the custody decision will impact all areas of the child’s life, including physical, psychological, spiritual, educational, familial, emotional, and recreational aspects.  Pountain v. Pountain, 332 S.C. 130, 136, 503 S.E.2d 757, 760 (Ct. App. 1998). Additionally, the court must assess each party’s character, fitness, and attitude as they affect the child.  Id. at 136, 503 S.E.2d at 760. 

Father resides in South Carolina, with his relatives living nearby, in a town where the children have gone to school their whole lives.  The record indicates Father works full-time, and thus, when the children are in Father’s custody, his mother watches the children and cooks for them on a regular basis.  Notwithstanding that, the Guardian ad Litem (“GAL”) testified it was in the children’s best interest to stay in South Carolina where they have gone to school and have relatives nearby. 

Additionally, the GAL testified the children are bonded with their Father.  Therefore, allowing Mother to retain custody in Kentucky would have a negative impact on Father’s relationship with the children. 

Evidence within the record indicates during Mother and Father’s marriage, Father had physical confrontations with both Mother and Randall, Mother’s son by a previous marriage.  However, the evidence also indicates the confrontations with Mother have not occurred since the end of their marriage, and the confrontations with Randall have not occurred since 1991. 

On Mother’s side, the record indicates during the summer of 2000, Mother, her new husband, several pets, and the children lived in a hotel room in Kentucky.  Subsequently, Mother, her new husband, and the children moved into a farmhouse. 

The record indicates Mother is unemployed, and although she claims to have a disability, she did not provide evidence in the record to support her claim. 

While the children are with Mother, Mother primarily cares for the children’s needs.  Additionally, testimony within the record indicates Mother is more patient and understanding of the children, communicates better with them, and is more involved in their lives than Father. 

However, we are concerned with Mother’s ability to provide a safe, stable environment for the children.  Initially, we are most concerned with evidence indicating Mother’s new husband is violent.  The evidence in this regard indicates that shortly after moving to Kentucky, Mother’s new husband attacked her with a hammer.  Mother called the police, and Mother’s new husband was charged with criminal domestic violence. 

Additionally, the record indicates patterns of instability.  First, this is Mother’s third marriage, and Mother only met her new husband a short period of time before they were married.  Second, Mother was held in contempt of court for damaging Father’s property.  Third, the day Mother left with the children to Kentucky, it was Father’s regularly scheduled visitation period.  Although Mother sent a letter to Father indicating she was moving, Mother, in violation of the divorce decree, failed to give proper notice to Father and failed to tell Father where the children would be. 

Subsequently, when the family court granted temporary custody to Father, Mother did not voluntarily comply with the order.  Rather, Father had to travel to Kentucky to enforce the order.  Furthermore, when Father took the children, Mother cried, screamed, and threatened Father in front of the children.  Mother admitted that after this confrontation, she encouraged the children to perform poorly in school so that her chances of retaining permanent custody would improve.  The children did in fact perform poorly in school, requiring one of them to take summer school classes. 

Considering the totality of the circumstances, we conclude Father is more capable of providing a stable environment for the children.  A fair reading of the record indicates while Father’s mother tends to many of the children’s basic needs, Father does involve himself in his children’s lives.  Furthermore, Father has a strong familial support system.  We are concerned with evidence indicating a history of violent arguments with Mother and Randall.  The family court noted this history in its order, but ultimately concluded Father was still the best parent to have custody.  In evaluating the significance of this prior history, the family court contrasted, as do we, the evidence within the record indicating Mother recently accused her current husband of assaulting her with a hammer.  Additionally, Mother has demonstrated behavior that indicates she prioritizes her own interests over the best interests of her children. 

We therefore agree with the family court’s conclusion that the best interests of the children are served by granting Father permanent custody.

II.      Expert Witness

Mother argues the family court erred by excluding testimony of a psychologist indicating the children would prefer to live with Mother.  Mother contends the exclusion of this evidence is in contravention of Rule 703, South Carolina Rules of Evidence. [1]  

It is well settled the admission and rejection of testimony are matters largely within the trial court’s discretion, the exercise of which, absent abuse, will not be disturbed on appeal. Pike v. South Carolina Dep’t of Transp., 343 S.C. 224, 234, 540 S.E.2d 87, 92 (2000).  To warrant reversal, the appellant “must show both the error of the ruling and resulting prejudice.” Recco Tape and Label Co. v. Barfield, 312 S.C. 214, 216, 439 S.E.2d 838, 840 (1994); Potomac Leasing Co. v. Bone, 294 S.C. 494, 497, 366 S.E.2d 26, 28 (Ct. App. 1988) (“Before the Court of Appeals will reverse a judgment for an alleged error in the exclusion of evidence, the appellant must show prejudice.”).

At the beginning of Mother’s direct examination of the psychologist, Mother moved to admit the psychologist’s written evaluation.  The family court admitted the evaluation into evidence without objection.  The evaluation generally indicated the children preferred living with their Mother. 

Thereafter, Mother asked the psychologist with whom the children had indicated they preferred to live.  The psychologist indicated the children stated they preferred to live with Mother.  Father objected and moved to strike, and the family court excluded the testimony. 

Subsequently, the GAL testified, without objection, that the children told him, at least at some specific points during the custody litigation, they would prefer to live with Mother.  

Assuming, without deciding, the family court erred by excluding the testimony of the psychologist, the testimony’s only value was to indicate they had expressed a preference to live with Mother, evidence that was introduced both through the psychologist’s evaluation and the testimony of the GAL.   Thus, the testimony was cumulative, and its exclusion, if error, is not reversible error.  See Weir v. Citicorp Nat. Servs., Inc., 312 S.C. 511, 517, 435 S.E.2d 864, 868 (1993) (holding exclusion of cumulative evidence is not prejudicial error). [2]

III.    Father’s Acts of Violence

Mother argues the family court erred by excluding testimony of her older son, Randall, indicating Father was violent.  We hold the family court did consider the evidence, and thus, Mother’s assignment of error is without merit. [3]

Appellate courts should interpret judgments by the trial courts as they would any other instrument.  Eddins, 304 S.C. at 135-36, 403 S.E.2d at 166; see also Evans, 354 S.C. at 584, 582 S.E.2d at 410 (holding an appellate court must view the circuit court’s statements as a whole to determine its reasoning).  Thus, the primary objective is to ascertain and give effect to the intention of the court.  Eddins, 304 S.C. at 135, 403 S.E.2d at 166.  However, “[a]n order should be construed within the context of the proceeding in which it is rendered.”  Dibble v. Sumter Ice and Fuel Co., 283 S.C. 278, 282, 322 S.E.2d 674, 677 (Ct. App. 1984).

During Mother’s direct examination of Randall, Mother attempted to introduce testimony indicating in 1991, prior to the divorce decree and original custody award, Father displayed violent tendencies both toward her and Randall.  Father objected, arguing the testimony was not relevant because the alleged incidents occurred prior to the divorce decree. 

The family court stated, “If you want to proffer you can.  But I think I’m supposed to--- I think I’m supposed to hear what’s happened since that divorce decree, and I can take into account whatever the court record shows.”  Mother then proffered Randall’s testimony. 

During the proffer, Randall testified that he lived with Father from the summer of 1987 until December of 1991.  He testified that during that time Father was violent.  Specifically, he recounted one confrontation where Father allegedly threw him to the ground and dented the floor vent with his head.  He further testified that one month following this confrontation, Mother sent him to live with his father in Germany. 

Subsequently, Mother ended her proffer and began eliciting testimony from Randall for the record.  Thereafter, Father asked if the testimony was part of the proffer or was testimony for the record.  The court replied that the testimony was for the record.  Furthermore, the court indicated it had not yet ruled on whether to admit the previously proffered testimony.  

Reading the transcript of the hearing, it does not indicate if the family court ever ruled, during the hearing, on whether to admit Randall’s testimony.  However, in the family court’s order, the court states in its findings of fact that:

Her son himself testified that, when he was 15, he had had a confrontation with . . . [Father] which has resulted in the police being called and . . . [Father] leaving the house overnight.  The incident happened sometime in 1992.  A few months after that, . . . [Mother’s] older children were sent to live with their father in Germany.

(emphasis added). 

Given the family court’s clear, unambiguous language in this ruling, the only logical inference is that the family court did consider Randall’s testimony.  Thus, Mother’s contention to the contrary is without merit.

IV.    Attorney’s Fees

Mother argues the family court erred by awarding Father attorney’s fees and not awarding her attorney’s fees.   We disagree.

An award of attorney’s fees will not be overturned absent an abuse of discretion.  Stevenson v. Stevenson, 295 S.C. 412, 415, 368 S.E.2d 901, 903 (1988).  In deciding whether to award attorney’s fees, the family court should consider:  1) the parties’ ability to pay their own fees; 2) the beneficial results obtained by counsel; 3) the respective financial conditions of the parties; and 4) the effect of the fee on each party’s standard of living.  E.D.M. v. T.A.M., 307 S.C. 471, 476-77, 415 S.E.2d 812, 816 (1992).   When determining the amount of fees to award, the family court should consider:  1) the nature, extent, and difficulty of the services rendered; 2) the time necessarily devoted to the case; 3) counsel’s professional standing; 4) the contingency of compensation; 5) the beneficial results obtained; and 6) the customary legal fees for similar services.  Glasscock v. Glasscock, 304 S.C. 158, 161, 403 S.E.2d 313, 315 (1991). 

Initially, Mother contends the family court erred by awarding Father attorney’s fees because the court should not have found a change of circumstances occurred.  Because we hold the family court did not err in granting relief based upon a substantial change in circumstances, this argument is without merit.

Next, Mother contends the family court erred because the order “fails to make any of the customary findings required in connection with an award of attorney’s fees, even though it cites Atkinson v. Atkinson, 279 S.C. 355, 309 S.E.2d 14 (Ct. App. 1983), which defines and requires such findings.”

The family court’s eighteen-page order is replete with findings involving the respective positions of the parties.  In addition, the court’s order noted Father’s counsel’s professional standing.  Furthermore, Father’s counsel provided an affidavit indicating the time devoted to the case.  Moreover, it is undisputed that Father obtained a beneficial result based upon the change in custody. 

Faced with such a detailed order containing extensive findings of fact, we conclude Mother’s argument, merely claiming the family court failed to make customary findings of fact, is insufficient to preserve this assignment of error for appellate review.  See Solomon v. City Realty Co., 262 S.C. 198, 201, 203 S.E.2d 435, 435 (1974) (holding conclusory arguments are deemed abandoned); Fields v. Melrose Ltd. P’ship, 312 S.C. 102, 106, 439 S.E.2d 283, 285 (Ct. App. 1993) (holding an issue is deemed abandoned and thus not presented for appellate review if argued in a short, conclusory statement).  Consequently, Mother’s argument is without merit.

Lastly, Mother contends the family court erred by not awarding her attorney’s fees.  She contends that the financial disparity between the two parties is so great that not awarding her attorney’s fees is an abuse of discretion. 

The evidence within Father’s financial declaration indicates he has a net monthly income of $2,225.85 and monthly expenses totaling $1,855.20.  Mother’s financial declaration states she has no monthly income and expenses totaling $1,718.00 per month.  The Mother’s testimony indicates she lacks monthly income because she has a disability. 

However, the family court did not believe Mother’s testimony.  Rather, because Mother failed to produce any evidence outside of her own testimony indicating she had a disability, the family court imputed income to her – a determination Mother has not appealed.  Furthermore, Mother did not win on the merits.  Thus, we hold the family court did not abuse its discretion by denying Mother’s motion for attorney’s fees.

CONCLUSION

Based on the foregoing, the decision of the family court is

AFFIRMED.

HEARN, C.J., HOWARD, and KITTREDGE, JJ., concurring.