IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF TENNESSEE

AT JACKSON

OCTOBER 9, 2007 Session

SHEARER REBECCA AGEE v. DAVID STEVEN AGEE

Direct Appeal from the Chancery Court for Crockett County

No. 8037 George R. Ellis, Chancellor

No. W2007-00314-COA-R3-CV - Filed May 16, 2008

This is an appeal from the trial court’s modification of a child’s custody due to a material change in

circumstances. Mother/Appellant appeals the trial court’s change of custody of her minor child to

Father/Appellee. Specifically, Mother/Appellant asserts that the evidence does not support the

finding of a material change in circumstances and also raises issues concerning trial court’s reliance

on certain evidence. Finding no error by the trial court, we affirm.

Tenn. R. App. P. 3; Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Affirmed

ALAN E. HIGHERS, P.J., W.S., delivered the opinion of the court, in which HOLLY M. KIRBY, J.,

joined, and W. FRANK CRAWFORD, J., did not participate.

Betty Stafford Scott, Mary Jo Middlebrooks, Jackson, TN, for Appellant

Magan White, Jackson, TN, for Appellee

OPINION
This Court has thoroughly reviewed the specific allegations lodged against Father. However, in the interest

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of protecting the privacy of the parties, and especially of the child, we will not enumerate the allegations herein.

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Facts and Procedural History

On September 8, 2000, Appellant, Shearer Rebecca Agee (hereinafter, “Mother”) and

Appellee, David Steven Agee (hereinafter, “Father”), were married. In June of 2001, the parties

separated; and, on July 5, 2001, Mother filed for divorce. Afterseparating, Mother gave birth to the

parties’ only child (hereinafter, “R. I. A” or “the child”) on February 8, 2002. In conjunction with

their divorce, the parties entered into a Marital Dissolution Agreement and a Permanent Parenting

Plan, under which Mother was designated as the Primary Residential Parent (hereinafter, “PRP”).

The Final Decree of Absolute Divorce was entered on August 28, 2002. 

In early 2004, Mother learned that her National Guard Unit was on an “alert order” for a

possible two (2) year deployment to Iraq. In July of 2004, Mother was officially notified that her unit

would be deployed to Iraq. On July 9, 2004, Mother allegedly became suspicious that R. I. A. was

being sexually abused while in Father’s custody. The next day, Mother contacted the National 1

Guard and was removed from the “mobilization and deployment manning roster.” The following

Monday, July 12, 2004, Mother reported her allegations to the Milan Police Department. Mother

also contacted the Department of Children’s Services (hereinafter, “DCS”) and was directed to take

R. I. A. to the Memphis Sexual Assault Resource Center (hereinafter, “MRC”). 

On August 23, 2004, the MRC performed a visual rape examination on R. I. A. The

examination was inconclusive. Thereafter, and upon MRC’s recommendation, Mother also starting

collecting and dating R. I. A.’s garments after her return from visits with Father. On August 27,

2004, Mother took three garments to the Milan Police Department. Around this time, Mother also

began taking R. I. A. to see Julia Austen, a licensed clinical social worker. 

The Milan Police Department interviewed Father and took samples of his blood, but did not

process or test R. I. A.’s garments. Mother retrieved R. I. A.’s garments and delivered them to Work

Care Resources, an independent laboratory in Jackson, Tennessee. Tests were performed on the

garments and yielded inconclusive results. Following Work Care Resources’ testing, the Tennessee

Bureau of Investigation (TBI) tested the garments. The TBI test results were negative for the

presence of bodily fluids. No criminal charges were ever brought against Father. 

In October of 2004, Mother took R. I. A. to the emergency room at Jackson-Madison County

Hospital, alleging that R. I. A. complained of buttocks and stomach pain. Mother told the hospital

staff that R. I. A. might have been sexually assaulted. The staff conducted a visual examination of

R. I. A.’s genitalia and directed Mother to return in a few days for a follow-up exam. Mother

returned, as directed, and the staff examined the R. I. A. again. Their examination yielded

inconclusive results. 

On October 6, 2004, Father filed a Petition for Change in Primary Residence, alleging that

Mother had wrongfully accused him of abuse, and had forced R. I. A. to undergo horrific medical
The Center for Children in Crisis is part of the LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center, Center for Children and 2

Parents (“CCP”).

Several LeBonheur psychologists and licensed clinical social workers conducted the evaluation of the parties

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and R. I. A. through a myriad of observations, interviews, assessments of parent-child interactions, and psychological

tests. A “Multi-disciplinary Team Summary” report conveyed LeBonheur’s findings and represented a comprehensive

summary of each of the professional’s conclusions.

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examinations, which were harmful to the child. Father further alleged that these accusations were

made in order to alienate R. I. A. from him. On October 28, 2004, Mother filed a Response and a

Motion for Civil Contempt, alleging that Father had violated various provisions of the parenting

plan. On November 22, 2004, Father filed an Answer, denying all the material allegations of

Mother’s motion. 

When R. I. A. returned from visiting Father over Christmas break, Mother asked her

neighbor, a registered nurse, to examine R. I. A.’s genital area. On December 30, 2004, Mother filed

a Motion for Civil and Criminal Contempt alleging that Father exercised more parenting time than

he was entitled to under the Parenting Plan. On January 10, 2005, Father filed a Response, denying

all of Mother’s material allegations. On January 14, 2005, Father filed a Petition for Contempt,

alleging that Mother had assaulted him, and had made derogatory remarks in front of their child.

Additionally, Father filed a Motion for Custodial Evaluation requesting that the Chancery Court

order the parties to submit to psychological evaluations.

On January 25, 2005, Mother filed a Motion to Terminate or Require Supervised Parenting

Time, alleging that Father had sexually abused R. I. A.. Shortly thereafter, on February 1, 2005,

Mother filed a Petition for a Restraining Order, and the Chancery Court issued a temporary

restraining order that same day. Father responded on February 4, 2005, denying Mother’s allegations

and filing his own Petition for Contempt, alleging that Mother refused to allow him visitation with

R. I. A. On February 7, 2005, Father filed an Answer to the Petition for the Restraining Order and

denied all material allegations contained therein. After the restraining order was issued, Mother took

R. I. A. to the UT Medical Group for a follow-up visit, stemming from the MRC visit in August of

2004. Another exam was performed, and, again, all tests were inconclusive.

The Chancery Court held a hearing on February 23, 2005. In April of 2005, the trial court

issued an Order, requiring both parties to submit to a Center for Children in Crisis Evaluation

(hereinafter, “CCP Evaluation”). The Chancery Court also continued the hearing on Mother’s 2

temporary restraining order until June 6, 2005. 

Pursuant to the Chancery Court’s April order, the parties submitted themselves to a CCP

psychological evaluation at the LeBonheur Center for Children and Parents (hereinafter,

“LeBonheur”). After conducting individual psychological evaluations of Father, Mother, and R. 3

I. A., LeBonheur opined that it was extremely unlikely that Father had sexually abused the child.

LeBonheur further opined that the relationship between Father and R. I. A. was positive, and that

Mother exhibited many personality traits which suggest Borderline Personality Disorder. LeBonheur
Mother was first taken off the deployment list following the first accusation in July 2004 and was honorably 4

discharged following the accusation in January 2006.

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concluded that, as between the two parents, Father “would clearly be the better primary residential

parent, by far.” 

The trial court reviewed LeBonheur’s findings and allowed Father to have supervised

visitation with R. I. A. The court also ordered that R. I. A. attend counseling with a licensed child

psychologist, with the parties being required to participate collaboratively in R. I. A.’s therapy. In

addition, Mother was ordered to complete long-term intensive therapy with a licensed therapist,

skilled in personality disorders. R. I. A. began counseling with Dr. David Pickering, and both Father

and Mother participated collaboratively in that therapy. From June 2005 until November 2005,

Mother attended therapy sessions with Dr. Richard Spring, a licensed psychologist. In a letter dated

October 10, 2005, Dr. Spring released Mother, stating that she had complied with the individual

therapy requirements and that he had not “seen anything clinically that would confirm the LeBonheur

report saying that she has Borderline Personality Disorder.” 

On October 11, 2005, the ChanceryCourt extended Father’s visitation to include visits in his

home and required the parties to continue seeing Dr. Pickering for family counseling. Shortly

thereafter, Mother learned that her job with the Army’s Counter Drug Unit would be terminated due

to lack of funding. Mother sold her residence and notified Father of her relocation to Fulton,

Kentucky. Both Father and Dr. Pickering objected to Mother’s moving outside the court’s

jurisdiction. In response to their objections, Mother moved to South Fulton, Tennessee, to live with

her mother and to remain within the trial court’s jurisdiction. 

On December 12, 2005, the Chancery Court entered an Order dismissing the numerous

petitions and motions. The parties were instructed to abide by the “Shared Parenting Provisions”

of the Permanent Parenting Plan and to continue family counseling with Dr. Pickering. 

On January 8, 2006, R. I. A. allegedly complained that her “bottom” hurt. Mother took R.

I. A. to the emergency room at Parkway Regional Hospital in Fulton, Kentucky for an examination.

The examination included a swab test, which proved to be inconclusive. Father claims that Mother

made an additional accusation of sexual abuse the following day, January 9, 2006. Father contends

that Mother made these accusations in order to avoid being deployed overseas with her National

Guard unit.4

On January 10, 2006, Father filed a Petition for a Change in Primary Physical Residence on

a Temporary and Permanent Basis and for a Restraining Order. The Chancery Court issued a

temporary restraining order against Mother, prohibiting her from having contact with R. I. A. The

trial court held several hearings in order to determine whether the change in custody should remain

permanent. During the course of these proceedings, Julia Austin, the social worker who had been

counseling R. I. A. through play therapy, testified that, based on her observations and interaction

with R. I. A., she was of the opinion that sexual abuse had occurred. In direct contradiction to Ms.
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Austin’s testimony, Dr. Pickering, the psychologist who had counseled with both parties and the

child, testified that he observed no indication of sexual abuse, and opined that Mother’s leading

questions and actions were geared towards furthering her own interests instead of the best interests

of the child. 

On January 11, 2007, the Chancery Court ordered that Father would be the Primary

Residential Parent of R. I. A. permanently. The order further stated: 

. . . [T]he Court found a significant and material change in

circumstances sufficient to warrant a change in custody and the court

ruled that temporary custody of the minor child shall be with the

father, David Steven Agee, and the mother should have supervised

visitation through the Carl Perkins Center. 

It further appears that the psychologist, Dr. David Pickering, who was

agreed upon by the parties to use in this case, testified that in his

expert opinion he has not seen signs that the child has been sexually

abused and further that Ms. Shearer Rebecca Agee has not been able

to work toward the best interests of the child and that in his expert

opinion there has been a material change in circumstances.

. . . 

IT IS THEREFORE, ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND

DECREED:

1. That the Father, David Steven Agee, shall be the Primary

Residential Parent of Rachel Agee on a permanent basis.

2. That the Mother, Shearer Rebecca Agee, shall continue to receive

supervised parenting time twice per week at the Carl Perkins Center

in Alamo, Tennessee. In addition, Mother shall telephone the minor

child once during the week, and once each day on Saturday and

Sunday pursuant to the Consent Order entered with this Court on

February 13, 2006. 

3. That the father’s child support obligation ceased as of January 2006

and the mother is ordered to pay child support retroactive to January

2006. That the parties shall provide counsel with the following

documentation in order to calculate child support pursuant to the

guidelines, retroactive to January, 2006; 2005 and 2006 income tax

returns, proof of health insurance premiums attributable to the minor

child, and current wage information.
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4. That a Permanent Parenting Plan should be entered which

incorporates all of the above.

5. That the Mother, Shearer Rebecca Agee, was found to have not

participated in the required counseling with Dr. Pickering in the last

4 1⁄2 months and she is instructed to do so. 

6. That this Order shall remain in full force and effect until further

orders of this court.

Issues

Mother appeals and raises seven (7) issues for review as stated in her brief:

1. Whether a material change in circumstances occurred to

warrant modification of the Permanent Parenting Plan.

2. Whether relocation in the State of Tennessee, less than 100

miles, is a material change in circumstances.

3. Whether Dr. David Pickering, as an arm of the Court, is an

unbiased, neutral advisor.

4. Whether the trial court erred in abdicating its decision

making to a third party.

5. Whether this modification of the Permanent Parenting Plan

violates T.C.A. § 36-6-112(c), the Protective Parent Reform

Act.

6. Whether the trial court erred in admitting into evidence,

and relying upon, a letter faxed from Dr. Pickering on

January 23, 2006.

7. Whether this Court should award Mother attorney’s fees

and costs incurred to file this appeal.

Standard of Review

This Court reviews findings of fact made by a trial court sitting without a jury under a de

novo standard with a presumption of correctness for those findings, unless the preponderance of the

evidence is otherwise. Tenn. R. App. 13(d) (2007). This Court reviews a trial court's conclusions

of law de novo with no presumption of correctness. Union Carbide Corp. v. Huddleston, 854

S.W.2d 87, 91 (Tenn. 1993) (citing Estate of Adkins v. White Consol. Indus., Inc., 788 S.W.2d 815,

817 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1989). We note that the credibility of witnesses is a matter peculiarly within

the province of the trial court. See Bowman v. Bowman, 836 S.W.2d 563, 567 (Tenn. Ct. App.

1991). On appeal, we give great weight to the trial court’s ability to assess a witness’s memory,

accuracy and truthfulness. Id. 
The factors are enumerated in T.C.A. § 36-6-106: 5

(a) In a suit for annulment, divorce, separate maintenance, or in any other

proceeding requiring the court to make a custody determination regarding a minor

child, the determination shall be made on the basis of the best interest of the child.

The court shall consider all relevant factors, including the following, where applicable:

(1) The love, affection and emotional ties existing between the parents or caregivers

and the child;

(2) The disposition of the parents or caregivers to provide the child with food,

clothing, medical care, education and other necessary care and the degree to which

a parent or caregiver has been the primary caregiver;

(3) The importance of continuity in the child's life and the length of time the child

has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment; provided, that, where there is a

finding, under subdivision (a)(8), of child abuse, as defined in § 39-15-401 or § 39-

15-402, or child sexual abuse, as defined in § 37- 1-602, by one (1) parent, and that

a nonperpetrating parent or caregiver has relocated in order to flee the perpetrating

parent, that the relocation shall not weigh against an award of custody;

(4) The stability of the family unit of the parents or caregivers;

(5) The mental and physical health of the parents or caregivers;

(6) The home, school and community record of the child;

(7)(A) The reasonable preference of the child, if twelve (12) years of age or older;

(B) The court may hear the preference of a younger child on request. The

(continued...)

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Discussion

Material Change in Circumstances

In child custody cases, the law is well established that when a decree awarding custody of

children has been entered, that decree is res judicata and is conclusive in a subsequent application

to change custody, unless some new fact has occurred, which has altered the circumstances in a

material way, so that the welfare of the child requires a change of custody. Long v. Long, 488

S.W.2d 729 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1972). In short, once the trial court has made an initial determination

with respect to custody, it cannot entertain a subsequent petition to modify custody absent a material

change in circumstances, such that the welfare of the child demands a redetermination. See, e.g.,

Massengale v. Massengale, 915 S .W.2d 818, 819 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1995). A “material change in

circumstances” justifying modification of a child custody order may include factors arising after the

initial determination or changed conditions that could not be anticipated at the time of the original

order. See Blair v. Badenhope, 940 S.W.2d 575, 576 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1996) (citing Dalton v.

Dalton, 858 S.W.2d 324, 326 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1993)). If the trial court finds that there has been a

material change in circumstances, it will then consider the petition to modify custody using a “best

interest” standard. Woolsey v. McPherson, No. 02A01-9706-JV-00125, 1998 WL 760950, at *2 5
(...continued) 5

preferences of older children should normally be given greater weight than those of

younger children;

(8) Evidence of physical or emotional abuse to the child, to the other parent or to

any other person; provided, that, where there are allegations that one (1) parent has

committed child abuse, as defined in § 39-15-401 or § 39- 15-402, or child sexual

abuse, as defined in § 37-1-602, against a family member, the court shall consider

all evidence relevant to the physical and emotional safety of the child, and

determine, by a clear preponderance of the evidence, whether such abuse has

occurred. The court shall include in its decision a written finding of all evidence,

and all findings of facts connected to the evidence. In addition, the court shall,

where appropriate, refer any issues of abuse to the juvenile court for further proceedings;

(9) The character and behavior of any other person who resides in or frequents the

home of a parent or caregiver and the person's interactions with the child; and

(10) Each parent or caregiver's past and potential for future performance of

parenting responsibilities, including the willingness and ability of each of the

parents and caregivers to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parentchild relationship between the child and both of the child's parents, consistent with

the best interest of the child.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, the court has

jurisdiction to make an initial custody determination regarding a minor child or may

modify a prior order of child custody upon finding that the custodial parent has been

convicted of or found civilly liable for the intentional and wrongful death of the

child's other parent or legal guardian.

(c) As used in this section, "caregiver" has the meaning ascribed to that

term in § 37-5-501.

(d) Nothing in subsections (a) and (c) shall be construed to affect or

diminish the constitutional rights of parents that may arise during and are inherent

in custody proceedings.

T.C.A. § 36-6-106.

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(Tenn. Ct. App. Nov. 2, 1998). As this Court has previously recognized, there is a strong

presumption in favor of the existing custody arrangement. Smithson v. Eatherly, No. 01A01-9806-

CV-00314, 1999 WL 548586 at *2 (Tenn. Ct. App. July 29, 1999) (citing Taylor v. Taylor, 849

S.W.2d 319, 332 (Tenn. 1993)). The party seeking to change the existing custody arrangement has

the burden of proof to show both that the child's circumstances have materially changed in a way that

was not reasonably foreseeable at the time of the original custody decision, and that changing the

existing custody arrangement will serve the child's best interests. Geiger v. Boyle, No. 01A01-9809-

CH-00467, 1999 WL 499733 at *3 (Tenn. Ct. App. July 16, 1999) (citing Smith v. Haase, 521

S.W.2d 49, 50 (Tenn.1975.)); McDaniel v. McDaniel, 743 S.W.2d 167, 169 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1987);

Hall v. Hall, No. 01A01-9310-PB-00465, 1995 WL 316255, at *2 (Tenn. Ct. App. May 25, 1995).
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Under this standard, the primary inquiry is whether there has been a material change in the child's

circumstances. 

Although there is no concrete definition for what constitutes a material change of

circumstances, this Court has enumerated several factors that should be taken into consideration

when determining whether such a change has occurred. In general, the change must occur after the

entry of the order sought to be modified, and the change cannot be one that was known or reasonably

anticipated when the order was entered. Turner v. Turner, 776 S.W.2d 88, 90 (Tenn. Ct.

App.1988); Dalton v. Dalton, 858 S.W.2d 324, 326 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1993). In addition, the material

change in circumstances must be a change in the child's circumstances, not the circumstances of

either or both of the parents. McCain v. Grim, No. 01A01-9711-CH-00634, 1999 WL 820216 at

*2 (Tenn. Ct. App. Oct.15, 1999). Finally, the change must affect the child's well-being in a material

way. Dailey v. Dailey, 635 S.W.2d 391, 393 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1981). 

Tennessee courts have based modification of child custody decrees on the following criteria:

the character of the custodian; the conduct of the custodian; and the child's welfare. Townshend v.

Bingham, No. 02A01-9801-CV-00019, 1999 WL 188290, at *4-*5 (Tenn. Ct. App. Apr. 6, 1999).

The child's preference is only one factor to be considered in deciding custody. See T.C.A. § 36-6-106

(2001); Wilson v. Wilson, 987 S.W.2d 555, 564 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1998); Helson v. Cyrus, 989

S.W.2d 704, 707 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1998). The party seeking a change in custody has the initial burden

to show a material change of circumstances which affects the welfare of the child. Harris v. Harris,

832 S.W.2d 352, 352 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1992). The burden remains on the moving party to show that

he or she is comparatively more fit than the party with custody under the challenged custody decree

and to show that it would be in the child's best interests for the moving party to be the custodial

parent. Gorski v. Ragains, No. 01A01-9710-GS-00597, 1999WL 511451 at *4, (Tenn.Ct.App. July

21, 1999) (citing Nichols v. Nichols, 792 S.W.2d 713, 715 (Tenn. 1990)); Rust v. Rust, 864 S.W.2d

52, 56 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1993).

As set out above, the trial court specifically found that Mother’s subjecting R. I. A. to

numerous exams constitutes a material change in circumstances. On appeal, Mother contends, inter

alia, that this finding violates the Protective Parent Reform Act, T.C.A. § 36-6-112. Section 36-6-

112(c) provides: 

If a parent makes a good faith allegation based on a reasonable belief

supported by facts that the child is the victim of child abuse, child

neglect, or the effects of domestic violence, and if that parent acts

lawfully and in good faith in response to that reasonable belief to

protect the child or seek treatment for the child, then that parent shall

not be deprived of custody, visitation, or contact with the child, or

restricted in custody, visitation, or contact, based solely on that belief

or the reasonable actions taken based on that belief.

T. C. A. § 36-6-112 

Mother argues that her concerns and actions were based on a good-faith belief that R. I. A.

was being sexually abused by Father. Mother contends that R. I. A.’s behaviors and statements
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provide an adequate basis for her to have a reasonable belief that Father was sexually abusing the

child. Accusations of child abuse by one parent against another parent is one of the most difficult

issues faced by the courts. Keisling v. Keisling, 196 S.W.3d 703, 722 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2005). While

we concede that any suspicion of sexual abuse is a grave accusation, which must be thoroughly

investigated, the mistaken conclusion that a parent abused his or her child when, in fact, no such

abused has occurred also has serious consequences. Id. Therefore, “any concern about reporting

allegations of child sexual abuse must be balanced with the awareness that false accusations of such

abuse can be a ‘reprehensible tool’ against an ex-spouse, remarkable for its ‘brutal effectiveness.’”

Id. 

In the instant case, Mother’s accusations were investigated by DCS and law enforcement

officials. Numerous tests and examinations were performed; yet, none yielded any sort of proof

indicating that Father had sexually abused R. I. A. Professionals at LeBonheur evaluated the parties

and declared that there was no evidence, nor any personality traits, which would indicate that Father

was an abuser. In addition, Dr. Pickering testified that he observed no signs of abuse by Father, and

further opined that R. I. A. is comfortable separating from her parents (something that a sexually

abused child typically will not do). Concerning Mother’s actions, Dr. Pickering testified that there

was evidence to suggest that Mother “coached”R. I. A. into talking about eventsthat did not actually

occur, to wit:

It’s my opinion, from the work that I’ve done with the [parties], that

[Mother] often does ask questions of the child and do things in a

leading sort of way that results in the child possibly having some ill

feelings toward her father, which may not - which do not appear to be

warranted. The child does not have those feelings with [Father]. The

child does not exhibit those feelings with [Mother]. But on two

occasions I have been played tapes that involved [Mother]

questioning the child in a way that encouraged the child to agree with

her, whether what she was saying was true or not. 

From our review of the record, there were at least four instances where the child was

subjected to medical examinations, namely:

1. The visit to an emergency room and to the MRC in August of 2004;

2. At least one visit between August 2004 and January 2006 to the Jackson-Madison County

General Hospital Emergency Room;

3. An examination by Mother’s neighbor, a Registered Nurse, and,

4. A visit to Parkway Regional Hospital in January of 2006.

During these examinations, R. I. A. underwent visual inspections, in one occasion having her

genitalia photographed, and she was also given numerous swab and blood tests. Father contends that

Mother subjected R. I. A. to these examinations and tests in order to: (1) avoid deployment to Iraq,

and (2) keep him from the child. Mother contends that her concerns were grounded in fact, that the

tests and exams were necessary, and that they were only performed in the best interest of R. I. A.
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Here, the trial court specifically held that the Mother is “in much need of counseling” and that the

R. I. A. has been “subjected to four rape examinations of some sort or another in her young life.”

The trial court notes that R. I. A.’s exposure to these examinations (and the possibility future exams)

would be potentially harmful for the child. In its order designating Father as the permanent Primary

Residential Parent, the trial court held that a material change in circumstances had occurred. The

trial court’s finding was due, in part, to Dr. Pickering’s statement that he had not “seen signs that the

child ha[d] been sexually abused,” and that the Mother “had not been able to work toward the best

interests of the child.” 

In this case, it is clear that the accusations of sexual abuse were taken seriously and

investigated thoroughly. After a full investigation, psychological evaluations, and numerous

hearings, the trial court concluded unequivocally that Father did not abuse R. I. A. The record

supports the trial court’s finding that Mother’s allegations were, in fact, false. Furthermore, there

is sufficient evidence to support the trial court’s determination that the numerous interrogations and

intrusive examinations, to which R. I. A. was subjected, were fueled by Mother’s hostility towards

Father, and/or, by her desire to avoid deployment to Iraq. While we concede that Mother’s intentions

may have initially been based upon her care and concern for R. I. A.’s welfare, the sheer number of

hospital and doctors’ visits, and the fact that every test performed yielded no proof of abuse, should

have given Mother pause. The record shows, however, that, despite the lack of proof, Mother

continued to assert her position that Father abused R. I. A. The end result, i.e., R. I. A. being

subjected to the same invasive tests over and over, and Mother’s insistence that R. I. A. was a victim,

worked a significant and harmful disservice to the child’s best interests. This is, indeed, a material

change in circumstances.

As this Court has stated, “harm can result to a child when a parent’s natural and expected

protectiveness regarding the prospect of sexual abuse by the other parent goes beyond reason” and

becomes obsessive hyper vigilance. Keisling, 196 S.W.3d at 723. Mother’s persistent allegations

against Father and her relentless quest for evidence of sexual abuse may very well have resulted in

lasting psychological damage to the child. The trial court’s decision to name Father as Primary

Residential Parent is well-supported by this record, and this Court is satisfied that this change is in

R. I. A.’s best interest.

Dr. Pickering

Mother also asserts that Dr. Pickering is not an unbiased, neutral advisor. Mother argues that

Dr. Pickering has found fault with every action she has taken. Consequently, she contends that she

“should not be required to counsel with Dr. Pickering and that he should not dictate any legal

ramifications in this case.” Although Mother argues Dr. Pickering’s objection to her desire to

moving that her desire to move to Fulton, Kentucky, was a personal attack, based upon the record,

we disagree. Dr. Pickering testified that he did not believe the move would be in R. I. A.’s best

interest because it would involve “moving from an area where [R. I. A.] was comfortable and knew

the people around her to an unfamiliar situation.” Dr. Pickering also voiced concerns about Mother
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moving out of the trial court’s jurisdiction. Dr. Pickering’s concerns appear to be relevant and

voiced out of concern for R. I. A. 

On appeal, Mother also attacks Dr. Pickering’s alleged bias and asserts that the trial court

erred in its reliance upon Dr. Pickering’s recommendations. Specifically, Mother takes issue with

the trial court’s allowing into evidence Dr. Pickering’s January 23, 2006, opinion letter, in which he

states, in relevant part, his recommendation that:

[R. I. A. ] remain, for the time being, in her father’s physical custody,

but that she begin supervised visitation with her mother. Since her

mother currently resides in South Fulton, with [R. I. A.]’s maternal

grandmother, I see no reason why her grandmother cannot be

included in the visits, should she and Mrs. Agee wish.

. . . 

I would therefore recommend that the visits occur at the Exchange

Club - Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, with

Center staff providing the supervision.

We first address whether Dr. Pickering’s letter was properly admitted. We afford the trial

court wide discretion regarding the admissibility of evidence and will not overturn the trial court's

determination absent an abuse of that discretion. Tire Shredders, Inc. v. ERM-North Central, Inc.,

15 S.W.3d 849, 857 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1999). The transcript indicates that Mother’s lawyer conceded

knowledge of the letter at the time it was introduced, to wit:

The Court (to Mother’s counsel, Ms. Scott): Have you seen this [Dr.

Pickering’s letter]?

Ms. Scott: Yes, sir, Your Honor, this morning. 

The Court: Well, it appears the Court has already ruled about Dr.

Pickering’s recommendations on 12 December. Let’s make this part

of the record. It’s a fax from Dr. Pickering. 

(Evidence 1 was marked and filed, and is made a part

of this transcript of evidence).

No objection was lodged at the time the letter was admitted. It is well-settled that objections

to the introduction of evidence must be timely and specific. See, e.g., Overstreet v. Shoney’s, Inc.,

4 S.W.3d 694, 702 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1999). An evidentiary objection is considered timely if it is

made either in a motion in limine or at the time that the objectionable evidence is about to be

introduced. See Wright v. United Servs. Auto. Ass’n., 789 S.W.2d 911, 914 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1990).

It was not until after the lunch recess that Mother objected to the letter, to wit:

Ms. Scott: Your Honor, during the lunch break, I had a chance to

look over the letter submitted by Dr. Pickering that was admitted as

an exhibit, and I noticed it was faxed to Attorney Spencer’s office.
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And I will not have the ability to cross-examine Dr. Pickering on this

letter to Mr. Spencer.

The Court: You’re talking about the letter dated January 23?

Ms. Scott: Yes, sir. I’d like to object to the admission of that based

on that. 

The Court: I guess I’ll have to treat that as a court record since it’s a

letter to me. The objection will be noted.

Ms. Scott: Okay. I thought it was mailed to you, but I saw at the top

that it was faxed to Mr. Spencer’s office.

The Court: Exhibit 1 is a - - actually it was - - you’re exactly right.

Do we have the original?

Mr. Spencer [Father’s counsel]: Judge, when I spoke with him

Friday, he said, “I’m preparing the letter, and I will forward it to the

Court.” I said, “Okay. Here is my fax number if you’ll also fax it to

me,” which was done this morning. I, in turn, called my office

enroute from Brownsville to here and said, “When that gets here,

make sure that you fax it over to Alamo so that I’ve got a copy.” So,

I don’t know his other protocol on how he sent the other.

Ms. Scott: When we first started, I was handed it very quickly before

it was entered, and I didn’t catch that.

The Court: Well, when the original gets here, I’ll rule that it’s part of

the court record. . . .

On appeal, Mother alleges that the letter should have been omitted because it contains

hearsay. However, the sole objection lodged at trial,supra, wasto the fact that the letter was a copy.

A party may not argue for the evidence’s exclusion based upon one evidentiary law at the trial level,

and then advocate a different reason for the evidence’s exclusion at the appellate level. See State

v. Dobbins, 754 S.W.2d 637, 641 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1998). Having not made a specific or timely

objection of hearsay at the hearing, Mother cannot be heard to complain on appeal. 

Mother next argues that the trial court relied too heavily upon Dr. Pickering’s opinions, and,

in fact, abdicated its decision making role to the doctor. We disagree. At the January 23, 2006

hearing, the trial court made the following relevant statements: 

It appears that the Court found that when you’re talking about an

allegation of this seriousness, the Court takes it very seriously, and

has on all these hearing. Because of the complexity of this, is the

reason this Court decided, rather than do a licensed social worker,

let’s have a psychologist or psychiatrist.
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It further appears that the Court found that due to the complexity of

this, this Court is satisfied that sending it to a child psychologist or

psychiatrist, Dr. Pickering, was the appropriate thing to do in this

matter.

It further appears that the Court found that we have a parent who is

in much need of counseling. Now, which one of these two parents it

is, this Court’s going to have to take the position that it’s going to

continue going with the psychiatrist, Dr. Pickering. I’m going to take

the directed advice of Dr. Pickering and leave the temporary custody

with [Father], but I’m going to order that [Mother] and her mother

have the right to start visiting with the child under supervision of the

Carl Perkins Exchange Club until further orders of this Court. 

It further appears that the Court found it extremely disturbing that this

child has been subjected to four rape examinations of some sort or

another in her young life. And the Court further found that to be

potentially very harmful to the child and that is the reason that the

Court is going to keep the Temporary Restraining Order in place,

with the exception that [Mother] will have visitation rights to be

supervised through the Carl Perkins Center.

At the conclusion of the same hearing, Mother asked the trial court whether she would be

allowed to telephone the child. The following dialogue occurred: 

The Court: Let’s run that through Dr. Pickering. If he gives it the

green light, I’d say yes. Be specific with the days and the times.

Does your client still have her appointment with Dr. Pickering?

Ms. Scott [Mother’s Counsel]: Yes, sir.

The Court: Well, she needs to tell him what’s transpired here and

about this telephone visitation and see what can be done.

Our review of the record reveals that the trial court relied not only upon Dr. Pickering’s

suggestions, but also considered the testimony of other witnesses. Specifically, the trial court placed

great importance upon the testimony concerning the number and nature of examinations, to which

R. I. A. was subjected. 

The evidence adduced at the July 11, 2006, and November 4, 2006 hearings included the

testimony from Mother, Father, R. I. A.’s maternal grandmother, Ms. Austin, and Dr. Pickering. 

The trial court also considered the report from LeBonheur, a letter from Dr. Herman DeBoard, a

letter from Dr. Richard Spring, the Kentucky State Police Lab Report, and documents from the Carl
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Perkins Center, as well as transcripts from prior hearings in this matter. The record simply does not

support a finding that the trial court abdicated its decision making to Dr. Pickering. Mother

also argues that the trial court erred in continuing to require Mother to attend counseling with Dr.

Pickering. In support of her contention, Mother asserts, inter alia, that she does not live close to Dr.

Pickering’s office, that her schedule is not compatible with Dr. Pickering’s office hours, and that she

cannot afford counseling with Dr. Pickering. The record reveals that any conflict as to Mother’s

being counseled individually by Dr. Pickering has been resolved by the fact that she is now being

seen by Dr. DeBoard. 

However, Mother is still required to see Dr. Pickering periodically as part of her participation

in R. I. A.’s therapy. In June of 2005, the trial court ordered that R. I. A. attend counseling with a

licensed child psychologist, that the parties participate collaborativelyin the child’s therapy, and that

the parties split the cost of the therapy. Additionally, Mother was directed to complete long-term

intensive therapy with a licensed therapist skilled in dealing with personality disorders. Because Dr.

Pickering has been working with R. I. A. and her parents since 2005, it appears that a change in the

child’s therapist, in order to accommodate Mother’s wishes, would not be in the child’s best interest.

The participation of both parents in this therapy is warranted and necessary. Despite the

inconvenience alleged by Mother, we do not find that the trial court’s requirement that Mother

participate in child’s therapy with Dr. Pickering is an “impossible goal.” Rather, Mother’s

inconvenience pales in comparison to the child’s need for stability, continuity, and participation by

both parents in her therapy. Mother’s individual therapy needs are being met by Dr. DeBoard. The

trial court’s ordering Mother to continue her participation in R. I. A.’s therapy by Dr. Pickering is

not overtly harsh when considered in light of the child’s needs and interests.

Conclusion

For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the judgment of the trial court. Mother’s request for

attorney’s fees, pursuant to T.C.A. § 36-5-103(c), is denied. Costs of this appeal are assessed to

Appellant, Shearer Rebecca Agee, and her surety for which execution may issue if necessary.

___________________________________ 

ALAN E. HIGHERS, P.J., W.S.