J-A02009-15

NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37

C.W.C. IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF

PENNSYLVANIA

Appellee

v.

S.E.C.-W.

Appellant No. 1932 EDA 2014

Appeal from the Order Entered June 3, 2014

In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County

Family Court at No(s): OC1100720

BEFORE: PANELLA, J., LAZARUS, J., and WECHT, J.

MEMORANDUM BY LAZARUS, J.: FILED APRIL 10, 2015

S.E.C.-W. (“Mother”) appeals from the June 3, 2014 order, entered in 

the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, transferring primary 

physical custody of the parties’ two youngest children to C.W.C. (“Father”) 

and awarding Mother partial physical custody.1 The court also granted both 

parties shared legal custody, granted Father’s two petitions for contempt, 

found Mother in contempt of the custody order, and awarded Father $2500 

in counsel fees. After our review, we affirm on the opinion authored by the 

Honorable Diane Thompson. 

Mother and Father are the parents of three children, M.C. (born March 

1999), E.C. (born June 2002), and C.C. (born February 2005). The original 

____________________________________________

1 The court ordered that Mother retain primary physical custody of the 

parties’ oldest child, M.C.
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custody order was entered in 2005, in Virginia, (“the Virginia order”); that 

order granted primary physical custody of the three children to Mother and 

granted her request to relocate to Philadelphia subject to Father’s partial 

physical custody on alternating weekends and specific holidays. The Virginia 

order also included a clause to alter arrangements and provide for a makeup weekend in the event that weather made travel dangerous on one of 

Father’s scheduled custodial weekends (the “Weather Clause”). 

Both Mother and Father remarried. Father moved to Dundalk, 

Maryland, outside of Baltimore, which is approximately a two-hour commute 

from Philadelphia.2 

On June 11, 2013, Mother filed a petition to modify custody. After 

four custody hearings, including an in camera interview with the children on 

November 14, 2013, a hearing on Father’s petition for special relief, as well 

as an additional hearing on April 29, 2014 on Father’s petition for contempt3, 

the court entered the June 3, 2014 order.4 Mother appealed that order. 

____________________________________________

2 The trial court recognized that this is not a relocation case. 

3 The court found Mother willfully refused to transport the children to Father 

on one of his scheduled custodial Fridays, and held Mother in contempt and 

ordered that she pay Father $2,500 in counsel fees pursuant to the parties’ 

July 31, 2012 agreement. 

4 Mother filed a petition for reconsideration of this June 3, 2014 order. The 

trial court failed to expressly grant reconsideration and, instead, entered an 

order scheduling a hearing. See Pa.R.A.P. 1701- Note (if trial court fails to 

enter order “expressly granting reconsideration,” within 30 days, the trial 

court’s loses power to act on the motion for reconsideration); Cheathem v. 

(Footnote Continued Next Page)
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Mother raises the following issues for our review: 

1. Whether the trial court abused its discretion and erred 

as a matter of law and fact when it transferred primary 

custody of the parties’ younger children to Father?

2. Whether the trial court abused its discretion and erred 

as a matter of law and fact when it ordered the 

relocation of the parties’ two younger children to 

Maryland?5

3. Whether the trial court abused its discretion and erred 

as a matter of law and fact when it precluded Mother 

from submitting testimony and evidence in support of 

her case for custody and father’s contempt?

4. Whether the trial court abused its discretion and erred 

as a matter of law and fact when it found Mother in 

willful contempt of the custody order and directed 

Mother to pay Father’s counsel fees?

5. Whether the trial court abused its discretion and erred 

as a matter of law and fact in not finding Father in 

willful contempt of the custody order? 

We first set forth the legal standards that guide our appellate review of 

this child custody case. 

(Footnote Continued) _______________________

Temple Univ. Hosp., 743 A.2d 518 (Pa. Super. 1999) (trial court must 

expressly grant reconsideration, not just set hearing date, within time 

allowed for filing an appeal, in order to toll time for taking appeal). The trial 

court, therefore, lost jurisdiction to act on Mother’s petition for 

reconsideration. In any event, Mother filed a timely notice of appeal from 

the June 3, 2014 order on June 25, 2014. See Pa.R.A.P. 903. 

5 See supra note 2. Contrary to Mother’s claim, the relocation factors do not 

apply herein. Neither party raised relocation during the proceedings. 

Further, Mother’s challenge is to the change in primary custody of the two 

younger children; the distance between the parties has remained the same. 
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[O]ur scope of review is broad in that we are not bound by 

deductions and inferences drawn by the trial court from 

the facts found, nor are we required to accept findings 

which are wholly without support in the record. On the 

other hand, our broad scope of review does not authorize 

us to nullify the fact-finding function of the trial court in 

order to substitute our judgment for that of the trial court. 

Rather, we are bound by findings supported in the record, 

and may reject conclusions drawn by the trial court only if 

they involve an error of law, or are unreasonable in light of 

the sustainable findings of the trial court. 

Further, on the issues of credibility and weight of the 

evidence, we defer to the findings of the trial judge. 

Additionally, appellate interference is allowed only where it 

is found that the custody order is manifestly unreasonable 

as shown by the evidence of record.

Jordan v. Jackson, 876 A.2d 443, 449 (Pa. Super. 2005) (internal 

citations, quotations omitted). See In re: R.J.T., 9 A.3d 1179, 1190 (Pa. 

2010); M.P. v. M.P., 54 A.3d 950 (Pa. Super. 2012). Additionally,

[w]e consistently have held that the discretion that a trial 

court employs in custody matters should be accorded the 

utmost respect, given the special nature of the proceeding 

and the lasting impact the result will have on the lives [of] 

the parties concerned. Indeed, the knowledge gained by a 

trial court in observing witnesses in a custody proceeding 

cannot adequately be imparted to an appellate court by a 

printed record.

Jackson v. Beck, 858 A.2d 1250, 1254 (Pa. Super. 2004). See A.H. v. 

C.M., 58 A.3d 823, 825 (Pa. Super. 2012). 

Furthermore, we note that 

The primary concern in any custody case is the best 

interests of the child. The best-interests standard, decided 

on a case-by-case basis, considers all factors that 

legitimately have an effect upon the child’s physical, 

intellectual, moral, and spiritual well-being. 
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Saintz v. Rinker, 902 A.2d 509, 512 (Pa. Super. 2006) (citing Arnold v. 

Arnold, 847 A.2d 674, 677 (Pa. Super. 2004)). 

The trial court determined Mother’s home is less stable than Father’s 

home.6 The court also determined that Mother was interfering with Father’s 

relationship with the children, that Father would be more likely to encourage 

contact between Mother and children, that Father would be more likely to 

maintain a consistent and nurturing relationship with the children, and that 

Mother’s animosity toward Father may be exacerbating the children’s 

psychological issues. The court concluded, therefore, that it was in the 

children’s best interest to transfer primary custody of the two younger 

children to Father and maintain primary custody of the oldest child, M.C., 

with Mother. The court stated that this would give the two younger children 

“a fresh start in a more stable and supportive household . . . while 

continuing their relationship with Mother.” Trial Court Opinion, supra at 33. 

The court further noted that it did not disturb Mother’s custody of M.C. in 

light of M.C.’s age, her psychological issues,7 which the court found had a 

____________________________________________

6 Mother and Stepfather both suffer from depression. Mother admitted 

herself to Horsham Clinic for four days, overwhelmed by the custody 

litigation. At the February 24, 2014 hearing, Mother testified she had been 

laid off from her job and was currently seeking a new position. Stepfather, 

who was an Episcopal priest at All Saints Episcopal Church, is no longer 

employed there and is currently involved in a defamation suit against the 

church. Mother and Stepfather are also undergoing marriage counseling. 

7 M.C. was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. 
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disruptive effect on the younger children, her conflict-ridden relationship 

with Father, and her consistently expressed desire not to see Father. 

After our review of the parties’ briefs, the record, and the relevant 

case law, as well as the factors set forth at 23 Pa.C.S. § 5328(a) of the Child 

Custody Act, we conclude that Judge Thompson’s findings are supported in 

the record and her conclusions of law are proper in light of those findings. 

In re: R.J.T., supra; Jordan v. Jackson, supra. See Trial Court Opinion, 

9/2/14, at 11-15. We, therefore, affirm the custody order based on Judge 

Thompson’s opinion. We instruct the parties to attach a copy of that opinion 

in the event of further proceedings. 

Order affirmed.

Judgment Entered.

Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.

Prothonotary

Date: 4/10/2015
This matter was initiated in this jurisdiction on April 201 2011, with the registration 

PROCEDURAL HISTORY 

1 

of a detailed agreed custody order from Prince William County, Virginia, which was 

I hereby certify that the foregoing 

is a true copy of the originar as same 

appears in the records of this Court this 

/7'1 date C, - :>- -1 '-{ 

lY by: \1· \\, \h::\j~ 

Clerk of Court 

counsel fees pursuant to the terms of the parties' agreed order of July 31, 2012. 

and found Mother to be in contempt of the custody order and awarded Father $2500 in 

also granted Father's Petitions for Contempt filed January 29, 2013, and March 14, 2014, 

further provides that the parties shall share legal custody of all three children. This court 

C~ (DOB March~ 1999), and Father shall have partial physical custody. The order 

shall continue to have primary physical custody of the parties' oldest child, M~ 

physical custody to Mother. In addition, the order of June 3, 2014, provides that Mother 

2005), to~ W. CiM;;r !IP("Father") who resides in Maryland, and awarded partial 

youngest children, ~ C~ {DOB June d, 2002) and ~ C~ (DOB February:=,: 

2014, in which this court transferred primary physical custody of the parties' two 

Appellant,~ E. CMW911-W~ ("Mother"), appeals from the order of June 3, 

OPINION 

SUPERIOR COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA 

DOCKET NO. 1932 EDA 2014 

S- E. C/ 1111111..-WILF I J.I(, 

RESPONDENT/ APPELLANT 

DESIGNATED "CHILDREN'S 

v. FAST TRACK" 

C._. W. C:t 61 TRIAL COURT DOCKET NO. OC1100720 I IILL, 

PETITIONER/ APPELLEE 

COPIES SENT 

. RmSUANT TO P.'.l.R.O.P. 236(b) 

SEP 0,2 2014 

f)C~~IC~eri1P~ 

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA 

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF PHILADELPHIA COUNTY 

FAMILY DIVISION 

f: Circulated 04/02/2015 11:45 AM
2 

matter was scheduled to be listed for a protracted hearing and all custody matters in this 

17, 2012, pursuant to an order entered by the supervising judge of Family Court, this 

parties' homes, but did not disturb the other provisions of the Virginia Order. On January 

up locations for exchange of the children, with the exchange to occur at the respective 

transportation arrangements between the parties with respect to the drop-off and pickfor Expedited Relief filed by Mother, this court entered orders modifying the 

On June 29, 2011, and September 28, 2011, as the result of two separate Petitions 

If either party reasonably determines that the weather would make driving 

for Father's alternating weekend visitation exchange dangerous, then the parties 

shall agree upon a make up visitation weekend for the Father to occur within thirty 

(30) days of the missed weekend. If the parties do not agree upon the weekend 

' immediately following the missed weekend (which would otherwise be Mother's 

normal weekend), then the make up visitation shall occur on the next weekend 

that would otherwise be Mother's normal weekend. 

weather ("Weather Clause"). The Weather Clause provided as follows: 

~ -: 

and a clause allowing for modifications in the custody schedule in the event of bad 

l,1 ' .,. '.• • • 

of the children including a clause designating sites for pick-up and return of the children 

also contained specific provisions addressing transportation arrangements for exchange 

•. . . . .. 

parties were to continue to have shared legal custody of the children. The Virginia Order 

alternating wee'ltends a·nc:(tspecific holidays as set forth in the order. In addition, the 

to relocate with the children to Philadelphia subject to Father's partial physical custody on 

pertinent part that Mother would maintain primary physical custody and was permitted 

final visitation order entered by that court on July 17, 2006. The Virginia Order provided in 

.. I , ' . ' 

superseded the first custody order entered in Virginia on December 19, 2005, and the 

entered on February 22, 2010 {"the Virginia Order"}. The Virginia Order entered in 2010 

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1 At the first hearing on August 21,2013, Mother withdrew her Petition to Modify Custody filed on 

December 27, 2012, through an oral motion by her counsel as this petition dealt solely with a request for 

modification of transportation arrangements due to Mother's medical issues that no longer existed. 

3 

children. These petitions were consolidated for the hearings held before this court, which 

additional Petition to Modify Custody seeking sole legal and physical custody of the 

Petition to Modify Custody. On March 19, 2013, Mother through her attorney filed an 

Answer and Counterclaim to Mother's Petition for Contempt and an Answer to Mother's 

Petition for Contempt of Custody. Thereafter, on January 29, 2013, Father filed a prose 

On December 27, 2012, Mother filed a prose Petition to Modify Custody1 and a 

parenting between them. 

agreed to attend individual counseling to promote better communication and coother party, in the amount of $2,500 plus counsel fees, if applicable." The parties further 

are found in contempt of court, they shall be sanctioned to pay punitive damages, to the 

petitions with the provision that "if either party files additional contempt petitions and 

the agreed order of July 31, 2012, each party withdrew their respective contempt 

a rest stop along 1-95, roughly half-way between the parties' homes. Further, as part of 

site for return exchange of the children to Mother at the Chesapeake House in Maryland, 

Virginia Order in part by setting forth a new schedule for holidays and establishing a new 

was entered as an order of court. The agreed order of July 31, 2012, amended the 

by the parties did not take place as the parties were able to reach an agreement, which 

On July 31, 2012, the protracted hearing on the cross-petitions for contempt filed 

evaluations by the court psychologist on both parties and all three children. 

case were assigned to this judge. In addition, the order provided for mental health 

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4 

On June 11, 2013, prior to the first hearing on Mother's Petition to Modify Custody 

and the parties' respective Petitions for Contempt of Custody, this Court held a hearing on 

Father's Petitlon for Special Relief for Enforcement of Subpoenas to Attend and Testify 

filed on March 11, 2013. Father, through his counsel, had subpoenaed the Custodian of 

Medical Records for Horsham Clinic and Mother's therapist as well as the Custodian of 

Records of St. Christopher Children's Hospital, and the Custodian of Records of St. 

Christopher Pediatric Urgent care. At the June 11, 2013 hearing, the medical records, 

having been certified by the custodian of records for each entity, were submitted to the 

court for in camera review. After receipt of the records, this court determined that, 

pursuant to the Mental Health Procedures Act, 50 P.S. Section 7111(a), and the holding in 

Gates v. Gates, 967 A.2d 1024 (Pa. Super. 2009), this court and counsel were precluded 

from reviewing Mother's mental health records or allowing them to be introduced into 

evidence without written consent from Mother and the records were returned to Mother. 

We also determined that the records from St. Christopher Children's Hospital were 

discoverable and that these records should be made available to the parties and their 

respective counsel. 

At the conclusion of four custody hearings, a hearing on November 14, 2013, for 

an in camera interview of the children, and a hearing on Father's motion for special relief, 

took place on August 21, 2013, September 30, 2013, November 14, 2013, and February 

24, 2014. Furthermore, this court held an additional hearing on April 29, 2014, on 

Father's Petition for Contempt filed through counsel on March 14, 2014, and Mother's pro 

se Answer and Counterclaim filed on March 28, 2013. 

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5 

this court entered an order on February 24, 2014, kept the record open for receipt of the 

psychological evaluation of~ Gi6:1'."H, and held the decision on the case under 

advisement. This court also heard testimony and admitted evidence in an additional 

hearing on April 29, 2014, on Father's petition for contempt of the custody order and 

Mother's Answer and Counterclaim. On June 3, 2014, this court entered its final order as 

follows: 

THIS COURT CONSIDERED THE TESTIMONY OF BOTH MOTHER AND FATHER AND 

THEIR WITNESSES AND THE IN CAMERA TESTIMONY OF THE PARTIES' THREE CHILDREN 

AND EVALUATED THE CREDIBILITY AND DEMEANOR OF ALL WITNESSES, REVIEWED AND 

CONSIDERED THE DOCUMENTS ADMITTED INTO EVIDENCE BY EACH PARTY, AND 

EVALUATED ALL THE FACTORS IN 23 PA. C.S. SECTION 5328, AND IN 23 PA. C.S. SECTION 

5337. ALL PRIOR ORDERS ARE VACATED, EXCEPT FOR LANGUAGE IN PRIOR ORDERS THAT 

IS INCORPORATED INTO THIS ORDER. THIS COURT ENTERS THE FOLLOWING ORDER 

REGARDING THE PARTIES' OUTSTANDING PETITIONS FOR CONTEMPT AND TO MODIFY 

CUSTODY: 

THIS COURT FINDS MOTHER IN WILLFUL CONTEMPT OF THE CUSTODY ORDER OF 

THIS COURT AS A RESULT OF HER WILLFUL REFUSAL TO TRANSPORT THE PARTIES' 

CHILDREN TO FATHER ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. WITHIN NINETY (90) DAYS FROM 

THE DATE OF THIS ORDER, MOTHER SHALL PAY THE SUM OF TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED 

DOLLARS ($2,500) IN COUNSEL FEES TO FATHER'S ATTORNEY, DAVID STEERMAN, 

ESQUIRE, PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE PARTIES' ORDER BY AGREEMENT ENTERED 

ON JULY 31, 2012. 

I. LEGAL CUSTODY: 

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6 

SHALL CONTINUE TO SHARE LEGAL CUSTODY OF THE MINOR CHILDREN, ~iRe/:149 

C.Mit;r/M.L (DOB MARCH SI, 1999), ~C.'161:':fl!l!L (DOB JUNE,ri 2002), AND~ 

QM;VV'~LL (DOB FEBRUARY- 2005). 

B. BOTH PARENTS SHALL HAVE EQUAL ACCESS TO EACH OF THE CHILDREN'S 

SCHOOL RECORDS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PROGRESS REPORTS, INTERIM 

REPORTS, TEST RESULTS. CUSTODIAL PARENT SHALL SCAN ALL LETTERS AND NOTICES 

RECEIVED FROM THE CHILDREN'S SCHOOL(S) AND EMAIL THEM TO THE NON-CUSTODIAL 

PARENT WITHIN THREE DAYS OF RECEIPT. 

C. BOTH PARENTS SHALL HAVE EQUAL ACCESS TO EACH OF THE CHILDREN'S 

MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RECORDS. 

D. EACH PARENT SHOULD CONTINUE WITH INDIVIDUAL THERAPY TO ADDRESS 

THEIR ANIMOSITY TOWARDS EACH OTHER. 

E. MiR0/!ft Clil;tXD!l!'SHALL CONTINUE WITH HER INDIVIDUAL THERAPY UNTIL 

DISCHARGED BY THERAPIST. 

F. EXTRA-CURRICULAR AND SCHOOL ACTIVITIES 

EACH PARENT SHALL FIRST CONSULT WITH THE OTHER PARENT PRIOR TO 

ENROLLING ANY OF THE CHILDREN IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. EACH PARENT MAY 

ENROLL ANY OF THE CHILDREN INTO APPROPRIATE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, AFTER 

CONSULTING WITH THE OTHER PARENT, DURINGHIS OR HER PRIMARY CUSTODIAL 

PERIODS. EACH PARENT SHALL INFORM THE OTHER PARENT OF ALL EXTRACURRICULAR 

AND SCHOOL EVENTS THAT THE CHILDREN ARE PARTICIPATING IN AS SOON AS THAT 

PARENT KNOWS OF THE EVENT. 

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DURING THE CHILDRENS' SCHOOL YEAR: 

C. MOTHER SHALL HAVE PARTIAL PHYSICAL CUSTODY OF~ AND~ ON 

ALTERNATING WEEKENDS DURING THE CHILDREN'S SCHOOL YEAR, EFFECTIVE THE FIRST 

FRIDAY AFTER LABOR DAY AT 8:00 P.M. UNTIL THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY AT 8:00 P.M. IF 

THE MINOR CHILDREN DO NOT HAVE SCHOOL ON A DAY/DAYS THAT ARE CONNECTED TO 

MOTHER'S WEEKEND•FOR A~Y REASON, AND WITH ADVANCE NOTICE TO FATHER, 

MOTHER'S PARTIAL PHYSICAL SHALL COMMENCE AT 8:00 PM ON THE CHILDREN'S LAST 

DAY OF SCHOOL AND SHALL END AT 8:00 PM ON THE DAY BEFORE SCHOOL RESUMES. BY 

WAY OF EXAMPLE AND ILLUSTRATION ONLY: IF THE CHILDREN DO NOT HAVE SCHOOL ON 

A FRIDAY AND/OR A MONDAY CONNECTED TO ONE OF MOTHER'S WEEKENDS, FATHER 

SHALL HAVE CUSTODY FROM 8:00 PM ON THURSDAY AND/OR UNTIL 8:00 PM ON 

MONDAY. 

D. FATHER SHALL HAVE PARTIAL PHYSICAL CUSTODY OF MQR~ IN 

MARYLAND ONE WEEKEND EACH MONTH DURING HIS WEEKENDS WITHE~ AND 

. Cc.I!@ MOTHER SHALL NOTIFY FATHER IN WRITING BY THE FIRST DAY OF EACH MONTH OF 

7 

Mfi'IR0/ffJ C1'§Vo !EL IN PHILADELPHIA, PA. 

A. EFFECTIVE AUGUST 31, 2014, THIS COURT TRANSFERS PRIMARY PHYSICAL 

CUSTODY OF EM-ft¥'C~Wt'f!L AND ~C.Q.e';f:'~L TO FATHER WHO RESIDES IN 

~ARYtAND. FATHER SHAL:L BE PERMITIED TO ENROLL liP:111:#SC.O.lu'o'ftL AND~ 

C~L IN HIS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR PRIOR TO 

AUGUST 31, 2014. 

B. MOTHER SHALL CONTINUE TO HAVE PRIMARY PHYSICAL CUSTODY OF 

.. II. PHYSICAL CUSTODY: 

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• > 

ON THE DAY BEFORE SCHOOL RESUMES. 

8 

WHICH WEEKEND Mi-Re:lff'd WILL TRAVEL TO MARYLAND TO SPEND WITH FATHER AND 

HER SIBLINGS. FATHER SHALL HAVE AT LEAST TWO WEEKS OF CUSTODY WITH MQμ.€~ 

DURING SUMMER VACATION WHEN HE HAS CUSTODY OF E~ AND~ 

DURING SUMMER VACATION: 

9 'E. IN 2014, FATHER SHALL HAVE CUSTODY OF ALL THREE CHILDREN FROM 

JUNE 20, 2014, AT 8:00 P.M. UNTIL JUNE 27, 2014, AT 8:00 P.M. MOTHER SHALL HAVE 

PHYSICAL CUSTODY OF E~ AND ~URING SUMMER RECESS, FOR THE FIRST TWO 

WEEKS OF JL:lLY, BEGINNING AT 8:00 P.M. ON THE FRIDAY PRIOR TO JULY 4TH, AND 

ENDING 14 DAYS LATER (IN 2014, JUNE 27-JULY 11, AND COMPARABLE DATES IN 

SUBSEQUENT YEARS) AND THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF AUGUST, FROM THE FIRST FRIDAY 

AT 8:00 P.M. UNTIL 14 DAYS LATER (IN 2014, AUGUST 1- AUGUST 15) AND COMPARABLE 

DATES IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS}. FATHER SHALL HAVE CUSTODY OF ALL THREE CHILDREN 

THE REMAINING TIME IN JULY AND AUGUST, UNTIL LABOR DAY WEEKEND. 

D. HOLIDAYS AND SCHOOL VACATION BREAKS: 

MOTHER: IN 2014 AND EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS; FATHER IN 2015 AND ODDNUMBERED YEARS: 

FROM 8:00 PM ON THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL PRIOR TO EASTER/SPRING 

VACATION UNTIL 8:00 PM ON THE THURSDAY BEFORE EASTER SUNDAY. 

THANKSGIVING VACATION FROM THE WEDNESDAY PRECEDING THANKSGIVING 

DAY AT 8:00 PM AND ENDING ON SUNDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING DAY AT 8:00 PM; 

CHRISTMAS/WINTER BREAK FROM 8:00PM ON DECEMBER 27TH UNTIL 8:00PM 

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CHRISTMAS/WINTER BREAK FROM 8:00 PM ON THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL BEFORE 

THE BREAK BEGINS UNTIL 8:00 PM ON DECEMBER 27TH. 

EVERY YEAR FOR FATHER1S DAY/MOTHER'S DAY: 

FATHER SHALL HAVE CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN ON FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND 

EACH YEAR FROM FRIDAY AT 8:00 PM UNTIL SUNDAY AT 8:00 PM. 

MOTHER SHALL HAVE CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN ON MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND 

EACH YEAR FROM FRIDAY AT 8:00 PM UNTIL SUNDAY AT 8:00 PM. 

ALL HOLIDAY AND CUSTODIAL PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE SHALL TAKE 

PRECEDENCE OVER REGULAR WEEKEND CUSTODY, BUT SHALL NOT ALTER THE PATTERN 

OF REGULAR ALTERNATE WEEKEND CUSTODY. 

E. TRANSPORTATION: 

MOTHER AND FATHER SHALL EXCHANGE THE CHILDREN, INCLUDING MQ~GANFOR FATHER'S CUSTODIAL PERIOD, AT THE BEGINNING AND END OF EACH PARENT'S 

CUSTODIAL PERIOD AT THE CHESAPEAKE HOUSE SERVICE CENTER ON 1-95. PARTIES MAY 

CHANGE THE LOCATION OF THE EXCHANGE ON CERTAIN OCCASIONS lF THEY MUTUALLY 

AGREE IN WRITING. EITHER MOTHER OR FATHER MAY DESIGNATE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT 

TO TRANSPORT THE CHILDREN OR TO BE PRESENT FOR THE EXCHANGE OF THE CHILDREN 

PROVIDED THEY GIVE THE OTHER PARTY ADVANCED NOTICE. 

F. TELEPHONIC AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNITCATIONS 

9 

PM. 

FATHER: IN 2014 AND EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS; MOTHER IN 2015 AND ODDNUMBERED YEARS: 

THURSDAY BEFORE EASTER SUNDAY AT 8:00 PM UNTIL EASTER SUNDAY AT 8:00 

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1. CHILDREN MAY USE THEIR INDIVIDUAL MOBILE TELEPHONES, THE PARENTS' 

LANDLINES OR MOBILE TELEPHONES, OR ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICES TO CONTACT EITHER 

PARENT OR STEPPARENT WHILE IN THE OTHER PARENT'S CUSTODY. THE NON-CUSTODIAL 

PARENT SHALL NOT CONTACT THE CHILDREN WHILE IN THE CUSTODIAL PARENT'S 

CUSTODY, UNLESS THERE IS AN EMERGENCY. 

2. THE COURT ADMONISHES BOTH PARTIES REGARDING THEIR 

COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE CHILDREN AND DIRECTS THAT NEITHER PARTY SHALL 

DISCUSS THE CUSTODY LITIGATION WITH ANY OF THE CHILDREN, INCLUDING MAKING 

COMMENTS TO THE CHILDREN ABOUT THE CONTENTS OF THIS ORDER. NEITHER PARTY 

NOR STEP-PARENTS SHALL MAKE ANY DEROGATORY REMARKS ABOUT THE OTHER 

PARENT OR STEP-PARENT IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CHILDREN OR VIA TEXT MESSAGING, 

TELEPHONE CALLS, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION. VIOLATION OF THIS ORDER SHALL 

RESULT lN IMPOSITION OF SEVERE SANCTIONS. 

G. EACH PARENT SHALL PROVIDE THE OTHER WITH ADVANCED WRITIEN NOTICE 

IF THE CHILDREN WILL BE SLEEPING OVERNIGHT OUTSIDE OF THE STATE OF THEIR 

RESIDENCES, INCLUDING THE DATES OF TRAVEL, THE ADDRESS(ES) WHERE THE CHILDREN 

WILL BE STAYING AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS WHERE THE CHILDREN CAN BE REACHED. 

Ill. JURISDICTION AND RELOCATION: 

A.PENNSYLVANIA RETAINS JURISDICTION OF ALL CUSTODY PLEADINGS BY EITHER 

PARENT. 

B. UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE MINOR CHILDREN ARE FULLY EMANCIPATED, EACH 

PARENT SHALL AT ALL TIMES KEEP THE OTHER PARENT APPRISED OF HIS OR HER 

RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER (BOTH LAND LINE, IF ANY, AND CELL 

10 

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PHONE) AND SHALL PROMPTLY NOTIFY THE OTHER PARENT AND THE COURT IN WRITING, 

IN ACCORDANCE WITH 23 PA. C.S. SECTION 5337, PRIOR TO AN INTENDED CHANGE 

THEREOF (BY PROVIDING THE INTENDED DATE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS, THE SPECIFIC 

STREET, ROUTE ADDRESS, CITY OR COUNTY, STATE AND ZIP CODE AND PHONE NUMBER 

OF THE INTENDED NEW ADDRESS), IN THE EVENT THAT EITHER PARTY INTENDS TO 

PERMANENTLY CHANGE HIS OR HER RESIDENCE. 

C. NEITHER SHALL MOVE THEIR RESIDENCE MORE THAN 15 MILES FARTHER AWAY 

THAN THE PRESENT DISTANCES BETWEEN THEIR CURRENT RESIDENCES. IF EITHER PARTY 

DETERMINES THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO RELOCATE HIS OR HER RESIDENCE, PARTIES ARE 

OBLIGATED TO COMPLY WITH PENNSYLVANIA'S RELOCATION STATUTE AT 23 PA. C.S. 

SECTION 5337 AND THE APPLICABLE PENNSYLVANIA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE. 

IV. SECTION 5328 FACTORS: 

THE COURT MADE THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE FACTORS 

FOUND IN SECTION 5328 OF THE CUSTODY ACT: 

(1) WHICH PARTY IS MORE LIKELY TO ENCOURAGE AND PERMIT FREQUENT AND 

CONTINUING CONTACT BETWEEN THE CHILD AND ANOTHER PARTY. THE COURT FINDS 

THAT FATHER IS MORE LIKELY TO ENCOURAGE AND PERMIT FREQUENT AND CONTINUING 

CONTACT BETWEEN THE CHILDREN AND MOTHER. THE COURT FINDS THAT MOTHER HAS 

DELIBERATELY INTERFERED WITH FATHER1S CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN, NOT ONLY 

REGARDING HIS TIME SPENT WITH THE CHILDREN, BUT THAT SHE HAS INTEREFERED WITH 

THE QUALITY OF THE TIME THAT HE SPENDS WITH THE CHILDREN. 

(2) THE PRESENT AND PAST ABUSE COMMIITED BY A PARTY OR MEMBER OF THE 

PARTY'S HOUSEHOLD, WHETHER THERE IS A CONTINUED RISK OF HARM TO THE CHILD OR 

11 

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12 

AN ABUSED PARTY AND WHICH PARTY CAN BETTER PROVIDE ADEQUATE PHYSICAL 

SAFEGUARDS AND SUPERVISION OF THE CHILD. DESPITE MOTHER1S FILING A PETITION 

FOR PROTECTION FROM ABUSE ON BEHALF OF MINOR CHILD~ AGAINST FATHER 

DURING THE PENDENCY OF THJS CUSTODY LITIGATION, THIS FACTOR DOES NOT APPLY AS 

THE PETITION WAS WITHDRAWN AND NO FINAL ORDER WAS ENTERED. MOREOVER, NO 

CREDIBLE EVIDENCE WAS PRESENTED THAT FATHER POSES A RISK OF HARM TO THE 

CHILDREN. 

(3) THE PARENTAL DUTIES PERFORMED BY EACH PARTY ON BEHALF OF THE CHILD. 

BOTH PARENTS HAVE DEMONSTRATED THAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF AND HAVE BEEN 

PERFORMING PARENTAL DUTIES ON BEHALF OF EACH CHILD. 

(4) THE NEED FOR STABILITY AND CONTINUITY IN THE CHILD'S EDUCATION, 

FAMILY LIFE AND COMMUNITY LIFE. THE COURT CAREFULLY CONSIDERED THIS FACTOR 

PRIOR TO TRANSFERRING CUSTODY, THE COURT GAVE WEIGHT TO THE OVERALL 

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING OF EACH CHILD. THE COURT DETERMINED THAT 

THE CHILDREN HAVE STABILITY IN THEIR FAMILY LIFE AND COMMUNITY LIFE WITH 

FATHER. 

(5) THE AVAILABILITY OF EXTENDED FAMILY. EACH PARENT HAS REMARRIED. 

THERE WAS LITTLE TESTIMONY OF OTHER EXTENDED FAMILY, SO THIS FACTOR WAS NOT 

RELEVANT. 

(6) THE CHILD'S SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS. THE PARTIES HAVE THREE BIOLOGICAL 

CHILDREN TOGETHER. FATHER AND HIS WIFE HAVE A TWO-YEAR-OLD SON. DUE TO THE 

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THE COURT DETERMINED THAT THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE TWO YOUNGER CHILDEN 

WOULD BE SERVED BY TRANSFERRING CUSTODY OF THEM TO FATHER. 

(7) THE WELL-REASONED PREFERENCE OF THE CHILD, BASED ON THE CHILD'S 

MATURITY AND JUDGMENT. NEITHER E~ NOR ~XPRESSED A PREFERENCE. 

M~, ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSISTENTLY HAS EXPRESSED HER DESIRE NOT TO SEE 

FATHER. THIS COURT DETERMINED THAT HER PREFERENCE, ALTHOUGH NOT 

PARTICULARLY WELL-REASONED, INTERFERES SUBSTANTIALLY WITH FATHER'S CUSTODY 

OF THE TWO YOUNGER CHILDREN. 

(8) THE ATTEMPTS OF A PARENT TO TURN THE CHILD AGAINST THE OTHER 

PARENT, EXCEPT IN CASES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WHERE REASONABLE SAFETY 

MEASURES ARE NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE CHILD FROM HARM. THIS COURT FINDS 

THAT MOTHER HAS MADE CONSISTENT ATTEMPTS TO THWART CUSTODY BETWEEN 

FATHER AND THE CHILDREN, AND IN THE SITUATION WITH MEl~e:IA!\I, HAS SUCCEEDED. 

{9) WHICH PARTY IS MORE LIKELY TO MAINTAIN A LOVING, STABLE, CONSISTENT 

AND NURTURING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHILD ADEQUATE FOR THE CHILD'S 

EMOTIONAL NEEDS. THE COURT FINDS THAT FATHER IS MORE LIKELY TO MAINTAIN A 

LOVING, STABLE, CONSISTENfAND NURTURING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHILDREN 

WHICH IS MORE THAN ADEQUATE FOR THEIR EMOTIONAL NEEDS. 

(10) WHICH PARTY IS MORE LIKELY TO ATTEND TO THE DAILY PHYSICAL, 

EMOTIONAL, DEVELOPMENTAL, EDUCATIONAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE CHILD. BOTH 

PARTIES HAVE DEMONSTRATED THEIR CAPABILITIES IN THIS AREA. HOWEVER, THIS 

COURT DETERMINED THAT MOTHER'S ANIMOSITY TOWARDS FATHER SEEMS TO BE · 

EXACERBATING THE CHILDREN'S PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES. 

13 

\ 

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{14) THE HISTORY OF DRUG OR ALCOHOL ABUSE OF A PARTY OR MEMBER OF A 

PARTY'S HOUSEHOLD. THIS FACTOR DOES NOT APPLY. 

14 

(11) THE PROXIMITY OF THE RESIDENCES OF THE PARTIES. MOTHER NOW RESIDES 

IN PHILADELPHIA. FATHER RESIDES OUTSIDE OF BALTIMORE, IN DUNDALK, MARYLAND. 

THE DISTANCE IS 110 MILES AND IS APPROXIMATELY A TWO-HOUR DRIVE. rr IS 

SIGNIFICANT TO NOTE THAT BEFORE MOTHER MOVED TO PHILADELPHIA, SHE RESIDED JN 

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA, WHERE THE PARTIES APPEARED FOR RELOCATION 

HEARINGS. ON FEBRUARY 22, 2010, THE PARTIES' FINAL ORDER WAS ENTERED AND 

SUBSEQUENTLY REGISTERED IN PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 

(12) EACH PARTY'S AVAILABILITY TO CARE FOR THE CHILD OR ABILITY TO MAKE 

APPROPRIATE CHILD-CARE ARRANGEMENTS. BOTH PARENTS' AVAILABILITY TO CARE FOR 

THE CHILDREN HAS BEEN ADEQUATE. 

(13) THE LEVEL OF CONFLICT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND THE WILLINGNESS AND 

ABILITY OF THE PARTIES TO COOPERATE WITH ONE ANOTHER. A PARTY'S EFFORT TO 

PROTECT A CHILD FROM ABUSE BY ANOTHER PARTY IS NOT EVIDENCE OF 

UNWILLINGNESS OR INABILITY TO COOPERATE WITH THAT PARTY. THIS COURT FINDS 

THAT THE PARTIES HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME IN COMMUNICATING BASIC INFORMATION 

REGARDING THE CHILDREN. MOTHER TENDS TO MAKE DECISIONS UNILATERALLY, SUCH 

AS IN HER DECISIONS TO WITHHOLD FATHER'S CUSTODY, AND FREQUENTLY CHANGES 

HER MIND ABOUT DECISIONS. FATHER TENDS TO MAKE CLEAR DECISIONS, BUT DOES NOT 

ALWAYS COMMUNICATE HIS DECSIONS TO MOTHER AS QUICKLY AS SHE WOULD LIKE HIM 

TO DO. 

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15 

Thereafter, on June 25, 2014, Mother through her counsel, filed a Petition for 

Reconsideration of the June 3, 2014 Order and an Application for Stay of Order Pending 

Appeal. On the same date, Mother's counsel filed the instant timely Children's Fast Track 

appeal. On July 9, 2014, Father's counsel filed responses to Mother's Petition for 

Reconsideration and Application for Stay of Order Pending Appeal. On July 18, 2014, this 

Court granted Mother's Petition for Reconsideration. Due to the fact that this Court's 

order granting reconsideration was not entered within the thirty (30} day timeframe 

under Pa. R.A.P. 903 for the filing of an appeal, this court no longer had jurisdiction to 

proceed in this matter. However, pursuant to Pa. R.A.P. 1701{b)(1), we retained 

(15} THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CONDITION OF A PARTY OR MEMBER OF A 

PARTY'S HOUSEHOLD. 

MSC'I\J HAS BEEN EVALUATED BY A PSYCHOLOGIST WHO DIAGNOSED HER WITH 

AN ANXIETY DISORDER. MOTHER TESTIFIED THAT SHE BELIEVES THAT THE TWO YOUNGER 

CHILDREN ARE SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY, WHICH FATHER CONTESTED. MOTHER ALSO 

TESTIFIED~ HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A PHYSICIAN WITH ENCOPRESIS. 

(16} ANY OTHER RELEVANT FACTOR. THIS COURT CONSIDERED THE FACT THAT 

FATHER HAS BEEN RESIDING IN MARYLAND DURING THE PENDENCY OF THE PREVIOUS 

CUSTODY ORDERS. THE COURT ALSO CONSIDERED THE PREVIOUS ORDERS, INCLUDING 

THE RELOCATION ORDER FROM THE COURT IN VIRGINIA. THIS COURT DETERMINED THAT 

THE RELOCATION FACTORS IN SECTION 5337 OF THE CUSTODY ACT DO NOT APPLY. 

ESSENTIALLY, THE COURT IS REVERSING THE PRIMARY CUSTODY OF THE TWO YOUNGER 

CHILDREN FROM MOTHER TO FATHER. 

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Mother and Father were formerly married and resided in Prince William County, 

Virginia, with their three children, M~ C~, age fourteen, E~ c~, age 

twelve, and C- C~, age nine. Since the parties' separation, the children have 

resided primarily with Mother. After the parties divorced, Mother remarried in December 

2009, and moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with the children to join her new 

husband, J~ W~ (I/Stepfather"). The Virginia Order, entered by agreement of 

the parties, allowed Mother to relocate with the children. Mother's household consists of 

Stepfather and the three children. In addition, eight weeks a year, Mother's eight year old 

stepdaughter, A~ lives with them. (Notes of Testimony, ("N.T.") 8/21/13,p. 5). 

Mother works for Arbitron recruiting panelists to participate in radio and television 

ratings. Mother conducts her administrative duties from her home office, but is also 

required to travel on field work to try to recruit people to participate in ratings. (N.T. 

8/21/13, at 7). Mother testified that she works out of her home approximately three 

weeks per month and is traveling doing field work on an average of two to two-and-onehalf days per month while the children are in her custody. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 7-8, 101-103). 

Mother further testified that her work schedule is flexible so that she is able to arrange 

her travel during those weekends when the children are with Father and, on those days 

that she is working and unavailable to care for the children, Stepfather is available to care 

for them, (N.T. 8/21/13, at 7-8, 122). At the time of the February 24, 2014, Mother had 

been laid off from work and was looking for a new position. (N.T. 2/24/14, at 32-33). 

16 

jurisdiction to proceed on Mother's Application for Stay of Order Pending Appeal, which 

was denied after hearing oral argument at the hearing on July 31, 2014. 

FACTUAL BACKGROUND 

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17 

Father resides in Dundalk, Maryland, where he lives with his current Wife, Aflllfll/" 

c~ ("Stepmother'), and their eighteen-month-old son, K~. Father has been 

employed outside the home with a defense contractor working in the information 

technology field for the last three years. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 194). Father's work hours are 

typically from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but Father testified to having a lot of flexibility in his 

hours. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 194). Stepmother works fulltime from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in 

8/21/13, at 74}. 

Stepfather is an Episcopal priest, and was employed with the All Saints Episcopal 

Church for a period of two years. (N.T. 9/30/13, at 3-4). Stepfather is no longer employed 

by the church and is currently involved ih a defamation suit against the church. (N.T. 

8/21/13, at 9-10, 122). At the time of the August 21, 2013, hearing, Stepfather was 

unemployed but had previously been working in sales for several years. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 

9-10). At the February 24, 2014, hearing, Stepfather was working twelve hour shifts at a 

job one and one half hours away and only spending four nights a week at home. (N.T. 

2/24/14, at 34). Stepfather testified that he is currently being treated for depression and 

that the stress resulting from termination of his position with the church was impacting 

his relationship with Mother. (N.T. 9/30/13, at 11-12, 23-24). Furthermore, Mother 

testified that she and Stepfather were currently involved in marriage counseling. (N.T. 

Mother also has issues with depression and testified to admitting herself voluntarily to 

the Horsham Clinic in August 2012 for four days because she was feeling overwhelmed by 

the ongoing custody litigation. {N.T. 8/21/13, at 75-76}. Mother is currently being treated 

with anti-depressants. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 76). 

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18 

The oldest child, M~, was experiencing ongoing psychological problems during 

the course of the multiple hearings before this court. Mother testified at the hearing on 

August 21, 2013, that M.._was having problems adjusting to her new school and 

skipped a grade in school because she had been in a gifted program In Virginia and there 

was no gifted program in the school she would be attending in Philadelphia. (N.T. 

8/21/13, at 6). M~ currently attends school at the Science Leadership Academy and 

Mother stated that~ was having some problems adjusting to high school. (N.T. 

8/21/13, at 5, 130}, (See Ex. F-7, 8/21/13). Mother further stated E ... does well in school 

and would be entering the sixth grade and that c• is an excellent student with A's and 

B's and would be entering the third grade. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 65-66). In addition, the 

children are involved in numerous activities with~ participating in cheerleading, 

Girl Scouts, dance and the Gay/Straight Alliance at school. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 65-66). 

E'fN's activities include gymnastics, singing in the school choir and Girl Scouts and Ctft is 

involved in Cub Scouts and soccer. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 67-68). Although Father resides in 

Maryland, he made the effort to transport C,1t to his soccer games in Philadelphia, during 

his custodial periods and, on occasion, attended the children's events, (N.T. 9/30/13, at 

91, 95-96). 

marketing for a physician's magazine, where she has been employed for seven years. 

(N.T. 8/21/13, at 194}, (N.T. 9/30/13, at 116). Stepmother testified that she has known 

the callflllli children since 2007 and that they have a good relationship. {N.T. 9/30/13, at 

109-111). 

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19 

Father stated that his relationship with M9'11!1111' had become "strained" and since 

July 2012, the relationship had diminished to the point where there was no regular 

communication between them. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 195-196). Father attributed as one of 

the causes for his poor relationship with M~ to his belief that Mother was projecting 

her anger towards Father onto M~ (N.T. 8/21/13, at 195-196). Furthermore, Father 

testified to numerous phone calls between Mother and M~during his custody 

(N.T. 8/21/13, at 128-129), (N.T. 9/30/13, at 62), (See Ex. F-20, 9/30/13). 

emotionally done; is this over yet." (N.T. 8/21/13, at 86-89, 209) (See Ex. F-1, 8/21/13). 

Father testified that upon seeing M~s tweets threatening to harm herself, he 

contacted Mother to determine what could be done to help MfiMiii!IR but Mother did not 

want to engage in a discussion with Father and told him the situation was being dealt 

with. (N.T. 8/21/13,at 209-210). In addition, Mother acknowledged receiving a text from 

Stepfather on August 18, 2013, expressing concern about M~ and suggesting that 

M~ see a psychiatrist after Stepfather found blood in her bed that was "not 

menstrual blood." (N.T. 8/21/13, at 128-129). Mother testified that she did not inform 

Father about the incident because she believed the blood was "the resu It of bug bites." 

dealing with her conflict-ridden relationship with Father. {N.T. 8/21/13, at 5, 155}, (See 

Ex.F-7, 8/21/13). In addition, Mother testified that MliWii8Ml had been in therapy "off and 

on" with three different therapists since moving to Philadelphia from northern Virginia 

three and one-half years ago. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 110-111}. Moreover, both parties became 

aware of tweets posted on M~s Twitter account in March of 2013, stating, ''I wish I 

were dead," "Guys, I'm dropping out of high school to be a stripper," and "I'm so 

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20 

Mother testified to the deterioration of Father's relationship with M~ as the 

direct result of Father's abusive language towards~ (N.T. 8/21/13, at 20, 28, 33- 

34), Father's disparate treatment of Mali@M'I by favoring the other children with more gifts 

and Father's exclusion of M~ from family activities as a form of punishment. (N.T. 

8/21/13, at 39-41). Mother further stated that Father refused to communicate with her 

on these issues so she encouraged ~ to communicate her feelings directly with 

Father. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 34). Mother testified to an incident on January 20, 2013, when 

the children were on a visit with Father. At the time of the incident, Mother was on a 

phone call with M~ and testified that MQi8MII was "very upset" because she "had had 

a very difficult weekend" at Father's house. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 43). According to Mother's 

version of the event, Father came in to M~'s room while MglWIM' was on the phone 

and asked her if she wanted to go to the bakery with the rest of the family. When M~ 

refused, Father dragged M~ by her left arm off her bed and down the stairs and 

periods where afterwards M~ would be agitated to the point where it would have a 

negative impact on the remainder of her visit and disrupt Father's custodial time with the 

other children. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 196-197). As a result, Father decided in February or 

March 2013, to take the children's phones away during his custody time and only allow 

the use of phones on a limited basis. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 197-198). Mother admitted that 

she and MQi@8fl'had frequent phone contact during Father's custody periods prior to the 

implementation of Father's "no phone policy" and that she would usually text Father to 

ask when Ea.., or C.li@ would be available by phone, or, on occasion receive calls from 

them directly from Father's mobile phone. (N.T. 8/21/13,at 16, 94-97). 

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Father on January 22, 2013. (See Ex. M-6, 8/21/13). A temporary PFA order for 

incident, Mother filed a Protection from Abuse action ("PFA") on behalf of M~ against 

in her left wrist. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 46-47). {See Ex. M-1, M-2, 8/21/13). As a result of this 

21 

her to St. Christopher urgent care center because~ was complaining of severe pain 

When M~ returned from her visit with Father, Mother stated that she took 

realm of reasonable, she needs to comply." (N.T. 8/21/13, at 228-229). 

"when a parent, me especially, tells her what to do, especially when it's well within the 

actions stating that he had safety concerns leaving~ alone in the house and that 

., 

from the house into the family vehicle. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 228-229). Father explained his 

227-228). As a result a struggle ensued where Father had to physically remove ~Aareiel'\ 

Father grabbed one of M""""''s hands but M~ became resistive. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 

a family outing to a bakery and wanted to include MQii8en. When Mlillli8Wl refused to go, 

and left the room. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 227). Later that afternoon, Father had plans to go on 

226-227). After MQll!lln refused to end the call, Father grabbed the phone from M~ 

on a phone call with Mother that lasted in excess of twenty minutes. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 

that he entered ~'s bedroom because she was "yelling" and obviously upset while 

Father recounted the incident on January 20, 2013, somewhat differently stating 

happened but that she never received an explanation from Father. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 49). 

scene. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 46). Mother testified that she did call Father to determine what 

8/21/13, at 45). As a result, Mother contacted the Baltimore police, who arrived on the 

time the call dropped, it "sounded like a physical altercation was taking place." (N.T. 

across the lawn to the family vehicle. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 45). Mother stated that by the 

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22 

Following this court's order of February 25, 2013, the children were enrolled in 

counseling. Mother chose to take the children to Adam Berman, Psy.D.1 who met with the 

children and prepared a treatment summary for each child. (N.T. 8/21/13, p. 156}, (See 

M-3,M-4, M-5, 8/21/13}. Dr. Berman testified at the August 21, 2013, hearing that he had 

twelve sessions with M..-n with the first session taking place on April 8, 2013. (N.T. 

8/21/13, p. 174}. In addition, Dr. Berman conducted five sessions with ElilllWt' and two 

sessions with~. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 175). Dr. Berman stated that the frequency of his 

sessions with M~ was related to the concerns regarding her school performance and 

other difficulties she was experiencing. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 175-176). In the overall findings 

of his treatment summary for M~, Dr. Berman concluded in part that M~ has "a 

higher than average overall intelligence" and "no suicidal ideation". (See Ex. M-3, 

8/21/13}. Further, Dr. Berman stated that, in spite of the fact that he was able to make 

progress related to M~'s school work and socialization, M~ was adamant in her 

refusal to joint counseling sessions involving her Father. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 177-178}. Dr. 

Berman stated that he had a few joint sessions involving the children and Mother and 

Stepfather, when he thought it was appropriate. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 183). Although Father 

was not involved in any of the sessions with the children, Dr. Berman stated that Father 

protection and eviction was entered against Father on the same day. Thereafter, on 

February 25, 2013, this court entered an order temporarily suspending Father's custodial 

time with MQi8Ml. The temporary PFA was modified by agreement of the parties on 

March 19, 2011, to protection only, to allow Father to participate in therapy with M~ 

On August 21, 2013, the PFA was withdrawn. (See Ex. M-7, 8/21/13}. 

Circulated 04/02/2015 11:45 AM
As the result of this court's order of August 22, 2013, Father participated in joint 

therapy sessions with M~ and Dr. Berman. Father testified that the first session, 

which was arranged by Mother, went poorly and that M-.iri was "belligerent" and 

23 

The order of August 22, 2013, vacated a portion of this court's previous order of 

February 25, 2013, suspending Father's custody of M~ as a resu It of the withdrawal of 

the PFA on behalf of MiJ9n. The order of August 22, 2013, also required Father to 

participate in therapy with M~ on a regular basis with Adam Berman, Psy.D., who had 

previously been involved in individual therapy with all three children, or any subsequent 

licensed psychologist or therapist. 

On August 22, 2013, this court entered an order, which provided in pertinent part 

that none of the children were to have use of their individual mobile phones, the parents' 

land lines or any other electronic devices to contact either parent or stepparent while in 

the other parent's custody unless the children are with the custodial parent for more than 

four consecutive days. The order also prohibited either parent from having telephone, 

text message or email contact with the children while the children are in the other 

parent's custody. Further, this court established a set schedule for contact by the children 

with the noncustodial parent after the children have been with the other parent for more 

than four days. Father testified that subsequent to the institution of the ban on the 

children's electronic devices, the quality of his custodial time improved and everyone was 

getting along well. (N.T. 9/30/13, at 23-24). 

(N.T. 8/21/13, at 184). 

contacted him on a regular basis to obtain information on the progress of the sessions. 

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24 

2 The October 8, 2013 order provided in pertinent part as follows: 

FATHER SHALL PARTICIPATE IN THERAPY WITH M~ ON A REGULAR AND CONSISTENT BASIS WITH 

ADAM BERMAN, PSY.D., OR ANY OTHER SUBSEQUENT LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST OR THERAPIST. FATHER 

SHALL SCHEDULE HIS APPOINTMENTS DIRECTLY WITH THE THERAPIST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE THERAPY 

SCHEDULE FORM~. FATHER SHALL PROMPTLY NOTIFY MOTHER OF THE DATES AND TIMES OF 

THERAPY. M~SHALL PARTICIPATE IN THE THERAPY SESSIONS WITH FATHER. FATHER SHALL PICK UP 

M<illiWMN AFTER SCHOOL FOR THERAPY APPOINTMENTS AND SHALL RETURN HER TO MOTHER'S HOME 

AFTER DINNER AND IN TIME FOR ANY OF MI 2 I Js EVENING EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVJTIES. 

dispute that both parties were in agreement that M~ obtain a psychiatric evaluation 

psychiatric appointment. (N.T. 11/14/13, at 65), (N.T. 4/29/14, at 141-142}. It is not in 

made contact with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia ("CHOP") to get M-,,., a 

with Dr. Berman as Mother unilaterally terminated the sessions with Dr. Berman and 

entire session. (N.T. 11/14/13, at 63}. Father stated that this was his last appointment 

Mother drove M~ to the therapy appointment and waited in the parking lot the 

out to dinner prior to the session2• {N.T. 11/14/13, at 63-64). Father stated that instead, 

October 16, 2013, by not permitting Father to pick M~ up from school and take her 

disregarded the existing court order and interfered with his joint therapy session on 

visit went well. {N.T. 9/30/13, at 31}. Furthermore, Father testified that Mother 

expecting a difficult weekend afterwards with M~ but it never materialized as the 

was equally as bad as at the first session. (N.T. 9/30/13, at 29}. Father stated that he was 

23}. At the second session, Father stated that he was surprised that M~s behavior 

Father, which he stated she was "very interactive" and "pleasant." (N.T. 9/30/13, at 22- 

counseling session with Mf¥81'n, but the preceding weekend M<iMWW1 had been with 

session and miss her dance class. (N.T. 9/30/13, at 26}. Father attended a second 

told Father that she was upset that she had to be removed early from school to attend the 

"disrespectful" to both Father and Dr. Berman. (N.T. 9/30/13, at 24-25}. M~n later 

Circulated 04/02/2015 11:45 AM
25 

On November 18, 2013, this court entered an order for a full psychological 

evaluation to be conducted on M~ which was eventually conducted at The Children's 

Hospital of Philadelphia ("CHOP"). The CHOP evaluation indicated a diagnosis of 

generalized anxiety disorder and recommended that M~ continue in individual 

therapy as well as in family therapy with her Father. (See C-1, 4/29/14). The CHOP 

evaluation also recommended that the parents consider co-parenting therapy to foster a 

better relationship between them to enable them to work together and support one 

This court conducted an in camera interview with the children on November 14, 

2013, with counsel for both parties present. During the interview, M..._ stated that she 

did not want to continue therapy sessions with Dr. Berman because she felt that he had a 

"bias" in favor of her Father. (N.T. 11/14/13, at 13-14). M ...... also stated that she had 

been experiencing panic attacks since September of 2013. (N.T. 11/14/13, at 34). Mlili@lill4i 

further stated that the panic attacks usually occurred on Fridays during her last period in 

school prior to her visits with her Father and before therapy sessions with her Father. 

(N.T. 11/14/13, at 37-39). In interviewing E--, and Ctil, this court found that they 

enjoyed their custodial time with Father and that they did not harbor any animosity or 

negative feelings towards Father. This court did not ask either C- or E~a direct 

question as to their preference, but instead sought to determine by other questions how 

each child adjusted during his or her custodial periods with Father. This court also invited 

both attorneys to ask questions of the children. 

participate in counseling with Dr. Vogelson. 

at CHOP. (N.T. 11/14/13, at 68-69). The parties also agreed that M~ would 

Circulated 04/02/2015 11:45 AM
26 

Mother contended that c•and E~ were exhibiting signs of anxiety as well as 

MCJltWlf). Mother stated that all three children had been in therapy off and on since 

moving to Pennsylvania. (N.T. 8/21/13, at 110). Furthermore, Mother stated that she 

wanted E• to undergo a psychological evaluation after some concerns were raised at 

E•s school conference. (N.T. 4/29/14, at 115-117). Father stated that he was 

concerned that Mother was fabricating the instances of anxiety experienced by~ and 

E4/ in an attempt to alienate the children from him. (N.T. 4/29/24, at 29-30). Father 

further stated that he received emails from Mother in which she claimed that the children 

have great anxiety prior to and after visits with Father. (N.T. 4/29/14, at 29-30), (See Ex. 

K, Ex. L to Father's Petition for Contempt filed 3/14/14). Moreover, Father testified that 

during his partial custody c• and E~ do not exhibit any signs of anxiety. (N.T. 

4/29/14, at 29-30). Mother also claims that ec• is experiencing encopresis in her home 

and Father testified that he has never seen any signs of C- having any difficulties with 

his bowel movements in his home. (N.T. 4/29/14, at 37}. Father stated that his overriding 

concern is that Mother's issues with Father "are more than just bleeding into the 

another in parenting M...e. (See C-1, 4/29/14). Father testified that, in spite of the fact 

that both parties had agreed to and cooperated in the CHOP evaluation, he was unable to 

gain access to the completed evaluation due to the attempts by Mother and ~ to 

prevent it from being released to him. (N.T. 4/29/14, at 156-157}. However, since 

M..-,s evaluation was court-ordered, this court directed that it be made available to 

both parties and their counsel. 

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27 

Father testified that on the morning of February 28, 2014, which was the Friday of 

his designated weekend with the children, Mother sent him an email stating that due to 

the forecast of a snow storm, she would be exercising the Weather Clause to postpone his 

upcoming weekend. (N.T. 4/29/14, at 17-18), (See Ex. E, Father's Petition for Contempt 

filed 3/14/14). Father further stated that the weather conditions on the February 28, 

2014, weekend would not have prevented Mother from transporting the children to 

Father nor did snow arrive by Sunday on the day of the children's return to Mother. (N.T. 

4/29/14, at 21). Father testified that Mother exercised the Weather Clause over his 

strenuous objections and made no attempt to work out an earlier return of the children, if 

necessary, due to the snow. (N.T. 4/29/14, at 21-23}. Father stated that as a result his 

plans to have a joint birthday celebration for C• and KMf over the weekend were 

Father alleged that there were numerous instances where Mother attempted to 

unilaterally interfere with his custody periods. Subsequent to the filing of the PFA action 

on behalf of M~n and the entry the temporary PFA prohibiting Father's contact with 

M~, Mother suspended Father's custody with Ctlltt and fa•, as well. On January 30, 

2013, Mother sent Father an email stating "I WILL NOT be releasing any of the kids to you 

until after the resolution of the Protection from Abuse Order and the pending criminal 

and CPS investigations." (See Ex. F-15, 9/30/13). Father testified that he was denied his 

court ordered custody periods from January 30, 2103 until the entry of this court's order 

of February 25, 2013. (N.T. 9/30/13, at 34-35). 

relationship I have with the children" and ultimately could negatively impact his 

relationship with~ and~. (N.T. 4/29/14, at 39-40). 

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28 

In addition, on issues of credibility and weight of the evidence, the appellate court must 

supported by competent evidence and cannot substitute its own factual determinations. 

this standard the appellate court must accept the findings of the trial court if they are 

gross abuse of discretion. Richards v. Hepfer, 764 A.2d 623 (Pa. Super. 2000). In applying 

The standard of review to be exercised by an appellate court in custody matters is a 

1. The Honorable Court abused its discretion and erred as a matter of law and fact 

when it transferred primary custody of the parties' younger children to Father. 

2. The Honorable Court abused its discretion and erred as a matter of law and fact 

when it ordered relocation of the parties' two younger children to Maryland. 

3. The Honorable Court abused its discretion and erred as a matter of law and fact 

when it precluded Mother from submitting testimony and evidence in support of 

her case for custody and Father's contempt. 

4. The Honorable Court abused its discretion and erred as a matter of law and fact in 

finding Mother in willful contempt of the custody order and directing Mother to 

pay Father's counsel fee. 

5. The Honorable Court abused its discretion and erred as a matter of law and fact in 

not finding Father in willful contempt of the custody order. 

Mother raises the following issues on appeal in her 1925(b} Statement: 

LEGAL ANALYSIS 

4/29/14, at 124-125}. This court did not find Mother's testimony to be credible. 

him in order to make alternate arrangements for the December 8, 2013, weekend. (N.T. 

Mother further stated that Father had ignored all her prior attempts to communicate with 

and it took her five hours of travelling on dangerous roads. {N.T. 4/29/14, at 124-125}. 

when she had to transport the children to the Chesapeake House during a snow storm 

exercise the Weather Clause based on her previous experience on December 8, 2013, 

cancelled as well. (N.T. 4/29/14, p.22}. Mother testified that it was reasonable for her to 

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29 

In the instant case, over the course of five days of hearings, this court took into 

consideration the credibility of the parties and their respective witnesses, reviewed the 

exhibits and interviewed the three children in camera. The oldest child, ~, was 

interviewed on two separate occasions by this court as the result of her ongoing 

emotional and psychological issues as evidenced in the record of these proceedings. 

This court entered its order of June 3, 2014, after thorough and thoughtful 

consideration of all the relevant factors under Section 5328(a) and expressly stated its 

analysis of the relevant factors in its order. 

Mother avers in her first issue on appeal that this court erred as a matter of law 

and fact when it transferred primary physical custody of the parties' two younger 

children to Father. In applying the relevant factors under Section 5328, this court 

determined that Father's household offers more stability for the children. Both Father 

and Stepmother hold stable jobs with somewhat flexible hours, which enable them to 

The primary concern in any custody determination is the best interests of the child, 

which must be decided on a case-by-case basis and which must take into consideration 

all the factors that legitimately have an effect upon the child's physical, intellectual, 

moral and spiritual well-being. Saintz v. Rinker, 902 A.20 509, 512 (Pa. Super. 2006). 

Moreover, as part of the best interest analysis, it is incumbent upon the trial court to 

consider the relevant factors set forth at 23 Pa.C.S. Section 5328 (a). E.D. v. M.P., 33 A.3d 

73, 80 (Pa.Super. 2011). 

defer to the trial court judge who had the opportunity to observe the witnesses firsthand. C.R.F., Ill v. S.E.F., 45 A.3'd, 441, 443 (Pa. Super. 2012). 

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be available for the children on a more consistent basis. Conversely, Mother's 

household does not offer the same stability as both she and Stepfather were 

employed in jobs requiring travel from the home. In addition, this court has concerns 

regarding the mental stability of Mother and Stepfather and how this might interfere 

with their parenting obligations. Both Mother and Stepfather testified to being 

treated for depression. (N.T. 8/21/13 at 76), (N.T. 9/30/13 at 11-12). During the 

course of this custody proceeding, Mother voluntarily admitted herself into the 

Horsham Clinic as the result of feeling overwhelmed. (N.T. 8/21/13 at 75-76). 

Moreover, Mother and Stepfather had separated at one point and were involved in 

marriage counseling at the time of these proceedings. (N.T. 8/21/13 at 74). 

Consequently, this court has concerns that the stress in Mother's household has had a 

negative impact on the two younger children, who have already shown signs of 

anxiety in Mother's household. The record shows that Qlfe is currently experiencing 

encopresis in Mother's household and ~ is having issues in school. Based on these 

findings, this court determined not only that Father is more likely to more likely to 

maintain a consistent and nurturing relationship with the two younger children, but 

that the children will thrive under his custodial care. 

This court considered Mother's animosity towards Father and her pervasive 

attempts to alienate the children from Father. The record is replete with instances 

where Mother intentionally interfered with the Father's relationship with the children. 

In direct contravention to the existing custody order, Mother suspended Fathers' 

partial custody with c• and E,ff~ during January and February of 2013, because of 

the temporary protection order against Father on behalf of Miiii r~e:M. Another instance 

30 

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occurred on February 28, 2014, when this court told Mother's counsel to tell Mother 

to transport the children for Father's custody weekend. Nevertheless, Mother refused 

claiming the forecast of a snowstorm on the following Sunday, March 2nd, prevented 

her. As a result, Father did not have custody of Ettllr and G4'IIJ that weekend and they 

missed c•s and K.s birthday celebrations which Father had planned in advance. 

This court also considered Mother's attempts to interfere with the quality of the 

time that Father spends with the children. Prior to the court-ordered ban on 

electronic devices, Mother had frequent communications with the children, especially 

f\Gie: ~11, which were disruptive to Father's custody periods. Mother also interfered 

with Father's attempts to improve his relationship with M~ by unilaterally 

terminating the court-ordered joint therapy sessions with Dr. Berman and by denying 

Father any access to medical and psychiatric information concerning~· 

The Superior Court has held that a custodial parent's obstruction of the 

noncustodial parent's right to visit a child may serve as a basis for a change in custody. 

Kozlowksi v. Kozlowski, 524 A.2d 995, 997 (Pa.Super. 1987} (citing Pamela J.K. v. Roger 

D.J., 419 A.2d 1301 (Pa. Super. 1980)). While this court is mindful that willful 

interference with court-ordered visitations cannot be the basis for an "automatic" 

change of custody, we took into careful consideration the advantages and risks of a 

change in custody and determined that the advantages are in favor of a transfer of 

primary custody of E-t and c• to Father. See, English v. English, 469 A.2d 270, (Pa. 

Super. 1983), See also, Rosenberg v Rosenberg, 504 A.2d 350, 353 (Pa.Super. 1986). 

This court found that transfer of primary physical custody of ~and c• to Father 

would not result in potential harm or disruption to their lives, but to the contrary, this 

31 

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32 

transfer would remove the children from the toxic environment of Mother's home. 

Moreover, the children are familiar with Father's home and neighborhood since they 

have spent significant periods of time with Father since the parties' separation in 

2005. The children have strong ties to their Stepmother, Arlll!, stepbrother, K92, and 

to the Baltimore area as a result of the time they have spent with Father. 

The Superior Court has long recognized that the policy of not separating siblings is 

only one factor and does not take precedence over the ultimate analysis in which the 

best interest factors are applied. Johns v. Cioci, 865 A.2d 931, 942 (Pa.Super. 2004) 

(citing E.A.L. v. L.J.W., 662 A.2d 1109, 1118 (1995); Cardamone v. Elshoff, 659 A.2d 

575, 583-84 (1995); M.D. v. B.D., 485 A.2d 813, 816-817 {1984). In Watters v. Watters, 

757 A.2d 966, 969 (Pa.Super. 2000), the Superior Court held that absent "compelling 

reasons" the policy that siblings should be raised together should not be disturbed. In 

determining whether compelling reasons exist, a court must "ask whether the 

evidence indicates that it was necessary to separate the children and whether the 

evidence was forceful in this regard." Id. This court carefully considered that the 

evidence including testimony was forceful over the course of nearly two years and 

determined that compelling reasons in fact do exist to separate E• and C. from 

their older sister, Mct1181ffl. This court implemented an order that would afford 

substantial contact between the siblings on weekends, holidays, and during summer 

vacation. This court also determined that this separation would also be in the best 

interest of MfNlllll, who remains primarily with Mother. Given her history of 

psychological needs, this court firmly believes that this custodial arrangement will give 

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33 

Mother a greater opportunity to devote more one-on-one attention to~ in the 

hope that M~s psychological issues will become under control. 

This court recognizes that when both parents are otherwise fit, one parent's role 

as the primary caretaker may be given weight as the determining factor in a custody 

case. See Wheeler v. Mazur, 793 A.2d 929, 935 (Pa.Super. 2002) (quoting Wiseman v. 

Wall, 718 A.2d 844, 851 (Pa.Super. 1998}. However, a parent's role as the primary 

caretaker does not outweigh the other factors in the best interest analysis. See S.J.S. 

v. M.J.S., 76 3d 541, 551 (Pa. Super. 2013}. 

In the instant case, this court does not feel that the home environments in both 

households are equal in their ability to foster the wellbeing of the children. It is this 

court's intention, by transferring primary physical custody of E....,.and C<llll!tto Father, to 

give them a fresh start in a more stable and supportive household where their physical 

and emotional needs are more likely to be addressed, while continuing their relationship 

with Mother, which this court believes, Father is more likely to promote. 

As stated previously, this court did not disturb the primary custody of M.,n with 

Mother as we took into consideration M~s preference not to live with Father, 

M~s psychological issues, and the conflict ridden history of her relationship with 

Father, and her age. The disruptive effect of M~s psychological problems on the two 

younger children was of paramount concern for this court when ordering the separation 

of the siblings. Accordingly, this court found that the evidence of record provides 

compelling evidence and supports our transfer of primary custody to Father resulting in a 

separation of siblings during the week. 

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34 

Mother avers in her second issue, that the trial court abused its discretion and 

erred as a matter of law and fact in entering an order for the relocation of the parties' two 

younger children to Maryland. This court determined that the relocation factors pursuant 

to 23 Pa.C.S. 5337 do not apply. Father has been residing in Maryland since prior to the 

initial filing in Philadelphia in April 2011. Mother had relocated from Virginia to 

Pennsylvania, while Father continued to live in Maryland. The children have been familiar 

with Father's home and community since they have been travelling to Maryland from 

Pennsylvania for Father's custody periods for nearly four years. Over the course of these 

years, E• and C.- have developed a bond with their Stepmother and stepbrother, 

K,t:. Neither party raised relocation issues during the pendency of the proceedings. The 

final order entered on June 3, 2014, is primarily a reversal of primary custody from 

Mother to Father which is not affected by their respective residences. 

Mother's third issue in her Concise Statement of Errors alleges that the trial court 

erred as a matter of law and fact when it precluded Mother from submitting testimony 

and evidence in support of her case for custody and Father's contempt. Mother was 

represented by competent counsel at four of the five custody hearings in this matter. She 

discharged her attorney prior to the hearing on Father's petition for contempt on April 29, 

2014. This court heard testimony from Mother and from Mother's witnesses during the 

course of five hearings, and considered all the exhibits entered into evidence on her 

behalf. The court accepted Mother's Answer and Counterclaim to Father's petition for 

contempt at the hearing on April 29, 2014, over Father's counsel's objection that Mother 

failed to sign a verification to her pleading. (N.T. 04/29/14 at 7). Moreover, this court 

refused to review or to consider Mother's mental health records pursuant to Father's 

I < Circulated 04/02/2015 11:45 AM
35 

The evidence in this case clearly demonstrates Mother's history of making unilateral 

decisions changing Father's custodial periods with the children. Despite the evidence 

regarding additional instances wherein Mother willfully disobeyed the court order, this 

court held Mother in contempt for only one incident: her willful refusal to transport the 

parties' children to Father on Friday, February 28, 2014, which was not excused by her 

Mother's fourth issue claims that this court erred as a matter of law and fact in finding 

Mother in willful contempt of the custody order and directing Mother to pay Father's 

counsel fees. Under Pa.R.C.P. 1915.12, a court may hold a party in civil contempt for the 

willful disobedience of a custody order. In reviewing this court's finding of contempt, the 

scope of review of the Superior Court is narrow and must be based on a determination of 

whether the trial court committed a clear abuse of discretion. Hyle v. Hyle, 868 A.2d 601 

(Pa. Super. 2005), appeal denied, 890 A.2d 1059 {2005). In addition, the reviewing court 

must place great reliance on the sound discretion of the trial judge. See Goodman v. 

Goodman, 556 A.2d 1379, 1391 {Pa.Super. 1989). In order to sustain a finding of civil 

contempt, the complainant must prove certain distinct elements by a preponderance of 

the evidence: (1) that the contemnor had notice of the specific order or decree which she 

is alleged to have disobeyed; (2) that the act constituting the contemnor's violation was 

volitional; and (3) that the contemnor acted with wrongful intent. Stahl v. Redcay, 897 

A.2d 478, 489 (Pa.Super. 2006). 

counsel's Motion for Special Relief heard on June 11, 2013. The record reflects that 

Mother participated fully in all hearings on all pending petitions and that there is no 

factual basis for this allegation. 

/', 

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36 

dismissed. 

2014, and respectfully requests that the order be affirmed and that Mother's appeal be 

The trial court asserts that it did not err in entering its order for custody of June 3, 

cited allegations by a preponderance of the evidence. 

credibility, this court finds that Mother did not meet her burden of proving the aboveIn reviewing the voluminous record in thls matter, and after making findings of 

1. The Respondent continues to communicate in an abusive and intimidating way 

to both the Petitioner and their 13 year old daughter. The Respondent refuses 

to provide any proof of attending counseling, but has indicated that his 

"counselor" has diagnosed the Petitioner with Borderline Personality Disorder, 

having never met or spoken with her. 

2. The Respondent refuses to be flexible for compromise for the children's events 

or to changing circumstances such as the Petitioner's severe back injury and 

inability to provide transportation. 

3. The Respondent is extraordinarily abusive to our 13 year old daughter and has 

sent emails indicating that he believes Petitioner is trying to diminish his role 

as Father. 

4. Respondent refuses to modify the transportation and threatens contempt 

when we are late due to traffic. 

averments: 

order. In her Petition for Contempt flied December 27, 2013, Mother makes the following 

erred as a matter of law and fact in not finding Father in willful contempt of the custody 

Mother contends in her final issue on appeal that the court abused its discretion and 

consistent with the terms of the parties' agreed order of July 31, 2012. 

violation of this court's authority. Moreover, the financial sanction that we imposed is 

unilateral invocation of the Weather Clause. We find Mother's conduct to be a flagrant 

' ' 

(', 

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37 

BY THE COURT: 

(

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/-----)/ ' ' i ( ' ' ' . 

i' //tUlf; .:1--{1Lf,\1LP~ 

- J 

DIANE THOMPSON, J. 

I ~ 

1· 

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