[Cite as In re T.C., 2019-Ohio-2287.]

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS 

ELEVENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT 

ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO 

IN THE MATTER OF: : O P I N I O N 

T.C., JR., ABUSED, NEGLECTED : 

AND DEPENDANT CHILD CASE NO. 2018-A-0090

Appeal from the Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, Case No. 

2017 JC 00172. 

Judgment: Affirmed as modified. 

Nicholas A. Iarocci, Ashtabula County Prosecutor, and Shelley M. Pratt, Assistant 

Prosecutor, Ashtabula County Courthouse, 25 West Jefferson Street, Jefferson, OH 

44047 (For Ashtabula County Children Services Board). 

David E. Koerner, Law Office of David E. Koerner, 5900 SOM Center Road, Suite 12-

146, Willoughby, OH 44094 (For Terrance Clark, Sr.). 

Carmen Marie Hamper, P.O. Box 2834, Ashtabula, OH 44005 (Guardian ad litem). 

MARY JANE TRAPP, J. 

{¶1} Appellant, Terrance Clark, Sr. (“Mr. Clark”), appeals the judgment of the 

Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, granting legal custody of 

his son, T.C., to a third party and dismissing his motion for legal custody for failure to 

prosecute. 
 2

{¶2} We find: (1) the trial court did not abuse its discretion by dismissing Mr. 

Clark’s motion for legal custody for failure to prosecute, but the dismissal should have 

been without prejudice; (2) the trial court was not legally required to determine Mr. Clark’s 

unsuitability at the evidentiary hearing on the competing motions for legal custody; (3) the 

trial court did not abuse its discretion by accepting evidentiary stipulations from Mr. Clark’s 

counsel; and (4) the trial court’s granting of legal custody of T.C. to a third party was not 

against the manifest weight of the evidence. 

{¶3} For the reasons that follow, we modify the judgment of the Ashtabula 

County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, to state that the dismissal of Mr. 

Clark’s motion is without prejudice and affirm as modified. 

Substantive History and Procedural Background

{¶4} On August 28, 2017, the trial court granted ex parte emergency temporary 

custody of T.C. to the Ashtabula County Children Services Board (“ACCSB”) due to T.C. 

being in immediate danger from his surroundings. 

{¶5} On August 30, 2017, ACCSB filed a verified complaint for temporary 

custody alleging T.C. was an abused, neglected, and dependent child. Specifically, 

ACCSB alleged that the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call 

regarding theft of a wallet by T.C.’s mother, Gloria Fortney (“Ms. Fortney”). Upon arrival 

at her residence in Ashtabula, Ohio, the deputies observed a tray of drug paraphernalia, 

including pills, white powder, foil, razor blades, and other unknown substances on the 

floor next to the baby’s bassinet. Deputies reported that Ms. Fortney and the maternal 

grandparents were out of control and screaming and that Ms. Fortney picked up T.C. and 

ran around the house with him in one arm, screaming at them. 
 3

{¶6} ACCSB responded to the scene and observed the drugs and paraphernalia 

next to the bassinet. ACCSB determined that Ms. Fortney and the grandparents 

appeared unable to care for T.C. safely at that time and no appropriate relatives were 

identified. 

{¶7} According to the complaint, ACCSB had just “closed the case” due to Ms. 

Fortney’s noncompliance. T.C. had spent two weeks in the hospital due to withdrawal, 

and Ms. Fortney never entered substance abuse treatment or complied with requested 

drugs screens or services. 

{¶8} The magistrate held a shelter care hearing on August 30, 2017. Ms. Fortney 

appeared with counsel and stipulated to a finding of probable cause. T.C.’s father, Mr. 

Clark, was incarcerated and unavailable. The magistrate appointed counsel for Ms. 

Fortney, appointed a guardian ad litem (“GAL”), and ordered ACCSB to continue 

temporary custody of T.C. 

{¶9} The magistrate held an adjudicatory hearing on September 26, 2017. Mr. 

Clark appeared, and the magistrate appointed counsel for him. Ms. Fortney also 

appeared with counsel. Mr. Clark and Ms. Fortney stipulated to a finding of dependency, 

and ACCSB moved to dismiss the allegations of abuse and neglect. The magistrate 

ordered ACCSB to continue temporary custody of T.C. 

{¶10} The magistrate held a disposition hearing on October 23, 2017. Mr. Clark 

and Ms. Fortney both appeared and were represented by counsel. The evidence 

presented indicated as follows: (1) The case plan required Ms. Fortney and Mr. Clark to 

demonstrate sobriety and to address any identified mental health needs. The case plan 

further required Ms. Fortney to demonstrate an ability to parent, including completion of 

a parenting class, and to obtain stable housing; (2) Ms. Fortney had begun working toward 
 4

stabilizing her housing situation and engaging in mental health and substance abuse 

services; (3) Mr. Clark completed an assessment and was waiting for the beginning of 

counseling for anger management and parenting. He had been paying child support and 

was hoping to gain placement of T.C. Mr. Clark was on parole with anticipated successful 

completion by March of 2018; and (4) T.C. was in the care of Ms. Fortney’s cousin and 

was doing well. The parents had engaged in supervised visits. 

{¶11} The GAL recommended that ACCSB continue temporary custody of T.C. 

{¶12} The magistrate determined T.C.’s continued residence in or return to the 

home would be contrary to his best interest and welfare and ordered ACCSB to continue 

temporary custody of T.C. 

{¶13} The trial court subsequently adopted the magistrate’s decisions regarding 

adjudication and disposition. 

{¶14} On March 26, 2018, ACCSB filed a motion to terminate temporary custody 

and grant legal custody to a Dawn Rife (“Ms. Rife”), a third party. According to the affidavit 

in support of ACCSB’s motion, Ms. Fortney showed little to no effort in working toward 

the case plan goals. While Mr. Clark had completed counseling and anger management 

classes and maintained a stable place of residence, there were eight police reports of 

possible domestic violence instances involving Mr. Clark and Ms. Fortney between 

November, 2017 and March, 2018. 

{¶15} On March 29, 2018, Mr. Clark filed his own motion for legal custody. Mr. 

Clark asserted that he was not involved in the activities that led to the proceedings, he 

had stable housing and steady income, and he had completed his case plan. He further 

asserted that the eight calls to police regarding “domestic situations” with Ms. Fortney did 

not result in any arrests or convictions. 
 5

{¶16} The trial court held an evidentiary hearing on these motions on October 4, 

2018. Ms. Fortney did not appear, although her counsel was present. 

{¶17} Mr. Clark was present at court prior to the hearing. His counsel attempted 

to discuss with him the results of his drug screens. According to Mr. Clark’s counsel, Mr. 

Clark said, “I’m done,” pulled out his phone, called for a cab, and left. 

{¶18} At the hearing, ACCSB moved for dismissal of Mr. Clark’s motion for failure 

to prosecute based on Mr. Clark’s sudden departure. Mr. Clark’s counsel indicated he 

was not prepared to move forward on the motion due to the absence of his witness. 

Therefore, the trial court dismissed Mr. Clark’s motion for failure to prosecute. 

{¶19} ACCSB offered five exhibits into evidence as stipulations, including (1) a 

drug screen result from April of 2018 showing that Mr. Clark tested positive for THC, (2) 

a drug screen result from May of 2018 showing that Mr. Clark tested positive for 

amphetamine, methamphetamine, and THC, (3) a drug screen result from August of 2018 

showing that Mr. Clark tested positive for methamphetamine, (4) a judgment entry of guilty 

plea and sentence in which Mr. Clark was convicted of having weapons while under 

disability in 2015, and (5) a judgment entry of plea and sentencing in which Mr. Clark was 

convicted of possession of cocaine and resisting arrest in 2015. Mr. Clark’s counsel 

stated on the record, “We have reviewed those, and no objection to the admission of 

these exhibits.” 

{¶20} Terri Jo Mickle, a caseworker from ACCSB, was ACCSB’s sole witness at 

the evidentiary hearing. She testified that her agency became involved with T.C. after 

receiving a referral with concerns from the pediatrician that Ms. Fortney was not following 

through with visits, that she had a history of substance use, and that she may have been 
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using again. Ms. Mickle also testified that Mr. Clark’s positive drug screen results and 

prior convictions influenced her recommendation regarding legal custody of T.C. 

{¶21} Ms. Mickle further testified that Ms. Rife was in the best position to assume 

legal custody of T.C. because she had been with him for a over a year and had been able 

to meet all his needs on a daily basis. With respect to Ms. Fortney, Ms. Mickle testified 

that she had not accomplished any of the terms of her case plan. 

{¶22} The trial court took judicial notice of the GAL’s previously-filed report. With 

respect to Mr. Clark, the GAL reported that he had: (1) a history of marijuana use, had 

prior charges for trafficking in cocaine, and was recently incarcerated on a parole violation 

after being charged with domestic violence against Ms. Fortney, (2) had positive drug 

screen results and had refused a drug screen, (3) had received counseling services, kept 

most appointments, seemed to be working hard on his anger issues, and had completed 

an anger management class, and (4) had stable housing, was not employed, but received 

some social security income. 

{¶23} With respect to Ms. Fortney, the GAL reported that she (1) had positive drug 

screen results and refused a drug screen, (2) was receiving counseling services but 

participated sporadically, and (3) resided with her parents, who had a history of drug 

abuse. 

{¶24} The GAL reported that Mr. Clark and Ms. Fortney denied being in a 

relationship, but there continued to be conflict between them, as evidenced by six police 

reports of disputes. 

{¶25} Regarding visits with T.C., the GAL reported that both parents did not seem 

to understand how to address T.C. needs and had to be prompted to feed him or check 

his diaper. They were also inconsistent with their visits. 
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{¶26} The GAL recommended that the trial court grant ACCSB’s motion and deny 

Mr. Clark’s motion. 

{¶27} Following the evidentiary hearing, the trial court issued a judgment entry 

dismissing Mr. Clark’s motion for legal custody for failure to prosecute and granting legal 

custody of T.C. to Ms. Rife. 

{¶28} Mr. Clark now appeals, asserting the following three assignments of error: 

{¶29} “[1.] The trial court erred by dismissing father’s motion for legal custody for 

failure to prosecute in violation of Civ.R. 41(B). 

{¶30} “[2.] The trial court erred in finding that ACCSB’s motion for legal custody 

should be granted. 

{¶31} “[3.] The trial court erred by accepting father’s attorney’s stipulation to admit 

drug tests and convictions.” 

Dismissal of Mr. Clark’s Motion 

{¶32} In his first assignment of error, Mr. Clark asserts that the trial court erred by 

dismissing his motion for legal custody for failure to prosecute. 

Jurisdiction 

{¶33} We must first determine whether the trial court’s dismissal constitutes a final 

appealable order. 

{¶34} For purposes of Civ.R. 41, a dismissal with prejudice is “on the merits,” while 

a dismissal without prejudice is “otherwise than on the merits.” Grippi v. Cantagallo, 11th 

Dist. Ashtabula No. 2011-A-0054, 2012-Ohio-5589, ¶7. A dismissal for failure to 

prosecute “operates as an adjudication upon the merits unless the court, in its order for 

dismissal, otherwise specifies.” Civ.R. 41(B)(3). A dismissal with prejudice is a final 
 8

appealable order. Tower City Properties v. Cuyahoga County Bd. of Revision, 49 Ohio 

St.3d 67, 69 (1990). 

{¶35} In this case, the trial court’s judgment entry did not specify whether its 

dismissal of Mr. Clark’s motion was with or without prejudice. Thus, pursuant to Civ.R. 

41(B)(3), the trial court’s dismissal was with prejudice. Boulder Creek Assocs. v. Fechko 

Excavating, Inc., 11th Dist. Portage Nos. 2012-P-0143 & 2012-P-0157, 2013-Ohio-3394, 

¶14. Accordingly, the trial court’s entry of dismissal constitutes a final appealable order. 

Standard of Review 

{¶36} The decision to dismiss for failure to prosecute is within the sound discretion 

of the trial court, and an appellate court’s review of such a dismissal is confined solely to 

the question of whether the trial court abused its discretion. Jones v. Hartranft, 78 Ohio 

St.3d 368, 371 (1997), citing Pembaur v. Leis, 1 Ohio St.3d 89, 91 (1982). An abuse of 

discretion is the trial court’s “failure to exercise sound, reasonable, and legal decisionmaking.” State v. Beechler, 2d Dist. Clark No. 09-CA-54, 2010-Ohio-1900, ¶62, quoting 

Black’s Law Dictionary 11 (8th Ed.2004). However, appellate “abuse of discretion” review 

is heightened when reviewing decisions that forever deny a review of a claim’s merits. 

Jones at 372. 

Notice 

{¶37} Mr. Clark first argues that the trial court erred by not providing him notice 

under Civ.R. 41(B)(1) or the opportunity to explain why he failed to appear at the 

evidentiary hearing. We disagree. 

{¶38} Civ.R. 41(B)(1) provides that “[w]here the plaintiff fails to prosecute, * * * the 

court upon motion of a defendant or on its own motion may, after notice to the plaintiff’s 

counsel, dismiss an action or claim.” (Emphasis added.) 
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{¶39} The purpose of notice under Civ.R. 41(B) is to “provide the party in default 

an opportunity to explain the default or to correct it, or to explain why the case should not 

be dismissed with prejudice.” Logsdon v. Nichols, 72 Ohio St.3d 124, 128 (1995), quoting 

McCormac, Ohio Civil Rules Practice, Section 13.07, at 357 (2d Ed.1992). The notice 

requirement of Civ.R. 41(B)(1) is satisfied when counsel has been informed that dismissal 

is a possibility and has had a reasonable opportunity to defend against dismissal. 

Quonset Hut, Inc. v. Ford Motor Co., 80 Ohio St.3d 46 (1997), syllabus. 

{¶40} In this case, Mr. Clark was present at court prior to the evidentiary hearing 

but left before it began. ACCSB moved for dismissal of Mr. Clark’s motion for legal 

custody, arguing his sudden departure “evidenced an intent not to proceed on his motion.” 

Mr. Clark’s counsel confirmed Mr. Clark’s sudden departure and indicated he was not 

prepared to move forward on Mr. Clark’s motion. The trial court therefore dismissed Mr. 

Clark’s motion. 

{¶41} The record reflects that the notice requirement under Civ.R. 41(B)(1) was 

satisfied. As the rule specifically indicates, the trial court must provide notice to “counsel.” 

There is no requirement that a party also receive formal notice. 

{¶42} Mr. Clark’s counsel received the notice required under Civ.R. 41(B) that 

dismissal was a possibility when ACCSB orally moved for dismissal in his presence. See 

Metcalf v. Ohio State University Hospitals, 2 Ohio App.3d 166, 167 (10th Dist.1981) (“Had 

counsel actually appeared at trial, it would have been sufficient that the motion to dismiss 

be made in his presence for him to have received the required notice”); Asres v. Dalton, 

10th Dist. Franklin No. 05AP-632, 2006-Ohio-507, ¶18 (“Requiring notice of the intended 

dismissal to allow the plaintiff or his counsel the opportunity to explain the failure to appear 

for trial serves no purpose when plaintiff’s counsel is present for trial and has the 
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opportunity to explain plaintiff’s failure to prosecute”); Brown v. Bowers, 1st Dist. Hamilton 

No. C-070797, 2008-Ohio-4114, ¶28 (same). 

{¶43} In addition, the trial court provided Mr. Clark’s counsel with a reasonable 

opportunity to defend against dismissal. Following ACCSB’s oral motion for dismissal, 

the trial court inquired whether Mr. Clark’s counsel was prepared to move forward on the 

motion for legal custody. While Mr. Clark may not be satisfied with his counsel’s 

response, Civ.R. 41(B)(1) only requires that the trial court extend a reasonable 

opportunity to defend against dismissal. See Quonset Hut, Inc. at syllabus. 

{¶44} Given Mr. Clark’s sudden departure without explanation and his counsel’s 

inability to proceed without him, we cannot say the trial court abused its discretion in 

dismissing Mr. Clark’s motion for legal custody. See Asres at ¶19 (trial court did not 

abuse is discretion in dismissing for failure to prosecute where client did not appear and 

counsel indicated he did not know if his client still intended to proceed with the case); 

Brown at ¶23 (trial court did not abuse its discretion in dismissing for failure to prosecute 

where client did not appear and counsel advised she was unwilling to proceed without 

her clients being present). 

Dismissal with Prejudice 

{¶45} Mr. Clark next argues that the trial court should have considered less drastic 

alternatives to the outright dismissal of his motion. While the trial court did not abuse its 

discretion in dismissing Mr. Clark’s motion, we find that the motion should have been 

dismissed without prejudice. 

{¶46} In this case, the trial court awarded only legal custody of T.C. to Ms. Rife, 

not permanent custody. “[A]n award of legal custody of a child does not divest parents of 

their residual parental rights, privileges, and responsibilities.” In re C.R., 108 Ohio St.3d 
 11

369, 2006-Ohio-1191, ¶17. In the future, Mr. Clark has the express, statutory right to 

petition the court for a modification of custody. See id. We presume the trial court 

followed the law and simply omitted the “without prejudice” language from its judgment 

entry; thus, we modify the judgment to reflect that the dismissal was without prejudice. 

{¶47} Mr. Clark’s first assignment of error is without merit. 

Acceptance of Stipulations 

{¶48} We will next address Mr. Clark’s evidentiary challenge. 

{¶49} In his third assignment of error, Mr. Clark asserts that the trial court erred 

by accepting his counsel’s stipulations to the admission of his drug screen results and 

prior convictions. 

{¶50} The admission of relevant evidence is within the sound discretion of the trial 

court. (Citations omitted.) In re Davis, 11th Dist. Ashtabula No. 2004-A-0068, 2005-Ohio411, ¶16. A reviewing court will not reverse the trial court's admission of evidence absent 

an abuse of discretion. (Citations omitted.) Id. 

{¶51} A stipulation is a voluntary agreement entered into between opposing 

parties concerning the disposition of some relevant point in order to avoid the necessity 

for proof on an issue or to narrow the range of issues to be litigated. (Citation omitted.) 

In re Q.R., 12th Dist. Clinton No. CA2017-11-020, 2018-Ohio-4785, ¶11. Once a 

stipulation is accepted by the court, it is binding upon the parties as a fact deemed 

adjudicated for purposes of determining the remaining issues in the case. (Citation 

omitted.) Id. If the parties wish to agree or to stipulate to various facts, courts should be 

permitted to accept freely entered into agreements or stipulations unless such 

agreements or stipulations are not in the child’s best interest. (Citations omitted.) Id. 
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{¶52} Mr. Clark first argues that the evidence of his drug test screens and prior 

convictions was inadmissible because his counsel did not make the stipulations in his 

presence. However, all the cases Mr. Clark cites in support of this proposition involve 

criminal proceedings. See State v. Harris, 1st Dist. Hamilton Nos. C-160279, C-160280, 

C-160281, 2017-Ohio-5594, ¶36-37 (criminal jury trial); State v. Post, 32 Ohio St.3d 380, 

393 (1987) (no contest plea); State v. Robbins, 176 Ohio St. 362, 364 (1964) (criminal 

trial by three-judge court). 

{¶53} In fact, Mr. Clark’s proposition originates from the Supreme Court of Ohio’s 

holding in Robbins, which is explicitly applicable only to criminal matters: “Agreements, 

waivers and stipulations made by persons accused of crimes, or by their counsel in their 

presence, during the course of a trial for crime, are, after termination of the trial, binding 

and enforceable upon such persons as like agreements, waivers and stipulations are 

upon parties to civil actions.” (Emphasis added.) Id. at paragraph two of the syllabus. 

{¶54} Mr. Clark has failed to cite any legal authority prohibiting a trial court from 

accepting counsel’s stipulations of evidence in a civil proceeding when the stipulations 

were not made in the presence of the client. Therefore, we cannot say the trial court 

abused its discretion by accepting counsel’s stipulations outside of Mr. Clark’s presence. 

{¶55} Mr. Clark also argues that his counsel’s stipulations to the admission of the 

drug screen results constituted the waiver of Mr. Clark’s due process right to confront and 

cross-examine the experts who conducted the tests. According to Mr. Clark, this right 

was substantial, and he could only have knowingly and voluntarily waived it in person. 

{¶56} The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides, in pertinent part, 

“[i]n all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right * * * to be confronted with 

the witnesses against him[.]” The primary purpose of the Confrontation Clause is to 
 13

provide the accused an opportunity for cross-examination. Douglas v. Alabama, 380 U.S. 

415, 418 (1965). 

{¶57} However, the constitutional right to confront witnesses is limited to criminal 

proceedings. In re Henderson, 11th Dist. Lake No. 97-L-068, 1997 WL 752633, *5 (Nov. 

28, 1997); In re P.L., 9th Dist. Summit No. 07CA009249, 2008-Ohio-2248, ¶22; In re K.E., 

12th Dist. Butler No. CA2007-03-069, 2007-Ohio-3967, ¶14; In re Burchfield, 51 Ohio 

App.3d 148, 154 (4th Dist.1988). Proceedings instituted in a juvenile court are civil in 

nature and not criminal. In re Anderson, 92 Ohio St.3d 63, 65 (2001). Therefore, Mr. 

Clark had no Sixth Amendment rights to waive at the evidentiary hearing. 

{¶58} Further, we must reiterate that just prior to the evidentiary hearing, Mr. Clark 

suddenly left without explanation. In other settings, courts have held that a parent has a 

duty “to exhibit cooperation and communicate with counsel and with the court in order to 

have standing to argue that due process was not followed * * *.” See e.g., In re J.S., 9th 

Dist. Lorain No. 10CA009908, 2011-Ohio-985, ¶17. Mr. Clark should not be heard to 

complain about the procedures of a hearing that he voluntarily abandoned with no 

explanation. 

{¶59} The trial court did not abuse its discretion by accepting counsel’s 

stipulations to the admission of Mr. Clark’s drug screen results. 

{¶60} Mr. Clark’s third assignment of error is without merit. 

Granting of ACCSB’s Motion

{¶61} In his second assignment of error, Mr. Clark asserts that the trial court erred 

in granting legal custody of T.C. to Ms. Rife. 

Unsuitability 
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{¶62} In his first issue for review, Mr. Clark argues that instead of examining 

whether custodial placement was in the best interest of the child, the trial court should 

have determined whether Mr. Clark was unsuitable by a preponderance of the evidence. 

{¶63} A juvenile court’s grant of legal custody is reviewed under an abuse of 

discretion standard. In re Yates, 11th Dist. Geauga No. 2008-G-2836, 2008-Ohio-6775, 

¶32. An abuse of discretion may be found when the trial court “applies the wrong legal 

standard, misapplies the correct legal standard, or relies on clearly erroneous findings of 

fact.” In re L.L.S., 11th Dist. Portage No. 2016-P-0068, 2017-Ohio-7450, ¶20, quoting

Thomas v. Cleveland, 176 Ohio App.3d 401, 2008-Ohio-1720, ¶15 (8th Dist.). 

{¶64} The Supreme Court of Ohio has held that “parents who are suitable persons 

have a ‘paramount’ right to the custody of their minor children.” (Citations omitted.) In re 

Murray, 52 Ohio St.3d 155, 157 (1990). However, when a child is adjudicated a 

dependent child, the juvenile court may, as its dispositional order, place the child under 

the protective supervision or temporary custody of a children services agency, or award 

legal custody of the child to a third party. R.C. 2151.353(A)(1), (2) and (3); In re Yates at 

¶29. 

{¶65} “A juvenile court adjudication of abuse, neglect, or dependency is a 

determination about the care and condition of a child and implicitly involves a 

determination of the unsuitability of the child's custodial and/or noncustodial parents.” In 

re C.R., supra, at paragraph two of the syllabus. Thus, when a juvenile court adjudicates 

a child to be abused, neglected, or dependent, it has no duty to make a separate finding 

at the dispositional hearing that a noncustodial parent is unsuitable before awarding legal 

custody to a nonparent. Id. at ¶24. 
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{¶66} Further, the court retains jurisdiction over any child for whom the court 

issues an order of disposition. R.C. 2151.353(F)(1). The court may amend a dispositional 

order at any time upon its own motion or upon the motion of any interested party. R.C. 

2151.417(B); 2151.353(F)(2). At any hearing in which a court is asked to modify an order 

of disposition, the court, in determining whether to return the child to the child’s parents, 

shall consider whether it is in the best interest of the child. R.C. 2151.42(A); R.C. 

2151.415(B). 

{¶67} In this case, the record indicates ACCSB obtained ex parte emergency 

temporary custody of T.C. in August of 2017 and filed a complaint for temporary custody 

shortly thereafter. At the adjudicatory hearing held in September of 2017, Mr. Clark and 

Ms. Fortney stipulated to a finding of dependency, and the magistrate ordered that 

ACCSB continue temporary custody of T.C. This finding of dependency also constituted 

an implicit determination that Mr. Clark was unsuitable. See In re C.R., paragraph two of 

the syllabus. 

{¶68} At the disposition hearing held in October of 2017, the magistrate heard 

evidence and ultimately continued temporary custody of T.C. with ACCSB. However, the 

trial court retained jurisdiction over T.C. See R.C. 2151.353(F)(1). 

{¶69} In March of 2018, ACCSB filed its motion to grant legal custody to Ms. Rife, 

and Mr. Clark filed his own motion for legal custody. These motions constituted requests 

that the trial court amend its prior dispositional order. See R.C. 2151.417(B); 

2151.353(F)(2). 

{¶70} In such situations, the trial court is statutorily required to determine the best 

interest of the child. See R.C. 2151.42(A); R.C. 2151.415(B). Since Mr. Clark previously 

stipulated to a finding of dependency, and thus, unsuitability, the trial court was not 
 16

required to again determine Mr. Clark’s unsuitability at the evidentiary hearing on these 

motions. See In re C.R. at ¶24. 

{¶71} Mr. Clark cites the First District Court of Appeals’ decision in In re H.J.H., 

1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-180019, 2019-Ohio-116, for the proposition that “[o]nly if the trial 

court determines that the parent is unsuitable, should it then examine which custodial 

parent would be in the best interest of the child.” Id. at ¶4. In re H.J.H. is factually 

distinguishable because in that case there had been no prior adjudication of abuse, 

neglect, or dependency. Therefore, it was necessary for the trial court to initially 

determine the issue of unsuitability. 

{¶72} This case is analogous to the situation we addressed in In re Sorgen, 11th 

Dist. Lake No. 2005-L-121, 2006-Ohio-4180. In that case, the trial court awarded 

emergency custody of the child to the Lake County Department of Job and Family 

Services (“LCDJFS”). Id. at ¶2. LCDJFS thereafter filed a complaint seeking temporary 

custody. Id. at ¶3. At the adjudication hearing, the mother and father stipulated to 

neglect, and the trial court ordered LCDJFS to continue temporary custody. Id. at ¶6. 

{¶73} The child’s grandparents subsequently moved for legal custody. Id. at ¶7. 

At the evidentiary hearing, the magistrate determined custody based on the child’s best 

interest rather than the mother’s unsuitability, because the child had previously been 

adjudicated a neglected child. Id. at ¶11-12. The mother appealed the trial court’s 

adoption of the magistrate’s decision. Id. at ¶12. We affirmed based on the authority of 

the Supreme Court of Ohio’s decision in In re C.R., holding that the trial court did not 

abuse its discretion when it applied the best interest standard. Id. at ¶22, 26. 

{¶74} In this case, the trial court applied the correct legal standard by considering 

T.C.’s best interest and, therefore, did not abuse its discretion. 
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Manifest Weight of the Evidence 

{¶75} In his second issue presented for review, Mr. Clark argues that the 

“adjudication of dependency was against the manifest weight of the evidence.” 

{¶76} Mr. Clark misstates the nature of the proceeding that gave rise to his appeal. 

The magistrate held the adjudicatory hearing in September of 2017, and Mr. Clark and 

Ms. Fortney stipulated to a finding of dependency. A disposition hearing followed in 

October of 2017, where the magistrate continued custody with ACCSB. The evidentiary 

hearing held in October of 2018 related to the competing motions ACCSB and Mr. Clark 

filed requesting that the trial court amend its prior dispositional order, not adjudication of 

dependency. Therefore, Mr. Clark’s arguments and legal authority under this assignment 

of error relating to dependency adjudications are not applicable to this case. 

{¶77} To the extent Mr. Clark is arguing that the trial court’s granting of legal 

custody to Ms. Rife was against the manifest weight of the evidence, we disagree. 

{¶78} “Where an award of custody is supported by a substantial amount of 

credible and competent evidence, such an award will not be reversed as being against 

the weight of the evidence by a reviewing court.” Bechtol v. Bechtol, 49 Ohio St.3d 21 

(1990), syllabus. 

{¶79} When considering the manifest weight of the evidence in a civil case, the 

trial court “weighs the evidence and all reasonable inferences, considers the credibility of 

witnesses and determines whether in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the [finder of 

fact] clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the 

[judgment] must be reversed and a new trial ordered. Eastley v. Volkman, 132 Ohio St.3d 

328, 2012-Ohio-2179, ¶20, citing Tewarson v. Simon, 141 Ohio App.3d 103, 115 (9th 

Dist.2001). 
 18

{¶80} “[I]n determining whether the judgment below is manifestly against the 

weight of the evidence, every reasonable intendment and every reasonable presumption 

must be made in favor of the judgment and the finding of facts.” Id. at ¶21, citing Seasons 

Coal Co., Inc. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St.3d 77 (1984), fn. 3. “If the evidence is susceptible 

of more than one construction, the reviewing court is bound to give it that interpretation 

which is consistent with the verdict and judgment, most favorable to sustaining the verdict 

and judgment.” Id., citing Seasons Coal Co. at fn. 3. 

{¶81} Mr. Clark first argues that the stipulations did not, as a matter of law, rise to 

the level of clear and convincing evidence. We previously rejected this argument in In re 

B.M., 181 Ohio App.3d 606, 2009-Ohio-1718 (11th Dist.), where we held that since a 

stipulation has the same force and effect as testimony, a stipulation may, depending on 

the nature of the matter or matters stipulated, rise to the level of clear and convincing 

evidence. Id. at ¶43, citing State v. Turner, 105 Ohio St.3d 331, 2005-Ohio-1938, ¶40. 

{¶82} Mr. Clark also argues that his prior conduct was only relevant to the extent 

it showed a detrimental impact upon T.C. However, the cases Mr. Clark has cited all 

relate to dependency adjudications and are inapplicable. 

{¶83} In any event, the trial court indicated in its judgment entry that its decision 

was also based on the GAL’s report and the testimony of Ms. Mickle, not just on the 

stipulations regarding Mr. Clark’s positive drug screen results and prior convictions. 

{¶84} Finally, Mr. Clark points to evidence in the record in his favor, including his 

completion of counseling and anger management, maintenance of a stable place of 

residence, and having a source of income. 

{¶85} While Mr. Clark’s personal achievements are commendable, the record also 

reflects that in addition to three positive drug screen results and prior convictions, Mr. 
 19

Clark had recently been incarcerated for a parole violation for domestic violence against 

Ms. Fortney, he was not employed, there were multiple police reports reflecting disputes 

between Mr. Clark and Ms. Fortney, and there was evidence that Mr. Clark was not able 

to address T.C.’s basic needs. Further, Ms. Rife had been with T.C. for over a year, and 

she was able to meet all his needs on a daily basis. 

{¶86} The trial court was presented with an abundance of competent, credible 

evidence with which to support the determination that a grant of legal custody to Ms. Rife 

was in T.C.’s best interest. Therefore, the trial court’s decision granting legal custody to 

Ms. Rife was not against the manifest weight of the evidence. 

{¶87} Mr. Clark’s second assignment of error is without merit. 

{¶88} For the foregoing reasons, we modify the judgment of the Ashtabula County 

Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, to reflect that the dismissal of Mr. Clark’s 

motion for legal custody was without prejudice and affirm as modified. 

CYNTHIA WESTCOTT RICE, J., 

MATT LYNCH, J., 

concur.