Opinion ID: 1697830
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Physical and Mental Health of Each Parent.

Text: ¶ 46. Regarding the parents' mental and physical health, the chancellor found that Jane had tested positive for amphetamines, admitted to smoking and injecting methamphetamines, was admitted to drug rehabilitation, and had failed two of three drug tests that she had taken. He found that Tom had gone to treatment for alcohol addiction and depression following his father's death but did not presently have a drinking disorder. ¶ 47. Jane claims the chancellor's finding was made in error because she had failed only one drug test that was admitted into evidence. She acknowledges that she failed a drug test in June of 2002, the results of which were admitted into evidence. She admits that other drug tests were performed; however, she notes that the results were never made part of the record and argues that the chancellor should not have used those tests or their results to rule against her. Both of Jane's parents testified on March 25, 2003, that Jane had recently taken a drug test administered by Methodist Family Health Center and that they were aware of the results, but neither testified directly as to what those results were. ¶ 48. We find that it was improper for the chancellor to state in his factual findings that Jane failed two of her previous three drug tests when that evidence is not in the record. Were this a jury trial, any information regarding the results of a drug test would have to be introduced either through testimony or documentary evidence. Nothing in the record before this Court proves that Jane failed a second drug test. Notwithstanding that fact, we find the chancellor did not err in making his ultimate finding that Tom was the favored parent under this particular Albright factor. Jane has challenged none of the other facts in the chancellor's finding, and the record clearly reflects that Jane had a substance abuse problem. Though she maintains that she is now drug free, and has been for some time, the chancellor was within his discretion in considering her prior conduct to determine that Tom was the favored parent concerning the physical and mental health and age of the parents.