Opinion ID: 1611502
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Whether the in-chambers interview should be made part of the record.

Text: ¶ 18. The lack of supporting evidence in the record leads to the real issue, whether courts must make a record of in-chambers conversations with children. Because this Court has not previously addressed the necessity for making a record of in-chambers conversations with minor children, we look to our sister states for guidance. The best analysis is found in Watermeier v. Watermeier, 462 So.2d 1272, 1274 (La.Ct.App.1985), in which the Louisiana Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, addressing the question of whether a record should be made of a judge's in-chambers interview, opined as follows: We have given this matter grave consideration and, whereas we are impressed by the very plausible argument of counsel for respondent that an interview by the judge alone (without a record being made and without the ominous presence of parents and counsel), would relieve the child of fear and tension so that he would be more inclined to talk freely and truthfully, we cannot agree. To do so would do violence to the basic concerns of our adversary system because the attorneys and parties, as well as the appellate court, would be forced to trust completely and without reservation the discretion of the trial judge as to the propriety of his questions, his assessment of the veracity of the answers, and his entire judgment without ever knowing what was told to him. Such answers could well be the basis of his ruling. In addition, there would be no way for a party to ever contest, disapprove, or argue on appeal about any statement or accusation, no matter how wild or false, that the child may have made (perhaps in his fancy)unless he knows what the child said to the judge. See also Weaver v. Weaver, 824 So.2d 438 (La.Ct.App.2002); Hicks v. Hicks, 733 So.2d 1261 (La.Ct.App.1999); Dykes v. Dykes, 488 So.2d 368 (La.Ct.App.1986). The absence of a record of the conversation makes impossible our ability to thoroughly and properly review the record of the trial between the parties. Hicks, 733 So.2d at 1267. ¶ 19. In Georgia, not only has this problem been addressed in the Uniform Superior Court Rules, but the Court of Appeals of Georgia has also commented on and affirmed the importance of making a finding on the record regarding such in-chambers conversations. See Uniform Superior Court Rules 24.1 et seq., 24.5(B); Williams v. Stepler, 221 Ga.App. 338, 471 S.E.2d 284 (1996). A trial court's refusal to make a record of a private conversation between the court and the child left the father with no means of knowing the basis for any findings the court might make. Williams, 471 S.E.2d at 286 (Beasley, C.J., specially concurring). The court held the trial court erred in issuing an order containing findings based in part on an interview with a child which was not recorded ... [such] proceedings were fatally flawed.... Id. Of great importance to the court was the purpose of the recordation, which was to preserve the court's interview with the child, and the child's statements to the court. Id. ¶ 20. Likewise, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act sets out guidelines for in-chambers interviews of children in custody proceedings. 750 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/640(a) (West 1996). The court shall cause a court reporter to be present who shall make a complete record of the interview instantaneously to be part of the record in the case. Id. In an Illinois case, one party was prevented from being present during the in-chambers interview because said party was a pro se litigant. [3] However, because the interview was recorded by the court reporter and made a part of the record, the court was able to properly determine that there was no prejudice to the party. In re Marriage of Knoche 322 Ill.App.3d 297, 255 Ill.Dec. 716, 750 N.E.2d 297, 302-03 (2001). ¶ 21. We agree with our sister states that a record of in-chambers interviews with children must be made and become a part of the record. We set forth the following procedure to be employed by courts dealing with in-chambers interviews of children. A record must be made by a court reporter physically present during the in-chambers interview. We are mindful that a child may be uncomfortable in an in-chambers interview with even one adult, and that discomfort might be exacerbated by the presence of a second adult with the attendant equipment of a court reporter. However, we are confident that the chancellors in our state will be able provide an atmosphere in which the child is able to converse freely with the chancellor, without attention being drawn to the reporter. It will be at the court's discretion whether to seal the interview, which may by order of the trial court or an appellate court be unsealed for review. II. WHETHER A GUARDIAN AD LITEM WAS REQUIRED. ¶ 22. Because the child's best interest is our polestar consideration, the importance of guardian ad litem appointments in child custody proceedings cannot be overemphasized. In any proceeding regarding a change of custody or visitation we must be mindful of the child's best interest. Miss.Code Ann. § 9-5-89 (Rev. 2002) provides in pertinent part: The court may appoint a guardian ad litem to any infant or defendant of unsound mind, and allow him suitable compensation payable out of the estate of such party, but the appointment shall not be made except when the court shall consider it necessary for the protection of the interest of such defendant; and a decree or judgment of any court shall not be void or erroneous because of the failure to have a guardian ad litem. The appointment of a guardian ad litem allows for the child to be represented and for the child's voice to be heard by the court through an independent party. ¶ 23. In child custody cases where allegations of abuse are at issue, it is mandatory that a guardian ad litem be appointed. Miss.Code Ann. § 93-5-23 (Supp.2002) provides in pertinent part: The court may investigate, hear and make a determination in a custody action when a charge of abuse and/or neglect arises in the course of a custody action as provided in Section 43-21-151, and in such cases the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the child as provided under Section 43-21-121, who shall be an attorney. ¶ 24. Carol alleged physical abuse by Thomas in her petition for a change of custody. The Chancellor ordered the Department of Human Services to investigate these allegations, but did not appoint a guardian ad litem for Brittany. Unless the allegation of child abuse is withdrawn, the chancellor should appoint a guardian ad litem prior to the hearing which we order today.