Opinion ID: 2588274
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Are findings of fact made by the magistrate supported by substantial and competent evidence?

Text: In connection with her challenge to the manner in which the magistrate produced the findings of fact, Melissa also argues that three of the findings are not supported by substantial and competent evidence. A trial court's findings of fact will not be set aside on appeal unless they are clearly erroneous. Bramwell v. South Rigby Canal Co., 136 Idaho 648, 39 P.3d 588 (2001); IDAHO R. CIV. P. 52(a). When deciding whether findings of fact are clearly erroneous, this Court does not substitute its view of the facts for that of the trial court. Bramwell v. South Rigby Canal Co., 136 Idaho 648, 39 P.3d 588 (2001). It is the province of the trial court to weigh conflicting evidence and to judge the credibility of witnesses. Rowley v. Fuhrman, 133 Idaho 105, 982 P.2d 940 (1999). On appeal, this Court examines the record to see if challenged findings of fact are supported by substantial and competent evidence. Id. Evidence is regarded as substantial if a reasonable trier of fact would accept it and rely upon it in determining whether a disputed point of fact has been proven. Bramwell v. South Rigby Canal Co., 136 Idaho 648, 39 P.3d 588 (2001). Melissa first challenges the magistrate's findings regarding the lack of cleanliness of the marital home. The magistrate made the following findings: 11. Melissa was a victim of abuse when residing with her mother and step-father and has indicated she does not like being at home. She provides little structure for Megan, such as regular bed and meal times. Until Melissa moved from the home in early May, it was always very dirty: beds were not made, the sink was full of dirty dishes, the laundry room full of dirty clothes, and the floors not cleaned. 12. Since the temporary custody hearing May 28, Hunt [a rehabilitation counselor who testified as an expert witness] has been at the parties [sic] Mountain River Ranch home at least weekly and was there on three unannounced visits. It is totally different. Justin, with the assistance of Julie [Justin's sister], has thoroughly cleaned it. On every visit, including those unannounced, it was clean and tidy. The dishes were done, cabinets clean, beds made, and laundry washed. At times it was still folded in the laundry room, but there were not stacks of dirty clothes. On several visits, when Megan was present, she appeared happy and contented and continued appropriate normal and natural expressions of affection for Justin, and he for her. It was and continues to be Hunt's opinion that Justin is the parent better able to provide for Megan's welfare. .... 22. Since the temporary hearing, Justin has provided custodial parental care for Megan. He cooks, cleans and does the laundry. He helps her bathe, combs her hair, reads her stories, and puts her to bed. Since the hearing, the cleanliness and orderliness of the home is totally different: It is now clean and neat, unlike before where it was dirty and disorderly. .... 34. Melissa is not a good housekeeper. The house at Mountain River Ranch was filthy, dirty dishes, dirty laundry, unmade beds, etc. The carpet became so dirty it will need to be replaced. Melissa challenges the above findings not for their accuracy, but for the implication that she was solely responsible for keeping the residence clean. She argues that Justin also bears responsibility for the lack of cleanliness in the marital home. The magistrate did not find that Justin had no responsibility to maintain the home when he and Melissa resided there. The magistrate merely found that the home was better maintained when Justin and Megan were living there than it was when Melissa was also living there. Those findings are supported by substantial and competent evidence. Melissa next challenges the finding that Justin's schizophrenia is controlled with medication and counseling. Melissa points to past incidents that she contends show that Justin's schizophrenia is not controlled adequately by his medications. Dr. Cobiella, Justin's treating psychiatrist, testified that she first saw Justin on August 9, 1993. At that time, she diagnosed his condition as bipolar disorder manic type in partial remission. Since then, she has seen him one to four times a month, and the current working diagnosis is schizophrenia with paranoid type. Dr. Cobiella testified that Justin's condition worsened after he married Melissa, resulting in a period of hospitalization; that his condition improved tremendously after he and Melissa separated; and that she expects his condition to continue to improve. She also stated that he had previously had problems due to not taking his medications as prescribed, but for a long time he has been compliant and very stable. She has no concerns about Justin's parenting abilities, and in her opinion he is able to provide for Megan's physical, emotional, and social needs. The magistrate's findings in this regard are supported by substantial and competent evidence. Finally, Melissa challenges the magistrate's finding that Justin was not a habitual perpetrator of domestic violence. Idaho Code § 32-717B(5) provides a presumption that joint custody is not in the best interests of a minor child if one of the parents is found to be a habitual perpetrator of domestic violence. There was evidence that both parties initiated violence against the other, with Justin initiating violence against Melissa more often than she did against him. She also testified, however, that the incidents of violence varied, depending upon whether Justin was taking his medications. Dr. Cobiella testified that before Justin began taking Dyprexam, the incidents of violence resulted from his mental illness. Considering the evidence in the record, the magistrate's finding that Justin was not a habitual perpetrator of domestic violence is supported by substantial and competent evidence.