Opinion ID: 2279852
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Finding of Spousal Abuse

Text: [¶ 9] Bruce contends that the court's finding that there was mutual physical and emotional abuse on the part of Bruce and Richards was based impermissibly on hearsay from the guardian ad litem's report. He also argues that the issue of Bruce's abuse of Richards was res judicata after three previous protection from abuse orders sought by Richards against Bruce were all denied. [¶ 10] The court may appoint a guardian ad litem when the court has reason for special concern as to the welfare of a minor child. 19 M.R.S.A. § 752-A(1) (Supp. 1996). The guardian serves as the court's agent and prepares a report for the court detailing his or her findings. 19 M.R.S.A. § 752-A(4) and (5). The guardian ad litem's duties can include interviewing, subpoenaing, and examining witnesses and parties, reviewing mental health and other medical records, and procuring counseling and evaluation services for the child and parents. The guardian's report offers the court a compendium of information that aids the court in determining the best interests of the child. Section 752-A(4) specifically allows the court to admit the guardian's written report as long as the parties have been provided with an opportunity to examine the report in advance of the hearing. [6] In this case, the guardian's report was properly admitted. [¶ 11] Bruce's res judicata argument is also unavailing. The principle of res judicata bars relitigation of a cause of action between the same parties or their privies once a valid final judgment has been entered in an earlier suit on the same cause of action. Beegan v. Schmidt, 451 A.2d 642, 644 (Me. 1982). The protection from abuse cases and the divorce judgment modification involved the same parties but not the same cause of action. Gurski v. Culpovich, 540 A.2d 764, 765-66 (Me.1988). The entry is: Judgment affirmed.