Opinion ID: 2756461
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Motion to Reopen the Evidence

Text: [¶26] Although D’Amato knew in September 2013 that Light might not be able to afford to live in Falmouth, she waited three months and did not seek to reopen the evidence, see M.R. Civ. P. 43(j), until after the court had entered its judgment in December. When she moved to reopen the evidence, she argued that new evidence should be accepted “based on a substantial change in circumstance since trial concluded.” Notwithstanding the reference to a substantial change in circumstances, D’Amato has not filed a post-judgment motion to modify the judgment. See 19-A M.R.S. §§ 1653(10), 1657 (2013); Jackson v. MacLeod, 2014 ME 110, ¶ 21, 100 A.3d 484 (requiring a parent who moves to modify to “demonstrate that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the previous decree”). [¶27] “A party who has rested cannot thereafter introduce further evidence except in rebuttal unless by leave of court.” M.R. Civ. P. 43(j). “The trial court has discretion in determining whether a party may reopen its case after the close of the evidence.” In re Danielle S., 2004 ME 19, ¶ 2, 844 A.2d 1148. The court may consider various factors, “including whether allowing additional evidence would be necessary for an accurate adjudication, would give the court a more complete picture, or would create any unfair disadvantage to the other party.” Dalphonse v. St. Laurent & Son, Inc., 2007 ME 53, ¶ 16, 922 A.2d 1200. 13 [¶28] Here, D’Amato moved to reopen the evidentiary record on the grounds that her employment and city of residence have changed, and that Light indicated in September 2013 that he could not afford to move to Falmouth and was instead living in Portland. In the divorce judgment, the court’s determination of the child’s best interest for purposes of primary residence was based, in large part, on evidence that the child would benefit from remaining in Falmouth for school and for after-school care. Accordingly, evidence that the child—whether residing with her mother or her father—will lose her community supports in the Falmouth school system and will also likely have a new after-school care provider could constitute a substantial change in circumstances that could allow the court to modify the judgment. See 19-A M.R.S. §§ 1653(10), 1657. [¶29] The court did not, however, abuse its discretion in declining to reopen the record after the contentious and lengthy process that had already taken place. D’Amato was aware of pertinent information before the court entered its judgment and could have moved to reopen the evidence in time for the court to consider that evidence in crafting its judgment. Given the already extensive trial process and D’Amato’s conflicting representations at trial about her relocation plans, the court’s denial of the motion to reopen the evidence after it entered the judgment was well within its discretion. If circumstances have changed substantially since 14 the entry of the divorce judgment, a specific process exists to address motions to modify parental rights and responsibilities. See id.