Opinion ID: 2518066
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Introduction of Letters

Text: [¶ 16] During the hearing, to support his testimony that he had been actively looking for work, Father offered multiple letters from contractors stating they had no work available for him. The district court admitted the letters into evidence over Mother's several objections including a hearsay objection. The decision of whether or not to admit evidence lies within the discretion of the trial court. Three Way, Inc. v. Burton Enters., Inc., 2008 WY 18, ¶ 29, 177 P.3d 219, 228 (Wyo.2008). We will not disturb the trial court's ruling absent abuse of that discretion. McCabe v. R.A. Manning Constr. Co., Inc., 674 P.2d 699, 706 (Wyo.1983). As always, even if this Court determines that the trial court erred in ruling on the admissibility of evidence, we disregard errors which are harmless. W.R.C.P. 61; W.R.A.P. 9.04; W.R.E. 103. [¶ 17] We need not discuss whether the admission of the letters constituted error because, even if it did, Mother was not prejudiced by such introduction. The district court listened to Mother's objections and admitted the letters over the objections stating [t]he Court can give them the weight that it determines, so I don't think that it's going to be prejudicial. There is no further indication that the district court relied on the letters, nor was it necessary for the district court to do so. Father testified extensively as to his continuing job search. The letters do nothing more than corroborate that testimony. See Rudy v. Bossard, 997 P.2d 480, 484 (Wyo.2000) (no prejudice in admission of letter when letter did nothing more than corroborate testimony).