Opinion ID: 1891717
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: modification of visitation rights.

Text: The August 5, 1976, order granted Melanie visitation rights on one weekend a month. This order was modified in September to provide that Gary pay the expenses of these visitations. The November 1, 1976, order, which is the subject of this appeal, granted Melanie visitation rights on two weekends a month, Thanksgiving and Christmas of 1976, and five weeks each summer. No guardian ad litem was appointed for the November 1, 1976, hearing and the trial court made no findings to support its order modifying the visitation rights. It is our opinion that the order accomplished a substantial modification of the rights of visitation. Also, it was a matter in which the trial judge knew that for several years the respective parents had evidenced significantly different opinions as to custody of the children and visitation rights. Gary argues, in effect, that the trial court abused its discretion in so enlarging the visitation rights because there was no finding of a substantial change in the circumstances of the parties following the August 5, 1976, decision. He suggests we should require the same showing of change of circumstances in an order modifying visitation rights as in one changing custody. Melanie, on the other hand, argues that no change of circumstances is required and that within a reasonable time after a decision a trial court may reconsider the evidence and revise its decision accordingly. Our attention is directed to secs. 806.07 (1) (h) and (2), Stats. [2] [1, 2] We do not subscribe to the contention advanced by either party. Neither do we categorically equate the standard of proof required for each and every modification of visitation rights with that required for a change of custody. as been stated to be: `. . . in the absence of a substantial change in the premises on which the original determination was made, a modification or revision is an abuse of discretion. . . .' Goembel v. Goembel, 60 Wis.2d 130, 133, 208 N.W.2d 416 (1973). The authority of a trial court to establish visitation rights has long been recognized, at common law, as an integral part of its authority to award custody. Weichman v. Weichman, 50 Wis.2d 731, 184 N.W.2d 882 (1971). Such authority is now alluded to in the statutes. Sec. 247.015, Stats., provides that all proceedings relating to the custody of children shall comply with the requirements of ch. 822, The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act. Sec. 822.02 (2), provides, in part: 822.02 Definitions. As used in this act: (1) . . . . (2) `Custody determination' means a court decision and court orders and instructions providing for the custody of a child, including visitation rights; . . . [3] A modification of visitation rights ordinarily has less impact upon the welfare of a child than does a complete transfer of custody. For this reason, a change of circumstances which would not justify a transfer of custody could well support a change in visitation rights. In Peterson v. Peterson, 13 Wis.2d 26, 30, 108 N.W.2d 126 (1961), it was stated, . . . No hard and fast formula has yet been devised for determining what factors will ultimately assure the future welfare of a child. . . . This is equally true in a determination of custody as well as visitation rights. In King v. King, 25 Wis.2d 550, 554, 131 N.W.2d 357 (1964), it was held that custody could not be changed on a rehearing of the same facts. It seems obvious that the same rule must apply to a modification of visitation rights. [4, 5] In the instant case, the decision setting visitation at one weekend a month was effective for approximately three months before it was enlarged by the November 1, 1976, order. The original decision gave full and informed consideration to the welfare of the children; it should not be modified three months later, absent some showing of change in circumstances. The moving party bears the burden of coming forward with sufficient proof of change of circumstances to permit the trial judge to make appropriate findings in support of the exercise of his discretion. Any modification of visitation rights should reflect a discernible change of circumstances. Melanie further contends that if a showing of change in circumstances is required, there was sufficient evidence presented to justify the modification of the August fifth order. The difficulty is that although the trial court recognized that the paramount concern in the determination of visitation rights must always be the best interest and welfare of the children, it made no findings in support of its decision. [6, 7] The decision of a trial court in a family court matter is ordinarily entitled to great weight; Adoption of Randolph, 68 Wis.2d 64, 227 N.W.2d 634 (1975). In this case, a contested family law case, where no findings were made and there is no reference by the trial court to the basis for its decision, we have concluded the cause must be remanded. Kraemer v. Kraemer, 67 Wis.2d 319, 227 N.W.2d 61 (1975); Cary v. Cary, 47 Wis.2d 689, 692, 177 N.W.2d 924 (1970). From an examination of the record in the present case, it appears there may possibly be sufficient evidence to support the decision of the trial court; however, there is no way we can determine the basis for its decision.