Opinion ID: 2195103
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Retroactive Application of Modification

Text: Shannon argues that the trial court abused its discretion in failing to make the modified child support order effective December 1, 2001, which was the first day of the month after she filed her application for modification of the dissolution decree. Shannon argues that although Joseph paid $900 in temporary support for 14 months during the proceedings, he paid only $600 per month during the first 11 months the case was pending. She also argues that the court abused its discretion in failing to make Joseph's requirement to contribute to childcare expenses retroactive to December 1, 2001. [6-8] Whether a child support order should be retroactive is entrusted to the discretion of the trial court and will be affirmed absent an abuse of discretion. Emery v. Moffett, ante p. 867, ___ N.W.2d ___ (2005). Absent equities to the contrary, the modification of child support orders should be applied retroactively to the first day of the month following the filing date of the application for modification. Erica J. v. Dewitt, 265 Neb. 728, 659 N.W.2d 315 (2003). In a modification of child support proceeding, the child and custodial parent should not be penalized, if it can be avoided, by the delay inherent in our legal system. Id. The trial court found that the delays in this case were not attributable to either party. The delays resulted from, inter alia, a motion to recuse the judge who initially handled the case, the failure of the court clerk to notify Joseph of the entry of an order, and tornado damage to the home of Shannon's attorney. The Nebraska Court of Appeals has addressed the retroactivity of a modification of child support by stating: The rule providing that the status, character, and situation of the parties and attendant circumstances should be considered in determining whether to make child support modifications retroactive naturally requires consideration of the obligated party's ability to pay the lump sum that will necessarily result in such a retroactive order. We find no cases in which the ability of the obligated party to pay the retroactively ordered support is discussed, but we think the ability to pay is a paramount factor. We think that in the absence of a showing of bad faith, it is an abuse of discretion for a court to award retroactive child support when the evidence shows the obligated parent does not have the ability to pay the retroactive support and still meet current obligations. Cooper v. Cooper, 8 Neb. App. 532, 538, 598 N.W.2d 474, 478 (1999). It appears that Shannon is seeking an additional $300 per month for 11 months, or $3,300. The trial court found that it would create a hardship on Joseph to make the child support modification retroactive to the month following the filing of the application for modification and that the temporary child support had given Shannon adequate relief. Joseph testified that he did not have the means to pay a retroactive award. He offered into evidence an account summary from Wells Fargo Bank which showed that as of August 15, 2003, he had $1,945.86 in his checking account and $339.32 in his savings account. Joseph stated that the checking account was a bill-paying account and that there were outstanding checks. The savings account was Joseph's only source of savings. There was no showing of bad faith on the part of Joseph to suggest that he had other funds available to pay a retroactive award of child support, and he offered evidence that his average living expenses exceeded his monthly net income. The trial court's finding that a retroactive order would create a hardship on Joseph is supported by the record. The court did not abuse its discretion in failing to order retroactive payment of child support or childcare expenses.