Opinion ID: 2035565
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: The Pettit's were divorced in 1983. Michael was ordered to pay child support for the couple's three children. In 1987, at a time when Michael's net income was $404 per week, Michael's support obligation was increased to $160 per week, where it remains today. In October, 1989, upon being notified of an indefinite layoff from his employment, Michael moved for an interim support order. In July, 1990, Michael was terminated from his employment. He was hired by another company the next month, but at a reduced income. As a result, Michael petitioned for modification of his support obligation based on his change in circumstance and requested another interim order to abate support during the brief period he was unemployed. These motions were denied after a hearing in October, 1990. The trial court found that Michael was discharged from his employment due to his conduct and that he was in arrears on support, and ordered him to pay the arrearage. Michael remained in limited employment thereafter. In June, 1991, he again petitioned for modification of his support obligation alleging a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. Donna moved to dismiss the petition arguing that the October, 1990, order was res judicata on this issue. After a hearing before a different judge, the trial court granted Donna's motion to dismiss, ordered Michael to pay the support arrearage, found that he had resources from which to pay the arrearage by borrowing, and found him in contempt of court for nonpayment. The trial court refused to consider evidence of Michael's present earning capacity as grounds for a modification of support because the October, 1990, order specified that Michael lost his job due to his conduct. The trial court stated that until there was a substantial change in circumstances, his income must continue to be imputed at the level he earned in 1987. Michael appealed on the grounds that (i) he was entitled to present evidence about his changed circumstances and (ii) the evidence was insufficient to support the finding of contempt. The Court of Appeals agreed, reversed the trial court, and remanded the matter for hearing. 612 N.E.2d at 1093. The Court of Appeals also addressed an issue not raised by the parties, and concluded that contempt was not a remedy available to Donna because she had assigned her right to collect child support payments. Id. Donna seeks transfer only on the issue of contempt.