Opinion ID: 1878473
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Health of Parents

Text: ¶ 26. Adam claims that the Chancellor erred in giving an edge in health to Dawn because Adam smokes and, in addition, that Dawn's medical records were not properly considered when the Chancellor assessed the health of the parents. The records in question are from October, 1996, when Dawn received counseling from a military psychologist. The evaluations of the psychologist included statements that she suffered from an adjustment disorder with depressed mood and a provisional schizoid personality disorder. These evaluations also mentioned the risk of potential suicide and that Dawn might be harmful to others. Dawn admitted at the trial that these records were accurate. Adam argues that the chancellor's conclusion is not a true reflection of the evidence that was presented before the court and that her conclusion was not supported by substantial evidence as required by Patout v. Patout, 733 So.2d 770 (Miss.1999). ¶ 27. Dawn addresses the health of the parents issue by pointing out that the Chancellor actually addressed physical and mental health in two separate subparagraphs, (g and h of the court's opinion). In the first subparagraph, (g), the chancellor states: Adam smokes, Dawn does not so the mother has somewhat of an edge in health. In subparagraph (h) the chancellor stated: Much was attempted to be made of Dawn's medical records. The Court agrees with the testimony of the recruiting officer, there was nothing negative in her file. This is also proven by the fact that the Air Force took her back. If anything, the Court would hold Adam's failure to sign his medical waiver against him. His attorney's explanation that they hadn't presented them with one is unconvincing. This issue of medical waivers was fully discussed with the Court, when Dawn delivered hers, Adam certainly had the opportunity to deliver a signed waiver. ¶ 28. Dawn believes that the chancellor properly reviewed the medical records in question when coming to her decision regarding Dawn's mental health. Dawn relies on statements made by the Chancellor that show the records were properly considered. After Dawn's counsel objected to their admission into evidence, the chancellor stated, Yeah. You know, Mr. Pisarich, I am going to look at these medical records knowing that they obtain hearsay, knowing that she has said under oath that she has never committed suicide, never attempted to commit suicide. That her diagnosis was stress-related to an adjustment for military. She has testified that she has absolutely no mental health problems now and I know what her testimony has been and I've noted all the objections for the record. The Chancellor further states: And again, once again, Mr. Pisarich, the reason I am letting the medical records in is I think the Albright, one of the factors in Albright is mental health. And I feel like I need to look at the record to make an informed decision. ¶ 29. Dawn contends that the Chancellor was free to give these medical records whatever weight she deemed proper and points out that the medical records being reviewed predated Darby's birth by almost a year. She also argues that if these medical records were so damaging then the Air Force would not have allowed her to reenlist. Testimony of Dawn's air force recruiter confirms that the records that he is required to review when she explored reenlisting did not contain any negative or derogatory information. Testimony does not clearly indicate whether the medical records in question were part of what the Air Force recruiter considered in Dawn's allowance to reenlist, but the recruiter did state that the military records he reviewed would contain any information that the Air Force considered negative or derogatory. ¶ 30. Dawn maintains that Adam cannot now complain as to any lack of specific findings of fact and conclusion of law because Adam's trial counsel did not make a specific request asking for such. Dawn refers to M.R.C.P. 52(a) and Rule 4.01 of the Uniform Chancery Court Rules which are as follows: Rule 52 Findings by the Court; (a): Effect. In all actions tried upon the facts without a jury the court may, and shall upon the request of any party to the suit or when required by these rules, find the facts specially and state separately in its conclusions of law thereon and judgment shall be entered accordingly. M.R.C.P. 52(a). Rule 4.01 of the Uniform Chancery Court Rules titled Findings by the Court: In all actions where it is required or requested, pursuant to M.R.C.P. 52, the Chancellor shall find the facts specially and state separately his conclusions of law thereon. The request must be made either in writing, filed among the papers in the action, or dictated to the Court Reporter for record and called to the attention of the Chancellor. U.C.C.R. 4.01. Dawn believes that because Adam failed to request specific findings of fact and conclusions of law, contrary to what occurred in Patout where such a request was made, that the matter should be considered waived. Patout, 733 So.2d at 772-73. ¶ 31. The record clearly indicates that the Chancellor properly considered the mental and physical health of both parents and that her decision was based on the factors as outlined in Albright. Because of this, and the fact that Adam failed to request specific findings of fact and conclusions of law, this Court is hard pressed to find that the Chancellor's decision is manifestly wrong, clearly erroneous, or the result of the application of an erroneous legal standard. This Court has stated that child custody matters are solely within the Chancellor's discretion and we find that there was no abuse of this discretion in the Chancellor's determination of the health of the parents.