Opinion ID: 886038
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Biased expert opinion and calculations.

Text: ¶ 45 Keith's argument concerning the biased nature of Mr. Bourdeau's child support calculations is not clearly articulated. He maintains that the child support calculation was biased because Mr. Bourdeau did not adequately involve him in the review process. Additionally, he contends that the District Court erred by relying upon Mr. Bourdeau's testimony because Mr. Bourdeau allowed Patricia to aid him in reviewing Keith's records and expense determinations. ¶ 46 The record demonstrates that Patricia conducted the bookkeeping for Keith's operations and was familiar with his business records. Mr. Bourdeau testified that he gave Patricia specific instructions for auditing the records and reviewed her work and the records to insure she was complying with his instructions. Furthermore, while Keith contested the expense calculations reached by Mr. Bourdeau, he produced no evidence that his expenses were legitimate, that Mr. Bourdeau's determinations were incorrect, or that Patricia's involvement in reviewing Keith's records actually prejudiced the child support calculation. ¶ 47 In non-jury trials, the credibility of the witnesses and the weight given to their testimony and evidence presented at trial is a matter left to the discretion of the district court. In re Marriage of Kovarik, ¶ 30 (citing Keebler v. Harding (1991), 247 Mont. 518, 523, 807 P.2d 1354, 1357); Pankratz v. Teske, 2002 MT 112, ¶ 18, 309 Mont. 499, ¶ 18, 48 P.3d 30, ¶ 18. We conclude that the District Court did not abuse its discretion when it found that the audit conducted by Mr. Bourdeau was reliable in spite of the fact that Patricia was involved in reviewing Keith's business records. ¶ 48 We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand to the District Court for further findings regarding Keith's child support obligations consistent with this opinion. We Concur: JIM REGNIER, PATRICIA COTTER, W. WILLIAM LEAPHART, and JIM RICE, JJ.