Opinion ID: 2332716
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Branwen's Post-Trial Motion To Modify Legal And Physical Custody.

Text: Branwen filed a motion to modify legal and physical custody on January 27, 2009, approximately four months after the trial on legal custody. She supported her motion with three allegations of changed circumstances: (1) the cooperation and communication anticipated by the court had not occurred; (2) Will refused to abide by the court's orders; and (3) because she had graduated from college in May 2008 and was working conventional hours Monday through Friday, the existing schedule no longer allowed Branwen to have free time with Zada. Branwen's proposed modification included awarding her sole legal and primary physical custody of Zada, reducing Will's time with Zada to visitation every other weekend, half of the holidays, and a vacation period during the summer. Will opposed the motion to modify custody, arguing: (1) Branwen's motion claimed a nominal change in circumstances, including a unilateral and voluntar[y] decision to matriculate and graduate from college, which did not rise to the level required for modification; and (2) Branwen's repeated use of the judicial system to try to obtain sole custody of their daughter was not in good faith. Will also asked the court to assess attorney's fees against Branwen for her January 2009 motion. Will alleged that an award of fees was necessary because [w]ithout such sanction, the Court, counsel and [Will] may only expect another motion in a few weeks or at most, months' time. The superior court denied Branwen's motion to modify physical and legal custody without holding a hearing. In its February 19, 2009 order denying the motion, the court found [Will's] arguments persuasive, and ordered Branwen to reimburse [Will] full/partial attorney fees. Will's counsel was directed to submit an accounting of fees and costs.