Opinion ID: 885834
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: issues

Text: ¶ 9 Whether the District Court adequately addressed the facts and issues presented in its written Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order. ¶ 10 Vern contends that the District Court did not adequately address the facts and issues presented during the hearings in its Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order. He argues that the District Court ignored the compelling disclosures of A.D.V. and the testimony of professionals who concluded that sexual abuse had occurred. Vern maintains that the District Court should have given some explanation why it discounted this important evidence in its Findings. Vern further argues that the District Court did not adequately address the best interests test set forth in § 40-4-212, MCA. ¶ 11 Christina states that the District Court's Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order are adequate. She points out that the court specifically referred to the witnesses' testimony, addressed its concern for the child by incorporating safeguards and counseling requirements in its order and was in the best position to weigh the evidence presented. ¶ 12 We agree with Christina. The trial judge faced conflicting evidence in this case. The step-grandfather testified, without subpoena, that he never inappropriately touched A.D.V. Although there was expert testimony that A.D.V. had been sexually abused, there was other expert testimony that A.D.V.'s constant travel was a possible cause of her reported conduct. There was further expert testimony suggesting that the experts who testified that abuse occurred did not follow standard protocols while interviewing A.D.V. There was lay testimony indicating that it was unlikely that the step-grandfather had an opportunity to commit the alleged abuse. After recognizing the conflicting testimony in its findings, the District Court ultimately determined that the sexual abuse had not been proven. All of this was documented in the District Court's Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order. We conclude that the District Court's Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order are sufficient to support the court's decision.