Opinion ID: 2068906
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Motion for Findings of Fact

Text: [¶ 18] The purpose of motions for findings of additional facts pursuant to M.R. Civ. P. 52(b) is to seek specific fact-findings to support conclusions not already addressed by facts found in the court's opinion. Such motions should concisely indicate the conclusions on which additional fact-finding is desired and, in best practice, suggest particular facts to be found that are supported by the record and are relevant to the conclusion at issue. [¶ 19] Once the court has found the facts, it is not required to explain the rationale used to support each finding of fact or conclusion of law. Payne v. Payne, 2006 ME 73, ¶ 9, 899 A.2d 793, 795; Miele v. Miele, 2003 ME 113, ¶ 11, 832 A.2d 760, 763-64. Requests for additional fact-findings pursuant to M.R. Civ. P. 52(b) should not be used to attempt to require the court to explain its reasoning in reaching a particular result or to reargue points that were contested at trial and have been resolved by the court's decision. [¶ 20] The motion for findings of fact and conclusions of law filed by Edward after entry of the final divorce judgment in this case, however, did not comply with the mandates of Rule 52. Rather, the length and tone of the motion was inappropriate and ineffective, and does not represent good litigation practice. The motion was particularly inappropriate in light of the extra efforts the court had undertaken to invite comments by the parties and adjust its original decision in light of those comments. [¶ 21] Our review of Edward's requests for findings demonstrates that the court committed no error in its handling of these proceedings.