Court Opinion

ID: 4252995
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2018-03-08 23:10:16.033235+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:43:45.730962
License: Public Domain

NOTICE
                                      2018 IL App (5th) 170380
 Decision filed 03/08/18. The
 text of this decision may be                NO. 5-17-0380
 changed or corrected prior to
 the filing of a Peti ion for
 Rehearing or the disposition of                 IN THE
 the same.

                                   APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS

                                           FIFTH DISTRICT
________________________________________________________________________

In re MARRIAGE OF                                             )      Appeal from the
WILLIAM DANIEL WHITEHEAD,                                     )      Circuit Court of
                                                              )      Johnson County.
         Petitioner-Appellant,                                )
                                                              )
and                                                           )      No. 15-D-21
                                                              )
STEPHANIE NEWCOMB-WHITEHEAD,                                  )      Honorable
                                                              )      James R. Williamson,
         Respondent-Appellee.                                 )      Judge, presiding.
________________________________________________________________________

         JUSTICE GOLDENHERSH delivered the judgment of the court, with opinion.
         Justices Chapman and Cates concurred in the judgment and opinion.

                                          OPINION

¶1       Petitioner, William Daniel Whitehead, appeals from a portion of a final parenting plan

and judgment entered in the dissolution of his marriage to respondent, Stephanie Newcomb-

Whitehead. The issues raised in this appeal are as follows: (1) did the trial court err in allocating

parenting time by not including an analysis of the factors in section 602.7 of the Illinois Marriage

and Dissolution of Marriage Act (Act) (750 ILCS 5/602.7 (West 2016)), (2) did the trial court err

in entering the parenting time schedule, (3) did the trial court err in ordering an eight-hour right

of first refusal rather than a four-hour right of first refusal when substitute child care is

necessary, and (4) did the trial court err in denying petitioner’s motion to reconsider regarding

child support? We affirm.
                                                 1

¶2                                      BACKGROUND

¶3      The parties were married on June 17, 2006. Three children were born during the

marriage, D.W. (born October 5, 2007), A.W. (born June 9, 2010), and G.W. (born March 3,

2012). Respondent also has a daughter from a prior relationship. The parties separated on

February 6, 2015. Petitioner filed his petition for dissolution on March 26, 2015.

¶4      During the parties’ marriage, petitioner went to school to become a nurse. Petitioner is

currently an emergency room nurse. As a result, he works shifts. His schedule changed over the

course of these proceedings. In July 2016, petitioner’s schedule changed, requiring him to work

every other weekend. Respondent is an administrative assistant at a counseling center. Her work

schedule is flexible. She normally works Monday through Friday. Petitioner earns more than

twice what respondent earns. Evidence showed respondent’s gross income for 2016 was

$35,000, while petitioner’s gross income was $80,044.

¶5      Brian Trambley was appointed guardian ad litem. He interviewed the parties and the

children on two occasions, once at petitioner’s home and once at respondent’s home. He found

both parties to be good parents and the children to be happy and well adjusted. In his report, he

specifically stated, “In addressing the best interest of the children and the allocation of parenting

time pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/602.7, all seventeen factors will be addressed below.” He then went

on to address each of the 17 factors and analyzed each factor with respect to the instant case. He

also noted that “[e]ach parent has given me a proposal for parenting time and they do not differ

in great detail.” The guardian ad litem went on to make his recommendations about parenting

time.

¶6      A second stage hearing was held on December 12, 2016. A judgment of dissolution was

entered the following day. The remaining issues, including parenting time for the three minor

                                                 2

children, maintenance, child support, division of marital debt, petitioner’s student loan debt, and

dissipation of assets, were reserved. An additional second stage hearing was held on February 7,

2017. The trial court then took the case under advisement.

¶7     On March 15, 2017, the trial court issued its ruling via a letter to the parties’ attorneys. In

the letter, the trial court specifically states: “All evidence, including the guardian ad litem’s

report and addendum to same, statutory and case law applicable, and the written closing

arguments of counsel have been considered.” The trial court then (1) ordered petitioner to pay

respondent $1470 per month in child support; (2) determined the fate of the marital residence;

(3) ordered each party to retain their respective bank accounts, retirement accounts, and cars in

his or her possession and waive any claim against the other party’s; (4) divided the parties’ debt;

(5) awarded each party the personal property in his or her possession; (6) found no dissipation of

assets; and (7) refused to award maintenance to respondent.

¶8     With regard to parenting time the trial court specifically stated, “Regarding the allocation

of parenting time for the children, the holiday, summer schedule, and special occasion dates, as

this court understands from reviewing both parties’ parenting plans, are stipulated to, and this

court ratifies and approves the same.” The trial court then set a schedule to be followed “during

the school year.” Respondent’s attorney was ordered to prepare a final judgment to include

language supporting grounds, allocation of parenting time, and an order for support.

¶9     The final parenting plan and judgment was entered by the trial court on June 19, 2017. It

specifically provides for parenting time as follows:

               “5. During the school year, the parties shall have the following schedule with the

       minor children:

                                                 3

                a. [Petitioner] shall have every Monday from 8:00 a.m. until Tuesday at

       6:00 p.m.

                b. [Petitioner] shall have every other weekend from Friday at 6:00 p.m.

       until Tuesday at 6:00 p.m., beginning Friday, March 24, 2017, and continuing

       every other weekend thereafter.

                c. [Respondent] shall have every Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. until Friday at

       6:00 p.m.

                d. [Respondent] shall have every other weekend from Friday at 6:00 p.m.

       until Monday at 8:00 a.m., beginning March 31, 2017, and continuing every other

       weekend thereafter.

       6. During the summer *** the parties shall have the following schedule with the

minor children:

                a. [Petitioner] shall have every Sunday from 7:00 p.m. until Tuesday at

       6:00 p.m.

                b. [Petitioner] shall have every other weekend from Friday at 6:00 p.m.

       until Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. on the same schedule as set forth in Paragraph 5(b)

       above.

                c. [Respondent] shall have every Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. until Friday at

       6:00 p.m.

                d. [Respondent] shall have every other weekend from Friday at 6:00 p.m.

       until Sunday at 7:00 p.m., on the same schedule as set forth in Paragraph 5(d)

       above.”

                                         4

The final parenting plan also states that “each [party] shall have the right of first refusal to

parenting time with the children when the other parent is unable to exercise his or her parenting

time for a period in excess of eight (8) hours.”

¶ 10   On July 18, 2017, petitioner filed a motion to reconsider, in which he asked the trial court

to state its analysis of factors set forth in section 602.7 of the Act, reconsider its decision as to

the right of first refusal, reconsider its decision regarding parenting time, and reconsider child

support in light of recent changes to the Act. The trial court denied petitioner’s motion to

reconsider. Petitioner now appeals.

¶ 11                                         ISSUES

¶ 12                             I. Allocation of Parenting Time

¶ 13   The first issue is whether the trial court erred in allocating parenting time by not

including an analysis of the factors in section 602.7 of the Act. Petitioner contends the trial court

failed to consider the statutory factors listed in section 602.7(b) (750 ILCS 5/602.7(b) (West

2016)) when allocating parenting time between the parties. Petitioner points to the fact that the

trial court did not summarize the evidence, nor did it mention any factor of section 602.7(b), as

evidence of such failure. We are unconvinced.

¶ 14   Section 602.7 of the Act requires a court to allocate parenting time in accordance with the

best interest of the child. Id. § 602.7(a). In allocating parenting time, the court shall consider all

relevant factors, including (1) each parent’s wishes; (2) the child’s wishes; (3) the amount of

time that each parent spent performing caretaking functions with respect to the child in the 24

months preceding the filing of any petition for allocation of parental responsibilities; (4) any

prior agreement or course of conduct between the parents relating to caretaking functions; (5) the

interaction and interrelationship of the child with his parents and siblings and with any other

                                                   5

person who may significantly affect his best interests; (6) the child’s adjustment to his home,

school, and community; (7) the mental and physical health of all individuals involved; (8) the

child’s needs; (9) the distance between the parents’ residences; (10) whether a restriction on

parenting time is appropriate; (11) the physical violence or threat of physical violence by the

child’s parent directed against the child or other member of the child’s household; (12) each

parent’s willingness and ability to place the child’s needs ahead of his or her own; (13) each

parent’s willingness and ability to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship

between the other parent and the child; (14) the occurrence of abuse against the child or other

member of the child’s household; (15) whether one parent is a sex offender or resides with a sex

offender; (16) the terms of the parent’s military family-care plan if a parent is a member of the

United States Armed Forces who is being deployed; and (17) any other factor that the court

expressly finds to be relevant. Id. § 602.7(b).

¶ 15   Because the trial court is in the best position to assess the credibility of witnesses and

determine the child’s best interests, its decision regarding the allocation of parenting time must

be accorded great deference. In re Marriage of Debra N., 2013 IL App (1st) 122145, ¶ 45. We

will not overturn the trial court’s decision unless the court abused its considerable discretion or

its decision is against the manifest weight of the evidence. Id. Petitioner cites In re Custody of

G.L., 2017 IL App (1st) 163171, in support of his contention that the trial court failed to properly

consider and weigh the factors in section 602.7(b).

¶ 16   In that case, the trial court failed to specifically mention the factors of section 602.7 but

did summarize evidence. Id. ¶ 44. However, that court specifically stated as follows:

               “Although a trial court must consider all relevant factors when determining the

       best interests of a child, it is not required to make an explicit finding or [specific]

                                                  6

        reference to each factor. [Citations.] Generally, we presume that a trial court knows the

        law and follows it accordingly. [Citation.]” Id. ¶ 43.

A petitioner’s mere assertion that the trial court did not consider the statutory factors is

insufficient to overcome the presumption that the trial court knew and followed the law. Id. ¶ 44.

¶ 17    In the instant case, Brian Trambley, the guardian ad litem, specifically utilized the 17

factors of section 602.7(b) in addressing the best interest of the children and the allocation of

parenting time. In his report to the court, Trambley went into great detail and analyzed each of

the 17 factors. With regard to the first factor, he noted that each parent gave him a proposal for

parenting time and they did not differ in great detail. After addressing all the factors, Trambley

concluded that both parties love their children and have the children’s best interests in mind. He

noted that the children want to see both of their parents as much as they can but equal time is not

a reality.

¶ 18    In its March 15, 2017, letter to the parties’ attorneys, the trial court stated it considered all

the evidence, including the guardian ad litem’s report. As a result, the record shows the trial

court was aware of the 17 factors to be considered pursuant to section 602.7(b). Petitioner fails to

point to anything in the record that shows the trial court did not consider the section 602.7

factors; he merely points to the lack of any explicit mention of the factors by the trial court and a

summary of the evidence. But given the fact that the trial court specifically stated it considered

“all evidence” including the guardian ad litem’s report, which analyzes all of the factors in depth,

we presume the trial court properly considered all statutory factors.

¶ 19                                       II. Best Interest

¶ 20    The second issue we are asked to address is whether the trial court entered a parenting

time order that is in the best interest of the children. Petitioner contends when the facts of this

                                                   7

case are analyzed in light of the factors of section 602.7(b) it is clearly apparent the trial court’s

order as to the parenting time schedule is not in the best interest of the children. We disagree.

¶ 21    A trial court’s findings as to a child’s best interest are entitled to great deference because

the trial judge is in a better position than we are to observe the personalities and temperaments of

the parties and assess the credibility of the witnesses. In re Marriage of Stopher, 328 Ill. App. 3d
1037, 1041 (2002). “It is a well-established rule that the credibility of witnesses should be left to

the trier of fact because it alone is in the position to see the witnesses, observe their demeanor,

and assess the relative credibility of witnesses where there is conflicting testimony on issues of

fact.” In re Marriage of Kaplan, 149 Ill. App. 3d 23, 28 (1986). We will overturn such a

determination only if it is against the manifest weight of the evidence, is manifestly unjust, or is

the result of an abuse of discretion. In re B.B., 2011 IL App (4th) 110521, ¶ 32. A judgment is

against the manifest weight of the evidence only if an opposite conclusion is apparent or if the

findings appear unreasonable, arbitrary, or not based on the evidence. In re Custody of K.P.L.,

304 Ill. App. 3d 481, 488 (1999).

¶ 22    Contrary to petitioner’s assertions, when the facts of this case are analyzed in light of the

factors set forth in section 602.7(b) of the Act, it is not clearly apparent that the trial court’s order

as to the parenting time schedule is not in the best interest of the children. Here, the first factor,

the wishes of each parent, does not favor either parent. Both parties sought equal parenting time,

and the proposals they submitted were fairly similar. The only real difference boils down to who

would have the children every other Sunday night during the school year.

¶ 23    The second factor, the wishes of the children, showed that the children did express a

desire to see petitioner on Sunday evenings. However, the wishes of the children should not be

                                                   8

given too much emphasis due to the children’s young ages. The oldest child was only eight at the

time the guardian ad litem interviewed the children.

¶ 24      The third factor, the amount of time each spent with performing caretaking functions with

respect to the children in the 24 months preceding the filing of the petition for allocation of

parental responsibilities, is split. Both parties gave varying accounts as to which party performed

the majority of caretaking functions. It is clear to us, however, that both parties participated in

caretaking functions, and the record shows both are capable of carrying out such functions in the

future.

¶ 25      The fourth factor, any prior agreement or course of conduct between the parents relating

to caretaking functions with respect to the children, is inapplicable because the parties failed to

reach an agreement.

¶ 26      With regard to the fifth factor, the interaction and interrelationship of the child with his or

her parents and siblings and with any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best

interests, it does not support one parent over the other. The children love each other and their

parents.

¶ 27      As to the sixth factor, the child’s adjustment to his or her home, school, and community,

it appears that all the children are adjusting well. The children were originally home schooled by

respondent’s mother but are now attending public school and have adapted. The parties live

relatively close to each other, and both have adequate space for the children. For the most part, it

appears the children have adjusted as well as can be expected to the parties’ separation and

dissolution of marriage.

¶ 28      As to the seventh factor, the mental and physical health of all individuals, there are not

any issues that are relevant to parenting time.

                                                    9

¶ 29   As to the eighth issue, the child’s needs, the record does not reflect any special needs on

the part of any of the children. It appears all children’s needs are being met.

¶ 30   With regard to the ninth issue, the distance between the parents’ residences, the cost and

difficulty of transporting the child, each parent’s and the child’s daily schedules, and the ability

of the parents to cooperate in the arrangement, it does not appear that this factor favors one party

over the other. As previously discussed, the parties’ residences are within relatively close

proximity. Respondent retained the marital residence, and petitioner lives in an apartment

approximately 20 miles away. The record shows some discord about sports schedules but

nothing that would be overly worrisome.

¶ 31   With regard to the tenth factor, whether a restriction on parenting time is appropriate, the

record fails to show any restriction is necessary.

¶ 32   With regard to the eleventh factor, the physical violence or threat of physical violence by

the child’s parent directed against the child or other member of the child’s household, we

disagree with petitioner that this factor favors him. Petitioner points to an incident early in the

parties’ separation when respondent allegedly threw a picture frame against a wall and “grabbed”

G.W. Given the fact that respondent just learned petitioner was seeing another woman, it is clear

to us that it was a moment of passion. No further incident has been reported. 

¶ 33   As to the twelfth factor, the willingness and ability of each parent to place the needs of

the child ahead of his or her own needs, petitioner admits that this factor favors respondent due

to her more flexible work schedule.

¶ 34   With regard to the thirteenth factor, the willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate

and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the other parent and the child,

petitioner insists this factor favors him. Petitioner alleges respondent tried to limit his contact

                                                 10 

with the children in the following four ways: (1) texting him on short notice of D.W.’s first

soccer game, (2) not facilitating to his satisfaction his daily phone calls to the children,

(3) refusing to give petitioner Sunday nights with the children, and (4) not changing the

parenting schedule to accommodate his work schedule. The guardian ad litem was aware of

most, if not all, of these concerns when he concluded “these parents can foster a continuing

relationship between each other and the children.” The trial court agreed with this conclusion.

Based upon the record before us, we cannot say the opposite conclusion is clearly apparent. Both

parties appear able to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the

other parent and child, especially after the initial shock of the dissolution wore off and the reality

of their new situation set in.

¶ 35    The final four factors do not apply: (1) there is no evidence to support any physical

violence or threat of physical violence by either parent, except for the minor incident previously

discussed; (2) neither parent is a sex offender; (3) neither parent is a member of the armed

forces; (4) there are no other factors relevant to the decision making process.

¶ 36    The biggest advantage probably goes to respondent due to her flexible work schedule.

But the reality here is that the factors amount to basically a tie, with none of the factors greatly

favoring one party over the other. The trial court’s order reflects this balance by allowing both

parties a substantial amount of parenting time. Under these circumstances, we cannot say the trial

court entered a parenting time order that is not in the best interests of the children.

¶ 37                                 III. Right of First Refusal

¶ 38    The third issue raised on appeal is whether the trial court erred in entering a right of first

refusal provision that takes effect only if either parent cannot exercise their parenting time for a

period of eight hours. Petitioner contends it is not in the best interest of the children to have an 8­

                                                  11 

hour requirement because respondent, who has a flexible work schedule, can adjust her work

schedule to work for 7 hours and 55 minutes just to interfere with petitioner’s ability to see the

children while she is at work. Petitioner asks for a right of first refusal that would take effect

when either parent cannot exercise his or her parenting time for a period of four hours or more.

¶ 39    Section 602.3(a) of the Act provides:

                “(a) If the court awards parenting time to both parents under Section 602.7 or

        602.8, the court may consider, consistent with the best interests of the child as defined in

        Section 602.7, whether to award to one or both of the parties the right of first refusal to

        provide child care for the minor child or children during the other parent’s normal

        parenting time, unless the need for child care is attributable to an emergency.” 750 ILCS

        5/602.3(a) (West 2016).

Section 602.3(b) of the Act provides “ ‘right of first refusal’ means that if a party intends to leave

the minor child or children with a substitute child-care provider for a significant period of time,

that party must first offer the other party an opportunity to personally care for the minor child or

children.” Id. § 602.3(b).

¶ 40    A trial court’s determination as to best interests of the child will only be reversed if it is

clearly against the manifest weight of the evidence and it appears a manifest injustice has

occurred. In re Parentage of J.W., 2013 IL 114817, ¶ 55. A judgment is against the manifest

weight of the evidence only if the opposite conclusion is clearly apparent. Id. Here, we cannot

say the trial court’s decision to grant a right of first refusal provision of eight hours is against the

manifest weight of the evidence.

¶ 41    An eight-hour right of first refusal as opposed to a four-hour right of first refusal appears

reasonable under the facts and circumstances of this case. Petitioner’s argument is based on

                                                  12 

nothing more than conjecture and speculation. What is clear is that both parties work full-time

outside the home. While there were some incidents early after the parties’ separation that

indicate some problems working in the children’s best interest, both have since shown the ability

to resolve issues more amicably. However, a four-hour right of first refusal could require the

parties to contact each other more than necessary and potentially lead to greater conflict. After

careful consideration, we cannot say the trial court’s decision to grant an eight-hour, rather than a

four-hour, right of first refusal when substitute care is required is against the manifest weight of

the evidence.

¶ 42                                IV. Motion to Reconsider

¶ 43   The final issue is whether the trial court erred in denying petitioner’s motion to

reconsider regarding child support. Petitioner asserts that there has been a substantial change in

the law since the original hearings in this matter by virtue of an amendment to section 505 of the

Act (750 ILCS 5/505 (West 2016)), which makes Illinois an “income shares” model state with

regard to child support. Petitioner argues the trial court should have allowed his motion to

reconsider and followed this new model. We disagree.

¶ 44   A motion to reconsider draws a trial court’s attention to newly discovered evidence that

was unavailable at the time of the first hearing, changes in the law, or errors in the previous

application of existing law to the facts of the case. In re Marriage of Lasota, 2014 IL App (1st)
132009, ¶ 28. Whether a motion to reconsider should be granted is left to the sound discretion of

the trial court and its decision will not be overturned absent an abuse of discretion. Weidner v.

Midcon Corp., 328 Ill. App. 3d 1056, 1061 (2002).

¶ 45   Public Act 99-764 (eff. July 1, 2017) changed section 505 of the Act (750 ILCS 5/505) to

make Illinois an “income shares” model. The trial court’s initial ruling made via letter was

                                                 13 

entered on March 15, 2017, and the judgment order for final disposition was entered on June 19,

2017. Thus, the trial court’s rulings with regard to child support were made under the law

applicable at the time. Because the trial court applied the law that was in effect at the time of its

ruling, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying petitioner’s motion to reconsider.

¶ 46                                     CONCLUSION

¶ 47   For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the final parenting plan and the judgment of

dissolution entered in the circuit court of Johnson County.

¶ 48   Affirmed.

                                                 14 

                               2018 IL App (5th) 170380

                                    NO. 5-17-0380

                                        IN THE

                          APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS

                                  FIFTH DISTRICT

In re MARRIAGE OF                         )     Appeal from the
WILLIAM DANIEL WHITEHEAD,                 )     Circuit Court of
                                          )     Johnson County.
      Petitioner-Appellant,               )
                                          )
and                                       )     No. 15-D-21
                                          )
STEPHANIE NEWCOMB-WHITEHEAD,              )     Honorable
                                          )     James R. Williamson,
      Respondent-Appellee.                )     Judge, presiding.
______________________________________________________________________________

Opinion Filed:         March 8, 2018
______________________________________________________________________________

Justices:          Honorable Richard P. Goldenhersh, J.

                  Honorable Melissa A. Chapman, J., and
                  Honorable Judy L. Cates, J.,
                  Concur
______________________________________________________________________________

Attorney          Winter D. Campanella, Campanella Law Firm, P.C., 144 South Division
for               Street, P.O. Box 317, Carterville, IL 62918
Appellant
______________________________________________________________________________

Attorney          Gerald S. Reed, Reed, Heller, Mansfield & Gross, 1100 Walnut Street,
for               P.O. Box 727, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Appellee
______________________________________________________________________________