Court Opinion

ID: 4551529
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-07-28 16:11:10.010286+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:25:00.470266
License: Public Domain

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NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37

 H.L.J.                                   :   IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
                                          :        PENNSYLVANIA
                                          :
               v.                         :
                                          :
                                          :
 R.G.J., JR.                              :
                                          :
                     Appellant            :   No. 2014 MDA 2019

               Appeal from the Order Entered November 27, 2019
                 In the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County
                        Civil Division at No(s): 16-16933

BEFORE: PANELLA, P.J., STABILE, J., and MUSMANNO, J.
MEMORANDUM BY PANELLA, P.J.:                   FILED JULY 28, 2020

      R.G.J., Jr. (“Father”) appeals from the order, entered in the Court of

Common Pleas of Berks County, granting H.L.J.’s (“Mother”) petition to modify

the existing order governing the custody of their daughter (“Child”). The trial

court found that Child was suffering from moderate to severe alienation from

Mother. As a result, the court modified the existing custody order to provide

Mother with 90 days of sole physical custody of Child, with no contact with

Father, who previously had primary physical custody of Child. After careful

review, we affirm.

      Mother and Father divorced in 2013. Since then, the parties have been

involved in numerous custody hearings concerning physical custody of Child.
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      Following a custody hearing in 2017, the trial court granted shared legal

custody of Child and awarded primary physical custody of Child to Father and

partial physical custody to Mother. The court also ordered Mother to attend

reunification therapy with Child to address some serious and outstanding

issues between them.

      Mother and Child participated in reunification therapy. However, after a

period of time, Dr. Adrian Quinn, a licensed clinical psychologist, concluded

that traditional reunification therapy was ineffective. According to Dr. Quinn,

as sessions progressed, Child experienced anxiety to the point where she

would no longer want to meet with Mother. Dr. Quinn opined that Child’s

rejection of Mother was influenced by Father. For that reason, he

recommended that Mother and Child seek a higher level of care, where they

can restart their relationship without interference from Father. Dr. Quinn

referred Mother and Child to Linda Gottlieb, a therapist in New York.

      Mother petitioned the trial court to modify the 2017 custody order so

she could attend “intensive reunification therapy” with Gottlieb. The trial court

held an evidentiary hearing on the petition. At the hearing, Gottlieb explained

that her treatment program, known as “Turning Points for Families,” is a 4

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day therapeutic intervention designed to restore the damaged relationship

between a child and the rejected parent.

      Although the ultimate goal is for the child to have a meaningful

relationship with both parents, Gottlieb requires the rejected parent to have

temporary sole custody of the child. Then, upon completion of the 4 day

program, the child is not permitted to contact the favored parent for at least

90 days. However, if the favored parent attends therapy on their own and

supports reunification with the rejected parent, the no-contact period may be

lifted sooner than 90 days.

      Following Gottlieb’s testimony, Mother sought to have Gottlieb qualified

as an expert in reunification therapy, specializing in parental alienation. Father

objected, arguing that the therapist’s methodology was not widely accepted,

and in fact, might be actively opposed by a majority of her peers.

      The court overruled Father’s objection and ultimately entered an order

requiring Child to participate in the therapist’s intensive reunification therapy

in New York, to be followed by 90 days of no contact with Father. The court

order also provides that physical custody of the child will not be returned to

Father unless Father supports Mother’s relationship with daughter.

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      Father filed a notice of appeal and a concise statement of errors

complained of on appeal. He also filed a stay of the court’s order, which the

court denied. Father then filed an emergency application in this Court seeking

the same relief. This Court granted a temporary stay, pending the disposition

of Father’s appeal.

      Thereafter, the trial court requested this Court remand the matter for

an additional hearing without specifying any reasons for its request. Father

opposed the trial court’s request, alleging irregularities following the entry of

the order under appeal. Specifically, he noted the court’s attempt to enforce

the order prior to this Court’s order staying proceedings. Upon review, we

denied the trial court’s request to remand. This appeal is now properly before

us.

      On appeal, Father raises the following issues:

      1. [Whether] a trial court [may] base conclusions and directives
      for children in a custody matter solely on novel scientific evidence
      without a factual basis that the principles and methodology the
      scientist employed or employs has gained general acceptance in
      the relevant medical community?

      2. [Whether] a trial court [may] certify an expert in a custody
      matter without a factual basis that the principles and methodology
      the scientist employed or employs has gained general acceptance
      in the relevant medical community?

      3. [Whether] a trial court [may] issue an order deferring decisions
      of physical custody to the sole discretion of an expert?

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      4. [Whether] a trial court [may] make indefinite changes to a
      custody order without an analysis of the best interests of the child
      standards?

      5. [Whether] a trial court [may] issue a warrant pursuant to 23
      P.A. C.S.[A.] § 5451 without a threat of imminent physical harm
      to a child or the threat that a child will be removed from the
      Commonwealth, without allowance, in the immediate future?

      6. [Whether] a warrant pursuant to 23 P.A. C.S.[A.] § 5451 is
      wrongfully issued, must a court award counsel fees to the victim?

Appellant’s Brief, at 7-8.

      In custody cases under the Child Custody Act, (“the Act”), 23 Pa.C.S.A.

§ 5321-5340, our standard of review is as follows:

      In reviewing a custody order, our scope is of the broadest type
      and our standard is abuse of discretion. We must accept findings
      of the trial court that are supported by competent evidence of
      record, as our role does not include making independent factual
      determinations. In addition, with regard to issues of credibility and
      weight of the evidence, we must defer to the presiding trial judge
      who viewed and assessed the witnesses first-hand. However, we
      are not bound by the trial court’s deductions or inferences from
      its factual findings. Ultimately, the test is whether the trial court’s
      conclusions are unreasonable as shown by the evidence of record.
      We may reject the conclusions of the trial court only if they involve
      an error of law, or are unreasonable in light of the sustainable
      findings of the trial court.

C.R.F. v. S.E.F., 45 A.3d 441, 443 (Pa. Super. 2012) (citation omitted).

      We have stated:

      [t]he discretion that a trial court employs in custody matters
      should be accorded the utmost respect, given the special nature
      of the proceeding and the lasting impact the result will have on
      the lives of the parties concerned. Indeed, the knowledge gained
      by a trial court in observing witnesses in a custody proceeding
      cannot adequately be imparted to an appellate court by a printed
      record.

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Ketterer v. Seifert, 902 A.2d 533, 540 (Pa. Super. 2006) (quoting Jackson

v. Beck, 858 A.2d 1250, 1254 (Pa. Super. 2004)).

      In M.A.T. v. G.S.T., 989 A.2d 11 (Pa. Super. 2010) (en banc), we stated

the following regarding an abuse of discretion standard.

      Although we are given a broad power of review, we are
      constrained by an abuse of discretion standard when evaluating
      the court’s order. An abuse of discretion is not merely an error of
      judgment, but if the court’s judgment is manifestly unreasonable
      as shown by the evidence of record, discretion is abused. An abuse
      of discretion is also made out where it appears from a review of
      the record that there is no evidence to support the court’s findings
      or that there is a capricious disbelief of evidence.

Id. at 18-19 (quotation and citations omitted).

      In his first two issues, Father alleges the trial court erred in qualifying

Gottlieb as an expert witness in reunification therapy. See id., at 18. He

argues that the novel scientific method she employs in reunification therapy

is neither contained in the scientific literature nor generally accepted in the

scientific community and, therefore, fails the Frye test.1 See id., at 15-18. As

such, Father contends Gottlieb’s entire testimony should be disregarded. See

id., at 18.

1 Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923). Under Frye, novel
scientific evidence must be generally accepted in the relevant scientific
community before it will be admitted. See Betz v. Pneumo Abex, LLC, 44
A.3d 27, 30 (Pa. 2012). Pennsylvania Courts utilize the Frye test. See id.

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      When reviewing evidentiary rulings by the trial court, our standard of

review is narrow. See Potochnick v. Perry, 861 A.2d 277, 282 (Pa. Super.

2004). The admission of expert testimony is within the discretion of the trial

court and should not be disturbed on appeal unless the trial court abuses its

discretion. See Buttaccio v. American Premier Underwriters, Inc., 175

A.3d 311, 315 (Pa. Super. 2017).

      Father’s argument, while focused on Frye, necessarily impugns

Gottlieb’s status as an expert. We therefore first review the court’s

determination that Gottlieb was qualified to testify as an expert witness.

      The admissibility of expert testimony is governed by Rule 702 of the

Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence. Under Rule 702, an expert may testify if she

has scientific, technical or other specialized knowledge, beyond that of a

layperson, which will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to

determine a fact in issue. See Pa.R.E. 702.

      It is well established in Pennsylvania that the standard for qualification

of an expert witness is a liberal one. See Miller v. Brass Rail Tavern, 664

A.2d 525, 528 (Pa. 1995). The test to be applied when qualifying a witness “is

whether the witness has any reasonable pretension to specialized knowledge

on the subject under investigation.” Id. The witness normally need only

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possess more expertise than is otherwise within the ordinary range of training,

knowledge, intelligence or experience. See id. If she does, she may testify

and the weight of such testimony is for the trier of fact to determine in view

of the expert’s credentials. See id.

      Regarding her credentials, Gottlieb testified that she earned a master’s

degree in clinical social work and a license in marriage and family therapy.

See N.T., Hearing, 09/30/19, at 5-6. She has worked as a family therapist for

nearly 25 years and has treated severe cases of parental alienation for most

of it. See id., at 7-8. Gottlieb also testified to her years of experience as a

continuing education instructor in parental alienation. See id., at 10-12. As

such, we conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion in qualifying

Gottlieb as an expert witness since her education and experience gave her

reasonable pretension to specialized knowledge in this area.

      Next, we must determine whether the scientific evidence proffered by

Gottlieb fails the Frye test, as Father contends. Under the Frye test, the

proponent of expert scientific evidence bears the burden of proving that the

expert’s methodology is generally accepted in the relevant scientific

community. See Walsh v. BASF Corp., ___ A.3d ___, ___, 2020 WL

4135151, *7 (Pa. 2020). This does not mean, however, that the proponent of

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such evidence must prove that the scientific community has also generally

accepted the expert’s conclusion. See id.

      Mother, as the proponent of expert scientific evidence, has the burden

of proving Gottlieb’s methodology comports with the Frye test. See id.

      The methodology Gottlieb employed in reaching her conclusion that

Child suffers from parental alienation rests, in part, on her own expertise and

analysis and research that is reasonably relied upon by experts specializing in

parental alienation.

      Parental alienation is a recognized specialty within the field of family

therapy. See N.T., Hearing, 09/30/19, at 14. Alienation is the family dynamic

through which one parent actively discredits the other parent to a child they

share. See id., at 36. Symptoms of alienation manifest themselves in a

number of ways. For instance, the child does not evince guilt or remorse about

mistreating the rejected parent; the favored parent is perceived as good, while

the rejected one is perceived as purely bad; and the child desires to cease all

contact with the rejected parent. See id., at 45-46.

      As a family therapist specializing in parental alienation, Gottlieb opined

that Child suffers from a severe case of alienation as the result of Father’s

influence. See id., at 61. But, as Gottlieb found, there is no protective reason

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for Child to reject Mother. See id., at 48. In fact, Gottlieb relied on the trial

court’s finding that Child is safe in the care and custody of Mother. See id.,

at 43-44. Yet, Child remains opposed to having a relationship with Mother.

See id., at 47-48.

      In   cases   of   severe   alienation,     Gottlieb   opined   that   traditional

reunification therapy is an inadequate form of treatment. See id., at 16 and

23. In fact, Gottlieb referred to the growing body of literature that has found

there is almost no benefit to treating severe cases of alienation with traditional

reunification therapy. See id., at 15-16. Furthermore, Dr. Quinn also

confirmed that a higher level of care is needed in cases of severe alienation

like in the present case. See id., at

      In the alternative, Gottlieb presented her program as the most

appropriate form of treatment. See id., at 57. She testified that six

professional organizations have authorized her to teach about diagnosis and

treatment of alienated children. See id., at 11. She has authored a book on

alienation and its treatment that has been praised by psychologists. See id.

      Gottlieb testified that programs similar to hers exist and have been

peer-reviewed. See id. As result, Gottlieb opined that there is a “scientific

consensus” that supports her conclusions. See id., at 23.

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      Gottlieb believes Child will sustain serious psychological damage if

intensive reunification therapy is not conducted in this case. See id., at 57.

Alienation, as Gottlieb explained, is analogous to being in a cult. See id., at

41. A book published by the American Bar Association found that children

suffering from alienation mimic the feelings and wishes of the alienating

parent; ultimately, they are incapable of having their own thoughts and

feelings on the subject of the rejected parent. See id. Without an alienating

influence, Gottlieb stated that it is very unlikely any child would reject a parent

because the literature shows that children do not reject parents on their own.

See id., at 61-62.

      In sum, Gottlieb concluded, based on her own assessment of the case

and the consensus among experts in the community, that Child must

participate in intensive reunification therapy with Mother to repair the

damaged relationship between them. See id., at 59 and 61.

      Based on the foregoing, we are satisfied that Gottlieb utilized a scientific

methodology to develop her treatment plan. That scientific methodology is

generally accepted in the community of specialists who diagnose and treat

parental alienation. Any challenge to the propriety of her conclusions were

appropriate matters for the trial court, sitting as fact-finder, to weigh.

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Accordingly, we conclude, on this record, Gottlieb’s methodology passes the

Frye test, and that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in permitting her

to provide expert testimony.

      In his third issue, Father challenges the deference the trial court gave

to Gottlieb on the issue of physical custody. See Appellant’s Brief, at 19.

Specifically, he argues that it was error for the trial court to issue a custody

order where Gottlieb is to determine when Mother’s temporary physical

custody of Child should terminate. See id.

      Trial courts have broad powers in custody matters to fashion remedies

to meet the best interests of the child involved. See In re M.L., 757 A.2d

849, 851 n.3 (Pa. 2000).

      Here, the trial court fashioned a temporary custody order based on the

testimony given by Gottlieb at the evidentiary hearing. There, she testified at

length that, in order to repair a damaged relationship, such as the one

between Mother and Child, the rejected parent must have temporary sole

custody of the child. See N.T., Hearing, 09/30/19, at 37. Gottlieb also stated

that there must be a no-contact period between the child and the favored

parent for 90 days. See id. This is done to prevent the favored parent from

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sabotaging the reunification between the child and the rejected parent. See

id.

      The trial court, as noted above, transferred physical custody of Child

from Father to Mother and required that there be a no-contact period between

Father and Child for 90 days. See Trial Court Order, 11/27/19, at 2. The order

provided Gottlieb with the authority to implement her program to facilitate a

reconciliation between Mother and Child. See id., at 3. The order also set forth

that the no contact period would be extended indefinitely if Father failed to

support Mother’s relationship with Child. See id.

      Although Father argues that the trial court erred in allowing Gottlieb to

decide when temporary physical custody of Child should end, our review of

the record shows that the court did no such thing. Rather, the court provided

Gottlieb with the authority to shorten the sequestration period from 90 to 30

days under specific circumstances; namely, that Father attends therapy and

genuinely supports Child’s relationship with Mother. See N.T., Hearing,

09/30/19, at 31. In doing so, the court acted within the scope of its powers

to advance the child’s best interests. See In re M.L., 757 A.2d at 851 n.3. As

such, we find no abuse of discretion.

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      However, to the extent that Father argues that the trial court did not

have authority, under this proceeding, to permanently modify the custody

order, we agree. The trial court treated Mother’s petition as one seeking

special relief under Pa.R.Civ.P. 1915.13. Under Rule 1915.13, the court’s

authority is limited to temporary or interim awards of physical custody.

Therefore, paragraph nine of the order under appeal, which provided for an

indefinite extension of the no-contact order should Father fail to support

Child’s reunification with Mother, constitutes an abuse of the court’s

discretion.

      Even so, we need not reverse or remand this matter. We merely strike

paragraph nine, and limit the duration of the order to no more than 90 days

after the no-contact period begins, though it may be earlier or even

unnecessary if the parties agree that Father is supporting Child’s reunification

with Mother. 2 If Mother believes that Father has not supported reunification,

she may file for a modification of physical custody.

2 The 90 day no-contact period begins at the conclusion of Gottlieb’s 4 day
therapeutic intervention. See N.T., Hearing, 09/30/19, at 31.

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      Father alleges next that the trial court, prior to modifying the custody

order, failed to conduct an analysis of the best interests of the child pursuant

to 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5328 (a). See Appellant’s Brief, at 20.

      As a preliminary matter, we note that the trial court stated in its 1925

(a) opinion that a best interests analysis pursuant to section 5328 (a) is not

necessary here because Mother sought special relief to modify the existing

custody order. See Trial Court Opinion, 2/6/20, at 5-6. We agree.

      The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure provide trial courts with the

authority to enter orders on an interim basis. Under Rule 1915.13, the court

may on application or its own motion grant special relief where appropriate.

See Pa.R.C.P. 1915.13. “The relief may include, but is not limited to, the

award of temporary legal or physical custody[.]” Id. Any interim custody order

issued pursuant to Rule 1915.13 does not necessitate a best interests analysis

under section 5328 (a). See C.H.L. v. W.D.L., 214 A.3d 1272, 1283 (Pa.

Super.2019).

      The certified record demonstrates that the trial court’s temporary

modification of the existing custody order constitutes special relief under

Pa.R.C.P. 1915.13. Thus, the court was not required to conduct a best

interests analysis prior to granting Mother’s request for temporary physical

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custody of Child. See C.H.L., 214 A.3d at 1283. As such, Father’s fourth issue

merits no relief.

      Father’s remaining two issues on appeal challenge the legality of the

warrants issued pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. §5451. See Appellant’s Brief, at 21-

22. He argues that the trial court erred in issuing the warrants because the

warrants failed to set forth that Child was likely to suffer imminent physical

harm or be forcefully removed from the Commonwealth. See id., at 21.

      After examining Father’s 1925 (b) statement, we need not address his

remaining two issues as he failed to preserve these claims for appellate

review. Our Supreme Court has stated that “[a]ny issues not raised in a

1925(b) statement will be deemed waived.” Commonwealth v. Lord, 719

A.2d 306, 309 (Pa. 1998). Therefore, since Father failed to include his

remaining claims in his 1925 (b) statement, we find them waived.

      Order affirmed as modified by this memorandum.

Judgment Entered.

Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary

Date: 07/28/2020

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