Court Opinion

ID: 2826069
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-08-11 08:42:33.699687+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:18:43.103781
License: Public Domain

FILED 

                                                                                    August 6, 2015 

                                                                            In the Office of the Clerk of Court 

                                                                           WA State Court of Appeals, Division III 

                  COURT OF APPEALS, STATE OF WASHINGTON, DIVISION III

         In re Custody of: 	                                 )
                                                             )      No. 32062-6-111
         J.E. 	                                              )
                                                             )
         LUKE ANDN KELLY CULVER,                             )      ORDER AMENDING
                                                             )      COURT'S OPINION DATED
                                Respondents!                 )      AUGUST 4, 2015
                                Cross-Appellants,            )
                  v. 	                                       )
                                                             )

         AMY PAGE EATON and TRAVIS                           )

         EATON,                                              )

                                                             )
                                Appellants.                  )
                                                             )

                  IT IS HEREBY ORDERED on the court's own motion that the opinion filed on

         August 4,2015 shall be amended as follows:

                  On page 14, second paragraph, line 10 that begins with "required to facilitate J.E.'s

I	       transition to the Culvers physical custody" is hereby amended to read "required to

I
}
         facilitate J .E.'s transition to the Eatons' physical custody."

!! 	              DATED: 8/6/15
                  FOR THE COURT:
I
1

I,   
                                               ACTING CHIEF JUDGE 

1

I

                                                                            FILED 

                                                                         August 4, 2015 

                                                                  In the Ollke of tbe Clerk of Court 

                                                                W A State Court of Appeals, Division III 

           IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON 

                              DIVISION THREE 

                                               )         No. 32062-6-111
 In re Custody of:                             )
                                               )
 J.E.                                          )
                                               )
 LUKE AND KELLY CULVER,                        )
                                               )         PUBLISHED OPINION
                      Respondents!             )
                      Cross-Appellants,        )
and                                            )
                                               )
AMY PAGE EATON and TRAVIS                      )
EATON,                                         )
                                               )
                      Appellants.              )

        BROWN, J. - Travis and Amy Eaton appeal the trial court's nonparental custody

decree granting 50/50 split custody of their son J.E. to Luke and Kelly Culver, J.E:s

uncle and aunt. The court found the Eatons fit parents. The Eatons mainly contend the

.	court erred in concluding that dismissing the Culvers' petition would result in actual

detriment to J.E's present and future growth and development. The Culvers cross­

appeal, contending the court erred in failing to grant their motion to amend the

pleadings to include a de facto parentage claim they made after resting their case and

the Eatons had moved to dismiss. We hold the trial court erred in applying the actual

detriment standard because substantial evidence does not establish specific facts
No. 32062-6·111
In re Custody of J.E.

showing J.E. had any specific significant special need that could not be met by his

parents. We find no error in the trial court's de facto parent rulings. Accordingly, we

reverse and remand for proceedings consistent with this opinion.

                                          FACTS

       Beginning in 2003, two·year·old J.E. began primarily living with his uncle and

aunt, the Culvers. His parents, the Eatons, were unable to care for J.E. and his older

sister K.E. for a number of compelling reasons including a misdiagnosed mental health

condition resulting in Ms. Eaton's debilitating suicide attempt, stress from K.E.'s severe

and terminal epilepsy, and the Eatons' inability to care for their children under the

circumstances. After a family "intervention," the Eatons reluctantly arranged to give the

Culvers informal temporary placement of J.E. and K.E. mainly to assure K.E.'s care.

Report of Proceedings (RP) at 1096. J.E. spent the next nine years residing primarily

with the Culvers with the Eatons visiting. J.E. knew the Eatons were his parents and

called them mom and dad. After. some time, J.E. also began calling the Culvers' mom

and dad with the Eatons' approval. When the Culvers had children, J.E. referred to his

cousins as his siblings. J.E. is close to his cousins, especially his younger male cousin.

The Culvers exercised medical decision-making authority for K.E. and J.E. pursuant to a

2007 power of attorney and a 2009 guardianship created by the Eatons. The record

shows the parties shared and consulted in most significant care and upbringing

decision-making for J.E. and K.E. Sadly. K.E. died in 2010.

                                             2

I

II 
 
   . No. 32062-6-111
           In re Custody of J.E.

                 Meanwhile, Ms. Eaton's health stabilized, she became successfully employed,

         and the Eatons' marriage stabilized. In 2012, the changed situation motivated the

         Eatons to seek J.E.'s transition back into their home. The Culvers cooperated, but the

         Eatons believed the pace was too slow and the Culvers' assistance was inadequate. In

         summer 2012, the Eatons chose not to renew the guardianship and decided not to

         return J.E. to the Culvers. In response, the Culvers petitioned for nonparental custody

         and obtained an ex parte order for J.E's return.

                 In their petition, the Culvers alleged for adequate cause: 'The child has not been

         in the physical custody of either parent since 2003. Neither parent is a suitable

         custodian for the child because: The mother and father have had limited contact with

         the minor child for the past 9 years." Clerk's Papers (CP) at 4. For best interests, the

         Culvers alleged: "The change in custodians and home would be extremely detrimental

         to the child." CP at 4. The Eatons received physical custody after termination of the ex

         parte order, and the Culvers received visitation. The placements were generally

         reversed after the adequate cause hearing. The court decided the Eatons were fit

         parents. Even so, the court ordered ..1.E.'s slow transition into the Eatons' physical

         custody and counseling to assist J.E. with the transition. J.E. showed some negative

         behaviors when tie returned to the Culvers' physical custody. The Eatons did not

         request reconsideration, superior court revision, or discretionary review. Instead, the

         Eatons began working to accomplish the court's transition plan. The court throughout

         unsuccessfully urged settle~ent.

                                                      3

1

j    No. 32062-6-111,
     In re Custody of J.E.

            The court appointed counselor Doug Loree to"facilitate visitation schedules and

     transition J.E. from the Culvers' home to the Eatons' home. Mr. Loree wanted to

I1
     "empower" J.E. with significant input on the visitation schedule. RP at 40. Mr. Loree

     generally adopted J.E.'s wishes as his trial recommendation. Apparently early on, J.E.

     would not choose between the parties and suggested an equal time arrangement. Mr.
J    Loree related cutting off all contact with the Culvers would be difficult for J.E. The court
I
1    appointed a guardian ad litem (GAL) to assist J.E.'s transition into the Eatons' physical

     custody. The GAL answered "yes" when asked if she could accomplish the goal of

     transitioning J.E. from the Culvers' home to the Eatons' home if given additional time

     and more involvement. RP at 274. Asked at trial if the court denied the Culvers'

I
.~
     petition whether "actual detriment" would result by the loss of the Culvers' family unit,

     the GAL responded, "Yes." RP at 274. But the GAL agreed no actual detriment would

     result if the parties could come to an equal time agreement. The GAL, like Mr. Loree

     believed it was in J.E.'s best interests to reside half in each home. Neither Mr. Loree,

     nor the GAL specified what actual detriment to J.E.'s growth and development would

     occur by having parental custody with the Eatons.

           The court ruled the Culvers' unpleaded de facto parentage claim came too late

     because it was first mentioned after the Culvers rested their case and after the Eatons

     had moved to dismiss. Nevertheless, the court concluded the Culvers had "standing" to

     bring this nonparent custody case partly because J.E. had been in their "physical

1    custody" but rejected de facto parentage as a basis for standing. RP at 45.50. The
Ij
                                                  4
     No. 32062-6-111
     In re Custody of J.E.

     court ruled the Eatons were fit parents but decided J.E. would suffer actual detriment to

     his long term growth and development if the Eatons received full custody and ordered

     J.E. to reside equally with the Eatons and the Culvers. The Eatons appealed. The

     Culvers cross-appealed the trial court's de facto parentage rulings.

                                             ANALYSIS

                                      A. Nonparental Custody

            The issue is whether the trial court erred in granting the Culvers' nonparent

     custody petition and decreeing evenly split custody with the Eatons. The Eatons mainly

                                                                                                   I
     contend substantial evidence does not support the trial court's conclusion that actual

     detriment would result to J.E.'s future growth and development by maintaining custody

     with them. The Eatons challenge certain findings and the adequate cause decision .

          . Given "the trial court's unique opportunity to personally observe the parties," a

     trial court's custody disposition is not disturbed on appeal absent a manifest abuse of

     discretion. In re Custody of Stell. 56 Wash. App. 356,366,783 P.2d 615 (1989). A trial

     court abuses its discretion if its decision is manifestly unreasonable or based on

     untenable grounds or reasons. West v. Dep't of Licensing, 182 Wash. App. 500, 516, 331
P.3d 72 (2014). -A trial court's decision is manifestly unreasonable" if it (1) "is outside

     the range of acceptable choices, given the facts and the applicable legal standard"; (2)
11
i    "is based on untenable grounds if the factual findings are unsupported by the record"; or
"    (3) "is based on untenable reasons if it is based on an incorrect standard or the facts do
I
!    not meet the requirements of the correct standard." Id. at 516-17. While we can affirm

I                                                 5
       No. 32062-6-111
       In re Custody of J.E.

       on any basis supported by the record. we will not review a trial court's credibility

       determinations or reweigh the evidence. Id. at 517; In re Welfare ofC.B., 134 Wash. App.
942. 953, 143 P.3d 846 (2006).

              We will uphold a trial court's findings of fact if they are supported by substantial

I      evidence. In re Custody of Shields, 120Wn. App. 108, 120,84 P.3d 905 (2004),

       overruled on other grounds by 157 Wash. 2d 126, 136 P.3d 117 (2006). "Evidence is

       substantial if it exists in a sufficient quantum to persuade a fair-minded person of the

       truth of the declared premise." Burrill v. Burrill, 113 Wash. App. 863, 868, 56 P.3d 993

       (2002). A trial court's conclusions of law are reviewed de novo. In fe Custody of AF.J.,

       179 Wash. 2d 179, 184,314 P.3d 373 (2013).

             Chapter 26.10 RCW allows third parties to petition for child custody. "Such an

I
       award confers on the nonparental custodian the legal power to 'determine the child's

       upbringing,' to the exclusion of the natural parent." In re Custody of C. C.M., 149 Wn.

       App. 184,204,202 P.3d 971 (2009) (quoting RCW 26.10.170). But
I
I	
             [a] nonparent custody order confers only a temporary and uncertain right

I
I
1	
             to custody of the child for the present time, because the child has no
             suitable legal parent. When and if a legal parent becomes fit to care for
             the child, the nonparent has no right to continue a relationship with the
             child.
II 	   AF.J., 179 Wash. 2d at 186 (quoting In re Parentage of J.AB., 146 Wash. App. 417, 426,

Ij     191 P.3d 71 (2008».

1
             Because of parents' fundamental right to make decisions regarding the care,

       custody, and control of their children, we ·afford parents "considerable deference" when

                                                    6

i

I
I	
 j
       No. 32062-6-111
       In fa Custody of J.E.

I, 

       balancing the parents' rights against both the interests of third parties and children's 

       rights. In fa CustddyofB.M.H., 179 Wash. 2d 224. 234, 315 P.3d 470 (2013). Thus, in

       custody disputes between parents and nonparents, before a nonparent can be awarded
j
i      custody, the nonparent must establish either the parent is unfit or custody with the
1
.1 	   parent would result in "actual detriment to the child's growth and development." Id. at
\g<3>       234 (quoting In fa Custody of E.A. T.W, 168 Wash. 2d 335.338,227 P.3d 1284 (2010».

       Because the Eatons' fitness is unchallenged. our sole focus is actual detriment.

              Before a court can hear a nonparental custody petition, the court must make a

       threshold determination establishing adequate cause. RCW 26.10.032. To establish

       adequate cause to proceed with a nonparental custody action, the petitioner must (1)

       show the child is not in the physical custody of a parent or the parents are unsuitable
                                                                                                      I
       custodians and (2) allege specific facts that, if proven true, establish the parent is unfit

       or the child would suffer actual detriment if placed with the parent. /d.; E.A. T.W, 168
Wash. 2d at 338. If the trial court determines the petitioner established adequate cause,

       the respondent must "show cause why the requested order should not be granted."

       B.M.H., 179 Wash. 2d at 236 (citing RCW 26.10.032(2». While the Washington Supreme

       Court has not stated what standard of review applies for an adequate cause

       determination under chapter 26.10 RCW, it has alluded abuse of discretion ought to

       apply.1 Id. at 239 n.1.

I
1	            1 In related areas of law, abuse of· discretion is applied when reviewing adequate
1
j	     cause determinations. See, e.g., In fa Parentage of Jannot, 149 Wash. 2d 123, 128,65
i      P.3d 664 (2003). The Eatons urge us to adopt the de novo standard of review because
       of the nature of their argument. The Eatons believe the Culvers' petition was
                                                     7
1

I
           No. 32062-6-111
    j      In re Custody of J.E.

I   ~

    -~ 

                  "Whether placement with a parent will result in actual detriment to a child's

           growth and development is a highly fact-specific inquiry." Id. at 236. As such,

           determining exactly "what might [constitute actual detriment to} outweigh parental rights

    j      must be determined on a case-by-case basis." In re Marriage ofAllen, 28 Wn. App.

           637,649,626 P.2d 16 (1981). When properly applied, the nonparent will meet this

I
~
    j
           heightened standard solely in "extraordinary circumstances." B.M.H., 179 Wash. 2d at 236

           (the actual detriment standard was met in the following circumstances showing unmet
I
1
i
           significant special needs: (1) "when a deaf child needed a caregiver who could

           effectively communicate with the child and the father was unable to do so," (2) "when a
1
t,         suicidal child required extensive therapy and stability at a level the parents could not

I          provide," and (3) "when a child who had been physically and sexually abused required

           extensive therapy and stability at a level the parent could not provide").
J
                  The actual detriment standard does not focus on the best interests of the child:
1
1          U[f]acts that merely support a finding that nonparental custody is in the 'best interests of

           the child' are insufficient to establish adequate cause." Id. at 237. For example, "[a]

           nonparent's capacity to provide a superior home environment to that which a parent can

           offer is not enough ton establish actual detriment. C. C.M., 149 Wash. App. at 204.
1
           Similarly, a nonparent cannot obtain custody of a child merely because the trial court

I
I

    I
           finds the nonparent would be a better parent EA T. w., 168 Wash. 2d at 346-47.

           Moreover, actual detriment is not shown because a parent may interfere with the 

           inadequate as a matter of law and the court determined adequate cause existed based
           on an erroneoUs view of the law. The result would be the same using either standard.
                                                        8
j

I
I
I       No. 32062-6-111
        In fa Custody of J.E.

I,
t
        relationship between the nonparent and the child. B.M.H., 179 Wash. 2d at 239 (stating

        while "the importance of preserving fundamental psychological relationships and family

        units" has been used to uphold a nonparental custody decree, more extreme and
\, 

    !   unusual circumstances existed in those cases, such as a child whose sig'nificant special

    t
    ~
    i   needs would not be met if the child were in the parent's custody).

I              First. regarding adequate cause, the Eatons contend the nonparental custody

        petition was deficient because it did not allege either the parents were unfit or J.E.
j       would suffer actual detriment if the petition was not granted. But RCW 26.10.032
J
I1      permits filing for adequate cause when the child is not in the phYSical custody of a
t       parent and disjunctively provides that neither parent is a suitable custodian. The
1
        Culvers' petition alleges a "change in custodians and home would be extremely

        detrimental to the child." CP at 4. While this allegation was not under the section 

,

1
        entitled "Adequate Cause," it was in the following section. Moreover, this allegation, 

        included the "actual detriment" language. The Eatons thus had notice of the Culvers' 

I       position, and the Culvers' petition was not deficient. While the Eatons argue the 

        supporting declarations were insufficient, they do include information showing the 

        Eatons withheld J.E. from the Culvers without notice and told J.E. he would not return to

        the Culvers. When returned, J.E. reacted negatively by becoming clingy, having angry

        outbursts, and acting aggressively toward his cousins whom he had treated as siblings.
i
              Although the court found the parents fit, it found adequate cause based on actual

I       detriment. .Recognizing the temporary nature of third-party custody. it ordered services

1
                                                     9

i
~
      No. 32062..s-111
      In re Custody of J.E.

      to facilitate its plan to transition J.E. to the Eatons' physical custody. The court shaped

      a considered response to support J.E.'s interests while deferring to the natural parents'

      fundamental custod~ rights. The Eatons chose not to object and did not seek

      reconsideration, revision, or discretionary review. They accepted and participated in the

      transition plan until they became dissatisfied with the evolving recommendations. In this
 1j   sense, the Eatons withheld their adequate cause objections in order to contest actual
 .1
 i
      detriment at trial. We discuss their actual detriment concems below.
 J

I
~
             Second, we tum to the Eatons' challenges to the findings. Initially, we address

      findings relating to standing in Paragraph 2.6. Under the actual detriment heading, it

i
.1
      partly states the Culvers "alleged it would be actually and substantially detrimental to
I
,
I
t
      [J.E.'s] longer term growth and development if he was placed with the [Eatons]. given

      the history "and extraordinary circumstances of this case." CP at 45. The Culvers did

      allege actual detriment. After finding J.E. became part of the Culvers' family with the

      Eatons' consent, the court made the finding critical to this appeal in a single conclusory

      sentence: "Severance of that arrangement would be actually detrimental to [J.E. 's] long

      term growth and development." This "finding" we analyze below in our discussion of the

      court's conclusion to the same effect. Lacking are facts about J.E. specifying any

      significant special need he had that could not be met by the Eatons. We do not discuss

      findings regarding parent unsuitability in Paragraph 2.6 because the trial court, like the

      adequate cause court, found the Eatons fit parents.

                                                  10
No, 32062-6-111
In re Custody of J.E.

       Turning to the Paragraph 2.7 findings relating to "Best Interest of the Child," we

emphasize ag~in the relevant standard concerns actual detriment, not best interests.

Thus, our need to examine best interest findings is limited because the court's

emphasis on J.E.'s best interests is misplaced. Contrasting the single-sentence

conclusory finding concerning actual detriment to secure standing discussed above, the

best interest findings cover five pages. The challenged findings mostly relating to the

rejected de facto parenting claim are discussed separately below.

       We disagree with certain findings involving Mr. Loree. Finding of fact 19 states

"[J.E.] made it clear to Mr. Loree he wanted assurances (guarantees) he would not be

taken out of the Culvers' home more than half the time. It would be actually detrimental

to his long-term growth and development if he did not have this assurance." CP at 47,

While J.E. once preferred a 50/50 split, this preference was withdrawn by the time of

trial. J.E. limited his request to "regular ongoing contact" with the Culvers. RP at 46.

Mr, Loree testified J.E. would have difficulty cutting all ties to the Culvers, but the record

shows a close extended family with the Culvers living close by the Eatons and a long,

consistent, albeit at times imperfect, history of mutual support for J.E. For example,

when the Eatons were "almost forced" to give J.E. and K.E. to the Culvers, the court

remarked in its-ruling. "That was an act of love, pure and simple." RP at 1353. And

when caring for K.E., the Eatons created a power of attorney and a guardianship for the

Culvers. Finding of fact 27 relates to the GAL's opinion J.E. would suffer actual

detriment if he did not spend at least half the time with the Culvers. This response was

                                             11 

     No. 32062-6-111
     In fa Custody of J.E.

     based on deciding that day at trial. But the GAL testified, given additional time and

     involvement, she could successfully accomplish transitioning J.E. into the Eatons'

     home.

             Third, the Eatons contend the trial court's actual detriment conclusion is

     erroneous because it improperly applied a best interest standard instead of properly

     applying the actual detriment standard. We agree. The court partly concluded "[j]t is in

     the best interests of the child to reside equally with the Culvers and the Eatons. n CP at

     50. The court further concluded "this decision is in [J.E.'s] best interests, which is a
 ,
     primary consideration in all cases involving children, n and the Culvers did "prove that

i    [J.E.'s] placement with the Eatons would result in actual detriment to his present and

I
   future growth and development." CP at 51. 

             The court found the Eatons to be fit parents. The Culvers did not disagree but

i
i•
1
     argued J.E. would suffer actual detriment if their petition was dismissed outright and

1    their relationship with J.E. was severed completely. The record does not support a
i    complete severance of J.E.'s relationship with the Culvers. The Culvers' evidence

     suggested J.E. would suffer actual detriment because the Eatons have not handled

     stressful situations with J.E., the Eatons were not looking out for J.E.'s best interests.
t
~
1    and J.E. acted negatively after the Eatons asserted their parental rights. While courts
1
     may "speculate about future possibilities in making determinations about domestic

     relations," courts are reluctant to interfere with parents' rights absent fairly extraordinary

                                                  12
,I 

J

        No. 32062-6-111
        In re Custody of J.E.

       .facts. B.M.H., 179 Wash. 2d at 238-39. The necessary extraordinary facts are not

I      presented here.

                Mr. Loree wanted to "empower" J.E. by giving him significant input on a visitation

       schedule, but understandably J.E. would not choose between the parties. J.E. did want
1
       significant contact with the Culvers, and the Eatons have not cut off all contact with the 

I
     Culvers. Moreover, the GAL believed if given additional time and involvement she could

       accomplish the goal of J.E.'s transition to the Eatons. While the GAL agreed no actual

       detriment would result if the parties shared equal time with J.E, the facts do not identify

       or specify any significant special need, or even any need of J.E., that could not be met

       by the Eatons. Therefore, the facts here do not rise to the level of those discussed in
                                                                                                      I
       B.M.H.

              The facts, at best. show splitting custody between the Eatons and the Culvers

       was in J.E.'s best interests. But actual detriment is the standard we must apply. As

I
       seen in B.M.H., the Culvers' concern that the Eatons might interfere in their relationship

       with J.E. is insufficient to show actual detriment. While Washington courts have
~      recognized "the importance of preserving fundamental psychological relationships and

I
l
       family units," the parents' rights yield to state interests solely when "parental actions or

       decisions seriously conflict with the physical or mental health of the child." Id. at 239

       (quotation omitted). The law presumes fit parents will act in their child's best interests.

       Id. at 235. The court misapplied this presumption in speculating that the Eatons would

       cut off contact with the Culvers.
1
i                                                   13

I
1
       No. 32062-6-1/1
     . In re Custody of J.E.

             While the court made extensive findings supporting best interests, those findings

     are alone insufficient to support a conclusion of actual detriment to J.E.'s growth and

     development. 8.M.H. 179 Wash. 2d at 237. This record nowhere shows, and the court did

     not find, the necessary extraordinary facts to support the heightened standard of actual

     detriment. Id. at 236. Under 8.M.H, the record must show J.E. has Significant speCial

     needs that would not or could not be met if he were in the Eatons' physical custody. Id.

     As compared to the cases discussed in 8.M.H. J.E. is not deaf and does not need the

     Culvers to communicate nor does he require extensive therapy and stability at levels the

     Eatons could not provide.

            The record is devoid of any identified specific significant special need supporting

     a legal conclusion of actual detriment to J.E.'s present and future growth and

     development. The record does not show the Eatons cannot provide for J.E.'s health.

     safety, emotional. or other fundamental needs. Given this record, we cannot say J.E.'s

     needs cannot be met by the Eatons with full parental custody. The record supports the

     trial court's effort for J.E:s slow and deliberate transition to the Eatons' physical

     custody, with leave to the trial court to exercise its discretion to provide orders that may

     include visitation for the Culvers to a degree designed to provide regular ongoing

     contact for J.E., supportive transition counseling, and such other orders as may be

     required to facilitate J.E.'s transition to the Culvers physical custody. Considering J.E.'s

1j   increasing age, the court's decree may well extend until J.E.'s majority.
j

                                                  14 

     No. 32062-6·111
     In re Custody of J.E.

             In sum, this record does not show the legally required extraordinary facts to

     establish actual detriment. J.E. has not shown signs of serious diagnosed emotional

     instability or physical disability. See In re Custody of R.R.B., 108 Wash. App. 602, 31
P.3d 1212 (2001) (actual detriment standard met when suicidal child required extensive

     therapy and stability that parents could not provide); Stell. 56 Wash. App. 356 (actual

     detriment standard met when physically and sexually abused child required extensive

     therapy and stability that parents could not provide); Allen, 28 Wash. App. at 640-41

     (actual detriment standard met when father was unable to communicate with deaf child).

     The trial court's focus on J.E.'s best interests is insufficient to offset the "considerable

     deference" we must afford the Eatons. B.M.H, 179 Wash. 2d at 234. Specific facts

     showing specific significant special needs that could not be met by the parents are

     required to establish actual detriment; this is "a highly fact-specific inquiry." Id. at 236.
,    Given our analysiS, we hold the trial court erred in concluding the Culvers met their
:1
1
I    burden to show actual detriment.

                                         B. De Facto Parents

It
            The issue is whether the trial court erred when it denied the Culvers' motion to

     amend the pleadings to inclu.de the issue of de facto parentage. The Culvers contend

     they had standing to raise this issue, and the Eatons consented and suffered no

     prejudice. 2

            2 The Eatons object to findings related to de facto parentage as it was not
     pleaded nor tried consensually. The findings are harmless considering we find no error
     in the court's refusal to amend the pleadings.
                                                   15
      No. 32062-6-111
      In re Custody ofJ.E.

             "De facto parentage is a flexible equitable remedy that complements legislative

      enactments where parent-child relationships arise in ways that are not contemplated in

      the statutory scheme." B.M.H., 179 Wash. 2d at 240. De facto parents "stand[] in legal

      parity with an otherwise legal parent.., In re the Parentage of L.B., 155 Wash. 2d 679, 708,

      122 P.3d 161 (2005). To establish de facto parentage, a petitioner must show "(1) the

      natural or legal parent consented to and fostered the parent-like relationship, (2) the

      petitioner and the child lived together in the same household. (3) the petitioner assumed

      obligations of parenthood without expectation of financial compensation, and (4) the
i     petitioner has been in a parental role for a length of time sufficient to have established
,iI
      with the child a bonded, dependent relationship, parental in nature.. 'd.
1

I           We will not overturn a trial court's refusal to grant a motion to amend pleadings

      except for manifest abuse of discretion. Dewey v. Tacoma Sch. Dist. No. 10, 95 Wn.

      App. 18.27.974 P.2d 847 (1999). A trial court abuses its discretion if its decision is
J
i     manifestly unreasonable or exercised on untenable grounds or for untenable reasons.
I     Green v. Hooper, 149 Wash. App. 627. 636, 205 P.3d 134 (2009). Issues not raised in the
Il    pleadings may be tried by express or implied consent. Dewey. 95 Wash. App. at 26; CR

j     15(b). When analyzing whether an issue was impliedly tried, we consider the entire

      record, "including whether the issue was mentioned before the trial and in opening
\     arguments, the evidence on the issue admitted at the trial, and the legal and factual

      support for" the trial court's conclusions regarding the issue." Dewey, 95 Wash. App. at 26.
I
I

I
I                                                 16
      No. 32062-6-111
    . In re Custody of J.E.

    CR 15(b) amendments cannot unfairly prejudice a party's ability to present a defense.

I   Green, 149 Wash. App. at 638.

I           The Culvers did not seriously mention de facto parentage until after they rested

    their case-in-chief; in all prior proceedings, the Culvers stated they were not going to
\
    pursue the issue of de facto parentage. Prejudice would result if the Culvers were

    allowed such a late amendment because different legal rights attach to a determination

    of de facto parentage than a grant of nonparental custody. Thus, different discovery

    would likely be required. Given all. the court did not err denying the motion to amend.

                                          C. Attomey Fees

           Both parties request attomey fees under RCW 26.10.080. which allows this

    court, in its discretion, to order a party to pay for the cost. to the other party of

    maintaining the appeal, including attorney fees. We must balance the needs of the

    party requesting fees against the other parties' ability to pay. In re Brown, 153 Wash. 2d
646, 656. 105 P.3d 991 (2005). No attomey fees were requested below. Considering

    all. we award no fees here.

           Reversed.

                                                          Brown, J.

    WE CONCUR:

       :ji~~·ert
    Siddoway, C.J.              1                         Lawrence-Berrey, J.

                                                   17