Court Opinion

ID: 4536783
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-05-27 14:08:34.362537+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:49:00.908578
License: Public Domain

NOT FOR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE
                               APPROVAL OF THE APPELLATE DIVISION
        This opinion shall not "constitute precedent or be binding upon any court ." Although it is posted on the
     internet, this opinion is binding only on the parties in the case and its use in other cases is limited. R. 1:36-3.

                                                        SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
                                                        APPELLATE DIVISION
                                                        DOCKET NO. A-0548-19T2

J.C.,

          Plaintiff-Appellant,

v.

J.B.,

     Defendant-Respondent.
__________________________

                   Argued telephonically March 30, 2020 –
                   Decided May 27, 2020

                   Before Judges Sumners and Geiger.

                   On appeal from the Superior Court of New Jersey,
                   Chancery Division, Family Part, Camden County,
                   Docket No. FM-04-0179-20.

                   Ronald Glenn Lieberman argued the cause for appellant
                   (Adinolfi, Molotsky, Burick & Falkenstein, PA,
                   attorneys; Ronald Glenn Lieberman, on the briefs).

                   Thomas J. Belitza argued the cause for respondent
                   (Musulin Law Firm, LLC, attorneys; Thomas J. Belitza,
                   on the brief).

PER CURIAM
      In this post-divorce matter, plaintiff J.C. appeals the Family Part order

modifying the child custody arrangement she shared with defendant J.B. due to

changed circumstances, without a plenary hearing.1 We affirm because we

conclude there was no genuine dispute of material facts requiring a plenary

hearing, and the modification was in the best interests of the parties' son, Jude,

in accordance with N.J.S.A. 9:2-4.

      After a brief two-year marriage, the parties were divorced in July 2014.

The final judgment of divorce incorporated a Marital Settlement Agreement

(MSA), providing it was in the best interests of Jude for the parties to have joint

physical custody. The MSA states, "[Jude] will reside four consecutive nights

with [plaintiff] and three consecutive nights with [defendant]."         It further

provides: "[Plaintiff] shall have four overnights per week, and [defendant] shall

have three overnights per week. . . . [Jude] will attend school where [plaintiff]

resides. . . . Both parents agree to meet halfway between their residences to drop

off and pick up [Jude] from visitation."

      Following the divorce, plaintiff moved to Cherry Hill while defendant

moved to Gillette Township, about a ninety-minute drive to plaintiff's home.

1
  We use initials and pseudonyms to protect the privacy of the child. R. 1:38-
3(d)(13).
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                                        2
When J.B. entered half-day kindergarten, attending the afternoon session,

defendant’s parenting time started Friday at 3:30 p.m. and ended Monday

afternoon at 12:45 p.m. when he would drop Jude off at school.

      In the months leading up to September 2019, plaintiff sought to alter the

parenting schedule because Jude would be in the first grade for the full school

day. Plaintiff believed it was unfeasible for defendant to take Jude to school for

the 9:00 a.m. start time on Mondays after having him for the weekend. She also

had misgivings concerning the fairness of defendant having Jude every

weekend, which also caused Jude to miss weekend extracurricular activities near

her home. To assuage plaintiff's concerns, defendant advised plaintiff he was

relocating to Cherry Hill before Jude started the first grade.       The parties,

however, were unable to resolve Jude's custody arrangements.

      Plaintiff consequently filed a motion to modify the MSA "so that

[d]efendant has every other weekend from 3:30 PM on Friday until 4 PM on

Sunday, with no overnights during the week for [d]efendant, along with 3 -day

weekends, alternating Winter and Spring school breaks, and dividing summers

equally" and "each party will drive one way to pick up the minor child at the

start of that party's parenting time." Plaintiff also requested a plenary hearing

and discovery if the motion was opposed, and counsel fees and costs. Plaintiff

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claimed defendant's parenting time would not be reduced because he could

supplement his reduction in weekends and Monday mornings with parenting

time during the day on weekdays, and a majority of three-day weekends.

         Defendant cross-moved seeking to deny the relief requested in plaintiff's

motion and to enforce the MSA's provision requiring binding arbitration. In the

alternative, defendant sought to: (1) enforce joint physical custody; (2) enforce

the child sharing arrangement including pre-vacation parenting time; (3) enjoin

plaintiff from unilaterally choosing Jude's extracurricular activities; (4) enjoin

plaintiff from discussing issues relating to parenting time, custody, and parental

decision making with Jude; (5) require the parties to abide by the Children's Bill

of Rights;2 (6) appoint a parenting coordinator; and (7) assign counsel fees and

costs.

         In the afternoon, following oral argument earlier that morning, the trial

judge placed her decision on the record. Relevant to the issues on appeal, the

judge found there were changed circumstances as Jude was now a full-time

2
  "The Children's Bill of Rights' is an order, widely used in divorce matters by
the Family Part in the southern vicinages. The order lists twelve principles
applicable to custody disputes, including that the children would not be asked to
'chose sides' between the parties, not be told about the court proceedings, not be
told 'bad things' about the other parent and 'not to be made to feel guilty for
loving both parents.'" Div. of Youth & Family Servs. v. J.D., 417 N.J. Super. 1,
11 n.4 (App. Div. 2010).
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elementary school student and defendant had relocated to Cherry Hill. The

judge stated:

            [T]he [c]ourt finds that modifying the [MSA] such that
            the parties can have the joint physical custody as they
            had stated in the [MSA] is certainly in the best interests
            of this young child so that he can enjoy quality time
            with and continue his quality time as the [L]egislature
            envisioned and has stated with both parents. It's
            certainly always in the best interests of the children.

The judge ordered a new parenting plan increasing defendant's parenting time

from six overnights out of every fourteen nights to seven overnights out of every

fourteen nights.

      The judge denied both parties' request for attorneys' fees and costs under

Rule 5:3-5 based on:

            The ability of the parties to pay, you know, they'll have
            to pay their respective counsel. As I said, it's not going
            to be easy. The reasonableness and good faith positions
            advanced by the parties and the results obtained, I think
            that both parties prevailed in some respects and lost in
            other respects and the positions were certainly not
            brought in bad faith.

      When plaintiff reiterated her request for a plenary hearing, the judge

remarked:

            The [c]ourt does not find that here's a genuine issue of
            material facts in this case warranting the necessity of a
            plenary hearing. The [MSA] clearly indicates that the
            parties agree that it's in the best interests of the child

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             that both parents have joint physical custody and there
             was a material -- there was a change in circumstance as
             the [c]ourt explained for both individuals and,
             therefore, the [c]ourt put into place a parenting plan
             schedule that accomplishes both parents having joint
             physical custody.

Plaintiff appealed. 3
                                         II

      Before us, plaintiff argues the trial judge failed to state findings of fact

and apply those facts to the best interests test required by N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(c) in

determining parenting time disputes. Plaintiff also contends the judge's finding

of changed circumstances to modify parenting time without a plenary hearing

amounts to a lack of due process because there is a disputed fact regarding

defendant's residence in Cherry Hill. She asks this court to remand the decision

to a different judge "in an excess of caution" to avoid any potential prejudice.

We are unpersuaded.

      We first address plaintiff's contention that a plenary hearing should have

been held. We look to Segal v. Lynch, 211 N.J. 230, 264-65 (2012), where our

Supreme Court held:

             [A] plenary hearing is only required if there is a
             genuine, material and legitimate factual dispute. See,
             e.g., Lepis v. Lepis, 83 N.J. 139, 159 (1980) (holding

3
  Plaintiff's request to stay the order was denied by the trial judge and this court,
both on an emergent motion application and on our regular motion calendar.
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            that "a party must clearly demonstrate the existence of
            a genuine issue as to a material fact before a hearing is
            necessary"); Faucett v. Vasquez, 411 N.J. Super. 108,
            128 (App. Div. 2009) (explaining that party's
            "conclusory certifications" are insufficient to warrant
            plenary hearing in child custody dispute), certif.
            denied, 203 N.J. 435 (2010); Hand v. Hand, 391 N.J.
            Super. 102, 105 (App. Div. 2007) (explaining that
            hearing is required only when there "is a genuine and
            substantial factual dispute"); Pfeiffer v. Ilson, 318 N.J.
            Super. 13, 14 (App. Div. 1999) (holding that plenary
            hearing is only required in child removal cases upon
            prima facie showing that genuine issue of fact exists
            bearing upon critical question); Dunne v. Dunne, 209
            N.J. Super. 559, 571–72 (App. Div. 1986) (concluding
            that hearing is only required if there are credibility
            issues and "diverse factual contentions").

A judge's decision not to conduct a plenary hearing is reviewed on an abuse of

discretion standard. Hand, 391 N.J. at 111-12; see also Lepis, 83 N.J. at 159

("Courts should be free to exercise their discretion to prevent unnecessary

duplication of proofs and arguments.").

      Based upon the motion record, we conclude the judge did not abuse her

discretion in deciding to modify child custody and parenting time without a

plenary hearing. Plaintiff's certification in support of her motion to modify

custody relied on the assertion that defendant resided in Gillette Township, an

approximately ninety-minute drive from Jude's school. To refute this assertion,

defendant certified he relocated to Cherry Hill near Jude's school and provided

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a copy of a lease for a condominium. The lease was in defendant's business's

name, which is consistent with messages he sent to plaintiff explaining that his

personal credit score was too low to obtain an apartment. Plaintiff's assertion

the apartment was a "crash pad" and not defendant's true residence was a

conclusory testament without any factual support.

      We do not consider plaintiff's contentions that defendant filed two

lawsuits using his Gillette Township address or that Jude is being threatened by

the mob because they were not presented to the trial judge. See Nieder v. Royal

Indem. Ins. Co., 62 N.J. 229, 234 (1973) (holding there is no appellate review

of issues not raised before the trial court "unless the questions so raised on

appeal go to the jurisdiction of the trial court or concern matters of great public

interest"). Moreover, they are self-serving conclusory statements without any

credible evidential support. Plaintiff has therefore not made a prima facie

showing that a plenary hearing was necessary to resolve the child custody

arrangement because defendant relocated to Cherry Hill to facilitate more

parenting time with Jude.

      Moving to the merits of trial judge's order, we first identify the principles

that guide our analysis. "The scope of appellate review of a trial court's fact-

finding function is limited. The general rule is that findings by the trial court

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are binding on appeal when supported by adequate, substantial, credible

evidence." Cesare v. Cesare, 154 N.J. 394, 411-12 (1998) (citing Rova Farms

Resort, Inc. v. Inv'rs Ins. Co. of Am., 65 N.J. 474, 484 (1974)). Deference is

particularly appropriate with respect to credibility determinations based on

witness testimony, since the court has the ability to see and hear witnesses, and,

due to "the family courts' special jurisdiction and expertise in family matters."

Id. at 412-13. Thus, "we 'should not disturb the factual findings and legal

conclusions of the trial judge unless . . . convinced that they are so manifestly

unsupported by or inconsistent with the competent, relevant and reasonably

credible evidence as to offend the interests of justice' or . . . determine the court

has palpably abused its discretion." Parish v. Parish, 412 N.J. Super. 39, 47

(App. Div. 2010) (quoting Cesare, 154 N.J. at 412).

      "The touchstone for all custody determinations has always been 'the best

interest[s] of the child.'" Faucett, 411 N.J. Super. at 118 (quoting Kinsella v.

Kinsella, 150 N.J. 276, 317 (1997)). "Custody issues are resolved using a best

interests analysis that gives weight to the factors set forth in N.J.S.A. 9:2 -4(c)."

Hand, 391 N.J. Super. at 105. The statute requires that

             [i]n making an award of custody, the court shall
             consider but not be limited to the following factors: the
             parents' ability to agree, communicate and cooperate in
             matters relating to the child; the parents' willingness to

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            accept custody and any history of unwillingness to
            allow parenting time not based on substantiated abuse;
            the interaction and relationship of the child with its
            parents and siblings; the history of domestic violence,
            if any; the safety of the child and the safety of either
            parent from physical abuse by the other parent; the
            preference of the child when of sufficient age and
            capacity to reason so as to form an intelligent decision;
            the needs of the child; the stability of the home
            environment offered; the quality and continuity of the
            child's education; the fitness of the parents; the
            geographical proximity of the parents' homes; the
            extent and quality of the time spent with the child prior
            to or subsequent to the separation; the parents'
            employment responsibilities; and the age and number
            of the children.

            [N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(c).]

      When "the parents cannot agree to a custody arrangement, the court may

require each parent to submit a custody plan which the court shall consider in

awarding custody." N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(e). Lastly, when making "any custody

arrangement not agreed to by both parents," the "court shall specifically place

on the record the factors which justify" its order. N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(f).

      "[T]he decision concerning the type of custody arrangement [is left] to the

sound discretion of the trial court[.]" Nufrio v. Nufrio, 341 N.J. Super. 548, 555

(App. Div. 2001) (second and third alteration in original) (quoting Pascale v.

Pascale, 140 N.J. 583, 611 (1995)). Therefore, on appeal "the opinion of the

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trial judge in child custody matters is given great weight . . . ." Terry v. Terry,

270 N.J. Super. 105, 118 (App. Div. 1994) (citations omitted).

      Applying these principles, we agree with plaintiff the parenting time

modification sought here is subject to the best interests test outlined in N.J.S.A.

9:2-4. However, we disagree with plaintiff's contention a remand is necessary

because the trial judge failed to state findings of fact and consider those facts as

required by Rule 1:7-4 in applying to the best interests test.

      N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(c) and (f) provide:

            In any proceeding involving the custody of a minor
            child, the rights of both parents shall be equal and the
            court shall enter an order which may include:

            c. Any other custody arrangement as the court may
            determine to be in the best interests of the child.

            In making an award of custody, the court shall consider
            but not be limited to the following factors: the parents'
            ability to agree, communicate and cooperate in matters
            relating to the child; the parents' willingness to accept
            custody and any history of unwillingness to allow
            parenting time not based on substantiated abuse; the
            interaction and relationship of the child with its parents
            and siblings; the history of domestic violence, if any;
            the safety of the child and the safety of either parent
            from physical abuse by the other parent; the preference
            of the child when of sufficient age and capacity to
            reason so as to form an intelligent decision; the needs
            of the child; the stability of the home environment
            offered; the quality and continuity of the child's
            education; the fitness of the parents; the geographical

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             proximity of the parents' homes; the extent and quality
             of the time spent with the child prior to or subsequent
             to the separation; the parents' employment
             responsibilities; and the age and number of the
             children.

                    ....

             f. The court shall specifically place on the record the
             factors which justify any custody arrangement not
             agreed to by both parents.

             [(Emphasis added.)]

      While the judge did not specifically list the factors enumerated in N.J.S.A.

9:2-4, most of the factors provided in the statute did not apply to this case and

the statute provides a judge need not be limited by the enumerated factors.

N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 requires judges

             to specifically place on the record the factors which
             justify any custody arrangement not agreed to by both
             parents. In contested cases, the necessity for such a
             record of the court's reasons is mandatory. The court,
             in reaching its decision, must specifically reference the
             statutory criteria found in [the statute].

             [Luedtke v. Shobert, 342 N.J. Super. 202, 218 (App.
             Div. 2001) (quotation marks and citations omitted).]

      In modifying the parties' parenting time, the judge addressed the best

interests in stating:

           [T]he parties agreed it's in the best interest of the minor
            child, . . . that both parents have joint physical custody.

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          The [c]ourt finds . . . the child is . . . now going to school
           . . . and the [defendant] has located to South Jersey near
           enough so that they could have . . . time during the
           week.

          [M]odifying the [divorce] agreement such that the
           parties can have the joint physical custody as they had
           stated in the [divorce] agreement is certainly in the best
           interests of this young child . . . so that he can enjoy
           quality time with . . . both parents.

          This would enable both parents to enjoy alternating
           weekend time with their son.        It would enable
           continuous contact between the son and both parents.

      Thus, it is clear the judge believed the factors warranting modification of

parenting time were that both parents agreed joint custody was in Jude's best

interest and defendant's new residence near Jude's school enabled the parties to

share more quality time with him. Given the nature of the parties' circumstances,

the judge's statements on the record were adequate. Of course, parenting time

is a fluid situation subject to change depending on new circumstances presently

unforeseen.

      To the extent that we have not discussed plaintiff's arguments raised on

appeal, it is because they do not warrant discussion. R. 2:11-3(e)(1)(E).

      Affirmed.

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