Court Opinion

ID: 5122404
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2021-11-01 18:10:41.738399+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:22:27.964818
License: Public Domain

[Cite as Herman v. Herman, 2021-Ohio-3876.]

                     IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
                         THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
                             PUTNAM COUNTY

MELISSA HERMAN,
                                                      CASE NO. 12-21-01
       PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE/
       CROSS-APPELLANT,

       v.

PATRICK HERMAN,                                       OPINION

       DEFENDANT-APPELLANT/
       CROSS-APPELLEE.

                Appeal from Putnam County Common Pleas Court
                         Trial Court No. 2019 DV 00165

                   Judgment Affirmed in Part, Reversed in Part

                         Date of Decision: November 1, 2021

APPEARANCES:

       William E. Clark for Appellant

       Kelly J. Rauch for Appellee
Case No. 12-21-01

WILLAMOWSKI, P.J.

       {¶1} Appellant/cross-appellee Patrick Herman (“Patrick”) brings this appeal

from the judgment of the Court of Common Pleas of Putnam County, granting a

divorce to Appellee/cross-appellant Melissa Herman (“Melissa”) and ordering a

distribution of property and spousal support. Both Patrick and Melissa have filed

appeals from this judgment. For the reasons set forth below, the judgment is

affirmed in part and reversed in part.

       {¶2} Patrick and Melissa were married on October 29, 1994. Doc. 1. On

October 15, 2019, Melissa filed a complaint for divorce alleging that the parties

were incompatible, gross neglect of duty by Patrick, and extreme cruelty towards

Melissa. Doc. 1. Patrick filed an answer and counterclaim on November 14, 2019.

Doc. 8. Although Patrick denied the gross neglect of duty and extreme cruelty, he

admitted that the parties were incompatible. Doc. 8. The incompatibility was the

basis for Patrick requesting that a divorce be granted as well. Doc. 8. Patrick also

requested temporary spousal support. Doc. 9.

       {¶3} Although the parties agreed that they should be divorced, they disagreed

as to how the property should be distributed. Multiple hearings were held on the

matter. On June 9 and 30, 2020, hearings were held as to whether real estate gifted

from Melissa’s parents, known as the lake property, was separate or marital

property. Doc. 36. Following the hearings, the trial court issued a judgment finding

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that the intent of the gift was to give it to Melissa alone, so it was separate property.

Specifically, the trial court found as follows.

       It is clear to the Court that the intent of Wife’s parents was to gift
       the real estate to their children. The fact that the deeds of the
       other siblings were only in the name of the sibling themselves and
       not the spouse goes directly to the intent of the parents as it is to
       be a gift to the children and not to the children and their spouses.
       Even though wife directly decided to include her husband’s name
       on the deed it does not change the donative intent of the parents.
       Also, wife’s parents continued to use the property as their own for
       a period of sometime [sic] after the transfer.

Doc. 37. Based upon the intent of the parents, the trial court determined that the

lake property was separate, not marital property. Doc. 37. The personal property

was subject to further review. Doc. 37.

       {¶4} Prior to the final hearings on the divorce, Melissa filed an asset and debt

summary which provided estimated values of all marital assets and debts. Doc. 44.

Patrick filed his memorandum setting the values of certain assets. Doc. 45. In his

memorandum, Patrick requested that he continue to receive spousal support. Doc.

45. A final hearing on the divorce complaint and counterclaim was held on October

1 and December 2, 2020. Doc. 57. On December 22, 2020, the trial court granted

the divorce to the parties, ordered a division of property, and ordered Melissa to pay

spousal support in the amount of $399.44 per month for a period of 75 months

beginning on February 1, 2021. Doc. 58. On January 19, 2021, Patrick filed a notice

of appeal from the trial court’s judgment. Doc. 65. Melissa filed a notice of cross-

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appeal on January 27, 2021. The following assignments of error were raised on

appeal.

                     Patrick’s First Assignment of Error

      The trial court’s classification of the “lake property” as
      [Melissa’s] separate property was against the manifest weight of
      the evidence when it determined that [Melissa’s] parents’ intent
      was to give the property as a gift only to her.

                    Patrick’s Second Assignment of Error

      If this Court should find that [Melissa’s] parents gave the “lake
      property as a gift only to her, this Court should also determine
      that Appellee gave a one-half interest in the property as a gift to
      [Patrick] and that said one-half interest is his separate property.

                    Patrick’s Third Assignment of Error

      The division of property ordered by the trial court is against the
      manifest weight of the evidence and contrary to law because
      certain factual findings of the court are unsupported by any
      evidence on the record and contrary to the factual stipulations of
      the parties.

                     Melissa’s First Assignment of Error

      The trial court’s division of property order is against the manifest
      weight of the evidence.

                    Melissa’s Second Assignment of Error

      The trial court abused its discretion when it ordered [Melissa] to
      pay spousal support to [Patrick].

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Case No. 12-21-01

                        Patrick’s First Assignment of Error

       {¶5} Patrick claims in his first assignment of error that the trial court’s

determination that the lake property was Melissa’s separate property is against the

manifest weight of the evidence. A trial court’s factual determination as to whether

an item of property is separate or marital property is reviewed under a manifest

weight of the evidence standard. Buck v. Buck, 6th Dist. Fulton No. F-17-012, 2018-

Ohio-3704, ¶ 9. The decision of the trial court will not be reversed if it is supported

by some competent and credible evidence. Id. “This highly deferential standard of

review permits the affirmation of the trial court’s judgment if there is even ‘some’

evidence to support the court’s finding.” Ward v. Ward, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-03-

63, 2004-Ohio-1390, ¶ 5.       Generally, property acquired during a marriage is

considered to be marital property. R.C. 3105.171(A)(3)(a).

       Overcoming the presumption pursuant to R.C. 3105.171(A)(3)(a)
       that property acquired during the marriage is marital property
       requires “clear and convincing evidence,” meaning “that degree
       of proof which will provide in the mind of the trier of fact a firm
       belief or conviction as to the facts sought to be established.” * * *
       “Clear and convincing evidence” is more than a mere
       preponderance of the evidence but less than the certainty
       required for “beyond a reasonable doubt” in criminal cases. * * *
       We will not reweigh the evidence introduced to the trial court;
       rather, we will uphold the findings of the trial court if the record
       contains some competent, credible evidence to support the trial
       court's conclusions.

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Case No. 12-21-01

Buck, supra at ¶ 10. “Separate property”, as it is used in this case, is defined as any

real or personal property that the court finds to be a gift given to only one spouse.

R.C. 3105.171(A)(6)(a)(vii).

       {¶6} Here, the lake property was a gift from Diane Hoellrich (“Diane”) and

Daniel Hoellrich (“Daniel”), the parents of Melissa. No one disputes that the real

estate was titled in both Patrick and Melissa’s name. However, the title of property

is not dispositive of whether the property is marital, but rather is just evidence of

the intent. Sharp v. Sharp, 9th Dist. Wayne No. 19AP0046, 2020-Ohio-3537, ¶ 8.

In this case, the property was transferred via an inter vivos gift from Diane and

Daniel. Thus, the first question is what was the intent of Diane and Daniel at the

time of the gift.

       {¶7} Diane and Daniel both testified that the intent was to give the property

to Melissa as an early inheritance. June 9 Tr. 6, 30. Diane testified that the only

reason Patrick’s name was on the deed was because Melissa asked for his name to

be added. June 9 Tr. 10-11. Two other lots were given to their other children and

were only titled in the name of those children, not the spouses. June 9 Tr. 9. Diane

indicated that the kids told them how to title the property, so they did what Melissa

asked. June 9 Tr. 10. Daniel testified that the lake property had been in his family

for generations. June 9 Tr. 29. He wanted to give the property to Melissa with the

belief that she would later pass it down to her children. June 9 Tr. 30. Daniel wanted

Melissa to have it. June 9 Tr. 31. Given the testimony of Diane and Daniel, there

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Case No. 12-21-01

is competent, credible evidence to support the trial court’s determination by clear

and convincing evidence that the lake property was intended to be the separate

property of Melissa and not a gift to both parties. The first assignment of error is

overruled.

                           Patrick’s Second Assignment of Error

       {¶8} In his second assignment of error, Patrick claims that even if the trial

court did not abuse its discretion in finding the lake property to be separate property,

this Court should find that Melissa intended to give him a gift of one-half interest in

the property. This then leads this Court to the second issue, which is whether

Melissa intended to gift a share in the lake property to Patrick. “If separate property

is commingled with marital property, the separate property does not become marital

property unless ‘the separate property is not traceable.’” Kesler v. Kesler, 3d Dist.

Paulding No. 11-18-04, 2018-Ohio-5059, ¶ 8 quoting R.C 3105.171(A)(6)(b).

“[T]he holding of title to property * * * by both spouses in a form of co-ownership

does not determine whether the property is marital property or separate property.”

R.C. 3105.171(H). See also Brandon v. Brandon, 3d Dist. Mercer No. 10-08-13,

2009-Ohio-3818, ¶ 24. Thus, Patrick may take an interest in the lake property if

Melissa had the intent to gift a share to him.

       {¶9} The party claiming that an inter vivos gift was made has the burden of

showing by clear and convincing evidence that such a gift was made. Brandon,

supra at ¶ 26. “Moreover, the existence of a deed in the names of both parties does

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Case No. 12-21-01

not shift the burden away from the donee spouse to prove that an inter vivos gift

occurred.” Id. To prove that an inter vivos gift from Melissa was made, Patrick

would need to show that 1) Melissa intended to transfer the title and right of

possession of the property to Patrick immediately and 2) a delivery by Melissa to

Patrick of the gift with relinquishment of ownership, dominion and control over it.

Id. at ¶ 25. An inter vivos gift is basically a transfer of property from a competent

donor to another that is immediate, voluntary, gratuitous and irrevocable. Id.

       {¶10} Melissa testified that she wanted the property in her name only. June

30 Tr. 57. According to Melissa, this upset Patrick so to placate him and keep the

peace, she told Diane and Daniel to also put Patrick’s name on the deed. June 30

Tr. 57-58. Melissa testified that she wanted the lake property as hers alone so that

she could pass it on to her children as had been done for generations in her family.

June 30 Tr. 81. Thus Melissa’s testimony was that she did not mean to gift Patrick

an interest in the lake property. Patrick testified that Melissa always intended for

the lake property to belong to both of them, thus gifting him half of her interest.

Given this testimony, the trial court would have to weigh the evidence to determine

which was more credible and reach a conclusion. The trial court in this case did not

make such a determination on the record. Without a factual determination as to this

issue, the question has not been resolved by the trial court. Therefore, we sustain

the assignment of error as to the claim that the trial court did not address this issue

and remand the matter to the trial court for consideration of Melissa’s intent, but

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Case No. 12-21-01

make no conclusions regarding the issue.            To this extent, Patrick’s second

assignment of error is sustained.

                          Patrick’s Third Assignment of Error and
                            Melissa’s First Assignment of Error

       {¶11} Patrick claims in his third assignment of error and Melissa claims in

her first assignment of error that the trial court erred in the determination of value

of certain marital assets. “The valuation of marital assets is typically a factual issue

that is left to the discretion of the trial court.” Roberts v. Roberts 10th Dist. Franklin

NO. 08AP-27, 2008-Ohio-6121, ¶ 18. An appellate court will not reverse this

determination if there is relevant, competent, and credible evidence upon which that

determination is based. Stocker v. Stocker, 3d Dist. Hancock No. 5-17-11, 2017-

Ohio-8434, ¶ 13.

       {¶12} Patrick argues in the third assignment of error that the trial court erred

in 1) assigning value to the 2006 Suburban, 2) assigning value to the amount of the

loan on the Ford Focus, and 3) finding that the parties had stipulated that Patrick

would receive $18,961 in personal property and Melissa would receive $19,998 in

personal property when they had stipulated the opposite. As to the Suburban,

Patrick correctly asserts that no testimony was provided as to the value of the

vehicle. Patrick did testify to the condition and the mileage. Specifically Patrick

testified “I have have a 2006 Suburban that barely has a bumper left, paint’s all

coming off of it, it has about 200,000 miles on it.” Dec. 2 Tr. 63. Melissa claimed

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in her affidavit of property that the Suburban was worth $4,500, not the $6,000 that

the trial court stated was her claim. Doc. 3. Patrick claimed in his arguments that

it was worth only $2,000. Doc. 55. Melissa agrees that no party presented any

evidence that the Suburban was worth $6,000 and that the trial court erred as to

making that finding. The trial court’s finding of fact that the Suburban was worth

$6,000 is not supported by any evidence and is thus an abuse of discretion.

       {¶13} Patrick also claims that the trial court erred by stating that the debt

owed on the Ford Focus was $1,403.37 and the value was also $1,403.37. In that

same paragraph, the trial court also states that the “debt was determined to be

$821.51 per testimony as to any debt valuation of the vehicle.” Doc. 57 at 4.

However, in the decree of divorce, the trial awarded the Ford Focus, valued at

$3,912 to Melissa along with the “debt of $1,403.37”. Doc. 58. The value of $3,912

was used in the trial court’s exhibits 1 and 3. Doc. 57. Melissa agrees on appeal

that the amount owed on the Ford Focus was $821.51, not $1,403.37. A review of

the record shows that Melissa presented evidence that the value of the Ford Focus

was $3,912. Plaintiff’s Ex. C. Thus, the trial court’s determination of the value of

the vehicle is supported by competent, credible evidence.        Although Melissa

provided evidence that the amount of the debt owed on the Focus was $1,403.37

when she completed the spreadsheet for the September hearing, she noted at that

time it did not include all of the payments. Plaintiff’s Exhibit LLL indicated that

the amount owed on the Ford Focus was only $821.51 and Melissa agrees on appeal

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Case No. 12-21-01

that amount is correct. Thus, on remand, the trial court is required to correct the

amount of the debt.

       {¶14} Finally Patrick argues that the trial court reversed the amounts of

personal property that the parties would receive.        Melissa concurs with this

argument. A review of the record shows that the parties stipulated that Patrick

would receive $19,998 in personal marital property and Melissa would receive

$18,961 in personal marital property. Oct. 1 Tr. 71. The trial court in its allocation

of assets reversed these numbers. Court Ex. 3. This affects the equitable division

of assets. Thus, the trial court upon remand needs to correct this error. Patrick’s

third assignment of error is sustained.

       {¶15} Melissa claims in her first assignment of error that the trial court erred

in its property division by 1) mistakenly listing the FME/Community Choice debt

as $117 instead of $1,170 and 2) erring in how it offset the amount owed by Patrick

to Melissa from the division of Melissa’s 401K plan. As to the FME/Community

Choice debt, a review of the record shows that as of September 2020, Melissa had

paid $990. Plaintiff’s Ex. LLL. The trial court indicated that it was using the

numbers set forth in Plaintiff’s Ex. LLL to determine the values, but used the

number $117 in its calculations. This appears to be a typographical error that

affected the division of property and needs to be corrected by the trial court.

       {¶16} Melissa also claims that the trial court did not use the method

stipulated for calculating how the offset to her 401K plan was completed. A review

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of the record shows that the parties stipulated that they would offset the amount

owed by Patrick for equity in the marital home for an equal amount in Melissa’s

401K plan and all of the retirement accounts would be subject to a QDRO.

However, the record does not indicate that the parties stipulated that they would

divide the assets first and then offset the amount. A trial court has broad discretion

in how marital assets are divided and its determination will not be overturned on

appeal absent an abuse of that discretion. Neville v. Neville, 99 Ohio St.3d 275,

2003-Ohio-3624, 791 N.E.2d 434. Although Melissa claims that the trial court’s

method resulted in her getting less money, which it does, it is the equitable division.

To use the method Melissa suggests would result in an inequitable division of the

property and a windfall to her.

        Example of Calculation of Offset of Home Equity

        Value of Home = $171,500 - $68,131 (mortgage) = $103.369 (equity)
        Patrick’s Equity = $51,684.50, Melissa’s Equity = $51,684.50

        Melissa’s 401K with example value of $200,0001 (no real value
        provided).

        Trial Court’s Method of Evaluation:

        Melissa gets first $51,684.50 from 401K, leaving $148,315.50 to be
        divided
        Melissa = $74,157.75 + $51,684.50 (home equity offset) =
        $125,842.25
        Patrick = $74,147.75 + $51,684.50 (home equity) = $125,842.25

1
 This number is used solely for the purposes of demonstration and is not in any way to be deemed as a
determination by this court as to the actual value of Melissa’s 401K plan.

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Case No. 12-21-01

       Melissa’s Method of Evaluation:

       Melissa = $100,000 + $51,684.50 (home equity offset) = $151,684.50
       Patrick = $100,000 - $51,684.50 (offset) + $51,684.50 (home equity)
       = $100,000

Thus, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in using the method it did. Melissa’s

first assignment of error is overruled as to the method used by the trial court in

offsetting the property division against the 401K plan, but is sustained as to the

amount of debt paid on the FME/Community Choice debt.

                           Melissa’s Second Assignment of Error

       {¶17} Melissa argues in her second assignment of error that the trial court

erred in determining the amount of spousal support. However, before making an

award of spousal support, the trial court must first make an equitable division of

marital property. R.C. 3105.171(C)(3). Since this Court has determined that there

were errors in the division of marital property, the issue of spousal support must be

revisited by the trial court. See Webb v. Webb, 3d Dist. Marion No. 9-96-6, 1996

WL 355059 (holding that the equitable division of property must occur prior to the

award of spousal support pursuant to R.C. 3105.171(C)(3)). The assignment of

error regarding the spousal support is sustained to the extent the trial court must

correct the error’s regarding the division of marital property and will thereafter need

to recalculate the spousal support.

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       {¶18} Having found errors prejudicial to the appellant and the cross-

appellant, the judgment of the Court of Common Pleas of Putnam County, Domestic

Division is affirmed in part and reversed in part.

                                                     Judgment Affirmed in Part
                                                              Reversed in Part

MILLER and SHAW, J.J., concur.

/hls

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