Court Opinion

ID: 4405537
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2019-06-11 18:47:14.85906+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:52:36.778516
License: Public Domain

J-A08015-19

NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37

    M.H.L.                                     :   IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
                                               :        PENNSYLVANIA
                       Appellant               :
                                               :
                                               :
                v.                             :
                                               :
                                               :
    M.K.L.                                     :   No. 1308 WDA 2018

                Appeal from the Order Entered August 13, 2018
               In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County
                    Family Court at No(s): FD17-007022-016

BEFORE: PANELLA, P.J., STABILE, J., and McLAUGHLIN, J.

MEMORANDUM BY PANELLA, P.J.:                              FILED JUNE 11, 2019

       Appellant, M.H.L. (“Father”), files this appeal from the order dated

August 13, 2018, and filed August 16, 2018,1 awarding the parties shared

legal custody, M.K.L. (“Mother”) primary physical custody, and Father partial

physical custody of their children, B.L., M.L., and E.L. (collectively, the

“Children”). After careful review, we affirm the trial court’s order.

       The trial court summarized the relevant procedural history as follows:

____________________________________________

1While the docket reflects a filed date of August 16, 2018, there is no notation
on the docket that notice was given and that the order was entered for
purposes of Pa.R.C.P. 236(b). See Frazier v. City of Philadelphia, 735 A.2d
113, 115 (Pa. 1999) (holding that “an order is not appealable until it is entered
on the docket with the required notation that appropriate notice has been
given”); see also Pa.R.A.P. 108(a) (entry of an order is designated as “the
day on which the clerk makes the notation in the docket that notice of entry
of the order has been given as required by Pa.R.C.P. 236(b)”). Thus, the
appeal period was not triggered. Although we consider the matter on the
merits, we caution the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County as to
compliance with the rules with regard to the entry of orders.
J-A08015-19

     The parties have litigated extensively regarding this matter.
     Father filed an Emergency Petition for Special Relief, which was
     granted on January 26, 2017. The resultant Order stated Mother
     could not relocate the children outside of Allegheny County and
     that the parties were to proceed through Generations. An Interim
     Physical Custody Order was entered on February 6, 2017 for
     shared custody of the Children on a rotating three (3) week basis.
     Under this Order, Father had physical custody from Thursday after
     school until Sunday at 6 p.m., for the first two (2) weeks. On
     Wednesdays of his off-week, Father had physical custody of the
     Children after school until the start of school on Thursday. Mother
     had physical custody at all other times.

     Following a failed conciliation, the case was to be scheduled for
     psychological evaluations by an Order dated March 20, 2017.
     Mother presented two (2) Petitions for Special Relief on March 29,
     2017, and Father presented one (1). The resultant Orders of the
     same date granted that the Children may attend summer camp,
     and that the parties would begin immediately using My Family
     Wizard for all non-emergency communications. Father’s vacation
     time with the Children was also outlined in the Orders.

     On April 17, 2017[,] psychological evaluations were ordered.
     Father filed a Petition for Special Relief on June 19, 2017, and
     Mother was ordered to provide Father a date for makeup custody.
     Father amended his Counterclaim to include a claim for primary
     physical custody on July 14, 2017.

     Mother filed an Emergency Petition for Special Relief on July 19,
     2017 regarding a trip to Washington[,] D.C. that Father wanted
     to take the Children on. During the trip, Father would be required
     to attend a conference that the Children would not be able to
     accompany him to. In the Order, Father was ordered to provide
     child care arrangements for the Children during that time.

     Dr. Neil Rosenblum was appointed to conduct the evaluation. Dr.
     Rosenblum’s report and recommendation was released on July 31,
     2017. Dr. Rosenblum recommended an alternating weekend
     schedule with Children spending long weekends with Father from
     Thursday night through Monday morning. Father would have the
     Children for ten (10) of twenty-eight (28) nights.

     On October 2, 2017, Mother presented a Petition for Special Relief
     requesting that Dr. Rosenblum re-interview the parties and

                                    -2-
J-A08015-19

       supplement his July 31, 2017 report. Mother contended that
       Father’s recent behavior negatively affected the Children’s
       relationship with Father. By Order dated October 2, 2017, Dr.
       Rosenblum was appointed to re-interview the parties and anyone
       else he deemed appropriate. Following those interviews, he was
       to issue a supplement to his July 31, 2017 report. In his
       supplemental report, Dr. Rosenblum again recommended
       alternating weekends, but from Friday through Sunday evenings
       as opposed to the long weekends that he had previously
       recommended. He also recommended a Thursday night dinner or
       overnight option.

Trial Court Opinion, 10/17/18, at 1-3 (footnote omitted); see also Findings

of Fact, 8/15/18, at 1-3.

       The trial court conducted a custody hearing on July 30, 2018 and July

31, 2018. Mother and Father, both represented by counsel, each testified on

their own behalf. Father additionally presented the testimony of an electrician,

a neighbor, and Sergeant John Burkett, a police officer with the Edgeworth

Police Department. Mother presented the testimony Neil Rosenblum, Ph.D.,

a clinical psychologist and administrative partner of Allegheny Forensics

Associates, who conducted two psychological evaluations for custody.2 Dr.

Rosenblum was accepted by the court as an expert over the objection of

counsel for Father. See N.T., 7/31/18, at 387-88. The court also interviewed

the children in camera in the presence of both counsel. See N.T., 7/30/18,

at 143-71.

____________________________________________

2 Dr. Rosenblum’s initial evaluation, dated July 31, 2017, was admitted as
Mother’s Exhibit N. Dr. Rosenblum’s second or supplemental evaluation,
dated December 26, 2017, was admitted as Mother’s Exhibit O.

                                           -3-
J-A08015-19

       By order dated August 13, 2018, and filed August 16, 2018, the trial

court awarded the parties shared legal custody of the Children. See Final

Custody Order, 8/16/18, at ¶ 2. The court further awarded Mother primary

physical custody and Father partial physical custody every other weekend

from Friday after school until Sunday at 6:00 p.m. and Thursdays after school

until 9:00 p.m. See id. at ¶ 1. The court additionally provided for a vacation

and holiday schedule; daily telephonic and electronic contact with the

Children; as well as continued family counseling and co-parenting counseling.

See id. at ¶¶ 6, 11, 12, 13, 14. Notably, the court further issued Findings of

Fact, also dated August 13, 2018, and filed August 15, 2018, which addressed

each of the custody factors pursuant to Section 5328(a).      See Findings of

Fact, 8/15/18, at 3-17.

       On September 12, 2018, Father, through counsel, filed a notice of

appeal along with a concise statement of errors complained of on appeal

pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a)(2)(i) and (b). Thereafter, the trial court issued

an opinion filed October 17, 2018.3

       On appeal, Father raises the following issues for our review:

____________________________________________

3 Subsequent to this appeal, Mother filed an Emergency Petition resulting in
orders dated September 20, 2018 and October 11, 2018, which Father
appealed. This appeal was docketed at Superior Court No. 1494 WDA 2018
and consolidated with the instant appeal sua sponte. Pursuant to a per curiam
order dated April 3, 2019, and by agreement of the parties, the appeal
docketed at 1494 WDA 2018, was remanded for further proceedings and
jurisdiction of this Court was relinquished. See Order, 4/3/19.

                                           -4-
J-A08015-19

     1. The [c]ourt erred in appointing Dr. Rosenblum as a custody
     evaluator as Dr. Rosenblum was not qualified to perform custody
     evaluations;

     2. The [c]ourt erred in ordering two custody evaluations, and
     subjecting the Children to the same;

     3. The [c]ourt erred in allowing Dr. Rosenblum to conduct the
     second custody evaluation as he was not qualified to perform
     custody evaluations;

     4. The [c]ourt erred in failing to strike Dr. Rosenblum’s reports
     and/or testimony;

     5. The [c]ourt erred in allowing Dr. Rosenblum to testify as Dr.
     Rosenblum was not competent to testify;

     6. The [c]ourt erred in allowing Dr. Rosenblum to testify in this
     matter as Dr. Rosenblum was not qualified to testify;

     7. The [c]ourt erred in awarding primary custody to Mother;

     8. The [c]ourt erred in fashioning a custody schedule that deprived
     the Children of significant time with their Father, specifically in
     providing only four (4) overnights per month to Father;

     9. The [c]ourt erred in failing to enter the Custody Order with a
     custody schedule that was in the best interest of the Children;

     10. The [c]ourt erred in relying heavily on the Children’s
     preference in fashioning his Order;

     11. The [c]ourt erred in [] failing to award equally shared or
     primary physical custody to Father;

     12. The [c]ourt failed to consider all factors under the custody
     statute in fashioning its Custody Order;

     13. The [c]ourt erred in finding that Mother is more likely than
     Father to encourage and permit frequent and continuing contact
     between the children and the other parent;

     14. The [c]ourt erred in finding that Father does not encourage
     the children to contact Mother;

     15. The [c]ourt erred in relying on the children’s testimony
     primarily to reach the conclusion that Father does not encourage
     the children to contact Mother;

                                    -5-
J-A08015-19

     16. The [c]ourt erred in finding that while Father permits the
     children to contact Mother, he does so in a manner that is
     disapproving, which causes undue stress on the children;

     17. The [c]ourt erred in finding that the children expressed a well-
     reasoned preference to spend more time with Mother;

     18. The [c]ourt erred in finding that the children are mature in
     judgment and their judgment is sound;

     19. The [c]ourt erred in finding that the children are not ready to
     have a shared physical custody relationship with Father;

     20. The [c]ourt erred in its finding that neither parties’ conduct
     was an intentional attempt to turn the children against the other
     parent;

     21. The [c]ourt erred in failing to conclude that Mother’s conduct
     was an intentional attempt to turn the children against Father;

     22. The [c]ourt erred in making a finding that the children’s
     exposure to certain events was not an intentional act by either
     party to alienate the children from the other parent;

     23. The [c]ourt erred in failing to recognize Mother’s deliberate
     attempts to alienate the children from Father;

     24. The [c]ourt erred in finding that Mother is more likely than
     Father to provide for the children’s emotional needs;

     25. The [c]ourt erred in finding that Father is unable to meet the
     children’s emotional needs at this time;

     26. The [c]ourt erred in finding that Mother is more likely than
     Father to attend to the children’s emotional and special needs;

     27. The [c]ourt erred in finding that Mother is more likely than
     Father to meet the children’s daily emotional needs;

     28. The [c]ourt erred in finding that Father struggles to meet the
     children’s special and emotional needs;

     29. The [c]ourt erred in finding that Mother has shown a
     willingness and ability to cooperate with Father;

     30. The [c]ourt erred in finding that Father has the ability to
     cooperate with Mother, but he rarely shows a willingness to do so;

                                    -6-
J-A08015-19

       31. The [c]ourt erred in finding that Father harbors resentment
       towards Mother, which impedes his ability to co-parent;

       32. The [c]ourt erred in finding no compelling evidence was
       presented at either party, or a member of their household had a
       history of abusing drugs or alcohol;

       33. The [c]ourt erred in finding that no evidence was presented
       that either party, or a member of their household, has a mental
       or physical condition;

       34. The [c]ourt erred in ignoring the evidence offered of Mother’s
       depression, instability and the need for medication therefore; and,

       35. Plaintiff reserves the right to raise additional matters
       complained of on appeal following examination of the trial
       transcript.

Concise Statement of Errors Complained of on Appeal, 9/12/18.4

       However, prior to examining Father’s claims on appeal, we address

Mother’s claims of deficiencies in Father’s brief.         Specifically, Mother

challenges Father’s brief as it relates to his Statement of Questions Involved.

See Mother’s Brief at 1-2.

____________________________________________

4 Father does not specifically delineate the issues he wishes to raise in the
Statement of Questions Involved section of his brief. Rather, he instead
references his Rule 1925(b) statement. See Father’s Brief at 10. Father
states,

       Appellant hereby refers to and incorporates his Concise Statement
       of Errors Complained Of On Appeal Pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1925(b)
       Dated September 12, 2018 (Appendix C) . . . for a precise
       statement of the issues involved in these consolidated appeals for
       brevity’s sake and in deference to the page limit provided by the
       Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Id. We observe that Father additionally included two supplementary issues
germane to the subsequent appeal, which, as noted above, was remanded by
agreement. See id.

                                           -7-
J-A08015-19

     Our Rules of Appellate Procedure establish and set forth in detail the

specifics as to each of the required sections of a brief. See Pa.R.A.P. 2114-

2119. Of particular importance, an appellant must include a statement of

questions involved. See Branch Banking & Trust v. Gesiorski, 904 A.2d

939, 942 (Pa. Super. 2006); Commonwealth v. Maris, 629 A.2d 1014, 1016

(Pa. Super. 1993). Rule 2116 addresses the statement of questions involved

and provides as follows:

     (a) General rule.—The statement of the questions involved
     must state concisely the issues to be resolved, expressed in the
     terms and circumstances of the case but without unnecessary
     detail. The statement will be deemed to include every subsidiary
     question fairly comprised therein. No question will be considered
     unless it is stated in the statement of questions involved or is fairly
     suggested thereby. Each question shall be followed by an answer
     stating simply whether the court or government unit agreed,
     disagreed, did not answer, or did not address the question. If a
     qualified answer was given to the question, appellant shall indicate
     the nature of the qualification, or if the question was not answered
     or addressed and the record shows the reason for such failure, the
     reason shall be stated briefly in each instance without quoting the
     court or government unit below.

     We have held that an appeal may be dismissed or quashed where the

deficiencies of an appellant’s brief are such that we are unable to conduct a

meaningful review. See Karn v. Quick & Reilly, Inc., 912 A.2d 329, 337

(Pa. Super. 2006); Branch Banking & Trust, 904 A.2d at 943; Maris, 629

A.2d at 1017. As we indicated in Maris:

     “This Court possesses discretionary authority to quash, dismiss or
     deny allowance of appeal based upon the substantial defects of
     appellant’s brief. Pa.R.A.P. 2101.” Commonwealth v. Ely, 381
     Pa. Super. 510, 513, 554 A.2d 118, 119 (1989). . . . “We decline
     to become appellant’s counsel. When issues are not properly

                                      -8-
J-A08015-19

      raised and developed in briefs, when the briefs are wholly
      inadequate to present specific issues for review a Court will not
      consider the merits thereof.” Sanford, supra, 299 Pa. Super. at
      67, 445 A.2d at 150.

Id. at 1017.

      Instantly, Father’s Statement of Questions Involved refers to his

Statement of Errors Complained of on Appeal.        See Father’s Brief at 10.

Moreover, Father’s Statement is lengthy, and Father does nothing to focus

and/or consolidate the issues where appropriate.

      Although Father’s brief may not be in conformity with Pennsylvania Rule

of Appellate Procedure 2116, the defects do not hamper meaningful review of

several issues raised by Father. Both Mother and the trial court responded to

issues raised by Father. As we are able to discern Father’s arguments on

these issues, we decline to dismiss or quash Father’s appeal. Similarly, despite

the voluminous nature of Father’s Statement of Errors Complained of on

Appeal, we likewise decline to find waiver. Tucker v. R.M. Tours, 939 A.2d

343, 346 (Pa. Super. 2007). However, to the extent that Father wished to

raise issues that are not addressed in this memorandum, we find Father has

waived such issues due to the deficiencies in his brief.

      We do caution Father’s counsel regarding appellate strategy. Raising so

many issues reminds us of Justice Robert H. Jackson’s warning:

      Legal contentions, like the currency, depreciate through
      overissue. The mind of an appellate judge is habitually receptive
      to the suggestion that a lower court committed an error. But
      receptiveness declines as the number of assigned errors
      increases. Multiplicity hints at a lack of confidence in any one. Of

                                     -9-
J-A08015-19

      course, I have not forgotten the reluctance with which a lawyer
      abandons even the weakest point lest it prove alluring to the same
      kind of judge. But experience on the bench convinces me that
      multiplying assignments of error will dilute and weaken a good
      case and will not save a bad one.

Ruggero J. Aldisert, J. “Winning on Appeal: Better Briefs and Oral Argument,”

at 130 (2d ed. 2003) (quoting Robert H. Jackson, “Advocacy Before the United

States Supreme Court,” 37 Cornell L.Q. 1, 5 (1951)).

      This “much quoted” advice, unfortunately, “often ‘rings hollow’….”

Commonwealth v. Robinson, 864 A.2d 460, 480 n.28 (Pa. 2004) (citing

Ruggero J. Aldisert, J. “The Appellate Bar: Professional Competence and

Professional Responsibility–A View From the Jaundiced Eye of the Appellate

Judge,” 11 Cap. U.L. Rev. 445, 458 (1982)). But its importance cannot be

overstated. See, e.g., Jones v. Barnes, 463 U.S. 745, 751-752 (1983)

(“Experienced advocates since time beyond memory emphasized the

importance of winnowing out weaker arguments on appeal and focusing on

one central issue if possible, or at most on a few key issues.”); Howard v.

Gramley, 225 F.3d 784, 791 (7th Cir. 2000) (“[O]ne of the most important

parts of appellate advocacy is the selection of the proper claims to urge on

appeal. Throwing in every conceivable point is distracting to appellate judges,

consumes space that should be devoted to developing the arguments with

some promise, inevitably clutters the brief with issues that have no chance …

and is overall bad appellate advocacy.”); Aldisert, supra at 129 (“When I read

                                    - 10 -
J-A08015-19

an appellant’s brief that contains more than six points, a presumption arises

that there is no merit to any of them.”)

      Turning to Father’s issues on appeal, we group Father’s issues into two

main categories: (1) a challenge to the appointment and testimony of Dr.

Rosenblum; and (2) a challenge to the award of primary physical custody to

Mother.

      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); see

also E.R. v. J.N.B., 129 A.3d 521, 527 (Pa. Super. 2015).

      This Court consistently has held:

      [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.

                                     - 11 -
J-A08015-19

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

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

      [a]lthough 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.

M.A.T. v. G.S.T., 989 A.2d 11, 18-19 (Pa. Super. 2010) (en banc) (citations

omitted).

      Father’s issues 1 through 6 all raise claims of error as to Dr. Rosenblum

and his custody evaluations.      Father asserts that the trial court erred in

appointing Dr. Rosenblum to conduct a custody evaluation, in ordering Dr.

Rosenblum conduct a second custody evaluation, and in accepting Dr.

Rosenblum’s testimony as an expert witness. See Father’s Brief at 23-35.

Specifically, Father claims the second custody evaluation was ordered based

on the “exaggerated and mischaracterized allegations” Mother raised in her

Petition for Special Relief.   Id. at 25-28.   He further takes issue with Dr.

Rosenblum’s competence to testify as an expert witness based on his past

history of disciplinary action. See id. at 28-35.

      As these issues involve pure questions of law, our standard of review is

de novo, and our scope of review is plenary. See Gilbert v. Synagro Cent.,

LLC, 131 A.3d 1, 10 (Pa. 2015); Harrell v. Pecynski, 11 A.3d 1000, 1003

                                     - 12 -
J-A08015-19

(Pa. Super. 2011); In re Wilson, 879 A.2d 199, 214 (Pa. Super. 2005) (en

banc) (citations omitted).

      First, Father contends the trial court erred in qualifying Dr. Rosenblum

as an expert.

      “Whether a witness has been properly qualified to give expert
      witness testimony is vested in the discretion of the trial court.”
      Kovalev v. Sowell, 839 A.2d 359, 362–363 (Pa. Super. 2003)
      (citation omitted). “It is well settled in Pennsylvania that the
      standard for qualification of an expert witness is a liberal one.
      When determining whether a witness is qualified as an expert the
      court is to examine whether the witness has any reasonable
      pretension to specialized knowledge on the subject under
      investigation.” Id. (citations omitted).

      The determination of whether a witness is a qualified expert
      involves two inquiries: When a witness is offered as an expert,
      the first question the trial court should ask is whether the subject
      on which the witness will express an opinion is so distinctly related
      to some science, profession, business or occupation as to be
      beyond the ken of the average layman.... If the subject is of this
      sort, the next question the court should ask is whether the witness
      has sufficient skill, knowledge, or experience in that field or calling
      as to make it appear that his opinion or inference will probably aid
      the trier in his search for truth. Sowell, 839 A.2d at 363 (citations
      and quotation marks omitted).

Seels v. Tenet Health Sys. Hahnemann, LLC, 167 A.3d 190, 200–01 (Pa.

Super. 2017). Further, “the weight to be given to such testimony is for the

trier of fact to determine.” Miller v. Brass Rail Tavern, Inc., 664 A.2d 525,

528 (Pa. 1995).

      Father does not challenge the court’s conclusion that custody

evaluations are a subject that is appropriate for expert opinion. Instead,

                                      - 13 -
J-A08015-19

Father’s argument focuses on Dr. Rosenblum’s qualifications to provide an

opinion that would aid in the search for truth on the issue of custody.

      In response to Father’s challenge on appeal, the trial court writes,

      Dr. Rosenblum is undoubtedly qualified as an expert in
      psychological custody evaluations. As such, Dr. Rosenblum is
      qualified to author custody evaluation reports and testify to the
      same. Dr. Rosenblum has been a clinical psychologist for forty
      (40) years, and is partnered with the Allegheny Forensics
      Associates. The program holds a contract with the Allegheny
      County Court of Common Pleas Family Division to perform custody
      evaluations.

      Father contends that because Dr. Rosenblum was disciplined by
      the State Board of Psychology he is not qualified to testify as an
      expert. Father’s contention is without merit. First, the occasion
      on which Dr. Rosenblum was punished by the State Board of
      Psychology was based on a custody evaluation he performed
      wherein he did not interview both parents. In this case, Dr.
      Rosenblum individually interviewed Mother, Father, and the three
      (3) children for both the first and second evaluations.

      Second, and more importantly, it is within the liberal discretion of
      the Court to qualify an expert. The [c]ourt focused on Dr.
      Rosenblum’s extensive experience in conducting psychological
      custody evaluations. The [c]ourt considered the disciplinary
      actions when deciding whether or not to qualify Dr. Rosenblum as
      an expert. Similarly, Dr. Rosenblum was undoubtedly qualified to
      perform the second evaluation just as he was the first because his
      qualifications did not change between the time of the first and
      second evaluations.

Trial Court Opinion, 10/17/18, at 4-5 (citations to record omitted).

      We can find no error or abuse of discretion in the trial court’s reasoning.

The disciplinary proceedings against Dr. Rosenblum did not alter his

specialized knowledge on the issue of custody. As the trial court held, those

proceedings are relevant only to the weight, not the admissibility, of Dr.

                                     - 14 -
J-A08015-19

Rosenblum’s    opinions.   Accordingly,   Father’s   challenge   to   the   court’s

qualification of Dr. Rosenblum as an expert witness merits no relief.

      Next, Father challenges the trial court’s decision to order a second

custody evaluation. “Pa.R.C.P. 1915.8(a) provides the court discretion as to

whether to order the child or a party to submit to an evaluation by an

appropriate expert.” Jordan v. Jackson, 876 A.2d 443, 455 (Pa. Super.

2005) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted).

      The trial court describes its rationale for the second custody evaluation:

      In this case, the second psychological evaluation was ordered
      following Mother’s October 2, 2017 Petition for Special Relief due
      to significant events that the [c]ourt felt potentially changed the
      Children’s relationship with the parties. The events alleged in the
      Petition include, but are not limited to, Father’s road rage incident
      with the Children in the car, Father screaming at [B.L.] in full view
      of the other Children, and Father spitting on Mother’s sidewalk and
      raising his middle finger when he passes Mother’s house.

      In light of these allegations the [c]ourt determined that another
      psychological evaluation was appropriate to determine if the
      Children’s relationship with Father had materially changed since
      the first evaluation was conducted. Just as ordering the first
      evaluation was in the [c]ourt’s sound discretion, ordering the
      second evaluation was in its sound discretion.

Trial Court Opinion, 10/17/18, at 5-6 (citations to record omitted).

      Once again, we can find no error or abuse of discretion in the trial court’s

reasoning. The court, cognizant of its duty to serve the best interests of the

Children, sought an updated opinion after Mother alleged a change in the

relationships between the Children and Father. Father’s second argument

merits no relief.

                                     - 15 -
J-A08015-19

      In Father’s second broad category of arguments, issues 7 through 35,

Father repeatedly claims that the trial court erred in awarding primary physical

custody to Mother and reducing his periods of physical custody. Father argues

that the custody factors and the Children’s best interests suggest an award of

shared physical custody. See Appellant’s Brief at 35-36.

      The paramount concern in any custody case decided under the Act is

the best interests of the child. See 23 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 5328, 5338. The Act

provides for custody arrangements ranging from sole physical custody in one

adult to equally shared physical custody between parties. See 23 Pa.C.S.A. §

5323(a).

      Father argues,

      [t]he [c]ourt abused its discretion reducing Father’s periods of
      physical custody and in awarding Mother primary physical custody
      of the Children as all of the sixteen (16) best interest factors favor
      an award of shared physical custody. The custody schedule
      established by the Court provides the Children with only four (4)
      overnights per month with Father. This schedule is not in the best
      interest of the Children as it deprives them of spending significant
      time with their Father. It is in the best interest of the Children to
      spend an equal amount of time with both of their parents based
      on a shared custody schedule.

Id. at 36. Specifically, Father claims that the trial court erred in its analysis

of multiple factors under section 5328(a). See id. at 37-62.

      Section 5328(a) sets forth the best interest factors that the trial court

must consider. See E.D. v. M.P., 33 A.3d 73, 79-80 n.2 (Pa. Super. 2011).

      All of the factors listed in section 5328(a) are required to be
      considered by the trial court when entering a custody order. . . .

                                     - 16 -
J-A08015-19

      The record must be clear on appeal that the trial court considered
      all the factors.

      Section 5323(d) provides that a trial court shall delineate the
      reasons for its decision on the record in open court or in a written
      opinion or order. Additionally, section 5323(d) requires the trial
      court to set forth its mandatory assessment of the sixteen section
      5328(a) custody factors prior to the deadline by which a litigant
      must file a notice of appeal.” . . .

      In expressing the reasons for its decision, there is no required
      amount of detail for the trial court’s explanation; all that is
      required is that the enumerated factors are considered and that
      the custody decision is based on those considerations. A court’s
      explanation of reasons for its decision, which adequately
      addresses the relevant factors, complies with Section 5323(d).

A.V. v. S.T., 87 A.3d 818, 822-23 (Pa. Super. 2014) (emphasis in original;

citations and internal quotation marks omitted).

      The trial court is required to consider all of the Section 5328(a) factors

in entering a custody order. See J.R.M. v. J.E.A., 33 A.3d 647, 652 (Pa.

Super. 2011). Although the court is required to give “weighted consideration

to those factors which affect the safety of the child” pursuant to section

5328(a), the amount of weight a court gives any one factor is almost entirely

discretionary.   M.J.M. v. M.L.G., 63 A.3d 331, 339 (Pa. Super. 2013).

Critically, as we stated in M.J.M.:

      It is within the trial court’s purview as the finder of fact to
      determine which factors are most salient and critical in
      each particular case. See A.D. v. M.A.B., 989 A.2d 32, 35-36
      (Pa. Super. 2010) (“In reviewing a custody order . . . 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”).

                                      - 17 -
J-A08015-19

Id. (emphasis added).

      First, Father argues the trial court abused its discretion when it found

that Mother was the more likely party to encourage frequent contact with the

other parent. See 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5328(a)(1). On this factor, the court made

the following findings of fact:

      14. The [c]ourt finds that Mother is more likely than Father to
      encourage and permit frequent and continuing contact between
      the Children and the other parent. The [c]ourt finds that Father
      permits contact between the Children and Mother during his
      custody time. The [c]ourt finds, however, that Father does not
      encourage the Children to contact Mother.

      15. [B.L.] credibly testified that Mother prompts the Children to
      call and text Father. [B.L.] further testified that Mother “gives
      [the Children] the option of walking over [to Father’s house].”

      16. [E.L.] credibly testified that Mother wants the Children to have
      a good relationship with Father. [E.L.] also credibly testified that
      Mother tells the Children “to be nicer to [Father] and talk to
      [Father] more.”

      17. [M.L.] credibly testified that he calls and text messages Father
      on a daily basis when he is in Mother’s care. [M.L.] credibly
      testified that he enjoys calling Father.

      18. [B.L.] and [E.L.] credibly testified that they rarely respond to
      Father’s phone calls and text messages. [B.L.] credibly testified
      that he does not respond to Father [sic] calls and messages
      because he does not “want to deal with anyone” and because
      Father “turns [their] conversations into discussions about religion
      or custody.”       [E.L.] testified that she calls Father back
      “sometimes” but does not always call him back “at night because
      [she is] too tired.”

      19. [B.L.] and [E.L.] both credibly testified that Father does not
      encourage their relationship with Mother. [M.L.] credibly testified
      that he is not sure if Father encourages the Children’s relationship
      with Mother because “[Father] never says anything to [him].”

                                     - 18 -
J-A08015-19

      20. [E.L.] credibly testified that Father does not say anything
      positive about Mother and that Father calls Mother “a liar.” [E.L.]
      also credibly testified that Father will ask her about “what [she] is
      texting to [Mother] and what [Mother] is saying back.”

      21. Mother credibly testified that Father allows the Children to visit
      her home during his custody time but only to retrieve something
      that they forgot. Mother further credibly testified that the Children
      are permitted to stay for approximately ten (10) minutes per visit.
      Mother credibly testified that the Children “feel pressured to return
      [to Father’s home] and they watch the clock and they get text
      messages [from Father].”

      22. Dr. Neil Rosenblum opined that the Children do not feel
      comfortable calling or texting Mother in Father’s presence. Dr.
      Rosenblum further opined that the Children seek the privacy of
      their bedrooms when they want to speak to Mother during Father’s
      custody time[.]

      23. The [c]ourt finds that while Father permits the Children to
      contact Mother, he does so in a manner that is disapproving, which
      causes undo [sic] stress on the Children.

Findings of Fact, 8/13/18, at 3-5. The certified record supports these findings,

and the court’s conclusions based on these findings are reasonable. Father’s

arguments on appeal all amount to challenges to the trial court’s credibility

determinations. As we do not make independent factual determinations on

appeal, Father’s challenge to this factor merits no relief. See C.R.F. v. S.E.F.,

45 A.3d 441, 443 (Pa. Super. 2012).

      Next, Father challenges the court’s determination that the Children

expressed a well-reasoned preference for Mother to have physical custody.

See 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5328(a)(7). Once again, the trial court provided

comprehensive findings of fact on this factor:

                                     - 19 -
J-A08015-19

      40. The [c]ourt finds that the Children expressed a well-reasoned
     preference to spend more time with Mother. The [c]ourt further
     finds that the Children are mature and their judgement is sound.

     41. [B.L.] (age 15) credibly testified that he does not want to
     spend more time with Father. [B.L.] credibly testified that Father
     makes him uncomfortable by talking about “problems that Mom
     has.” He testified that Father also makes him uncomfortable when
     he “gets mad in the moment and says stuff in front of [his]
     friends.” [B.L.] credibly testified that he does not like it when
     Father asks him how often he prays or when he asks him about
     the church he attends with Mother. He credibly testified that he
     and Father have “fights” regarding religion. [B.L.] testified that
     Mother and Father have different religions. He credibly testified
     that the Children like Mother’s church better than Father’s. [B.L.]
     credibly testified that Father makes comments about their religion
     “being odd”, which is upsetting to him.

     42. [M.L.] (age 14) credibly testified that he does not like the
     current custody schedule. He further testified that he would like
     “more weekend time with [Mother].” [M.L.] credibly testified that
     he “has fun with [Father] on the weekends but [the Children] do
     more things with [Mother].” [M.L.] credibly testified that he is
     more comfortable with Mother because she was “always there for
     [him] while [Father] was working.”

     43. [E.L.] (age 13) credibly testified that “it would be nice to have
     more weekends with [Mother] because of church...” She credibly
     testified that she does not have a preference as to the days that
     she sees Father. [E.L.] credibly testified that she is “used to going
     to [Mother]” with her concerns. She testified that “talking to
     [Father] is awkward because [Father] was always gone while
     [Mother and Father] were married.”

     44. Dr. Rosenblum testified that he conducted the first evaluation
     interviews with the [L.] family in June and July of 2017. Dr.
     Rosenblum opined that the Children “felt strongly that they did
     not have enough weekend time with [Mother].”

     45. Dr. Rosenblum opined that the Children were still adjusting to
     Mother and Father’s separation. He further opined that the
     Children felt that Father was attacking Mother and the Children
     because of their religion. He opined that the Children felt that
     Father “does not understand or respect their feelings or desires.”

                                    - 20 -
J-A08015-19

     46. Dr. Rosenblum opined that at the time of the first evaluation,
     the Children expressed “legitimate concerns” regarding Father’s
     behavior, however, he was “impressed with [Father’s] ability to
     adjust to a more hands-on role with [the Children].” He further
     testified that it was his “hope that [Father] would listen to [the
     Children] more than focus on a shared custody schedule.”

     47. At the conclusion of his first evaluation, Dr. Rosenblum opined
     that “this is not a 50/50 shared custody case” because “[the
     [Children] simply feel more secure with [Mother].”               He
     recommended within in his first evaluation report dated July 31,
     2017, Defendant’s Exhibit N, that Mother exercise primary
     physical custody of the Children subject to Father’s periods of
     partial physical custody every other Friday night to Monday
     morning, and every Thursday night to Friday morning.

     48. Dr. Rosenblum testified that only three (3) months had lapsed
     after the conclusion of the first evaluation when the parties’ were
     ordered to engage in updated psychological evaluations. Within
     that three (3)[-]month timeframe, Dr. Rosenblum opined that “a
     series of events occurred with [Father], which led to a
     deterioration of [Father] and [the Children’s] relationship.” Dr.
     Rosenblum testified that the majority of the events were related
     to Father’s discussions with the Children regarding his desire to
     achieve shared physical custody, Father’s dislike of Mother and
     the Children’s religion and Father’s negative comments about
     Mother to the Children. He opined that Father’s conduct is “self-
     defeating” because “he knows that [the Children] do not want
     shared custody and his efforts to force this arrangement creates
     a further divide between him and [the Children].”

     49. Dr. Rosenblum further opined that Father’s actions “fueled
     [the Children’s] concerns that [Father] does not listen or care
     about their needs or desires.”      Dr. Rosenblum opined that
     “[Father] is not a bad guy[, and that in] fact, he is a good guy
     that loves [the Children], but [Father] does not understand that
     attacking [Mother] is hurting his relationship with [the Children]
     and by pushing for shared custody is hurting their relationship.”

     50. Dr. Rosenblum noted that the Children are now teenagers and
     the need for Father to compromise with the Children is imperative
     in order to promote their relationship. Dr. Rosenblum opined that

                                   - 21 -
J-A08015-19

     it is “most important for [Father] to not force his will onto [the
     Children], which will further lead to more deterioration.”

     51. Dr. Rosenblum opined at the conclusion of the updated
     evaluation that it is in the best interest of the Children for Father
     to exercise physical custody every other Friday night to Sunday
     night. He further opined that it could be advantageous for Father
     to negotiate with the Children regarding their desire to spend an
     extra overnight with him on a Thursday or Monday evening. Dr.
     Rosenblum recommended that Father allow the Children to opt-
     out of the extra overnight and have dinner together with them
     instead.

     52. Dr. Rosenblum opined that “if 50/50 custody is put in place,
     [the Children] will react negatively and resist [Father] further.”
     He further opined that “downsizing [Father’s] custody time will not
     hurt [Father’s] relationship with [the Children].”

     53. Dr. Rosenblum opined in his evaluation and report dated
     December 26, 2017, Defendant’s Exhibit O, that “it is most
     important that the Children continue in their family therapy with
     Tammy Rink, with both Mother and Father alternating taking the
     Children to the therapy sessions. Mother and Father should be
     able to have occasional individual appointments with Ms. Rink as
     well.”

     54. Mother credibly testified that the Children and Father are
     receiving family counseling with Tammy Rink. The Children
     credibly testified that the counseling sessions are not going well
     because “nothing changes” and it “has not helped.” [B.L.] credibly
     testified that they have not gone to counseling “for about three
     months.” Mother credibly testified that on average, the Children
     and Father see Ms. Rink “once a month but not every month.” The
     [c]ourt finds that the parties are not attending family counseling
     enough given the level of tension between Father and the
     Children’s relationship.

     55. The [c]ourt finds that the Children are not ready to have a
     shared physical custody relationship with Father. The [c]ourt
     finds that consistent family therapy sessions with Tammy Rink, or
     any other trained professional, will likely promote Father’s
     relationship with the Children.

                                    - 22 -
J-A08015-19

Findings of Fact, 8/13/18, at 7-11. As before, these findings are all well

supported by the certified record. Father first asserts that the trial court placed

too much weight on this factor. As noted in our standard of review, the trial

court has broad discretion in determining which factors are most important in

each individual case. As we cannot conclude the trial court abused its

discretion in this case, Father’s argument merits no relief.

      Father also challenges the trial court’s findings that the Children’s

preferences for physical custody with Mother were well-reasoned and mature

in judgment. Father’s arguments once again request that we overturn well-

supported factual determinations. As we cannot do this on appeal, Father’s

arguments merit no relief.

      The third factor subject to Father’s attack concerns whether either party

has attempted to turn the Children against the other parent. See 23 Pa.C.S.A.

§ 5328(a)(8). The trial court thoroughly reviewed the evidence on this factor:

      56. The [c]ourt finds that both parties have engaged in negative
      conduct towards each other in the presence of the Children. The
      [c]ourt further finds that neither parties’ conduct was an
      intentional attempt to turn the Children against the other parent.

      57. Mother credibly testified that she told Father in December of
      2016 that she wanted a divorce, but she did not leave the marital
      residence until February 7, 2017. Mother and Father both credibly
      testified that their separation was difficult and stressful.

      58. Father credibly testified that he was blind-sided by Mother’s
      decision to leave the marriage. Mother credibly testified that she
      was frustrated with Father for refusing to leave the marital
      residence. Mother testified that she wanted to remain in the
      marital residence with the Children because she was the Children’s
      primary caretaker.

                                      - 23 -
J-A08015-19

      59. Father credibly testified that in January of 2017 Mother asked
      him in the presence of the Children to leave the martial [sic]
      residence. He further testified that Mother chastised him in front
      of the Children when he refused to move out. Father testified that
      Mother was trying to create an “us vs. him” situation, meaning the
      Children and Mother against Father.

      60. Father credibly testified that Mother called the police in
      January of 2017 when she was unable to find her purse. He
      credibly testified that Sergeant John Burlett of the Edgeworth
      Police Department responded to the call. Father credibly testified
      that the Children were present when the police arrived. Sergeant
      Burlett testified that Mother wanted the police to be present while
      she checked Father’s vehicle for her purse. Sergeant Burlett
      testified that Father permitted him to search his truck. Sergeant
      Burlett further testified that Mother’s purse was not in Father’s
      vehicle and that Mother called the police station back later that
      evening to let him know that she found her purse. Mother credibly
      testified that she was under a lot of stress and she forgot that she
      had hidden her purse in the house.

      61. Mother credibly testified that in January of 2017, Father
      damaged pictures of her located within the martial [sic] residence.
      Mother presented a collection of photos, Defendant’s Exhibit A,
      which show Mother’s face and eyes scratched out in a number of
      family photos. Mother credibly testified that after the photos were
      damaged, they were put back into their frame and redisplayed
      where they were originally kept at the martial [sic] residence.
      Mother credibly testified that the Children were able to see the
      damaged photographs.

      62. The [c]ourt finds that the Children were exposed to a number
      of events during which the parties treated each other poorly. The
      [c]ourt finds that the majority of the events occurred during the
      parties’ initial period of separation, which was a stressful time for
      the entire family. The [c]ourt further finds that the Children’s
      exposure to certain events was not an intentional act by either
      party to alienate the Children from the other parent.

Findings of Fact, 8/13/18, at 11-13. These findings are all well-supported by

the certified record. Father’s challenges to this factor all amount to challenges

                                     - 24 -
J-A08015-19

to the trial court’s credibility and factual findings. For example, Father argues

that the court erred in finding that Mother’s conduct was not an intentional

attempt to alienate the Children from Father. As we can find no abuse of the

court’s discretion, Father’s arguments on this factor merit no relief.

      Father next contends the trial court erred in concluding that Mother is

more capable of meeting the Children’s emotional needs. See 23 Pa.C.S.A. §

5328(a)(9). On this factor, the court found:

      63. The [c]ourt finds that both parties are able to maintain a
      loving, stable consistent and nurturing relationship with the
      Children. The [c]ourt further finds that Mother is more likely than
      Father to adequately provide for the Children’s emotional needs.

      64. As discussed supra under Factor 7, the Children credibly
      testified that they feel more comfortable with Mother than they do
      with Father. Dr. Rosenblum opined that the Children feel that
      “[Father] doesn’t listen or care about their needs or desires.”

      65. Father credibly testified that he does not take responsibility
      for the deterioration of his relationship with the Children. Father
      testified that it is Mother’s fault that the Children do not respond
      to his communications. Dr. Rosenblum opined that “if [Father]
      continues to feel that he is doing, nothing wrong, things probably
      will not improve.”

      66. The [c]ourt finds that Father is unable to meet the Children’s
      emotional needs at this time. The [c]ourt further finds that
      consistent family therapy with the Children will likely assist Father
      in achieving the goal of meeting their emotional needs.

Findings of Fact, 8/13/18, at 13. These findings all find substantial support in

the certified record. Father argues the court erred in placing any emphasis on

Mother’s history of being the primary caretaker of the children.

                                     - 25 -
J-A08015-19

      While the primary caretaker doctrine is no longer viable, a court may

still consider a parent’s role as primary caretaker in its consideration of the

custody factors.

      We hasten to add that this conclusion does not mean that a trial
      court cannot consider a parent’s role as the primary caretaker
      when engaging in the statutorily-guided inquiry. As discussed
      above, a trial court will necessarily consider a parent’s status as a
      primary caretaker implicitly as it considers the section 5328(a)
      factors, and to the extent the trial court finds it necessary to
      explicitly consider one parent’s role as the primary caretaker, it is
      free to do so under subsection (a)(16).

M.J.M., 63 A.3d at 339. Here, Mother’s role as the Children’s primary

caretaker was certainly relevant to the issue of which parent was better

equipped to address the Children’s emotional needs.

      Father also challenges the court’s conclusion that he has deficiencies in

his ability to address the Children’s emotional needs. Once again, Father asks

us to engage in second-guessing the trial court’s factual determinations. As

we do not make independent factual determinations, Father’s arguments merit

no relief.

      In his next argument, Father challenges the trial court’s conclusion that

Mother is more likely to attend to developmental and medical needs of the

Children. See 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5328(a)(10). On this issue, the trial court found:

      67. The [c]ourt finds that both parties are likely to attend to the
      Children’s daily physical, developmental and educational needs.

       …

      71. Mother credibly testified that the Children have a number of
      special medical needs. She credibly testified that all three (3)

                                     - 26 -
J-A08015-19

      children routinely visit a pediatrician, dentist and orthodontist.
      Mother credibly testified that “[M.L.] and [E.L.] see an eye
      doctor”, “[B.L.] sees a heart doctor once a year” and “[M.L.] sees
      an endocrinologist once a year.” She credibly testified that “[B.L.]
      has Lyme Disease... [and] he is prescribed antibiotics when
      symptoms occur.”

      72. Mother credibly testified that she schedules all of the
      Children’s medical appointments during her custody time if
      possible because Father “says not to make appointments on his
      time.” Mother credibly testified that in May of 2017 a wire in the
      back of [B.L.]’s braces popped out, which caused him discomfort
      in his mouth.       She testified that she made an emergency
      orthodontist appointment for [B.L.] during Father’s custody time,
      and that Father refused to take [B.L.] to his appointment. Mother
      further testified that Father also refused to allow her to take him
      to the scheduled appointment. Mother credibly testified that she
      had to reschedule [B.L.]’s appointment to a later date during her
      custody time.

      73. The [c]ourt finds that Father struggles to meet the Children’s
      special and emotional needs. The [c]ourt finds that the attached
      custody Order of Court will ensure that the all of the Children’s
      needs are being met.

Findings of Fact, 8/13/18, at 14-15. The court’s findings are all supported by

the record. Father argues that the trial court misconstrued the nature of his

request to Mother that she not schedule medical appointments during his

custodial periods. He contends the court ignored his testimony that he made

this request based on Mother’s failure to share the contact information for the

medical service providers. Father claims he merely desired to be more

involved in scheduling the appointments during his custodial periods.

      However, this argument at its core is simply another request for this

Court to make independent factual findings. The trial court explicitly found

Mother’s testimony on this issue credible. If we were to grant Father’s request

                                     - 27 -
J-A08015-19

and credit his testimony, we would be overruling the trial court’s explicit

credibility findings with our own, independent factual findings. Father’s

arguments on this factor merit no relief.

      Next, Father challenges the trial court’s conclusion that Mother has a

greater capacity and willingness to co-parent the Children. See 23 Pa.C.S.A.

§ 5328(a)(13). As in all of these issues, the court provided extensive findings

of fact:

      73. The [c]ourt finds that the level of conflict between the parties
      is high. The [c]ourt finds that Mother has shown a willingness and
      the ability to cooperate with Father. The [c]ourt finds that Father
      has the ability to cooperate with Mother, but that he rarely shows
      a willingness to do so.

      74. Mother credibly testified that she “tries to speak to [Father]
      about custody issues...but [Father] refuses to acknowledge
      [her].”    She testified that the parties began co-parenting
      counseling sessions with Dr. Bob Wilson in May of 2018. Mother
      credibly testified that Father “will not speak to [her] directly at co-
      parenting counseling sessions either...and [Father] ignores [her]
      questions.”

      75. Father credibly testified that the parties have not had a
      detailed conservation [sic] since they separated. He testified that
      the parties only “exchange pleasantries” when they are face-to-
      face. Father testified that Mother has tried to arrange a “sit-down”
      conversation, but that Father has not agreed to meet her yet.
      Father credibly testified that “in time [he] would like to because it
      is good for the kids.”

      76. Father credibly testified that Mother has offered him additional
      custodial time and she invited him to join her and the Children to
      see a movie. He testified that he has declined Mother’s offers.

      77. The [c]ourt finds that Father harbors resentment towards
      Mother, which impedes his ability to co-parent. The [c]ourt finds
      that Mother has made several attempts to resolve the on-going
      hostility, but that Father has declined her offers to discuss the

                                      - 28 -
J-A08015-19

      matter. The [c]ourt finds that consistent co-parenting counseling
      sessions will likely improve the parties’ relationship.

Findings of Fact, 8/13/18, at 16-17. The certified record provides ample

support for these findings.

      Father argues the trial court mischaracterized the nature of the disputes

between Mother and Father. Father complains that the court accepted

Mother’s version of the disputes while ignoring his version. Again, Father’s

argument boils down to a request that we overrule the trial court’s credibility

determinations. As we will not engage in independent fact-finding, Father’s

arguments on this factor merit no relief.

      Father’s final three issues, while styled as challenges to the trial court’s

consideration of custody factors, are actually challenges to evidentiary rulings

made by the court. See Appellant’s Brief at 62 (arguing the court erred in

sustaining relevancy objections raised by Mother). However, the two

paragraphs of argument that support these three issues contain no citations

to authority. Nor do they develop any argument to support Father’s contention

that the trial court erred in sustaining Mother’s objections.

      “The Rules of Appellate Procedure state unequivocally that each

question an appellant raises is to be supported by discussion and analysis of

pertinent authority.” Eichman v. McKeon, 824 A.2d 305, 319 (Pa. Super.

2003). Furthermore, “[w]hen issues are not properly raised and developed in

briefs, when the briefs are wholly inadequate to present specific issues for

review[,] a Court will not consider the merits thereof.” Branch Banking &

                                     - 29 -
J-A08015-19

Trust v. Gesiorski, 904 A.2d 939, 942-943 (Pa. Super. 2006) (citations

omitted). As a result of the deficiencies in his brief, Father has waived these

issues.

      In summary, we interpret the second group of issues raised by Father

to be, at their core, a challenge to the trial court’s findings of fact and

determinations regarding credibility and weight of the evidence. Father, in

essence, questions the trial court’s conclusions and assessments and seeks

this court to re-find facts, re-weigh evidence, and/or re-assess credibility to

his view of the evidence. This we cannot do.

      We will not disturb the trial court’s findings of fact and credibility

determinations absent an abuse of discretion. See C.R.F., 45 A.3d at 443;

see also E.R., 129 A.3d at 527. As we stated in King v. King, 889 A.2d 630,

632 (Pa. Super. 2005), “It is not this Court’s function to determine whether

the trial court reached the ‘right’ decision; rather, we must consider whether,

‘based on the evidence presented, given [sic] due deference to the trial court’s

weight and credibility determinations,’ the trial court erred or abused its

discretion. . . .” (quoting Hanson v. Hanson, 878 A.2d 127, 129 (Pa. Super.

2005)). After a thorough review of the record, we find no abuse of discretion.

      In the case sub judice, the trial court reasonably analyzed and

addressed each factor under Section 5328(a). See Findings of Fact, 8/15/18,

at 3-17. After careful review of the record, we determine that the trial court’s

findings and determinations regarding the custody factors set forth in Section

                                     - 30 -
J-A08015-19

5328(a) are supported by competent evidence in the record, and we will not

disturb them. See C.R.F., 45 A.3d at 443; see also E.R., 129 A.3d at 527.

As such, Father’s claims are without merit.

     Order affirmed.

Judgment Entered.

Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary

Date: 6/11/2019

                                    - 31 -