Court Opinion

ID: 4219118
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2017-11-09 16:27:55.906116+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:41:51.270426
License: Public Domain

FILED
                                                                    NOVEMBER 9, 2017
                                                                 In the Office of the Clerk of Court
                                                                WA State Court of Appeals, Division III

            IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
                               DIVISION THREE

In the Matter of the Marriage of               )
                                               )         No. 34227-1-111
PRISCILLA DIANE HERR,                          )
                                               )
                       Respondent,             )
                                               )
       v.                                      )         UNPUBLISHED OPINION
                                               )
SHIZUO YAMADA,                                 )
                                               )
                       Appellant.              )

       KORSMO, J. -     Shizuo Yamada appeals from the trial court's property distribution

following trial of this dissolution proceeding, arguing that the prenuptial agreement

signed by the parties was invalid because it substantially favored his wife. Given the

decision by the parties to apply Washington law rather than California law, we affirm.

                                           FACTS

       Mr. Yamada and Priscilla Herr were married in California in 1986. Shortly before

the marriage, while the dissolution of his prior marriage was pending, the couple signed a

prenuptial agreement prepared by Ms. Herr. She worked as a legal secretary and testified

that she received some assistance from an attorney at the law firm. 1

       1
           The trial judge expressly found that statement not credible. Clerk's Papers (CP)
at 9-10.
No. 34227-1-III
In re the Marriage of Herr v. Yamada

       The 1986 agreement states:

               For good and valuable consideration received, Bob S. Yamada
       ("Bob"), does hereby give his written consent to provide support to Priscilla
       Diane McCracken Moore ("Priscilla") after Bob and Priscilla are legally
       married, such support to include housing as Priscilla is willing to live with
       Bob and all applicable expenses pertaining to such housing, and whatsoever
       food, clothing and living expenses are deemed agreeable to Priscilla and
       Bob.
               RESOLVED FURTHER, such support to continue as long as Bob
       and Priscilla are legally husband and wife.
               RESOLVED FURTHER, that Bob consents to such support whether
       Priscilla engages in income-producing endeavors or not.
               REVOLVED FURTHER, Bob hereby agrees that property earned by
       Priscilla that constitutes community property under the laws of the State of
       California shall be Priscilla's sole and separate property.
               Bob understands that upon execution of this document, he is
       relinquishing any and all claim to any part, portion or whole of any
       earnings, inheritance, or proceeds of Priscilla for any reason, including his
       support (unless he becomes incapable of providing for his own support),
       obligations, debts, contracts, arrangements, or understandings.

Clerk's Papers (CP) at 224. Mr. Yamada signed the agreement without consulting an

attorney.

       The couple married in California shortly after the dissolution of Mr. Yamada's

marriage was final. During the course of the marriage, the couple signed two additional

"Declarations of Responsibility." One of them was signed in 1987; it declared that Mr.

Yamada would be solely responsible for all of his debts and obligations. CP at 10. He

also signed a declaration in 1992 in which he again assumed sole responsibility for his

own debts and obligations and acknowledged the 1986 agreement as a "prenuptial

                                            2
No. 34227-1-III
In re the Marriage of Herr v. Yamada

agreement." Report of Proceedings (RP) at 40-41. 2 The parties primarily kept their

finances separate during the marriage.

        Ms. Herr purchased two properties, in both of the couple's names, in Washington

shortly after the 1987 declaration was signed. The properties were for investment

purposes and were near where Ms. Herr's adult daughter lived. Mr. Yamada contributed

to the purchase $20,000 he received from the United States government as reparation for

being confined in an internment camp during World War II. In 1994, he signed quitclaim

deeds giving up his interest in the two parcels. She later sold the two parcels in order to

purchase a house.

        Ms. Herr moved to Washington on January 1, 1995. Mr. Yamada remained in

California and would visit Ms. Herr one to three times a month during the next six years.

He initially sent monthly support payments to her of $1,200, and then $1,500 per month

until he moved up to Washington in 2001. He began receiving retirement benefits in

2005.

        Ms. Herr petitioned the Franklin County Superior Court on March 27, 2013, to

dissolve the marriage. The court set a bifurcated trial, with the first portion to determine

the validity of the three financial documents. Ms. Herr's counsel told the court that

although the parties entered into the agreements in California, they "want this matter

        2
            Ms. Herr's counsel characterized the 1992 declaration as a separation agreement.

                                               3
No. 34227-1-III
In re the Marriage of Herr v. Yamada

decided under Washington law." RP at 7. Ms. Herr argued for enforceability, noting that

the parties had lived by the documents for a quarter century, while Mr. Yamada

contended that the agreement was unconscionable. At the conclusion of argument, the

court took the matter under advisement after noting that the burden of proof was by clear,

cogent, and convincing evidence.

       The court issued a letter opinion that began by expressing disbelief that it was

finding such an "amateurish" agreement enforceable, noting that no attorney would

prepare such a document or counsel another to sign it. CP at 9-10. However, while

noting that the agreement was probably procedurally unfair since Mr. Yamada was not

represented by counsel, the trial court concluded that it was not substantially unfair and

that Mr. Yamada apparently thought it was a "good deal" when he signed it. CP at 12.

The court also found that the 1987 and 1992 declarations were not prenuptial agreements

and had no bearing on the case.

       A subsequent order entered after the second trial divided the property. Noting that

nearly all assets were Ms. Herr's separate property, the court awarded her those items,

but gave much of the meager community property to Mr. Yamada. Ms. Herr was ordered

to return the $20,000 Mr. Yamada had paid toward the original Washington property

purchase.

       Written findings were entered. Mr. Yamada timely appealed to this court. After

initial review of the briefing, this court directed supplemental briefing concerning

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No. 34227-1-111
In re the Marriage of Herr v. Yamada

whether California law might govern the validity of the 1986 prenuptial agreement. A

panel later heard oral argument on the case.

                                        ANALYSIS

       The appeal argues that the court erred in not identifying the burden of proof in its

written findings and in finding the prenuptial agreement enforceable, thereby dividing the

property in accordance with the prenuptial agreement. We first address this court's

question concerning California law before turning to those presented by the appellant.

       California Law

       The prenuptial agreement was executed in California and does not include a

choice of law provision, although it defines community property in terms of California

law. 3 The parties did not plead California law and, instead, expressly asked the trial court

to apply Washington law. Although the trial court was not bound to that decision, it did

not err in using Washington law. 4

       As a general principle, Washington courts will apply the law of the jurisdiction

specified in a contract. E.g., McKee v. AT&T Corp., 164 Wn.2d 372, 384, 191 P.3d 845

(2008) (citing Erwin v. Cotter Health Ctrs., Inc., 161 Wn.2d 676, 695-696, 167 P.3d

       3
          Nothing in our record indicates whether California employs definitions of
community and separate property similar to Washington or whether the trial court
considered California law in characterizing any property.
        4
          Washington law certainly governed the dissolution trial, but that did not mean
that the trial court necessarily had to apply Washington law to assess the validity of the
1986 prenuptial agreement.

                                               5
No. 34227-1-III
In re the Marriage of Herr v. Yamada

1112 (2007)). When a party desires the trial court to consider the law of another

jurisdiction, that party must plead that law. CR 9(k). If foreign law is not pleaded, the

trial court will apply Washington law unless doing so would result in a manifest injustice.

CR 9(k)(4 ). However, that provision does not apply to the law of other United States

jurisdictions. Accordingly, trial courts may apply the laws of other states without regard

to whether it was pleaded. Id.

       California adopted the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act on January 1, 1986. 5

Cal. Fam. Code§§ 1600, 1601. As it existed when the parties entered into their

prenuptial agreement, California law provided6 that:

       (a) A premarital agreement is not enforceable if the party against whom
       enforcement is sought proves either of the following:
           (1) That party did not execute the agreement voluntarily.
           (2) The agreement was unconscionable when it was executed and,
                before execution of the agreement, all of the following applied to
                that party:
               (A) That party was not provided a fair and reasonable disclosure of
                    the property or financial obligations of the other party.

       5  Washington has not adopted the uniform act, but our court has noted that some of
its provisions are consistent with Washington law. See Estate of Crawford, 107 Wn.2d
493, 498, 730 P.2d 675 (1986).
        6
          Following a 2001 revision, premarital agreements in California are not
enforceable if they are unconscionable or they are not executed voluntarily. Currently,
California requires that a court finds five elements to ensure voluntariness; one of these
elements is representation by an attorney ( or waiving representation in writing). Cal.
Fam. Code§ 1615(c)(l)-(5). However, the revisions in§ 1615(c) are not retroactive. See
In re Marriage of Hill & Dittmer, 202 Cal. App. 4th 1046, 1057, 136 Cal. Rptr. 3d 700
(2011).

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No. 34227-1-111
In re the Marriage of Herr v. Yamada

              (B) That party did not voluntarily and expressly waive, in writing,
                  any right to disclosure of the property or financial obligations of
                  the other party beyond the disclosure provided.
              (C) That party did not have, or reasonably could not have had, an
                  adequate knowledge of the property or financial obligations of
                  the other party.

Former Cal. Fam. Code§ 1615 (1986); see In re Marriage ofBonds, 24 Cal. 4th 1, 14-15,

5 P Jd 815, 99 Cal. Rptr. 2d 252 (2000).

       Although the current California law on the subject is probably more favorable to

Mr. Yamada, the outcome under the version in effect at the time of this agreement is

unclear. The parties understandably had strategic reasons for proving their case under

Washington law. Unlike Washington, under California law the party challenging the

agreement had the burden of proving the invalidity of the presumptively valid agreement.

Cal. Fam. Code§ 1615(a); Marriage ofBonds, 5 PJd at 831. It also was arguably easier

to prove invalidity under the 1986 California law than under current Washington law.

      Accordingly, the questions this court raised concerning the choice of law

governing the formation of the prenuptial agreement are for naught. The parties did not

rely on the former California law and have no interest in attempting to prove their case

under those standards. The trial judge was not required sua sponte to raise the issue, even

if would have been permissible. The trial court properly applied Washington law in these

circumstances.

                                             7
 No. 34227-1-III
 In re the Marriage of Herr v. Yamada

        Burden of Proof

        Mr. Yamada's first contention is an argument that the trial court was required to

 state the "clear, cogent, and convincing" standard in its written findings. Since he has no

 authority in support of that proposition, we find no error.

        This court reviews the application of a court rule to a particular set of facts de

 novo. Pulich v. Dame, 99 Wn. App. 558,561,991 P.2d 712 (2000). CR 52(a)(l) states:

 "In all actions tried upon the facts without a jury or with an advisory jury, the court shall

 find the facts specially and state separately its conclusions of law."

        It is the general rule that findings of fact need not be made concerning every

 contention made by the parties to a case. Daughtry v. Jet Aeration Co., 91 Wn.2d 704,

. 707, 592 P.2d 631 (1979). Findings must be made as to all of the "material issues." Id.

 (quoting Bowman v. Webster, 42 Wn.2d 129, 134,253 P.2d 934 (1953)). The trial court

 need not make negative findings but it must inform the reviewing court what material

 issues it decided and the basis for its decision. Id. The absence of a finding on a material

 issue is presumptively a negative finding entered against the party with the burden of

proof. Pilling v. E. & Pac. Enters. Trust, 41 Wn. App. 158, 165, 702 P.2d 1232 (1985).

Amending or reversing of an oral ruling that has not been reduced to writing is outside

the scope of CR 52. Hubbard v. Scroggin, 68 Wn. App. 883, 888, 846 P.2d 580 (1993).

       Here, the burden of proof was not a material fact that the court was required to

include in the written findings. Daughtry, 91 Wn.2d at 707. Moreover, the court did

                                               8
No. 34227-1-111
In re the Marriage of Herr v. Yamada

notify the parties in its oral ruling that the burden was clear, cogent, and convincing.

Even if it were required to state tlie quantum of burden in its written findings, such an

omission would be outside the scope of CR 52. Hubbard, 68 Wn. App. at 888.

       The burden of proof is not a factual question that needed to be included among the

findings required by CR 52. Although it may present an issue oflaw, it is not necessarily

a conclusion of law that must be stated in the written ruling required by CR 52.

Appellant has not established that there was any necessity of reducing that statement to

writing.

       The written findings were not defective for failing to state the burden of proof,

something that was not a contested issue at trial.

       Validity of the Prenuptial Agreement

       Mr. Yamada also challenges the trial court's determination that his one-sided

agreement with Ms. Herr was valid. We concur in the trial judge's assessment of the

amateur nature of this agreement and we, too, conclude that it was valid. As the sole

challenge to the property division is based on the theory that the agreement was invalid,

we have to also affirm the distribution.

       Washington adjudges challenges to prenuptial agreements under its well-

developed common law rather than by statute. Prenuptial agreements are subject to the

principles of contract law. In re Marriage of DewBerry, 115 Wn. App. 351,364, 62 P.3d

                                              9
No. 34227-1-111
In re the Marriage of Herr v. Yamada

525 (2003). Washington's public policy favors prenuptial agreements. 7 Id. "If fair and

fairly made, we have held prenuptial agreements between competent parties to be valid

and binding." In re Marriage of Matson, 107 Wn.2d 479,482, 730 P.2d 668 (1986). The

agreements must be both substantively and procedurally fair. In assessing the validity of

such agreements, our courts first look at substantive fairness by checking whether the

agreement "provides a fair and reasonable provision for the party not seeking

enforcement of the agreement." Id. If so, "the analysis ends and the agreement may be

validated." Id. If not, the courts must look to questions of procedural fairness. Did the

parties have full knowledge concerning the amount and value of the property involved?

Was the agreement entered into fully and voluntarily with full knowledge of their own

rights? Id. at 483. Review of these latter questions includes looking at the circumstances

involved in the execution of the agreement. Id. at 484. It is the facts at the inception of

the agreement that are critical; the results of an agreement do not bear on the question of

fairness at inception. One important factor in procedural fairness is whether both parties

had the opportunity for representation by counsel. In re Marriage of Foran, 67 Wn. App.

242,256, 834 P.2d 1081 (1992).

      7
         "There is nothing unfair about two well-educated working professionals agreeing
to preserve the fruits of their labor for their individual benefit." DewBerry, 115 Wn. App.
at 365.

                                             10
No. 34227-1-111
In re the Marriage of Herr v. Yamada

       We review the trial court's conclusion on substantive fairness de novo, as with any

question of law. Id. at 251. The construction of a contract is a question of law. Id. at

249 (quoting Berg v. Hudesman, 115 Wn.2d 657, 663, 801 P.2d 222 (1990)). The trial

court's resolution of the second prong of the Matson analysis is a mixed question oflaw

and fact that is reviewed de novo with consideration for the trial court's resolution of the

factual matters. In re Marriage ofBernard, 165 Wn.2d 895,903,204 P.3d 907 (2009).

       Our case law over the years has distilled several "rules" from certain fact patterns.

An agreement disproportionate to the respective means of each spouse, which also limits

the accumulation of one spouse's separate property while precluding any claim to the

other spouse's separate property, is substantively unfair. Id. at 905. Other fact patterns

suggest the need for close scrutiny. For instance, when an agreement attempts to totally

eliminate community property rights, the court must zealously and scrupulously examine

it for fairness. Matson, l 07 Wn.2d at 486. A prenuptial agreement that contains no

provision for one spouse also must be scrutinized carefully. Estate of Crawford, 107

Wn.2d 493,498, 730 P.2d 675 (1986).

       With these principles in mind, it is time to turn to Mr. Yamada's arguments. He

contends that the agreement was the product of overreaching by Ms. Herr, as evidenced

by the fact that he was not represented by counsel and the community ended up with little

in the way of assets. While that first fact goes to the issue of procedural fairness, the

second is of no consequence to the determination of the validity of this agreement when it

                                             11
No. 34227-1-III
In re the Marriage of Herr v. Yamada

was adopted. Neither of these two points weigh in on the threshold question of whether it

was substantively fair.

       The trial court held that the agreement was substantively fair despite the fact that it

was one-sided in favor of the person who sought to enforce the agreement. CP at 11-12.

The trial court expressly found that at the time the agreement was executed, Mr. Yamada

was a business executive with an extensive income and personal business interests, while

Ms. Herr was a secretary with modest income and modest assets. Id. Mr. Yamada also

was expecting to receive, as his personal property, some of the proceeds from the sale of

his then-marital community's house.

       Thus, this case presents the question of whether an agreement that favors one party

is substantively unfair when it favors the party in the weaker economic position. 8 We

conclude that an agreement that favors the economically weaker party is not necessarily

substantively unfair. The entire circumstances of the agreement still must be considered.

       The agreement altered the legal status quo in two respects: (1) it treated Ms. Herr's

earnings as her separate property rather than as community property, and (2) it waived

Mr. Yamada's interest in her separate property, including by inheritance. It did not

address (and thereby could not alter) Mr. Yamada's separate property. It did not change

       8
        It appears that the trial court reached its result for that very reason. The court's
findings suggest that it believed the agreement was procedurally unfair, but that
substantively it was not unfair given the differing economic circumstances of the parties.
CP at 11-12.

                                             12
No. 34227-1-III
In re the Marriage of Herr v. Yamada

the rights of the parties to inherit or manage the community property. It did not eliminate

or prohibit community property, nor did the agreement alter any obligations of the

community. In short, the agreement simply allowed Ms. Herr to retain her earnings (and

its proceeds) as her own property without claim from Mr. Yamada and obligated him,

while the marriage lasted, to support her. He was free to end that obligation by ending

the marriage.

       This arrangement was understandable for a middle-aged couple with children from

their previous marriages. Each could understandably desire to manage their own

property with the idea of passing it along to the children rather than the new spouse.

While the agreement could have been more mutual, with, for instance, Mr. Yamada's

right to build separate property from community funds recognized, it did not have to be.

       This agreement was not so one-sided to be substantively unfair as in Matson or

Bernard. With the benefit of hindsight, it is clear that Ms. Herr came out of this better

financially than Mr. Yamada did. However, that result occurred because of his choice to

maintain the marriage even after she moved to Washington and to support her at the level

that he did while the couple was living apart. He was not required to support her separate

lifestyle, although he chose to do so.

       The fairness of an arrangement is adjudged by the circumstances existing at the

time of the agreement. This arrangement, while favorable to Ms. Herr, largely just

maintained her in the same circumstances as existed when the agreement was drawn up.

                                            13
No. 34227-1-III
In re the Marriage of Herr v. Yamada

To marry her, Mr. Yamada had to support her and allow her to keep her own earnings.

He chose to do so. Under these facts, the agreement was not substantively unfair.

      The judgment is affirmed.

      A majority of the panel has determined this opinion will not be printed in the

Washington Appellate Reports, but it will be filed for public record pursuant to RCW

2.06.040.

I CONCUR:

      !~,~

                                           14
                                      No. 34227-1-111

       PENNELL, J. (dissenting) -   I agree we should apply Washington law to this case

and that the trial judge need not explicitly identify the applicable burden of proof in

written findings. I would nevertheless reverse and remand this matter as the trial court

did not sufficiently identify whether the prenuptial agreement was: (1) substantively fair,

or (2) substantively unfair but nevertheless procedurally valid.

Governing legal principles

       When addressing a contested prenuptial agreement, there first must be a

determination as to whether or not the agreement is substantively fair. This is a limited

inquiry. Reviewed largely de novo, it simply involves looking at the plain terms of the

agreement and assessing whether it disproportionately disadvantages the spouse with

fewer financial resources. In re Marriage of Bernard, 165 Wn.2d 895, 902-03, 905,204

P.3d 907 (2009). The proponent of the agreement must prove any issues of fact                 1

regarding this inquiry through clear and convincing evidence. Kolmorgan v. Schaller,

51 Wn.2d 94, 98,316 P.2d 111 (1957). Ifan agreement meets the substantive fairness

test, it must be enforced without any further inquiry. Bernard, 165 Wn.2d at 902.
                                                                                              I
                                                                                              F
                                                                                              f
                                                                                              t

      It is only when a prenuptial agreement is substantively unfair that courts go on to

assess whether procedural fairness nevertheless warrants enforcement. In general,
                                                                                              It
procedural fairness involves two questions: "( 1) whether the spouses made a full
                                                                                              ll
                                                                                              !
                                                                                              j
disclosure of the amount, character, and value of the property involved and (2) whether
No. 34227-1-111
In re Marriage of Herr v. Yamada (dissent)

the agreement was freely entered into on independent advice from counsel with full

knowledge by both spouses of their rights." Id. at 902-03.

       Although advice of counsel is usually a necessary component of procedural

fairness, it is not always required. In re Marriage of Matson, 107 Wn.2d 479, 483-84,

730 P.2d 668 (1986); In re Marriage ofForan, 67 Wn. App. 242, 256-57, 834 P.2d 1081

(1992). Procedural fairness turns on the totality of the circumstances, including "[t]he

bargaining positions of the parties, sophistication of the parties, presence of independent

advice, understanding of the legal consequences and rights, and timing of the agreement

juxtaposed with the wedding date." Matson, 107 Wn.2d at 484. A substantively unfair

prenuptial agreement will be enforced, even against an unrepresented party, if the facts

demonstrated the unrepresented party had a ''full understanding of the legal consequences

of the contract." Foran, 67 Wn. App. at 257.

       If the totality of the circumstances indicate the prenuptial agreement was reached

in a procedurally fair manner, it will be given effect even if its terms are substantively

unfair. Bernard, 165 Wn.2d at 902-03.

The trial court's analysis-substantive fairness

       In reviewing the parties' agreement, the trial court began by touching on the

subject of substantive fairness. The trial court recognized the agreement was so one-

sided that "[n]o competent attorney would counsel a client to sign" it. Clerk's Papers

at 10. Indeed, the agreement required that Shizuo Yamada give financial support to

                                              2
No. 34227-1-111
In re Marriage of Herr v. Yamada (dissent)

Priscilla Herr, but did not impose a reciprocal obligation unless Mr. Yamada were to

become incapacitated. It also provided that Ms. Herr's contribution to community

property shall be deemed her separate property, but Mr.Yamada's contributions would

remain community property. As noted by Mr. Yamada's appellate counsel, the

agreement essentially declared that "what's hers is hers, and what's his is theirs."

Appellant's Opening Br. at 17.

       Because the agreement is indisputably one-sided, its substantive fairness turns on

whether or not it provided a reasonable accommodation for the parties, in light of their

respective incomes and financial resources at the time of execution. This is a factual

inquiry and deference to the trial court is warranted. However, the trial court never made

any formal findings about the parties' incomes. Instead, the court inferred Mr. Yamada's

income must have been significantly higher than Ms. Herr's given the nature of the

couple's occupations. Such an inference is insufficient to sustain a finding of substantive

fairness, particularly in light of Ms. Herr's burden to prove her case by clear and

convincing evidence.

       Given the prenuptial agreement's unequal property allocations and the lack of

clear facts or findings regarding the parties' relative incomes, the trial court's

enforcement determination cannot be sustained on the basis of substantive fairness.

                                              3
No. 34227-1-111
In re Marriage of Herr v. Yamada (dissent)

The trial court's analysis-procedural f aimess

       Because the record was inadequate to prove substantive fairness, it was

appropriate for the court to consider the issue of procedural fairness. However, as noted

above, the court should not have treated Mr. Yamada's lack oflegal representation as

dispositive. Instead, the trial court should have considered the totality of the

circumstances.

       Many of the fairness issues discussed by the trial court (and in the majority

opinion) are relevant to the broad subject of procedural fairness, not substantive fairness.

Mr. Yamada's sophistication, his desire to secure Ms. Herr's companionship, and his

belief that the agreement was a good deal all go to the issue of procedural fairness.

Matson, 107 Wn.2d at 484-85. These circumstances do tend to suggest Mr. Yamada

signed the prenuptial agreement with eyes fully open. Thus, while the agreement was

one-sided-and perhaps impermissibly so-there are facts suggesting Mr. Yamada was

fully aware of the nature of the document and signed it because he prioritized his

relationship with Ms. Herr over his financial interests.

       While there are numerous facts suggesting the prenuptial agreement was

procedurally fair, this was not the trial court's ruling. The trial court appears to have

rejected procedural fairness based entirely on Mr. Yamada's lack of legal representation.

I would remand this matter to the trial court for reconsideration of procedural fairness

under the correct legal standard.

                                              4
No. 34227-1-111
In re Marriage of Herr v. Yamada (dissent)

                                     CONCLUSION

       The record indicates that the trial court could have found the parties' agreement

enforceable under the governing legal standard. However, this is not clear. Given the

fact intensive nature of the inquiry, I would remand this matter for revised findings, and

perhaps further proceedings, under the applicable legal framework.

                                             Pennell, J.

                                             5