Court Opinion

ID: 9724494
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 10:58:43.532838+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:25:01.203350
License: Public Domain

■■ Quinn, J.
(dissenting). This divorce case was tried for five days before Honorable Archie D. McDonald in the Eaton circuit court on complaint, cross complaint and answers thereto. Appellant’s two-volume, seven hundred plus page appendix testifies to the thoroughness of the trial. The trial court filed a detailed written opinion in which he analyzed the testimony and those who gave it, made factual findings from this analysis, and concluded that plaintiff was entitled to a divorce and custody of the children. While appellant contests the granting of a divorce to his wife and claims that, on the record, he should have been granted a divorce on his cross complaint, the real issue is stated on page 45 of appellant’s brief,
“The future and welfare of these three minor children are at stake. That is what this appeal is *478about, and it is hoped that the Court will not only réad this brief, but study the record, that a judgment in the best interests of these children may be made by this Court.”
' These children are now 7, 6, and nearly 5 years of age., . ,
On appeal, divorce cases are heard de novo, but the advantage of the trial judge in hearing and seeing the witnesses has long been recognized. In Chubb v. Chubb (1941), 297 Mich 501, the Supreme Court said (p 506):
“While we are not restricted by the findings of the circuit court, a divorce case on appeal being heard de novo, especial consideration is given to such findings, so largely based upon the credibility of the witnesses, and the reviewing court ought not to reverse the determination of the trial court in such a case, unless convinced that it must have reached a different conclusion had it occupied the position of the lower court, under like circumstances.”
What should convince an appellate court that it would have reached a different conclusion had it occupied the position of the lower court? If more than lip service is to be paid to the advantage accorded the trial judge, the appellate court must be able to determine that the findings relied on by the trial court are not supported by the record. Such was the case in Ziontz v. Ziontz (1949), 324 Mich 155, relied on by appellant. The converse of the rule is well stated in 2 Moore, Michigan Marriage, Divorce, and Separation (2d ed), § 2202, as follows (p 218):
“A judgment in a divorce case, justified by testimony, if, believed, will not be disturbed on appeal, though founded on conflicting testimony, because the appellate court should consider the advantage which the trial judge had from his opportunity to hear and observe witnesses.” (Citing cases.)
*479A review of the record would serve no purpose other than demonstrating the probability of failure of a marriage between a 31-year-old high school teacher and Ms 17-year-old pupil and the type of conduct on both sides that insures the failure. Unlike Ziontz, the record here supports the factual findings of the trial judge, and Ms decree with respect to granting a divorce will not be disturbed.
The cold record certainly would support an award of the custody of these young children to defendant. In reviewing the trial court’s contrary award, several things must be kept in mind. The statutory presumption favors plaintiff. CL 1948, § 722.541 (Stat Ann 1957 Eev §25.311). In Ostergren v. Ostergren (1962), 368 Mich 408, 411, the Supreme Court said :
“And, normally, we do not override the mother’s statutory preference even when the proofs indicate the mother has been guilty of serious misconduct if the best interest of the children requires they be continued in her custody. Particularly is this so if the custody decision must be made at the time of entry of the divorce decree when the choice usually is between leaving the children with their mother or leaving them with their father.”
The award of custody is a discretionary matter. CL 1948, § 552.16 (Stat Ann 1957 Rev § 25.96); CL 1948, § 722.565 (Stat Ann 1957 Rev § 25.241). The welfare of the children is the primary consideration, Lehman v. Lehman (1955), 342 Mich 708, and proof of unfitness is required to deprive the mother of custody, Geark v. Geark (1947), 318 Mich 614. The advantage of the trial court in being able to observe these parents during five days of trial, to hear their testimony, to interview them in chambers is peculiarly persuasive in the area of custody. It is such that *480this Court is not prepared to say he abused bis discretion in not finding the mother unfit.
Trial court should be affirmed, with costs to appellee.