Court Opinion

ID: 2827779
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-08-17 20:29:20.43175+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:45:03.361864
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

In the Matter of the Marriage of                No. 72343-0-1

ANGELIKA MCNAUGHT,                              DIVISION ONE

                      Respondent,
                                                PUBLISHED OPINION
      and

BYRON MCNAUGHT,

                      Appellant.                FILED: August 17, 2015

       Leach, J. — Byron McNaught appeals the trial court's relocation order

allowing Angelika McNaught and their daughter, A.J.M., to move to Texas. He

challenges the trial court's application of the relocation presumption, the trial

court's evaluation of the statutory relocation factors, and the sufficiency of the

evidence to support the trial court's relocation decision. Additionally, he makes

legal challenges to certain parenting plan provisions. Finally, he challenges the

trial court's award of attorney fees to Angelika and asks this court not to award

her fees on appeal.

       Because the relocation presumption reflects a legislative policy decision

and Washington case law requires a quantum of proof to rebut it, this

presumption shifts the burdens of production and persuasion to the parent

opposing the relocation. The trial court correctly applied the presumption.
NO. 72343-0-1 / 2

      The record includes evidence addressing each relevant relocation factor,

and the trial court's findings reflect its consideration of each factor. Substantial
evidence supports these findings and the trial court's relocation decision. But the
evidence does not support the parenting plan notice provisions. And, because a
parent may delegate its residential time to family members absent any indication
of harm to a child, the trial court abused its discretion by denying Byron this
discretion. Byron's other challenges to the parenting plan lack merit. Because
Byron earns significantly more than Angelika, we conclude that the trial court did
not abuse its discretion when it awarded Angelika attorney fees. We affirm in
part, reverse in part, deny fees to both parties, and remand for further
proceedings consistent with this opinion.
                                       FACTS

       Angelika and Byron McNaught met in Texas and married there in 2004. In
 2010, they moved to Seattle, so Byron could take a job. Angelika began a web
 design position, allowing her to work from their home on Mercer Island. They
 had a child, A.J.M., in February 2012. As an infant, A.J.M. woke up four or five
 times per night, leaving both parents, especially Angelika, sleep deprived.
 Byron's parents moved from Florida to Mercer Island, and Byron's mother, Laurel
 McNaught, provided childcare to A.J.M. A.J.M. and Byron's parents became
 close. But in the months after A.J.M.'s birth, Byron and Angelika's marriage
NO. 72343-0-1 / 3

began to have difficulties. Angelika criticized Byron for the social time he spent
with coworkers and pursuing hobbies and believed that the time he spent away

from home indicated that he did not want to parent.

       In June 2013, Angelika and Byron separated. Angelika petitioned for

dissolution of marriage.

       On July 12, 2013, Angelika filed a motion for temporary orders allowing
her to relocate A.J.M. to Texas, where her family lives. The trial court denied her

request. It also appointed Dr. Wendy Hutchins-Cook to make recommendations
about a parenting plan and the relocation issue. The trial court ordered that
A.J.M.'s childcare by Laurel McNaught continue but provided Angelika the option
for Laurel McNaught to provide care in Byron's home.           By January 2014,
Angelika had gradually reduced and then eliminated Laurel's care of A.J.M.
       Between January and April 2014, Dr. Hutchins-Cook performed
 psychological testing, observed A.J.M. with each parent, and conducted
 interviews with the parents and third parties. She issued her report on April 21,
 2014. Angelika reported to Dr. Hutchins-Cook that she did not plan to relocate,
 though she wanted to be near her family, because the trial court had required
 that she remain in Washington. She said that she had come to realize it was
 better for A.J.M. to be around her father more and said that she would stay,
 reporting that her parents closed their restaurant and hoped to buy property in
                                         -3-
NO. 72343-0-1/4

Washington. Angelika's mother temporarily stayed with her and helped with

A.J.M.

         Dr. Hutchins-Cook concluded that A.J.M. is more reactive and sensitive

than other children and fares better with gradual rather than dramatic changes.

Dr. Hutchins-Cook found A.J.M. to be well bonded with each parent, finding no

concerns with either parent's ability to fulfill parenting functions. She found that

Angelika had provided a majority of A.J.M.'s care. She also found A.J.M. to be
attached to Byron's parents and Angelika's mother.             Dr. Hutchins-Cook

recommended a residential schedule that gradually reached a week-on, week-off

schedule by the time A.J.M. turned five.

         Dr. Hutchins-Cook did not evaluate the issue of relocation because at the

time of evaluation, Angelika did not plan to move. But she did find that A.J.M.

had established relationships with relatives in Texas. Before trial, Angelika filed

a second notice of intended relocation. Her parents were not able to move to

Washington permanently. She stated in her notice that her move would depend

on the trial court's decision.

         At trial, Angelika, Byron, Dr. Hutchins-Cook, and other witnesses who
knew the parents and A.J.M. testified to A.J.M.'s relationship with her parents.
Though Dr. Hutchins-Cook did not evaluate the issue of relocation, she did testify
about relocation issues.

                                           -4-
NO. 72343-0-1 / 5

      The trial court allowed the requested relocation and adopted a parenting

plan. The trial court denied Byron's motion for stay. After Byron appealed, this
court denied a second motion for stay.

                            STANDARD OF REVIEW

       Parental rights constitute a protected, fundamental liberty interest under

the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.1            This court

reviews a trial court's parenting plan decision for an abuse of discretion.2 Atrial
court abuses its discretion when it makes a manifestly unreasonable decision or

bases its decision on untenable grounds or untenable reasons.3

             "A court's decision is manifestly unreasonable if it is outside
       the range of acceptable choices, given the facts and the applicable
       legal standard; it is based on untenable grounds if the factual
       findings are unsupported by the record; it is based on untenable
       reasons if it is based on an incorrect standard or the facts do not
       meet the requirements of the correct standard."141
                                    ANALYSIS

Relocation Presumption

       The child relocation act (CRA), RCW 26.09.405-.560, provides notice

requirements and standards for changing the primary residence of a child who is

       1 In re Marriage of Chandola, 180 Wash. 2d 632, 646, 327 P.3d 644 (2014)
 taunting In re Custody of Smith, 137 Wash. 2d 1, 14-15, 969 P.2d 21 (1998)).
       2 In re Marriage of Littlefield, 133 Wash. 2d 39, 46, 940 P.2d 1362 (1997).
       3 Chandola, 180 Wash. 2d at 642 (quoting In re Marriage of Katare, 175
Wash. 2d 23, 35, 283 P.3d 546 (2012)).
        * In re Marriage of Horner, 151 Wash. 2d 884, 894, 93 P.3d 124 (2004)
 (quoting Littlefield, 133 Wash. 2d at 47).
                                         -5-
NO. 72343-0-1 / 6

the subject of a court order regarding residential time.5 If a person entitled to

residential time or visitation objects to a child's relocation, the person seeking to

move the child may not relocate the child without court approval.6

       Upon a proper objection, a trial court must conduct a fact-finding hearing

on the proposed move.7 RCW 26.09.520 establishes a rebuttable presumption

permitting the move:

       There is a rebuttable presumption that the intended relocation of
       the child will be permitted. A person entitled to object to the
       intended relocation of the child may rebut the presumption by
       demonstrating that the detrimental effect of the relocation
       outweighs the benefit of the change to the child and the relocating
       person.

       This presumption incorporates and gives substantial weight to the

traditional presumption that a fit parent acts in his or her child's best interests,

including when that parent relocates the child.8 "The CRA shifts the analysis

away from only the best interests of the child to an analysis that focuses on both

the child and the relocating person."9 A person opposing the move must rebut

the presumption by a preponderance of the evidence.10

     5 In re Marriage of Wehr, 165 Wash. App. 610, 612, 267 P.3d 1045(2011).
     6 RCW 26.09.480(2).
     7 Wehr, 165 Wash. App. at 612 (citing RCW 26.09.520).
     8 Horner, 151 Wash. 2d at 894-95 (quoting In re Custody of Osborne. 119
Wash. App. 133, 144-45, 79 P.3d 465 (2003)).
       9 Horner, 151 Wash. 2d at 887.
       10 Wehr, 165 Wash. App. at 614.
                                         -6-
NO. 72343-0-1 / 7

       Byron contends that this presumption has a limited purpose. It places on

the opposing party the burden of producing sufficient evidence to overcome the

presumption by a preponderance of the evidence.            Once this occurs, the

presumption disappears, and the court weighs the evidence without regard to the

presumption. Implicit, but unstated, in Byron's argument is the view that rebuttal

of the presumption in this manner shifts the burden of persuasion to the person

requesting the move. We recently rejected a similar argument in the context of a

different statutory presumption.11

       In Larson v. City of Bellevue,12 we held that a statutory presumption that

certain diseases contracted by firefighters were occupational diseases shifted the

burdens of production and persuasion. Two factors present in both Larson and

this case persuade us that RCW 26.09.520 places both the burden of production

and persuasion on the objecting person. First, this statute reflects a public policy

decision made by the legislature favoring relocation.          Second, Washington

precedent requires a defined quantum of proof (preponderance) to rebut the

presumption. Deciding if the evidence produced achieves the necessary level of

persuasiveness      requires   an    evaluation   of witness   credibility and   the

persuasiveness of all admitted evidence. Logically, this shifts to the objecting

       11 Larson v. City of Bellevue, No. 71101-6-1, 2015 WL 4204116, at *7
(Wash. Ct. App. July 13, 2015).
      12 No. 71101-6-1, 2015 WL 4204116, at *7 (Wash. Ct. App. July 13, 2015).
                                          -7-
NO. 72343-0-1 / 8

person the burden of persuading the court that detriment of the proposed

relocation outweighs the benefit of the change to the child and relocating

person.13

       Byron cites Bank of Washington v. Hilltop Shakemill, Inc.,14 to support his

position.   In Hilltop, this court held that the trial court must disregard a

presumption of a community debt once the debtor presents evidence to

overcome the presumption.15 Byron argues that consistent with the provisions

and policy of the CRA, the trial court should have applied the relocation

presumption in the same way. He claims that retaining the presumption after the

objecting person has rebutted it impermissibly elevates one parent's fundamental

parenting right over that of the other parent. But this mechanical argument fails

to address that the CRA's presumption of relocation "'incorporates and gives

substantial weight to the traditional presumption that a fit parent will act in the

best interests of her child.'"16 As Division Two of this court has concluded, the

preponderance of the evidence standard of proof required to overcome the

presumption adequately protects the interests of both parents.17

       13 Larson, 2015 WL 4204116, at *6.
       14 26 Wash. App. 943, 946, 948, 614 P.2d 1319 (1980).
       15 Hilltop, 26 Wash. App. at 948.
       16 Horner, 151 Wash. 2d at 895 (quoting Osborne, 119 Wash. App. at 144).
       17 Wehr, 165 Wash. App. at 614.
                                        -8-
NO. 72343-0-1 / 9

      Courts interpret statutory presumptions to give them the force intended by

the legislature.18 The CRA's 11 child relocation factors "serve as a balancing test

between many important and competing interests and circumstances involved in

relocation matters," while the presumption in favor of relocation operates to give

particular importance to the interests and circumstances of the relocating parent,

not only the best interests of the child.19 The significant yet surmountable hurdle

the legislature established for the opposing party supports the view that the

presumption does not disappear upon a party's production of evidence.            If it

disappeared as suggested, the presumption would do little to further the

legislature's apparent purpose of generally favoring relocation. As we apply the

presumption, it provides the standard the trial court uses at the conclusion of trial

to resolve competing claims about relocation.         This approach furthers the

legislature's policy reflected in the presumption.

       RCW 26.09.520 shifts the burdens of persuasion and production to a party

opposing relocation. The trial court did not err in its application of the statutory

presumption.

Court's Consideration of Child Relocation Factors

       Byron next argues that the trial court failed to consider all 11 relocation

factors in RCW 26.09.520. A trial court must consider all 11 statutory factors in

       18 Larson, 2015 WL 4204116, at *7.
       19 Horner, 151 Wash. 2d at 894.
NO. 72343-0-1/10

child relocation matters to determine if a detrimental effect outweighs the benefits

to both the child and the parent wishing to relocate.20 Each factor has equal

importance, and they are not weighted or listed in any order but rather provide a

balancing test between the competing interests and circumstances that exist

when a parent wishes to relocate.21 The trial court must enter specific findings

on each factor, or parties must have presented substantial evidence on each

factor with the trial court making findings and oral articulations that reflect its

consideration of each.22 A trial court abuses it discretion when it fails to consider

each factor.23

       The trial court heard testimony from both parents and from Dr. Hutchins-

Cook about the 11 relocation factors.        The trial court's findings of fact and

conclusions of law stated that it had "considered the factors in RCW 26.09.520,

and those factors favor the mother and her preferred relocation to Texas."

Because the trial court did not enter specific findings on each factor, we must

determine if the court heard substantial evidence on each factor and reflected its

consideration of each in its findings and oral articulations.

       20 Horner. 151 Wash. 2d at 894-95 (quoting Osborne. 119 Wash. App. at 144-
45).
       21 Horner. 151 Wash. 2d at 894.
       22 Horner. 151 Wash. 2d at 895-96.
       23 Horner. 151 Wash. 2d at 894-95.
                                         -10-
NO. 72343-0-1 /11

        (1) The relative strength, nature, gualitv. extent of involvement, and
stability of the child's relationship with each parent, siblings, and other significant
persons in the child's life

       Dr. Hutchins-Cook testified that A.J.M. had strong bonds with both

parents, as well as her paternal grandparents and maternal grandmother. She

found A.J.M. equally attached to both parents. Dr. Hutchins-Cook also found that

Angelika was very good at providing care to A.J.M. and did 75-85 percent of the

parenting.   Byron testified at trial that he shared parenting responsibilities with

Angelika and that both he and Angelika had a strong bond with A.J.M. The trial

court considered this factor when it found that A.J.M.'s relationship with Angelika

and her family in Texas is at least as strong as the relationship A.J.M. has with

Byron and his family.

       (2) Prior agreements of the parties

       Dr. Hutchins-Cook testified that during evaluation Angelika stated she

would not relocate but also testified that the parties had made no agreement.24

This factor is inapplicable.

       24 Byron asserts that an agreement existed because he relied on
Angelika's statements to Dr. Hutchins-Cook. But the record fails to support any
agreement between the parties on this issue.
                                         -11-
NO. 72343-0-1 /12

     (3) Whether disrupting the contact between the child and the person with
whom the child resides a majority of the time would be more detrimental to the
child than disrupting contact between the child and the person objecting to the
relocation

          Dr. Hutchins-Cook testified that at A.J.M.'s age, disrupting A.J.M.'s

relationship with Angelika is more harmful than disrupting her relationship with

Byron. Dr. Hutchins-Cook testified that relocation makes a significant impact on

the quality of the relationship but is unlikely to break the attachment of a child to

his or her parent.        The trial court's finding that the strength of A.J.M.'s

relationship to Angelika and her family in Texas is at least as strong as her

relationship with Byron and his family reflects the court's consideration of this

factor.

          (4) Whether either parent or a person entitled to residential time with the
child is subject to limitations under RCW 26.09.191

          Because neither party alleged harm to A.J.M. under RCW 26.09.191, the

court did not need to consider this factor.

          (5) The reasons of each person for seeking or opposing the relocation and
the good faith of each of the parties in reguesting or opposing the relocation

          Angelika testified that she wanted to be close to her family and move to a

community where she could purchase a home. Byron testified about his close

relationship with A.J.M. and his strong concern about her relocation. He thought

Angelika may be trying to relocate A.J.M. away from him.               During cross-

examination, he challenged her assertion that Texas provides a cheaper cost of

                                          -12-
NO. 72343-0-1/13

living and asserted in argument that she changed her position about moving to

preclude Dr. Hutchins-Cook from evaluating the relocation issue.              Angelika

testified that at the time of evaluation, she believed she would not relocate

because her parents sold their restaurant and were trying to buy a home in

Seattle but later changed her mind when their plans failed.

       The trial court addressed Byron's reasons for opposing the relocation in its

order denying his motion for stay when it acknowledged that relocation may be

disruptive to his relationship with his daughter.        But the trial court ultimately

adopted Angelika's reasoning, referencing in its order the strong bond between

A.J.M. and Angelika's family in Texas, as well as opportunities for A.J.M. and

Angelika there.

       (6) The age, developmental stage, and needs of the child, and the likely
impact the relocation or its prevention will have on the child's physical,
educational, and emotional development, taking into consideration any special
needs of the child

       Dr. Hutchins-Cook testified that both parents understood A.J.M. to be a

sensitive child but that she did not believe A.J.M. had special needs.             She

testified that if A.J.M. remains, A.J.M. has everything she needs, including both

parents. She acknowledges that if A.J.M. moves, it would disrupt her relationship

with her father. The trial court's statement in its order denying Byron's motion for

stay that Angelika's establishment of a "home with permanence" provided A.J.M.

"stability and security" reflects the court's consideration of this factor.
                                          -13-
NO. 72343-0-1 /14

         (7) The gualitv of life, resources, and opportunities available to the child
and to the relocating party in the current and proposed geographic locations

         Dr. Hutchins-Cook testified that she believed A.J.M. had everything

available to her in the status quo but knew nothing about Angelika's financial or

housing situation. Angelika testified that she could not afford to live on Mercer

Island once her lease expired, about her ability to buy a home for her and A.J.M.

in Texas, and her high quality of life there compared with the less desirable

lifestyle she could afford in Seattle. The trial court stated that

         [A.J.M] can look forward to a substantially better housing by
         granting the motion to relocate. She can expect to enjoy the
         stability of residence that home ownership usually provides. The
         community to which Petitioner proposes to move is, by the
         evidence, rated highly in all categories, most particularly, in the
         quality of schooling to which she will have access.

         While Mercer Island, from which she will move, has high quality
         schools, she probably could not continue to reside there.

         (8) The availability of alternative arrangements to foster and continue the
child's relationship with and access to the other parent

         Dr. Hutchins-Cook testified that she recommends Skype™ (Microsoft

Corp. product providing video chat and voice calls from various electronic

devices) or FaceTime™ (Apple Inc. product providing video chat and voice calls

from various electronic devices) as a useful tool for A.J.M. to communicate with

Byron.     The trial court included Skype and FaceTime arrangements in its

                                         •14-
NO. 72343-0-1/15

parenting plan.     Its order denying Byron's motion for stay also indicated it

considered this factor:

               No one questions that the father is dedicated to his child,
       and she to her father. To the extent that the relocation is disruptive
       to that relationship, he is in the better position to ameliorate the
       negative aspects of their separation, by his regular and consistent
       contact with her, than by denying the benefits to her of the
       relocation. He does have the resources, and apparently the intent,
       to continue to see his daughter in Texas, where he, too, has family
       and roots.

       (9) The alternatives to relocation and whether it is feasible and desirable
for the other party to relocate also

       Angelika testified that while she had always considered relocating, she

had tried to stay in Seattle when her parents attempted to move to Seattle.

Byron testified that he could not relocate to Texas due to logistical, financial, and

professional constraints. The trial court's order reflects its consideration of this

factor, finding that Angelika likely was unable to continue living on Mercer Island

and would not be able to provide A.J.M. access to desirable resources.

       (10) The financial impact and logistics of the relocation or its prevention

       Angelika testified that Texas had cheaper housing prices and less

expensive activities for A.J.M.        In cross-examination, Byron challenged these

assertions.   The trial court stated in its order that Angelika probably could not

continue living on Mercer Island, while in Texas A.J.M. could look forward to

substantially better housing.

                                           -15-
NO. 72343-0-1 /16

       (11) For a temporary order, the amount of time before a final decision can
be made at trial

       This is not applicable to this court's analysis.

       The trial court wrote in conclusion, "Considering all the factors of RCW

26.09.520, the very substantial weight of the evidence supports granting

Petitioner's motion."   Thus, we conclude that the court's findings reflect that it

properly considered each of the applicable factors under RCW 26.09.520.

Abuse of Discretion

       Byron contends that he demonstrated harm under RCW 26.09.520,

reciting his evidence addressing each factor, while arguing that Angelika did not

meet her burden. But as Angelika contends, Byron's argument asks this court to

reexamine the evidence and reach a different conclusion than the trial court,

misapprehending this court's role. We do not review credibility determinations or

reweigh the evidence to determine if we should reach a different conclusion, as

Byron's argument implies.25 We review instead for abuse of discretion.26

       Byron contends that the court should not have looked at Angelika's close

relationship with her family.   This ignores the trial court's obligation to consider

her interests under RCW 26.09.520.27 He further claims that Angelika waived the

protections of RCW 26.09.530 and that the trial court failed to consider that she

      25 See In re Marriage of Fahev. 164 Wash. App. 42, 62, 262 P.3d 128
(2011); see also Morse v. Antonellis, 149 Wash. 2d 572, 574, 70 P.3d 125 (2003).
      26 Chandola. 180 Wash. 2d at 642.
      27 Horner. 151 Wash. 2d at 894.
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NO. 72343-0-1/17

would not relocate unless the court allowed A.J.M.'s relocation.       But this is not a

mandatory factor under RCW 26.09.520, and the court had discretion not to

examine that issue.    Byron further asserts the court erred as a matter of law

when it considered Angelika's interest in buying a home.              RCW 26.09.520

permits considering this as a potential benefit to a relocation.

        Sufficient evidence supports the court's relocation decision.         Angelika

testified that when she told Dr. Hutchins-Cook she would not relocate, she based

this on the fact that her parents had moved to Seattle. It is important for her to

be near her family.   When her parents returned to Texas, she had no family in

Seattle. She testified, "[Ijt's hard to be away from them, especially right now."

Angelika also has friends in Texas and goes back about every six months. And

she felt she had no support from Byron's family.           Angelika also testified that

purchasing a home is important to her and she would be able to do so in Texas,

where   houses cost less than      in   Seattle.     She testified   that A.J.M.   could

participate in activities at less cost in Texas than in Seattle. In Seattle, Angelika

could not save money.        Angelika believes A.J.M. should relocate with her

because she has provided a majority of the care and A.J.M. goes to her for

comfort, guidance, love, and affection.            Dr. Hutchins-Cook testified that a

relocation does not break attachment between an infant or toddler and his or her

long-distance parent, but the quality of the relationship is not as good as when a

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NO. 72343-0-1/18

parent has regular, frequent contact. Dr. Hutchins-Cook testified that at A.J.M.'s

age, greater harm would likely come to A.J.M. through disruption of her

relationship with her mother than disruption of the relationship with her father.

       Thus, we conclude that because the evidence at trial and the trial court's

findings reflect its consideration of all 11 child relocation factors and because

sufficient evidence supported the trial court's conclusion that upon consideration

of those factors it should grant the relocation, the trial court did not abuse its

discretion.

Challenged Terms in Parenting Plan

       Byron challenges several terms of the parenting plan fashioned by the trial

court, arguing that the trial court failed to support its findings of fact with

substantial evidence, leading to improper parenting plan terms. But, as Angelika

argues, a trial court need not support each term of a parenting plan with specific

factual findings. Rather, a trial court has broad discretion to structure a parenting

plan, guided by the provisions of the applicable statutes.28 We look at each

challenged term, reviewing for abuse of discretion.

       Byron first contends that the trial court abused its discretion when it

ordered that Byron could not designate other caretakers. Angelika clarifies that

       28 Katare, 175 Wash. 2d at 35-36.
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NO. 72343-0-1/19

the restriction does not limit Byron's ability to leave the child with others but

simply limits his ability to allocate his entire time to another person.

       Ordinary parental decision-making rights include designating family

members to care for one's child.29        A trial court may impose restrictions on

parental rights under RCW 26.09.191. But "[a] trial court abuses its discretion if it

imposes a restriction that is not reasonably calculated to prevent... a harm"

"similar in severity to the harms posed by the 'factors' specifically listed in RCW

26.09.191 (3)(a)-(f)."30

       The trial court found that "[tjhis is father's time to be with the child; he

cannot delegate the time to his family, other than when he is physically present in

Texas, unless agreed upon between the parents." But, as Byron argues, in this

case the trial court did not impose any restrictions under RCW 26.09.191. Byron

analogizes to In re Marriage of Chandola.31 a case decided after the trial court's

decision in this case.     There, the trial court imposed a restriction limiting the

paternal grandparents' contact with the child to 20 percent of the father's

residential time to encourage the father to directly parent.32 But the Washington

Supreme Court held that absent findings of harm to the child under RCW

       29 In re Marriage of Magnusson, 108 Wash. App. 109, 110-11, 29 P.3d 1256
(2001).
       30 Chandola. 180 Wash. 2d at 648.
       31 180 Wash. 2d 632, 327 P.3d 644 (2014).
       32 Chandola. 180 Wash. 2d at 641.
                                         -19-
NO. 72343-0-1 / 20

26.09.191, those necessary to prevent mental, physical, or emotional harm to the

child, the court abused its discretion.33

       In In re Marriage of Magnusson.34 this court affirmed a trial court's

parenting plan that had a provision allowing a fisherman father to designate time

to his parents during his absence. Angelika attempts to distinguish Magnusson.

arguing that in that case the father had regular residential time and required

daycare, where here, if Byron does not go to Texas, then he is not entitled to the

time at all. Angelika also argues that allowing Byron to delegate his residential

time to a family member conflicts with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in

Troxel v. Granville.35 protecting parental rights against those of third parties.

       We disagree with Angelika's understanding of Magnusson and Troxel.

Byron does have regular residential time with A.J.M. should he choose to use it.

And a court presumes that a fit parent acts in the best interests of his or her

children.36 Magnusson distinguishes Troxel as a case about the competing rights

of parents and nonparents. Here, as in Magnusson, where wishes conflict only

between two parents, "[i]n the absence of a finding that spending time

with . . . relatives was against [a child's] best interests," a parent designating time

       33 Chandola. 180 Wash. 2d at 658-59.
       34 108 Wash. App. 109, 111, 113, 29 P.3d 1256(2001).
       35 530 U.S. 57, 69-70, 120 S. Ct. 2054, 147 L. Ed. 2d 49 (2000).
       36 Troxel. 530 U.S. at 69.
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NO. 72343-0-1/21

to relatives "simply confirms a normal right of parental decision making."37

Because no evidence supports the challenged limitation and because the trial

court found Byron a competent parent who can take care of A.J.M. and make

decisions on her behalf, we conclude that this limitation constitutes an abuse of

discretion.

       Byron contends that the trial court abused its discretion when it required

him to provide a 45-day notice to Angelika for his monthly visits, a 60-day notice

after A.J.M. begins school, and an 8-month notice for winter break travel plans.

Angelika testified that 30 days is reasonable notice. Dr. Hutchins-Cook testified,

however, that a 15- to 30-day notice is reasonable but that a 60-day notice is

unreasonable and too long.      Because no evidence supports the trial court's

notice requirements, the trial court abused its discretion imposing them.

       Byron next contends that the trial court abused its discretion when it

concluded that until age 18 A.J.M. may not spend more than three to four days

with Byron without interruption by Angelika.    If true, his contention might have

merit. But Byron has misinterpreted the trial court's residential schedule.

       Before A.J.M. reaches school age, the trial court provided Byron a five-day

monthly residential schedule.   After A.J.M. reaches school age, the residential

schedule provides him seven days per month, interrupted by an overnight with

       37 Magnusson. 108 Wash. App. at 113.
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NO. 72343-0-1 / 22

Angelika. But the schedule provides different terms for A.J.M.'s winter vacation,

other school breaks, and summer vacation. The trial court divides A.J.M.'s winter

holiday break in two parts and requires an interruption of Byron's time with A.J.M.

only if Angelika travels to Washington with A.J.M. The trial court's parenting plan

provides no interruptions when Byron has A.J.M. for her midwinter or spring

breaks, when A.J.M. may visit Washington after she begins school. And the trial

court imposed a progressive schedule for A.J.M.'s summer vacation. Until A.J.M.

turns five and begins school, Byron may have her for up to 10 days and only

when Angelika brings A.J.M. to Washington must there be a designated break in

the middle. After A.J.M. turns five and begins school but before she turns seven,

Byron may have her for two weeks without interruption. And after A.J.M. turns

seven, during her summer vacation Byron may have her for an uninterrupted four

weeks. And Angelika admits in her appellate brief to this court that she "has no

objection, 3-4 years out, to not having the father's time with [A.J.M.] interrupted

by the mid-period return to her" under the court's order.

       Because the trial court fashioned a schedule tailored to A.J.M.'s age that

provides Byron significant time with his daughter in Washington, we conclude

that the trial court did not abuse its discretion when fashioning the terms of the

parenting plan's residential schedule.

                                         -22-
NO. 72343-0-1 / 23

       Byron further contends that the trial court arbitrarily imposed a restriction

in the parenting plan limiting Byron's holiday visits in Texas to the day of the

holiday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. He argues that it serves

no purpose other than to limit A.J.M.'s ability to see him.        But Byron may

schedule his residential time in Texas to include major holidays. And the trial

court's schedule for other special occasions, though limited to one day, reflects

the court's reasonable allocation of these days to both Angelika and Byron, so

each can celebrate with A.J.M. without disrupting A.J.M.'s schedule. Thus, we

conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion when limiting special

occasions to a single day.

       Byron also contends that the trial court abused its discretion by arbitrarily

limiting his video chat time with his daughter to one to two times per week when

no evidence in the record supported that limitation. But because this provides

him semiregular contact with A.J.M. and avoids burdening Angelika with

scheduling more frequent contact while she provides childcare and implements

schedules, we conclude that this is a reasonable parenting plan term and within

the trial court's discretion.

Split of Travel Expenses

       Byron argues that the trial court abused its discretion when it ordered a

proportional split of airfare alone, leaving Byron responsible for additional

                                        -23-
NO. 72343-0-1 / 24

expenses associated with his trips to Texas, including room and board and car

rental. RCW 26.19.080(3) states that long-distance travel costs "to and from the

parents for visitation . . . shall be shared by the parents in the same proportion as

the basic child support obligation." A trial court must apportion these costs.38

        Angelika argues that the statute's plain language defines the proportional

travel expense to include merely airfare and not the cost of living while with a

child. An appellate court does not construe a statute's unambiguous language.39

Here, RCW 26.19.080(3) explicitly requires allocation of travel expenses incurred

"to and from" the location and not all costs associated with long-distance

visitation.

        Additionally, a trial court has discretion to decide what travel expenses are

necessary and reasonable.40       In this case, evidence supports the trial court's

conclusion that expenses above airfare were not necessary and reasonable.

Byron testified that he has a brother living in Texas, though the brother planned

to move to Seattle in January 2015. Byron also testified that he did not think it

would be possible for A.J.M. and him to stay with his sister who lives with her

boyfriend near Angelika's proposed town of relocation. But Angelika testified that

Byron and his siblings remained close, that he had previously stayed with his

        38 In re Paternity of Hewitt. 98 Wash. App. 85, 89, 988 P.2d 496 (1999).
        39 In re Marriage of Scanlon, 109 Wash. App. 167, 172, 34 P.3d 877 (2001).
        40 Hewitt. 98 Wash. App. at 89.
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NO. 72343-0-1 / 25

brother, and that Byron could potentially stay with his family during visits to see

A.J.M. Because Byron has family in Texas and the trial court could have found

that air travel was the only necessary and reasonable travel expense, the trial

court did not abuse its discretion when it ordered a proportional division of costs

for airfare alone.

Attorney Fees

       Byron finally argues that the trial court abused its discretion when it

awarded Angelika "a portion of her reasonable attorney fees and costs" under

RCW 26.09.140 in the amount of $15,000. RCW 26.09.140 allows a trial court to

award attorney fees after consideration of the financial resources of each party.

A court awards attorney fees under the statute based on need and ability to pay;

even if one party has a need, a trial court does not award the fee if the other

party does not have the ability to pay.41

       Byron argues he had no ability to pay, that each party received an equal

division of property, and that the maintenance award substantially equalized the

parties' respective net incomes. But Byron testified to earning an annual salary

of $140,000, with a monthly net income of $8,295. He believed his income would

grow perhaps by as much as nearly $4,000 per month that year. His monthly

expenses total $5,694. Byron's maintenance obligation to Angelika is $2,250 per

      41 RCW 26.09.140; In re Marriage of Schnurman, 178 Wash. App. 634, 644-
45, 316 P.3d 514 (2013), review denied. 180 Wash. 2d 1010 (2014).
                                            -25-
NO. 72343-0-1 / 26

month for 36 months. He is also responsible for $841 in child support payments

during maintenance and $1,053 in child support payments after maintenance.

       Angelika testified that she makes $40,000 per year and had spent $30,000

of her savings in attorney fees, with $40,000 remaining in her savings account.

Because of the disparity between Angelika's and Byron's income and earning

potential, with Byron far better situated financially, we conclude that the trial court

did not abuse its discretion when it awarded reasonable attorney fees and costs

to Angelika.

       Angelika requests attorney fees under RAP 18.1.          Byron objects on the

grounds that Angelika did not properly brief the issue. Because Angelika does

not devote any argument to the issue, we deny fees under RAP 18.1.

                                   CONCLUSION

       Because the relocation presumption shifts the burdens of production and

persuasion, the trial court properly applied the presumption. Because the court

heard testimony on the RCW 26.09.520 relocation factors and reflected its

consideration of the factors in its findings, the court did not abuse its discretion.

Because substantial evidence supports the trial court relocation decision, we

affirm it. Because a parent may delegate its residential time to family members

absent any indication of harm to a child, the trial court abused its discretion by

denying Byron this discretion. Because no evidence supports the parenting plan

                                         -26-
NO. 72343-0-1 / 27

notice requirement, the trial court abused its discretion fashioning these terms.

But because a court has broad discretion to fashion a parenting plan, we

conclude that the remaining challenged terms fall within the trial court's

discretion. Because RCW 26.19.080(3) requires a mandatory proportional split

of travel expenses to and from a location and Byron's brother and sister live near

Angelika's relocation destination, we conclude that the trial court reasonably

required a split for airfare and no other travel expenses. And because evidence

reflects that Byron earns more than Angelika and Angelika spent significant

savings on attorney fees, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by awarding

Angelika attorney fees. We decline to award attorney fees under RAP 18.1. We

affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for proceedings consistent with this

opinion.

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WE CONCUR:

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                                       -27-