Court Opinion

ID: 4666918
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2021-03-11 19:10:38.783308+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:02:52.347228
License: Public Domain

[Cite as Shamblin v. Shamblin, 2021-Ohio-709.]

                         IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
                            FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
                                  MEIGS COUNTY

 FRANK SHAMBLIN,                  :
                                  :    Case No. 19CA10
       Plaintiff-Appellee,        :
                                  :
       v.                         :    DECISION AND JUDGMENT
                                  :    ENTRY
 ASHLEY SHAMBLIN aka KRIDER,      :
                                  :    RELEASED: 03/04/2021
       Defendant-Appellant.       :
_____________________________________________________________
                            APPEARANCES:

 Joseph H. Nemec, Athens, Ohio, for Appellant.

 Adam R. Salisbury, Pomeroy, Ohio, for Appellee.
 ____________________________________________________________

 Wilkin, J.

         {¶1} This is an appeal from a Meigs County Court of Common Pleas

 judgment entry denying Appellant, Ashley Krider’s Motion for Change of Parental

 Rights and Responsibilities, which sought to have her named residential parent

 of the parties’ two children. After reviewing the facts and applicable law, we

 affirm the judgment of the trial court.

         {¶2} On June 1, 2013, Appellant and Appellee, Frank Shamblin, who

 already had two children together, were married. However, on May 9, 2014,

 Appellant filed for divorce seeking to be designated residential parent and legal

 custodian of both children. Appellee alleged that he and Appellant had

 separated in September of 2013 and shared parenting of their children. He

 further alleged that on more than one occasion, after spending time with

 Appellant, their children returned to him with significant bruising. Finally, he
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                                                    2

alleged that Appellant was being investigated for abusing their children and was

living with a convicted felon, Chris Conley. On June 3, 2014, the Magistrate

issued temporary orders naming Appellee temporary residential parent and

ordering the appointment of a guardian ad litem (“GAL”). On January 22, 2015,

the trial court issued a final judgment entry that granted Appellee a divorce from

Appellant and designated Appellee residential parent and legal guardian of their

children with Appellant having “parenting time.”1 The trial court ordered that the

children have no contact with Conley, and that neither party shall consume

alcohol or expose the children to a “partying” environment during their parenting

time.

        {¶3} After their divorce, Appellee became engaged to Michele Schuster.

Appellant became engaged to Joshua Goodnight, and they had a child together.

        {¶4} Approximately three years after their divorce, on January 8, 2018,

Appellant filed a Motion for Change of Parental Rights and Responsibilities

asking the trial court to “name her residential parent and legal guardian” of the

parties’ two children. Among other allegations, Appellant claimed Appellee had

denied her parenting time and Appellee was drinking and partying around the

children in violation of the trial court’s order.

        {¶5} The trial court held an initial hearing on March 19, 2018. Nine days

later the trial court issued an entry ordering the appointment of a GAL.

1 On January 22, 2015, the trial court granted a final judgment granting Appellant’s divorce, but the court
subsequently discovered that Appellant, who had represented herself pro se, had several witnesses that she
had intended to present. Consequently, the trial court issued a supplemental entry setting a hearing to
permit Appellant to present those witnesses. Subsequent to that hearing, the trial court issued the above-
referenced entry on March 1, 2015 that was subject to some modification of Appellant’s parental time, but
otherwise remained the same as the January 22nd entry.
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                                 3

       {¶6} On July 13, 2018, the GAL issued a report, which documented her

observation of alcoholic beverages in Appellee’s home on May 16, 2018, empty

alcohol containers (bottles, cans, boxes) outside of Appellee’s home on Memorial

Day 2018, as well as a Facebook picture taken at Appellee’s home on

Thanksgiving showing minor children around nine people drinking, which in her

view indicated that the adults were engaging in a “drinking party.” Based on

these observations, and Appellee’s assertion that his father had drunk alcohol at

Appellee’s home, prior to the Memorial Day weekend, and left the empty

containers, the GAL “was highly concerned with [Appellee’s] veracity” because

during Appellee’s alcohol assessment, Appellee claimed that “he has no family or

friends that use alcohol.” The GAL concluded that she had “big concerns about

[Appellee’s] alcohol use and any alcohol around the children” but was “otherwise

a very good dad.” Based primarily upon Appellee’s questionable veracity and his

drinking in front of his children, the GAL recommended the parties exercise

shared parenting.

       {¶7} The trial court held additional hearings on August 17, 2018, January

10, 2019, and March 7, 2019, during which the trial court heard testimony from

the parties, the GAL, and others.

       {¶8} On September 17, 2019, the trial court issued an entry that denied

Appellant’s motion for reallocation of parental rights and responsibilities because

she failed to demonstrate “any sufficient change of circumstances with regards to

the children or residential parent.” Consequently, the trial court found it did not

need to proceed to determine the best interest of the children. On November 6,
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                                   4

2019, the trial court issued its findings of fact and conclusions of law. Appellant

appealed, asserting two assignments of error.

                            ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR

I.     “THE TRIAL COURT IGNORED THE EVIDENCE IN
       CONCLUDING THAT DEFENDANT/APPELLANT FAILED TO
       MEET HER BURDEN OF PROOF REGARDING CHANGE IN
       CIRCUMSTANCES”

II.    “TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FAILING TO, AT MINIMUM,
       CONSIDER AN EXPANSION OF PARENTING TIME FOR
       MOTHER, GIVEN THE FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF
       THIS CASE”

                            ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR I

       {¶9} In her first assignment of error, Appellant alleges that “the trial court

abused its discretion in concluding that the Appellant failed to meet her burden of

proving a change in circumstances because she presented significant evidence,

including (1) the contribution of Appellee’s fiancé in caring for the children, (2)

evidence Appellee failed to treat the children’s medical conditions, (3) Appellee’s

use of alcoholic beverages in the presence of the children, and (4) that

communication between the parties has greatly improved.

       {¶10} In response, Appellee argues that none of the evidence/testimony

that Appellant cites support that the trial court abused its discretion in holding that

Appellant failed to prove any sufficient change of circumstances with regard to

Appellee or the parties’ children. We hold that the trial court did not abuse its

discretion, finding that Appellant failed to prove a change in circumstances.

                                        LAW

                                   1. Standard of Review
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                                   5

       {¶11} “ ‘Custody determinations are some of the most difficult and

agonizing decisions a trial judge must make, and, therefore, appellate courts

must grant wide latitude to their consideration of the evidence.’ ” Babcock v.

Welcome, 4th Dist. Ross No. 11CA3273, 2012-Ohio-5284, ¶ 7, quoting Eatherton

v. Behringer, 3rd Dist. No. 13-11-12, 2012-Ohio-1584, ¶ 13, citing Davis v.

Flickinger, 77 Ohio St.3d 415, 418, 674 N.E.2d 1159 (1997). Consequently, “[a]

trial court's finding regarding a change in circumstances should not be disturbed

on appeal absent an abuse of discretion.” Bragg v. Hatfield, 152 Ohio App. 3d

174, 182, 787 N.E.2d 44, (4th Dist. 2003), ¶ 24, citing State v. Davis, 77 Ohio

St.3d 415, 418, 674 N.E.2d 1159. “To demonstrate an abuse of discretion, the

result must be so palpably and grossly violative of fact or logic that it evidences

not the exercise of will but the perversity of will, not the exercise of judgment but

the defiance of judgment, not the exercise of reason but instead passion or

bias.” Id., ¶ 24, citing Nakoff v. Fairview Gen. Hosp., 75 Ohio St.3d 254, 256, 662

N.E.2d 1 (1996).

       {¶12} However, a trial court’s discretion “is not unlimited, but must always

be rooted in the facts of the case. For example, while the granting or denying of a

change of custody is within the discretion of the court, there must be sufficient

factual evidence in the record to support the court's finding as to the change in

circumstances, best interests, etc.” Beekman v. Beekman, 96 Ohio App. 3d 783,

787, 645 N.E.2d 1332 (4th Dist. 1994). But “we defer to the trial court's factual

findings because the trial court is best able to view the witnesses and observe

their demeanor, gestures and voice inflections, and use its observations in
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                              6

weighing the credibility of the proffered testimony.” Thebeau v. Thebeau, 4th

Dist. Lawrence No. 07CA34, 2008-Ohio-4751, ¶ 25, citing Davis, 77 Ohio St.3d

at 418, 674 N.E.2d 1159.

       {¶13} Finally, a trial court need not discuss every issue raised by appellant

or engage in an elaborate and lengthy discussion in its findings of fact and

conclusion of law. State v. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St. 3d 279, 291-92, 1999-Ohio-102,

714 N.E.2d 905, citing State v. Clemmons, 58 Ohio App.3d 45, 46, 568 N.E.2d

705, (2nd Dist. 1989), citing 5A Moore, Federal Practice (2 Ed.1990) 52–142,

Section 52.06[1]. A trial court’s “findings need only be sufficiently comprehensive

and pertinent to the issue to form a basis upon which the evidence supports the

conclusion.” Id.

           2. Modification of Parental Rights and Responsibilities

       {¶14} R.C. 3109.04(E)(1)(a) addresses the modification of parental rights

and responsibilities and “creates a strong presumption in favor of retaining the

residential parent.” Wolford v. Willis, 4th Dist. Gallia No. 17CA9, 2018-Ohio-

3937, ¶ 17, citing In re Brayden James, 113 Ohio St.3d 420, 2007-Ohio-2335,

866 N.E.2d 467, ¶ 14. Consequently, there is no change in parental rights

unless a

        court finds all of the following: (1) a change occurred in the
        circumstances of the child, the child's residential parent, or
        a parent subject to a shared-parenting decree, (2)
        the change in circumstances is based upon facts that arose
        since the court entered the prior decree or that were unknown to
        the court at the time of the prior decree, (3) the child's best
        interest necessitates modifying the prior custody decree, and (4)
        one of the circumstances specified in R.C. 3109.04(E)(1)(a)(i)-
        (iii) applies [(i) The residential parent agrees to a change in the
        residential parent or both parents under a shared parenting
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                              7

        decree agree to a change in the designation of residential
        parent, (ii) The child, with the consent of the residential parent or
        of both parents under a shared parenting decree, has been
        integrated into the family of the person seeking to become the
        residential parent, or (iii) The harm likely to be caused by a
        change of environment is outweighed by the advantages of the
        change of environment to the child].
        Hobbs v. Hobbs, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 14CA3635, 2015-Ohio-
        1963, ¶ 53, 36 N.E.3d 665, citing In re Brayden James, 113 Ohio
        St.3d 420, at ¶ 14.

        {¶15} R.C. 3109.04(E)(1)(a) provides a two-part test in which the

the threshold inquiry is whether the trial court made a finding that a change of

circumstances occurred since the prior custody decree that would warrant a

change of custody. Cowan v. Cowan, 4th Dist. Washington No. 04CA52004-

Ohio-6119, ¶ 16. If no change in circumstances occurred, the requirements for a

change of custody cannot be satisfied, and a reviewing court need not examine

the trial court's determination of the child's best interests. Id.

       {¶16} “[A]ny such change [of circumstances] must be of substance, not

slight or inconsequential. Willis, 4th Dist. Gallia No. 17CA9, 2018-Ohio-3937, ¶

26, citing Davis, 77 Ohio St.3d at 415. And “Ohio courts have generally

interpreted ‘change in circumstances’ in custody-modification cases to mean an

event, occurrence, or situation which has a material and adverse effect upon a

child.” Massie v. Sammons, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 14CA3630, 014-Ohio-5835, ¶

23, citing C.D.M., 4th Dist. Hocking No. 13CA1, 2013-Ohio–3792, ¶ 16,

Southworth v. Eskins, 12th Dist. Fayette No. CA2013-10-028, 2014-Ohio-4523, ¶

11, Murphy v. Murphy, 5th Dist. Tuscarawas No.2014 AP 01 0002, 2014–Ohio–

4020, ¶ 22. Consequently, if a trial court determines that certain facts do not
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                                     8

constitute an adverse change, its failure to address those facts in its decision is

not an abuse of discretion. See Matter of B.H.H., 12th Dist. Clermont No.

CA2016-10-069, 2017-Ohio-8359, 100 N.E.3d 33, ¶ 27 (Finding that counseling

resulted in a beneficial change for a child, the court did not abuse its discretion in

failing to consider the counseling as a change of circumstances in a change of

custody case).

                           3. Appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem

       {¶17} A trial court may appoint a GAL “ ‘to protect the interest of the child

and “assist a court in its determination of a child's best interest.” ’ ” In the Matter

of K.W., 4th Dist. Highland No. 17CA7, 2018-Ohio-1933, 111 N.E.3d 368, ¶ 98,

quoting In re C.B., 129 Ohio St.3d 231, 2011-Ohio-2899, 951 N.E.2d 398, ¶ 14,

quoting Sup.R. 48(B)(1) and citing R.C. 2151.281(B). “The purpose of a

guardian ad litem in a parental rights allocation proceeding is ‘to provide the court

with relevant information and an informed recommendation regarding the child's

best interest.’ ” Miller v. Miller, 4th Dist. Athens No. 14CA6, 2014-Ohio-5127, ¶

16, quoting Sup.R. 48(D). However, “[t]he trial court, as the fact-finder, is

permitted to assign weight to the guardian ad litem's testimony and

recommendation and could choose to believe or disbelieve it.” In the Matter of

K.W., at ¶ 102, 111 N.E.3d 368, citing In re M.Z., 9th Dist. Lorain No.

11CA010104, 2012-Ohio-3194, ¶ 35. Consequently, the trial court has discretion

to follow or reject the GAL’s testimony and recommendation. Roby v. Roby, 4th

Dist. Washington No. 15CA21, 2016-Ohio-7851, ¶ 22.
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                                 9

                                     ANALYSIS

       {¶18} Appellant alleges that “the trial court acted unreasonably, arbitrarily,

or unconscionably in concluding that the Appellant failed to meet her burden of

proving change in circumstances, where the Appellant presented significant

evidence and the trial court failed to properly address the following:” (1) the

contribution of Appellee’s fiancé in caring for the children, (2) evidence Appellee

failed to treat medical conditions, (3) Appellee’s use of alcoholic beverages

around the children, and (4) that communication between the parties has greatly

improved.

       {¶19} To the extent that the trial court “failed to consider” certain evidence,

we note that the trial court denied several motions by the Appellee to dismiss

Appellant’s motion for reallocation of parental rights because the trial court

wanted to hear all the evidence before making a decision. Further, the trial

court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law mention the contribution by

Appellee’s finance, Appellant’s complaints regarding medical problems, and

Appellee’s use of alcohol. Accordingly, we find that the trial court did “consider”

this evidence in making its decision.

            a. Appellant’s Fiancé’s Contribution in Caring for the Children

       {¶20} Appellant alleges that Appellee’s fiancé has become the primary

caregiver for the children and that constitutes a change in circumstances.

       {¶21} There is testimony that Appellee’s fiancé contributes significantly in

caring for Appellee’s children. However, there is testimony that Appellee also
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                                   10

contributes significantly in caring for his children by helping get them ready for

school, helping them with homework after school, and taking his children to and

attending their extra-curricular activities. Therefore, at best, it is debatable

whether the evidence shows that Appellee’s fiancé is the children’s primary

caregiver as Appellant alleges.

       {¶22} However, even assuming arguendo that Appellee’s fiancé was the

primary caregiver, there is no evidence her efforts have had a “material and

adverse effect” on the children. (Emphasis added.) Sammons, 4th Dist. Scioto

No. 14CA3630, 2014-Ohio-5835, ¶ 23. Rather, her efforts have been beneficial

to the children. Therefore, we find that the trial court did not abuse its discretion

in failing to conclude that Appellee’s fiancé’s contribution in caring for the children

was a change in circumstances.

                                  b. Medical Treatment

       {¶23} Appellant also alleges that despite significant testimony regarding

[Appellee] and his significant other’s failing to treat medical conditions, the trial

court did not address whether it constituted a change in circumstances.

Specifically, Appellant argues that the children had ringworm and her son had

stomach issues and medications were prescribed for both, but neither Appellee

nor his fiancé administered the medicine.

       {¶24} A custodial parent’s failure to get their child proper medical care can

be a change in circumstances. See e.g. Leeth v. Leeth, 12th Dist. Preble No.

CA2009-02-0024, 2009-Ohio-4260, ¶ 13 (“[T]he trial court expressed concern

over other hygiene and health-related issues, including instances where S.L.
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                                 11

returned from [father’s] care with ‘terribly chapped cheeks * * *, a terrible diaper

rash, pink eye, a double ear infection and a yeast infection * * * and [father

declined] to take her to the doctor [because] she was fine.’ ”).

       {¶25} Although she claims that she never saw the medicine, Appellant

testified that her children told her that Appellee’s fiancé took them to the doctor

for ringworm and the doctor prescribed medicine. Appellee’s fiancé also testified

that they gave Appellee’s son the medication for his stomach, and, when he got

better, they stopped giving it to him. Further, the GAL testified that when she

saw the children they were not ill, nor could she substantiate the alleged illnesses

or a lack of medical treatment. Finally, the children’s overall health was good at

the time of the custody hearing, and, despite Appellant’s claim that failure to

provide medical treatment is an ongoing issue, there is no other evidence in the

record of continuing medical problems with the children, or ongoing disputes

regarding any treatment.

       {¶26} This testimony undermines Appellant’s assertion that Appellee did

not provide his children with adequate medical attention. Therefore, because we

find that there is a substantial amount of credible and competent evidence that

Appellee has provided his children proper medical care, we find that the trial

court did not abuse its discretion in finding that Appellee’s alleged lack of care

was a not a change in circumstances.

                                c. Appellant’s Drinking

       {¶27} Appellant argues that “[Appellee’s] alcohol issues were all but

ignored by the trial court despite significant indications [Appellee] has a problem.”
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                              12

Appellant’s brief cites the GAL’s testimony/report regarding two holidays,

Memorial Day and Thanksgiving. Appellant asserts that Appellee had a “party on

Memorial Day, which was observed by the [GAL].” Appellant further alleges that

there was a Thanksgiving party, which “was out of control” where Appellee was

drinking and children were present. Appellant notes that the GAL “believed” that

Appellee had a drinking problem and lied to her about his alcohol usage. Finally,

the GAL alleged that Appellee “admitted to drinking with a sex offender at a

family event while the children were present.”

       {¶28} We have recognized that a residential parent’s drinking problem that

adversely affects the child can be a change in circumstances that results in a

modification of parental rights and responsibilities. Inscoe v. Inscoe, 121 Ohio

App. 3d 396, 427, 700 N.E.2d 70 (4th Dist. 1997)

       {¶29} In the case at bar, the trial court in its findings of fact stated:

        The [Appellee] and his friends consume alcohol. However,
        based upon the testimony, including that of the [Appellant], the
        father’s alcohol consumption appears to be during the times he
        is not responsible for the children. [Appellant] believes father
        was drinking daily. [Appellee] denies that he drinks daily.
        [Appellee] had an alcohol assessment which found, [he] has no
        signs of alcohol abuse and at this time no level of care is
        recommended. The GAL, however, felt that the [Appellee] was
        not forthcoming enough in the assessment and the GAL feels he
        does have a problem with alcohol use and has not admitted it.

       {¶30} It is undisputed that Appellee drinks alcohol. The question is

whether he drinks alcohol in presence of the children, which was prohibited by

court order, or his drinking is adversely affecting the children.

       {¶31} Initially, we begin by recognizing that contrary to Appellant’s

assertion in her brief, the GAL never personally observed any “party,” let alone
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                                13

observed anyone drinking alcohol at Appellee’s house on Memorial Day or

Thanksgiving. These conclusions were drawn from the GAL’s observation of

empty alcohol containers (can, bottle, boxes) on Appellee’s property on Memorial

Day, and pictures of Thanksgiving in Appellee’s home that had been posted on

Facebook. However, there was testimony from Appellee and his fiancé

explaining that the empty containers on Appellee’s property on Memorial Day

were the result of Appellee’s father drinking while he was there clearing trees

prior to the Memorial Day weekend, and as a result of Appellee cleaning trash

out of the house. Regarding the picture from Thanksgiving, Appellee’s fiancé

testified the comment “out of control” pertaining to that picture was referring to

her attempt to cook the turkey. And the GAL admitted that she could not

positively identify any of containers in the Thanksgiving pictures as containing

alcohol.

       {¶32} The GAL’s report indicated that that Appellee’s alcohol assessment

concluded that he did not have a drinking problem. But, the GAL questioned

Appellee’s veracity because he alleged that he told the alcohol counselor that his

family and friends did not use alcohol. The GAL also testified that Appellee

admitted to her that he frequently had friends over to play cards and drank

alcohol with the children present. However, despite being concerned that

Appellee has a “potential alcohol problem,” the GAL testified that the children “do

seem grounded.”

       {¶33} During his testimony, Appellee admitted to drinking, but denied he

had a “problem,” and claimed that he never drank in the presence of children.
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                               14

Appellee’s fiancé also testified that they did not drink in the presence of the

children.

       {¶34} In sum, whether Appellee has an alcohol problem that adversely

affects the children, or has consumed alcohol in the presence of children,

depends almost entirely on the credibility of witness testimony. Because the trial

court is the fact finder, it “is permitted to assign weight to the guardian ad

litem's testimony and recommendation and could choose to believe or disbelieve

it.” Matter of K.W., 2018-Ohio-1933, ¶ 102, 111 N.E.3d 368. And “we defer to the

trial court's factual findings because the trial court is best able to view the

witnesses and observe their demeanor, gestures and voice inflections, and use

its observations in weighing the credibility of the proffered testimony.” Thebeau,

4th Dist. Lawrence No. 07CA34, 2008-Ohio-4751, ¶ 25. Accordingly, we hold

that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in determining that the Appellee’s

drinking was not a change in circumstances or a violation of the court order.

That said, we remind Appellee of the trial court’s “continuing to ORDER that the

children not be subjected to adult situations or parties where drugs or alcohol are

being consumed.”

                              d. Improved Communication

       {¶35} Appellant argues that the communication between she and Appellee

has improved, which is a change in circumstances.

       {¶36} Initially, we note that the trial court did not mention the improved

communication in its findings or conclusions. However, “[a] trial court need not

discuss every issue raised by appellant * * *. The findings need only be
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                               15

sufficiently comprehensive and pertinent to the issue to form a basis upon which

the evidence supports the conclusion.” Calhoun, 86 Ohio St. 3d at 291-92, 1999-

Ohio-102, 714 N.E.2d 905. The trial court’s decision is “sufficiently

comprehensive and pertinent to the issue [of a change of circumstances] to form

a basis upon which the evidence supports the conclusion.”

       {¶37} Nevertheless, we agree that the evidence indicates that the parties

are communicating better now than they did previously. However, similar to

Appellee’s fiancé’s contribution in taking care of Appellee’s children, there is no

evidence the improvement in communication between the parties has an

“adverse” effect on the children. Sammons, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 14CA3630, 014-

Ohio-5835, ¶ 23. If anything, better communication between Appellant and

Appellee was a benefit to the children. Consequently, we find that the

improvement in communication between the parties is not a change in

circumstances.

       {¶38} Accordingly, we conclude that the trial court did not abuse its

discretion in denying Appellant’s Motion for Change of Parental Rights and

Responsibilities, and; therefore, overrule Appellant’s first assignment of error.

                           ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR II

       {¶39} In her second assignment of error, Appellant alleges that even if the

trial court found no change in circumstances, it should have analyzed whether it

was in the children’s best interest to modify the Appellant’s parenting time

schedule.

                                           LAW
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                                  16

         {¶40} We find the decision in Vent v. Vent, 3rd Dist. Wyandot No. 16-12-

05, 2012-Ohio-5946 persuasive in resolving Appellant’s second assignment of

error. In Vent, Appellant, the non-residential parent filed a motion for reallocation

of parental rights, which the trial court denied. On appeal, Appellant challenged

the trial court’s denial of the reallocation of parental rights, but the court overruled

her argument. In her third assignment of error, the appellant asserted that the

trial court erred by not increasing her parenting time with the children. Vent at ¶

32. The court held that “[p]ursuant to Civ.R. 7(B), all motions are to state with

particularity the grounds and the relief sought. Mother never requested a

modification of her parenting time or to have the first right of refusal. Her only

motion sought sole custody of the children.” Id. at ¶ 34. Therefore, the court

held that “[t]he trial court did not abuse its discretion by not sua sponte

addressing an issue that was never raised.” Id. at ¶ 35.

                                      ANALYSIS

         {¶41} As in Vent, Appellant moved for reallocation of parental rights and

responsibilities, but not for increased parenting time. Therefore, we hold that as

in Vent, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in failing to sua sponte address

her parenting time, and; therefore, overrule Appellant’s second assignment of

error.

                                    CONCLUSION

         {¶42} Having concluded that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in

denying Appellant’s motion for change of parental rights and responsibilities or
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                            17

for failing to sua sponte consider increased visitation, we affirm the judgment of

the trial court.

                                                 JUDGMENT AFFIRMED
Meigs App. No. 19CA10                                                              18

                               JUDGMENT ENTRY

      It is ordered that the JUDGMENT IS AFFIRMED and that Appellant shall
pay the costs.

      The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.

      It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the
MEIGS COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS to carry this judgment into
execution.

       Any stay previously granted by this Court is hereby terminated as of the
date of this entry.

       A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule
27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Smith, P.J. and Abele, J.: Concur in Judgment and Opinion.

                                         For the Court,

                                  BY:    ______________________________
                                         Kristy S. Wilkin, Judge

                             NOTICE TO COUNSEL
      Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final
judgment entry and the time period for further appeal commences from the
date of filing with the clerk.