Bellamy v. Bellamy, 2012 Ohio 2780

Jennifer Bellamy appeals a contempt finding for violating a shared parenting plan's religious instruction provision.
The plan, adopted Feb. 2, 2010, required mutual consultation on children’s religious upbringing.
Evan Bellamy moved for contempt on March 3, 2010 alleging Jennifer failed to continue religious education.
The trial court sentence was three days in jail and a purge option to re-enroll in South Canaan Baptist Church or arrange another agreement.
Jennifer purged her contempt by mutually agreeing with Evan to continue religious instruction, triggering mootness of the appeal.
The appellate court noted pro se status but focused on mootness and purge rather than rearguing the merits.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Whether the contempt finding was improper given the plan’s religious instruction terms.	Jennifer argues the plan does not bind her to a specific church.	Evan contends the contempt was proper for failing to pursue religious instruction.	Moot; contempt purged, no live controversy.
Whether the appeal remains despite purge due to purport of additional evidence.	N/A in cleaner terms; focus on whether purge occurred.	Jennifer’s purge via mutual arrangement ended the dispute.	Moot; case dismissed.

State ex rel. Cincinnati Enquirer v. Dupuis, 98 Ohio St.3d 126 (2002) (extrinsic evidence considered when mootness occurs)
Pewitt v. Superintendent, Lorain Corr. Inst., 64 Ohio St.3d 470 (1992) (contempt purge and appellate review limitations)
Tschantz v. Ferguson, 57 Ohio St.3d 131 (1991) (mootness and lack of actual controversy)
In re Estate of Pallay, 2006-Ohio-3528 (2006) (leniency toward pro se appellants; procedural posture)