Couey v. Couey
110 So. 3d 378
Ala. Civ. App.2012Background
- Mother petitions for writ of mandamus to set aside ex parte pendente lite custody order favoring father.
- Post-divorce, parents share joint legal custody; mother has primary physical custody of two children.
- Father filed August 27, 2012 petition for custody modification seeking emergency temporary custody; petition lacked certificate of service on mother.
- Father alleged mother’s irrational, intoxicated, and threatening conduct including Memorial Day incident, suicide note to older child, possession of a pink handgun, and harassment.
- Ex parte pendente lite custody order entered August 31, 2012 awarding full custody to father and limited mother visitation, with a hearing set for November 13, 2012.
- Court grants mandamus, directs trial court to set aside the ex parte order; standard follows Ex parte Norlander and related due-process authorities.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the petition supports ex parte custody without notice | Norlander requires notice and hearing | Allegations show danger to health/ safety | Allegations insufficient; need for notice and hearing; order set aside to provide hearing. |
| Whether due process requires immediate notice before removal | Mother entitled to notice under Williams and Norlander | Emergency situation justified ex parte order | Despite urgency, 10-week gap before hearing violated due process; order must be set aside. |
| Whether 72-hour hearing rule from dependency context applies | 72-hour rule supports expeditious hearing | Not binding in nonjuvenile custody | 72-hour expectation stressed; hearing should be as prompt as possible. |
| Whether timing of alleged threat undermines emergency necessity | Three-month gap undermines emergency | Allegations collectively show risk | Insufficient immediacy; no emergency justifying ex parte without notice. |
Key Cases Cited
- Ex parte Norlander, 90 So.3d 183 (Ala.Civ.App.2012) (set aside ex parte custody when due-process lacking)
- Ex parte Williams, 474 So.2d 707 (Ala.1985) (custody cannot be removed without notice unless health danger)
- Ex parte Franks, 7 So.3d 391 (Ala.Civ.App.2008) (notice/hearing required in custody matters)
- Ex parte Russell, 911 So.2d 719 (Ala.Civ.App.2005) (reemphasizes due-process in custody ex parte orders)