Norlander v. Norlander
90 So. 3d 183
Ala. Civ. App.2012Background
- Mother petitions for writ of mandamus to overturn ex parte pendente lite custody order awarding custody to father.
- Ex parte pendente lite order issued Oct 26, 2011; mother served Oct 28; mother moved to set aside and sought pendente lite relief and mutual restraining orders.
- Father alleged mother's mental instability, dangerous conduct, and potential influence on child; alleged disparagement of father’s family and improper homeschooling.
- Trial court denied mother's motions on Nov 16, 2011; mother filed mandamus petition on Nov 18, 2011.
- Appellate court held ex parte order without notice violated due-process requirements absent an immediate health-and-well-being danger; mandamus proper to vacate and hold hearing.
- Court granted petition and directed vacating Oct 26, 2011 order and scheduling a hearing on mother's Nov 4, 2011 motions.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether ex parte pendente lite order violated due process without notice | Norlander argues lack of notice and hearing | Norlander contends emergency exception applies | Writ granted; order vacated; notice/hearing required. |
| Whether allegations showed immediate danger to child's health | Allegations show parental mental instability affecting safety | Allegations insufficient to show actual health risk | Allegations insufficient; cannot sustain ex parte custody without hearing. |
| Whether mandamus is proper remedy to review interlocutory custody order | Mandamus appropriate to review due-process violation | Other remedies exist but do not cure due-process failure | Mandamus proper; order to vacate and conduct hearing. |
Key Cases Cited
- Ex parte Williams, 474 So.2d 707 (Ala.1985) (notice and opportunity to be heard required before custody can be modified absent danger to health)
- Ex parte Franks, 7 So.3d 391 (Ala.Civ.App.2008) (review of interlocutory orders in divorce actions for due process)
- Ex parte Russell, 911 So.2d 719 (Ala.Civ.App.2005) (analysis of emergency custody and timing of proceedings)
- Ex parte Integon Corp., 672 So.2d 497 (Ala.1995) (mandamus standard for reviewing extraordinary writs)
- Thorne v. Thorne, 344 So.2d 165 (Ala.Civ.App.1977) (health-and-well-being danger standard for ex parte custody)