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Davis v. Davis
263 P.3d 520
Utah Ct. App.
2011
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*1 court, presented was not to the district and it scope

exceeds the of our review of the dis

triсt court's petition dismissal of his for ex Therefore,

traordinary relief. we do not con

sider the claim further.

T6 The district court did not err in dis-

missing challenged because it

substance of the Board's decision and did not judicial

state a claim for According- review.

ly, we affirm.

2011UT 311 DAVIS, Petitioner, Appellee, Cross-appellant, DAVIS, Respondent, G. Appellant, Cross-appellee.

No. 20100238-CA. Appeals

Court of of Utah.

Sept.9,2011.

David Hartwig, R. City, Salt Lake Ap- pellant. Christensen,

Steve S. Thornton, Lisa B. Christopher Rogers, J. City, Salt Lake for Appellee. *3 DAVIS, Judges THORNE,
Before and CHRISTIANSEN.

OPINION DAVIS, Presiding Judge: ¶ Corey G. appeals Davis aspects several of the trial ruling on Lisa Davis's petition modify parties divorce decree. cross-appeals, challenging the ruling request on her for attor ney fees requesting appeal. fees on We affirm in part and part. reverse in

BACKGROUND ¶2 parties The were divorced a Decree 23, Divorce May entered Corey, gross whose monthly $7,000 income was per time, month at the pay ordered to $1,511 child support per month and was assigned a number of marital debts. provided decree also that Lisa would be entitled to claim youngest child for tax purposes, Corey would be entitled to child, claim the middle and thаt would (the alternate claiming the third child income provision). Furthermore, the de cree adopted provisions in accordance with 78B-12-212(8)-(9) Code, the Utah see (Supp.2 011),1 regarding pay ment of the children's health expenses, care which ordered that "[elach who incurs for the children pro shall vide written verification of the cost pay ment of medical expenses to the other within thirty days payment" provided "[alny party who comply fails to with the ... provision[ notice ] be denied right . recover parent's the other share of the expenses." ¶3 In October after losing job, filed a the decree. Lisa filed an answer and counterpetition modify in November 2002.

1. Where case, there have been no substantive amend- we cite the current version of the Utah ments that are relevant under the facts of this Code for the reader's convenience. January hearing on Following a ruled court The trial bankruptey. declared a substantial found that (the trial court in October petitions on the in that had occurred change of cireumstances modification). found court The trial materially [Corey] has bankruptey "the October job between of a Corey was out [Lisa]": financial condition affected ‍‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‍his new 2008 and and October [Corey] has declared finds This court re-employed becoming upon by virtue of found that The trial $5,026 month. per are now filing, creditors in Co 29% approximately the decrease [Lisal.... recover funds seeking to signifi "a constituted monthly income rey's pro- decree the initial finds that The court change of cireumstances material cant for certain [Corey] vided that reviewing the justifying [clourt ... those debts finds that The court debts. The trial obligations." ... *4 therefore The court paid. have not been a dis "received Corey had that found also right bankruptey was a although finds that to the debts regard bankruptey charge in invoke, by so that [Corey] 'and did сould pay under to ordered obligations he was effectively [Lisa] taken from doing he has no but made Divoree" Decree of arriving at the bargain in benefit of The trial discharge. that the effect as to of the forms the basis stipulation per wage of $940 imputed minimum court original decree. Corey's that determined Lisa and to month the trial court change, of this As a result reduced should be child (the modifica the decree again modified month, to October retroactive $1,174 per tion) "should be that Lisa determined fact that of the recognition In exemptions for all tax all the to claim able contributor financial primary "the children," acknowledging that this children," court raising the cost sought" by Lisa for remedy "only provision so tax the income modified The trial debts. pay the marital failure to child youngest would claim that Corey parties['] incomes "that the found court also child.2 the middle claim Lisa would and, basis on the significantly" changed рeti filed a new Lisa incomes, March In child increased new parties' of the $1,287 per changes in $1,174 per modify, alleging month several tion (1) a result as Next, that "is circumstances: found the trial court month. that longer paying the Corey was no did bankruptey, arisen that expenses have sues of school (2) decree, and, in the divorce entered" as ordered decree was debts when the not exist affect negatively "to had been decree credit the divorcee accordingly, that Lisa's modified (8) debts, pay the one Corey's failure to for by [Corey] [Lisa] to reimburse ed require expenses for Fur expenses." new incurred Lisa had school half of reasonable (4) fees, thermore, that claims and school court stated activities the children to claim of medical greater need had a for reimbursement Lisa Corey, claiming reim than purposes if the for tax be waived dependents thir proof home. within (5) purchase a wanted to failed that Lisa bursement incurred but modifying the in been the bill had ty days an order requested Lisa unnecessary all her to claim permit it would provision to tax come actually paid requiring bill had purposes; for tax show children Finally, the reimbursement. extra to receive the children's order pay for half of Corey to attorney fees; request for denied Lisa's curricular, and test trial court registration, school modifi the trial court's Corey appeals attorney fees. fees.3 pay her ordering adjust its provision, of the income amended cation filed an November regarding support, its child in ment of an increase modify, requesting petition to regarding its orders expenses, and support. rulings additional modified, made several by 3. The trial again decree was

2. The appeal. challenged on have not been modification, which but stipulation, Corey's alimo- the discontinuation concerned analysis. to our ny obligation, nоt relevant medical reimbursement. cross-appeals requested the modification. "We review the attorney court's decision on fees and trial legal regarding determinations requests appeal. fees on party]'s [a entitlement modi fication for Doyle correctness." Doyle,

ISSUES AND STANDARDS 306, ¶ 9, 2009UT 221 P.3d 888. Howev OF REVIEW4 "(tlo er, preserve an appellate issue for re view, party must first raise the issue in the ¶6 First, Corey argues that in de court, giving that court an opportunity termining whether to the income tax to rule on Searle, the issue." Searle v. provision, the trial court was limited res 367, ¶ 17, (internal UT App 38 P.3d 307 judicata considering only changes in cir omitted). quotation marks occurring cumstances since the 2005 modifica tion.5 "A trial court's determination ¶8 Third, Corey argues that the trial whether res presents bars an action erred analyzing question question of law. questions We review such whether he should be ordered to a share correctness, according partiсular no def of the children's as a sepa Busch, erence to the trial court." Busch v. rate issue from support. He 131, ¶ 5, (internal 71 P.3d 177 the trial court therefore exceeded its omitted). Furthermore, marks Co by ordering discretion him to for half of rey bankruptey asserts that the and its finan *5 the children's in addition to cial effects on Lisa could not be used as child without making specific a find evidence that a change of cireum- ing that a deviation from the stances had occurred since the 2005 modifica guidelines appropriate. was "Questions tion. "presented When question about legal adequacy findings of fact law regarding what constitutes a substantial legal and the accuracy of the trial court's change cireumstances, review|[ [we] it] for present law, statements issues of which we Toone, correctness." 112, Toone v. 952 P.2d correctness, review for according no. defer (Utah 114 Ct.App.1998). ence C.K., to the trial court." In re 2000 UT ¶11, 17, App 996P.2d 1059. ¶7 Sеcond, Corey contends ¶9 court made legal by error modify Fourth, Corey argues ing his obligation when the trial court contrary acted Utah law difference between the new and old awards ordering parties need not was less than 10% and making the award one proof another with in order retroactive to a prior date to the date to receive reimbursement from the other Lisa attempts 4. Lisa many characterize petition, Corey again pointed out to the arguments challenges as to the trial court's find- trial court that the bankruptcy effect of the "was ings so, and its exercise doing of discretion. In ruled on in the Although [2005] trial." Lisa is requests she that we argu- dismiss several of his correct specifically never mentioned ground ments on the that he has failed to mar- judicata," the term "res it is clear from the However, shal the evidence. interpret we Co- record that the trial court understood the issue rey's arguments presenting рrimarily legal Specifically, as such. the trial court acknowl- challenges to rulings. the trial court's We thus edged "any relating issues to the effect of the marshaling argument find Lisa's largely to be bankruptcy brought up have been at [the inapposite analysis. to our trial, judge 2005] actually because ... put in findings something and decree 5. about contends preserved. that this issue was not bankruptcy." "Generally, ultimately preserve accepted in an issue for appeal Lisa's presented issue must that the judica- issue was not res trial way court in such a ta because begin trial court "hurting has an did not opportunity to rule on that issue." [her] Pratt v. Nel credit until after impact that trial" and "the son, 41, ¶ 15, (internal 2007 UT 164 P.3d 366 significant to [her] life that's been happened has omitted). Corey, marks repre who since {2005 modification]." While neither court, sented himself in the trial contended in his trial court nor the conducted an in- answer to Lisa's 2008 that Lisa's "Peti depth analysis judicata disсussion or of the res Modify tion to repetitive is of the issues ... hearing, apparent issue at the it is that the trial trial," discussed at the time of the [2005] includ challenge court was rejected aware of the it. ing "[the debts associated with the divorce and [Corey]'s bankruptcy." hearing At the on Lisa's actions in divorcee applies judicata res on be incurred proceedings." subsequent inter trial court's "[A] the children. half of 407, Smith, P.2d Smith of law question is a a statute pretation Nevertheless, courts v. De Ct.App.1990). Blackner correctness." review for we ¶ 8, make subse jurisdiction "continuing Transp., 2002 partment of regarding orders" changes or new quent P.3d parties' prop eustody support; ¶10 Lisa as cross-appeal, alimony, see debts, obligations; and erty, ade make ‍‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‍failed to serts 30-38-5(8), (Supp. §Ann. Code decision support of its in quate change is 2011), seeking such if the also attorney She fees. request deny her that a substantial to demonstrate able ap to fees is entitled that she contends the di contemplated in cireumstances in discretion have broad courts "Trial peal. the decree since has occurred decree vorce attorney fees. Where awarding ... Krambule, entered, Krambule see discretion, pre we broad may exercise ¶ 13, 210. See 1999 UT decision the correctness sume ("Applicationof Smith, at 410 of discretion." abuse a clear absent distin in divorcee actions res Mark, Mark v. the doctrine application of guished [from (internal quo (omissions original) P.3d 476 equi ... because cireumstances] omitted). marks tation reopen allows courts doctrine table can dem moving party if the determinations ANALYSIS circum change of a substantial onstrate Exemptions and Tax Res Judicata I. stances."). ¶11 argues that is not barred that she modified provision as a substan invoking the in 2008 modify it attempt Lisa's *6 there because change of cireumstances tial arising cireumstances change of a based on bankruptcy in cursory to the reference only a by the was barred bankruptcy 2003 from the of conclusions findings of fact and the 2005 judicata, which res branch of preclusion claim not mention law; does decree the modified that all issues relitigation of "precludes the all; for the trial the basis bankruptey at as those litigated as well could have provi tax the income of modification prior ac were, fact, in the litigated in income, rather than Corey's in 2005 was sion Inc., 2000 Neways, tion," & Assocs. Macris the 2005 bankruptcy; (internal quotation 93, ¶ P.3d 1214 16 UT allocation original decree's alter the did not omitted); also Throckmorton see marks are assertions of these all debt. While of Ct. Throckmorton, 123 767 P.2d most acknowledge the true,6 fails to ("When adjudi been an there has App.1988) modification: attempted to her bar critical to those judicata as cation, res it becomes provision, tax the incomе the fact deter tried and either were issues which modify on based she seeks only provision party had mined, issues which upon all or occa cireumstances change of alleged deter and have present opportunity fair a in was modified bankruptey, (internal by the sioned proceeding." the other mined in modification, the trial 2005 In the 2005.7 omitted)). of "The doctrine marks quotation under obligations ordered to he was a almost bankruptcy occur until did not 6. The modify Divorce." Decree Corey's year after filed, neither so counterpetition were Lisa's relating to the evidence facts and Because the a sub- bankruptcy constituted asserted fully in the considered bankruptcy were not justify the change circumstances stantial modification, & Assoc. v. generally Macris see sought time. Further- they at that modifications more, Inc., 16 P.3d Neways, any if have little seemed to facts and identical (stating based on that claims decision, mеriting impact trial court's on the purposes), judicata for res barred evidence are fact and single in the line a necessarily been barred would not law, than no more which does conclusions arising from asserting subsequently claims from Corey "received a had acknowledge the fact actually considered were not regard the debts bankruptcy in discharge in court found that primary was "the bankruptey negatively [is] affecting Lisa now financial contributor to the cost of raising the ways in not addressed in the 2005 [modifica children" and determined equita that it was tion]." even construing the trial adjust ble to the income provision change of cireumstances Corey's by permitting favor him to claim the finding being limited to financial effects youngest child dependent, as a despite ac materializing modification, after the 2005 knowledging had "received a dis modification of the provision income tax charge in bankruptey regard to the dеbts this basis is barred judicata res obligations he was order[ed] un impact bankruptey was foreseeable der the Decree of Divorce." If Lisa believed and should have been contemplated at the that a different conclusion on the income tax time of the 2005 Krambule, modification. Cf. issue was warranted due to bankruptey ¶ 357, 15, 1999UT (holding P.2d 210 relieving Corey obligation of his par that the birth of a child was not a substantial joint ties' leaving creditors and her as the change of justify cireumstances post- accounts, sole debtor on those she should divorce declaration paternity and order of have raised at the time of the where the wife already 2005 modification. generally See Throck- pregnant at the time of the stipula divorcee morton, ("When 767 P.2d at 123 there has tion); Williamson, Williamson v. adjudication, been an it becomes res 219, ¶ 8, 983 P.2d (stating, in the ... upon all issues which had a fair context of an alimony modification, opportunity present and have determined "[blefore the trial court can (internal divorce proceeding." decree, omitted)). must find that marks there has Having so, been a failed to do she 'substantial is barred material pursuing a modification of cireumstances provision income tax mot at based on the time anything but a divorce'" foreseeable added) substantial change {emphasis (quoting cireumstances occur Utah Code Ann. ring since the 2005 (1998) (current § gener modification. 30-3-5(7)(g)() version at ally McLane, McLane v. 694 30-3-5(8)(g)@) (Supp. (Utah 1977) ("Even though the 2011)))). decree is res While Lisa not have felt the judicata as to existing circumstances at the effects on her credit and finances until after decree, time of the changed there are modification, the 2005 her role as the sole requiring, circumstances so there can be a remaining obligor on the joint debts adjudication thereon."). further was certain from the time *7 ¶13 by terminated Next, bankruptey. Thus, the argues if that even if she is barred, so wished to assert the bankruptcy court's 2010 modification justified should upheld be an award of because the the court income tax exemp found that a her, substantial change tions to of as compensation cirenmstances for her in had occurred since the modification, creased obligations financial following the namely, it, as Lisa states that "the 2008 bankruptey, she should have raised that ar in the 2005 Ironically, modification. while Lisa previous since the time of a support child modifi may have pursue been able to remedy some other cation because the common facts on which both for the at the time pro of the 2010 support a child alimony claim and an claim were ceeding, e.g., see, Beckmann v. Beckmann, based "fully litigated" had been in the earlier 1045, (Utah 1984) P.2d (holding that an hearings and the by were "bound those pay for a husband to certain debts under a determinations"); Smith, 468, Smith v. 98 N.M. divorce deсree "was in support" the nature of 1381, (1982) (measuring 1382-83 a court), and could be enforced in state the trial of circumstances on wife's court's full consideration of relating the facts to petition to the support amount of child the in the context of the 2010 modifi previous the time of a hearing modification cation will now have a res effect as to "proper the allocation and duration of child further remedies, see Macris, 2000 93, ¶¶ 28, UT support payments," holding and that wife's fail 40, 16 1214; P.3d Kiesow v. Kiesow, 270 cf. ure to raise the issue of the amount of child Minn. (1965) 133 N.W.2d 660-61 support previous in the hearing related constitut (holding alimony that an modification could con implicit amount). ed consent to the only changes

sider occurring circumstances affected."). support is parent whose modification.8 the time at the gument ar cither preserve Corey failed to modifi reverse therefore We court, he although trial in the provision. gument tax inсome the cation reply in his argue plain error to attempted Support II. Child for raised brief, matters will not consider "we brief," ex reply Coleman in the first time the ¶14 contends Corey next Stevens, v. child rel. adjusting his by court erred trial Schefski plain error a (declining to address less increase was obligation when support in the time for the first Code Ann. raised generally See 10%. than Utah (2008) 78B-12-210(8) a trial (providingthat brief).9 § reply with support award may adjust a child court circumstances change of a substantial out Expenses III. School modi the last elapsed since have years three challenges trial also previ between difference and the fication half of the he court's order least is at new award ous award expenses. We school reasonable trial court 10%). He "private explained previously have retroactive modification making the erred child parcel of the part and are costs modify, to petitiоn Lisa's 2008 time of Brooks, 881 P.2d award." Brooks support 4, 2008, despite the April filed on (analyzinga Ct.App.1994) n. 959 3 support a child request her fact private an award modification until she submit made was not modification sup the child modification of as a modify in No amended ted Arnold, 2008 award); also Arnold see port § T8B-12- id. generally 2009. See vember ¶ (reaffirming the 17, 10, 177P.3d 89 112(4) ("If [child] orders the tribunal for a district appropriate that "it is rule modified, date the effective be support private school award court follow the month shall the modification can conceive support"). We addition to pleading] on ing [of service children). $1,551 obligation for three tax adjustment of the income note that We also comprises Corey's income 83% discharg- Corey's Because remedy for odd provision is an income, obligation debts, under the old his parties' total partic- marital obligation ing month, the amount $1,287 the bulk out to ularly given carries table comes per table, new Under the the trial court. likely awarded and Lisa obligation would have parties' combined generally Utah See tax burden. much smaller $1,630 children 83% for three been (2008) (stating that al- § Ann. 78B-12-217 Code significant dis- month. maintains $1,353 though would have per share 78B-12-301(2) (providing that exemptions, in tax allocate the cretion "(a) so, $7,600 as the expected consider $7,501 doing between it is combined obligation of in a combined results each relative contribution factor, primary child; (b) children). raising that had This means parent the cost $1,630 for three table, there the new benefit followed relative among factors, difference more than 10% have been parent"). each $1,174 per month previous award of between Al- month. $1,353 new award per and the *8 the trial we note that Nevertheless, ap- 9. appeals court's use though neither support table employed child the old parently table, observe it relevant we think the old employed new table hаve when it should should Corey's argument the trial court That 78B-12-301. section in Utah Code outlined if support, even the child have modified not which was table, new section provides a result 2008, succeeded as "modify have could used to be in created preserved, employing the in second error trial court's on or before support entered order final child support. Further- child to calculate 2007, table 31, old made is if the modification December more, assuming Corey correct that is thai even Ann. Utah Code 1, 2010." after on or January increasing retroactively by (2008). court erred 78B-12-301(2)(d) in The modification § 4, April support between child February his 2008, 2010. Under in was made this case 23, 2009, damage Corey November table, and income Corey Lisa's combined and old by mitigated alleged error is support from $7,521 suffered child an overall per month merits support, since paid less child he has $1,551 fact that per three chil- month for obligation of (2002) re- § 23, 2009, than should Ann. 78-45-7.14 Utah Code November See dren. error second trial court's quired result of the as a between (providing that a combined support using table. child $7,600 in the old $7,501 child in a combined results why public of no reason school fees should expenses be school in support, addition to child categorized any differently. There is noth expressly reaffirmed the rule that "it is not ing about school fees that makes them differ appropriate for a district court pri to award any expenses ent from that must be expenses vate school in sup addition to child satisfied, all, at out of the com port" but enforced the order because it was support obligations. bined child Depart the result of voluntary stipula Cf. father's ment Human Servs. ex rel. Parker v. 17, ¶ 10, tion. App See 2008UT 177P.3d 89. 1997)(Dur Irizarry, 945 P.2d The Arnold court correctly observed that ham, J., ("'The dissenting) neighborhood "requiring agreed- shared in, live safety [children] comfort and upon private expenses is well within their transportation arrangements, the discretion of the district court." Id. 110 they attend, schools the educational enrich added).10 2 (emphasis n. The instant case is (music, opportunities dance, art, ment distinguishable agreed never lessons) have, sports they the travel ‍‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‍and pay for school fees on top regular of his aspects recreational of their lives ...-all support child obligation. things these dependent are on the total ¶ 17 Our conclusionthat schoolfees should amount of income sup available for their paid be out of support child supported by is port."). If support child inadequate is the fact that legislature singled has out expenses cover parents wish to incur on be specific two types expenses children, parents school, half of their private such as are pay ordered to in activities, or, addition case, regu extracurricular to their inas this lar support child tests, obligations: placement аdvanced there work-related nothing is prevent parents expenses, care agreeing from see share such § (2008), additional 78B-12-214 in the interest of their the children's med expenses, ical § However, see id. children. (Supp. things 78B-12-212 these are not ne 2011). generally cessities and must budgeted This convinces us that legis had the part of child support if the lature cannot intended parents be ordered to agree otherwise. pay categories additional expenses, such as activities, fees or extracurricular in previous that this court's exeess of child support, it would have enacted decisions in Anderson v. Thompson, 2008 UT legislation Thus, to that effect. child-rearing Arnold, P.3d and Arnold v. statutorily not distinguished from App 17, 2008 UT 177 P.3d stand for the regular should be proposition considered that a trial make a "part parcel separate award." order for a pay for school Brooks, See at 959 n. Accordingly, fees addition to child support. court's order that pay reliance half misplaced. these cases is children's school fees is a deviation issue in Anderson was whether mother the child guidelines, had right waived the to enforce see Utah Code (5)(a) ("If § 78B-12-210(5), Ann. the amount order that the father half the cost of the children's the order extracurricular activi and the guide amount on the ¶¶3, ties. 3, 13, lines worksheet differ or more ... $10 464. The propriety of the order ...."), itself was considered deviated issue, fact, not at and in supported the father must be had "specific finding on apparently agreed to take on the additional the record supporting the conclusion that ... obligation. court, See id. 13. The Arnold guidelines use of the unjust, would be inap which did specifically uphold an propriate, order that a or the best interest of [the] father for half of his private child[ren]," 78B-12-210(8); id. accord *9 "upheld" Misleadingly, 10. a trial court's order that a father con- this observation quoted her brief but qualifying рhrase left out the tribute to the cost of extracurricular activities "agreed-upon" indicating without the omission. and school costs, see id. it did so on the para. similarly misrepresents She holding ground this court's inadequately that the father briefed his Costa, 104U, Gillette v. evidence; 2007 WL and failed to marshal the (mem.) curiam), (per 858711 by asserting that it the arguments merits of the father's were never supports argument. her reached, While the actually Gilfefte court paras. see id. 3-4.

529 omitted)). marks internal tion and of the absence Brooks, at 960. 881 Corey pay for that resulting order trial court's The amounts award finding, "the a such expenses is ... are of the guidelines half of the application the from Ann. Code reversed. Utah therefore correct." to be presumed TBB-12-210(@)(b).11 only found Reimbursement ¶ this case Medical trial court IV. The 18 did that have arisen expenses "school that the Corey argues that Finally, entered." the decree when exist not relieving of her by erred trial court of any number of be true finding could This him with provide obligation to statutory ex the children's that fact The expenses. medical actually paid the has she proof that does increased changed or even have penses Corey to reimburse she wants expenses of child modification justify a necessarily not modification, In the for. guidelines, the from deviates support that seeking reimbursement a that stated are new the when particularly actually been has that the bill not show "need Brooks, P.2d at ordinary. out of the Cf. expense that the only show need paid, but changes in "[slignificant that (suggesting this Corey argues that incurred." has been child, such the factual cireumstances decree, original departure a is which, needs, if or health special education as incurs party who "Each provided, which original decree time of the at the in existence pro children shall expenses for the medical upward deviаtion an permitted have pay of the cost verification written vide a sub may constitute guidelines" from the within expenses to the other medical ment justifying a cireamstances change of stantial added.) (Emphasis payment." thirty days of modification). Moreover, court's con is this modification argues that He also accompanied is not in this case modification law, "[al mandates trary to Utah by Utah required finding, as specific by a shall medical who incurs parent inappropriate, "unjust, law, be it would of the cost verification written provide child[ren]" [the] interest in the best or not Code Utah expenses," of medical payment guide support statutory child employ 78B-12-212(8) (emphases (Supp.2011) §Ann. 78B-12-112(8). §Ann. Code lines. See provi added). this new extent To the Rasband, 752 P.2d Rasband generally completely reliev ("[A as may interpreted trial sion Ct.App.1988) 1331, 1334 statutory obligation to their ing parties of show that fact must findings of eourt's] one another proof lоgically follows or decree judgment expenses for they incur when evidence. by, from, supported However, we children, Corey. agree we sufficiently detailed findings should be much a not so provision this interpret subsidiary to dis facts enough and include by a statement the decree as modification conclu the ultimate by which steps close the must reimbursement (cita clarifying that the court was reached." issue factual on each sion bankruptcy. To the as a result Nevertheless, agree fered a implied contrary, trial court guidelines even of the in excess finding effects of specific the financial remedy not make based does trial court stipula warranted bankruptcy deviation is modification was the such above, binding Moreover, effect all the parties "has tion as noted provision. tax made of law conclusions fact and finding" "specific any make failed to Davis, Davis v. upon the evidence." the cоurt guidelines "use of the made (internal in the best inter- inappropriate, or not unjust, ... omitted). stipulation "[The quotation marks child," § 78B-12- see Utah est of parties all agreement an constitutes provi- 112(3) (2008). with the income And as pre-existed ... necessary the facts of circumstances sion, any evidence, by available be sustained and would jus- might have arising from the dispensed agreement of the not the had guide- from the child a deviation tified (omission in taking Id. evidence." with the in the been addressed lines should omitted). (internal quotation marks original) previously support was when child supra 112. modified. CL 12. Lisa asserts she suf- remedy "financial strain" also a *10 proof be made with or payment, without right denied the to ... recover the other entirely which is consistent with the statute. parent's share of expenses parent if that [provide fails to (emphasis verification]." add interpretation Our is consistent with ed)). reject Corey's We assertion that "a the trial court's asserted intent in clarifying right to reimbursement arises [a after provision. medical reimbursement It is parent] provides proof incurring, transcript clear from the of the hearing that paying, the bill parent]." [to the other the court desired not to Utah Code does not condition statutory obligations but to find a means for pay to payment. Rather, verification of encouraging to be reasonable in notes, as Lisa the obligation provide to verifi approaching the reimbursement issue. The cation is independent "an duty" that is not a explained, mandatory reimbursement, condition of al you you've If think enough, sent and he though failure to comply with the condition it, paid you hasn't then what need to do is may, in discretion, the trial court's be remed an order to show cause to the commission- ied a denial of reimbursement. While saying, gave er I enough him documenta- Lisa risks sanctions or possibility you tion.... [I]f cause him to come out may she be denied reimbursеment if she fails it, here fight and the commissioner provide proof to payment, Corey also agrees risks with you him that give didn't sanctions if he pay refuses to without receiv documentation, enough then [the commis- ing proof payment, particularly if there is may sioner] assess against a sanction you. nothing to indicate that the bill has not been On you the other get hand if documenta- Thus, paid. it was beyond not you tion and say its not enough, and she court's discretion to declare would you hauls into the say commissioner to obligated to reimburse Lisa for the chil [you] pay, and the commissioner dren's medical spite of her fail agrees that the documentation enough. provide ure to proof payment.13 Just you the fact that didn't think it was it, going isn't to cut and he's only going not V. Fees in the Trial Court you bill, to make Attorney may but he award a you sanction for paying it. So ¶22 On cross-appeal, saying what I'm is we all need to be rea- that the trial court failed to mаke necessary sonable about says this. If he I need more findings to justify its denial request of her documentation and going {fit's] not to kill attorney 30-83-38, fees. Utah Code section you give him, it [to] give then it to him. governs attorney awards of fees in On the other hand if giving you she's plen- cases, divorce provides "the court ty-the point is it just can't be you party order a attorney costs[ and] feel like it.... just You your to do fees ... of the other to enable the get along best to provide the documen- prosecute or defend the ac tation. tion." Utah § (Supp. 30-38-38 ¶21 While it 2011). beyond have been "[To recover costs and attorney fees scope of the trial court's discretion to at in proceedings on a tempt to exeuse Lisa's statutory obligation decree, divorcee the requesting party must provide proof altogether, demonstrate his or her attorney need for court retains discretion to fees, parent one the ability of sрouse the other pay, to reimburse the other for and the reasonableness of the fees." Larson incurred even when parent incurring Larson, Ct.App. expenses has comply failed to 1994). with his or her The trial court in this case declined to statutory obligation provide verification of award requested Lisa her attorney fees be payment. 78B-12-212(9) ("[A] See id. cause it concluded that "[the evidence at parent incurring medical expenses may be trial was insufficient for [it] to determine 13. We reiterate, deny cretion to however, that Lisa is still reimbursement in the future if statu- torily obligated proof fulfilling she duty. is derelict in payment and that the trial court retains its dis- *11 any to make failed the trial court Because the ..., whether specifically, attorney fees from the findings justifying deviation issues to the attorney are related fees the trial reverse we guidelines, Lisa here." adjudicated have half of the Corey pay order court's sufficient wаs evidence the in addition to children's How attorney fees. of award an supported order trial court's the We affirm support. ... an award make ever, to decision "[the medical for reimbursement right to thereof amount and the attorney fees] [of receiving proof contingent on is not discretion in the sound primarily rests] statu clarify parties' but payment Bell, Bell court." one another to tory obligation Although evi some Ct.App.1991). Finally, in force. remains proof of was factors the relevant relating to dence of Lisa's denial the trial court's affirm we informa hearing-primarily at presented fees, deny her attorney and we request for their incomes and relating to tion appeal. fees on request for at needs, Lisa's from invoices monthly minimal, we was torney-this evidence M. MICHELE 125 I CONCUR: abuse of a clear it was say that cannot CHRISTIANSEN, Judge. to address decline to discretion court's trial that the ground on the attorney fee issue THORNE, (concurring and Judge make for it to insufficient was evidence dissenting): determination. II, IV, V, ¶ and VI agree I with sections Appeal Attorney on therein. Fees concur majority opinion and VI. majority's However, agree with the I cannot ¶23 her attor requests the dis judicata barred that res conclusions "Generally, when appeal. ney on fees considering the effects trict court awarded] [or court awards Corey Lisa and Corey's bankruptey on who to action in a domestic fees pay half of the to improperly ordered was appeal, fees on substantially prevails then Nei expenses. reasonable appeal." on be awarded will also pre adequately these issues ther of Kimball, Kimball court, our precluding in the district served (internal omit quotation marks 217 P.3d 733 them, they had been but even review substantially ted). However, has not majority's with the agree I cannot preserved we determined appeal, nor have on рrevailed I would af them. treatment substantive have awarded trial court should modification court's the district firm Therefore, is not she attorney fees below. respectfully dis entirety, I in its order attorney fees to an award entitled majority portions from those sent appeal. or the district that reverse opinion der. CONCLUSION matter, we should preliminary As a ¶ provision tax income 24 Because the or judicata issue the res address either change of alleged in 2005 and

modified Corey has expenses issue because the school cireumstances, i.e., bankruptey, occurred specific issues preserve these failed time, trial court's we reverse to that prior requirements set preservation The appeal.1 provision. clear: Court are Supreme by the Utah out affirm we appeal{,] preserve an issue pre [In Corey failed support order presented be must the issue order. relating to that arguments servе objection this state- raised no curred." problems with Co- preservation There direct example, as no time did For Further, at arguments well. ment. rey's see- language Utah Code issue, to the district expenses reimbursement medical verification regarding "written hearing, tion 78B-12-212 Corey at informed district expenses." payment of the cost you, pay half has obligation, both of "Your 78B-12-212(8) (Supp. Ann. Utah Code being paid. actually nothing bill do with the 2011). being in- bill from the arises way court in (internal such a that the trial court has original) alteration *12 opportunity omitted)). an to rule on that issue. This light marks In Corey's of failure requirement puts judge on notice preserve issues, these I would decline to of the asserted error and allows for However, correc- address them. majority the opin tion at in time the course of the ion does reach issues, the substance of these proceeding. For a trial court to be afford- and in each case reaches what I believe to be opportunity (1) ed an to correct the error an incorrect conclusion. the issue timely must be raised in ‍‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‍a fash- ¶30 majority applies general the rule ion[,] (2) the issue specifically must be judicata of res to the district finding court's (8) raised[,] and challengingparty the must of changed cireumstances based on the sub supporting introduce evidence or relevant sequent Corey's effects of bankruptcy. 2003 legal authority. Issues that are not raised However, light in of the district court's "con at usually trial are deemed waived. tinuing jurisdiction child support Heat, Inc., Easy Main St. v. 72, 2004 UT

438 obligations," Durfee, v. 796 P.2d Durfee (Utah (alterations 99 P.3d in original) Ct.App.1990),a peti (citations and quotation internal marks omit tion satisfy need not the normal rules of res ted). Here, Corey did not raise the judicata. Rather, relevant petitioner only need issues specificity, with nor did he showing make "a of a change substantial of arguments with legal authority. relevant circumstances occurring entry since the ¶28 the decree and not contemplated in issue, the de judicata As the agree res I added) (internal cree (emphasis itself." Id. with majority the generally raised omitted); marks see Bolliger also concept judicata the of res below assert Bolliger, App ¶¶ 11-13, 2000 UT ing that his bankruptcy had been discussed P.2d 903.2 ruled on in the 2005 trial. the district quite court made "The fact clear that the that it was have antici- relying pated [a on the fact that the bankruptey change material in had occurred but rather in circumstances] on the their own effects of the minds or in bankruptey their finances, on Lisa's discussions does effects not mean the [prior occurred order] the itself contemplates 2005 trial. the after change. never alerted the In any district court to order for a argu change material cireumstances to be ment in a consequences the future contemplated were order,] fixed at [child the time of the 2005 trial and there there must be evi- dence, fore could preferably have and should fully provision have been the form of a fairly litigated itself, within at the decree that earlier time. the trial court anticipated specific change." ¶29 Corey's expenses ¶ Bolliger, 47, 13, 2000 UT similarly unpreserved. Corey never in (first in original) alteration (quoting Durfee, formed the district court that an award of 716). 796 P.2d at "Accordingly, both expenses constituted an increase in [prior order] and the record any are bereft Brooks, under Brooks v. reference to the changed P.2d 955 cireumstance at Ct.App.1994),nor did he ob issue in modify, then the ject the district court's failure to enter subsequent changed specific cireumstance findings was not justifying departure its contemplated in [prior order]." the child Id. support guidelines, generally see K.F., ¶4, 60, ("[A re 201 P.3d 985 agree I do not majority party] any argument waive[s] regarding consequences Corey's whether the district cоurt's of fact were foreseeable with a degree sufficient were sufficiently detailed [party] when the certainty at the time of the 2005 trial. But challenge detail, fails to or adequacy, they foreseeable, even if were they were not the findings (second with the district court." "contemplated" in the 2005 order because "grounded 2. This ¶ rule is principles of res 11 n. 997 P.2d 903. judicata." Bolliger Bolliger, See 2000 arriving bargain in her benefit [Lisa] record are [prior order] "both basis of forms stipulation which likely effect at to" any reference bereft The district decree." original finances.3 on Lisa's Corey's duty to reimburse decision clarification the district Accordingly, 4d. Lisa consti suggests effects bankruptey's medical de Corey had testimony that in circumstances Lisa's credited a substantial tuted of res doctrine by the for various not barred to reimburse refused layed or be affirmed. a documentation due to *13 dis that the The school dispute. that order court's thе district As to fees, advanced awarded-lab court trict chil the half of Lisa for Corey reimburse fees, education- other such and placement agree I expenses, reasonable dren's and clearly reasonable also fees-are related reimbursement such majority that with the picture total light of the support appropriate. child additional treated must be case, it in this court the district presented child the compliance purposes the district that inference Brooks, me a fair seems Brooks See guidelines. support condition, as Ct.App.1994) financial at Lisa's looked n. 3 actions, and determined by Corey's are worsened costs ("[Wle private school the believe likely deprived of be would support award children that the the child parcel part and Corey's opportunities the con authority to educational valuable no have found and the amount limited to child Utah's amоunt trary"). a conclu Such guidelines. by the pre provided "rebuttable merely guidelines sup amount proper statutory require the sumption" of the surely satisfies sion 78B-12-210(2)(a) § the Ann. interests of Code the best relating Utah port, see ment rebutted is (2008), presumption children.4 and finding on specific finding or written "[a] finding express ¶ an that To the extent ... that conclusion supporting record adequately serve not guidelines do resulting from use amount ordering an award is in this case interests best inappropri unjust, be would guidelines 78B-12- section necessarily required in a ate, best interest in the or not the district remedy for 210(8), proper (em 78B-12-210(8) case," § id. particular finding is not to make such failure added). phasis reversal, with remand but reversal simply ¶ totality of the circum Looking at the finding. See requisite entry of the case, to me it is clear this stances Although I do Brooks, P.2d at 960. in its discretion within court acted district issue, nor this Corey preserved believe Corey's limiting concluding implicitly findings actual the district's dо I believe guideline the issue reach if we are to inadequate, were in the children's not have would amount an allowed should be the district then Lisa's court found The interests. best from why departed explain opportunity $15,286, while Co just annual pay required the shared guidelines that, found $74,980. The court rey's was expenses.5 ment of educational are bankruptey, "creditors Corey's due to reasons, affirm I would For these [Lisal," I 35 from funds seeking to recover now entirety. Accord- in its district "materially affected had bankruptey today's portions of from ingly, I dissent that, condition," as a financial [Lisa's] district reverse opinion majority "effectively taken result, Corey had likely made that be could 4. A similar bankruptcy in the reference guide- support payment limiting Corey's "re- had a statement order is "unjust" the cir- under line amount regard discharge ceived a Ann. Code case. See of this cumstances ordered obligations he was debts 78B-12-210(3) (2008). supra 112 of Divorce." Decree under the possible effects mention There is no note 5. here, any lack of where particularly true 5. This bankruptcy on Lisa. result of direct adequate is the district court. failing in the for them to ask court on the res

issues. I concur the remainder of the

majority opinion.

2011UT 307 POLL,

Sandra Appellee, Petitioner POLL, Respondent

James Cook *14 Appellant.

No. 20100765-CA. Appeals

Court of of Utah.

Sept. Howell, Provo,

Matthew R. Appellant. Young Brent D. and Dallas B. Young, Pro- vo, Appellee. Judges THORNE,
Before VOROS, and ROTH.

OPINION THORNE, Judge: T1 Respondent (Hus- James Cook Poll band) appeals from the trial supple- mental findings of fact and conclusions of law and the supplemental decree of divorce awarding property parties purchased during the marriage to Petitioner Sandra (Wife) Poll separate property. We affirm.

BACKGROUND T2 parties were married April 2005. Prior to marriage, Wife had re- ceived money from various sources after her first husband died in the September 11 at- tack on the World Trade Center. Wife placed ‍‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‍a portion of those funds (Trust Account). trust account in her name May T3 On signed a Real Contract, Estate Purchase desig- nated James C. and Sandra purchas- Poll as property (the ers of County Wasatch

Case Details

Case Name: Davis v. Davis
Court Name: Court of Appeals of Utah
Date Published: Sep 9, 2011
Citation: 263 P.3d 520
Docket Number: 20100238-CA
Court Abbreviation: Utah Ct. App.
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