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Overman v. Overman
629 P.2d 127
Idaho
1981
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*1 629 P.2d OVERMAN,

Lillian A.

Plaintiff-Appellant, OVERMAN,

Steven G.

Defendant-Respondent.

No. 13337.

Supreme Court of Idaho.

Dec. 1980. Opinion

Dissenting Jan. *2 26, 1978, September

On respondent Ste- ven Overman moved for modification per- to obtain divorce decree enable him to couple’s manent children. Respondent sought temporary immediate hearing five and a custody of the children modify to the divorce decree his motion grant permanent custody. to him motion, respondent In of his support sub- affidavit of a social worker mitted an em- ployed by Department the Idaho of Health & was based on Welfare. The affidavit files that department alleged and department reports had received numerous complaints indicating appellant and that caring couple’s chil- improperly for the allegations Among dren. made affi- files, ant, department’s were upon the based age were not children the two school school; attending children regularly supervision; without proper were left often clothing in were need of and shoes; attempted appellant mother had home; place the children a foster appellant the affiant feared leaving the mother would soon be state children. 26, 1978, September On to notice to appellant proceedings and without a hearing, granted court re- spondent temporary father immediate cus- tody plenary pending the children hear- respondent’s for modification motion of the divorce decree. The district court’s it was temporary order stated that entered Chavez, Caldwell, plaintiff-ap- Ismael to maintain enable the court pellant. hearing until could over the children be Hearing respondent held. on the father’s Lew, Caldwell, for Gary H. defendant-re- 6,1978, ten days motion was set for October spondent. after entry of the court’s ex BAKES, granting respondent Justice. the children. Lillian appellant Overman

Plaintiff 6,1978, stipulat- On judgment parents of divorce October both a default obtained ed the matter until respondent Steven Over- a continuance of from defendant 2, 1978, January, agreed court November dis- in the district man respondent trict granting court’s order District. The divorce of the Third Judicial temporary custody Lillian of the children Overman appellant awarded should in effect until a full five minor remain couple’s in the pay matter could held. On October Overman respondent ordered Steven appel- granted the support, the district court child in child per per month $75 lant attorney property. mother’s leave withdraw couple’s divided the grounds appellant from the proceeding case on nature of and that failed had not heeded his advice and had they expressed satisfaction with home him. maintain her financial commitments environment created their natural father Sep- This order extended the effect of new stepmother. As a result of the hearing on tember until a evidence received at the hearing and the *3 respondent’s could motion for modification children, visits with the the district court 2, 1978, hearing be held. The November granted permanent of custody the children 8, was vacated and reset for December respondent to granted the father the 8, 1978, appellant 1978. On December the appellant specified mother rights. visitation mother to again moved a continuance Appellant appeal challenges pro- on the new The attorney prepare. allow her to priety entry Sep- of the district court’s on plenary hearing was held on Febru- finally 26,1978, of ex parte grant- tember an order ary parents with both present and ing respondent custody temporary represented by Testimony counsel. sev- by pending hearing respondent’s children a on and, agreement eral witnesses was heard motion for modification of divorce de- parties, the court visited with each cree’s custody provisions. Appellant child in child chambers. of Depart- contends that consideration Following plenary hearing, the dis- ment of Health & Welfare’s affidavit and trict court entered an order modifying deprived entry parte of the ex order her parties’ decree of grant divorce to re- right custody granted her to care, spondent permanent custody decree, process the divorce without due of the parties’ control five children. argues of law. also that the district She The district appellant court concluded that procedure court’s was in of I.R. violation neglected had the needs of the children and 6(cX3) requires C.P. which that the best interests the children would testimony shall hear the of interested by modifying be served original proceedings modify ties custody in to child grant permanent children’s father provisions of a decree unless the divorce custody subject children to visitation parties stipulated modification rights findings of the mother. In its of fact the decree. following made the hearing, the court noted question presented by ap this custody that while in their mother’s the two one, e., peal is a narrow i. whether the age school children’s school attendance had court, parent’s district on the non-custodial that, extremely sporadic despite modify custody decree, motion to the child several conferences between the mother erred in an entering granting tempo order problem, school authorities on the rary custody of the minor children’s attendance did improve. Nei- upon parent properly sup non-custodial a promoted ther child was with her class at ported parte pending motion a full hear the end 1977-78 year. school Both ing, to days. be held within ten It is our children had continued to miss substantial opinion that amounts of I.C. 32-7051 and § school time when I.R.C.P. 1978-79 year 65(g), together, permit school commenced until read custody was obtained their father court to enter an ex September granting on custody 1978. The court found a par that while in non-custodial their custody father’s ent children had if the record him regularly before indicates that attended case, school and had such an necessary received assistance order was in the with their school at work home. The court would be in the best interests of the chil found, dren, as a result of its interviews with the days by and is followed within ten a children, that the children hearing understood the full on the merits of the non-eusto- Subsequent district court’s now decision found at I.C. 32-717. Former I.C. § case, legislature 32-705, however, disposition § recodified and sub- controls the stantially § amended I.C. 32-705. 1980 Idaho this case. I.C. § 73-101. Sess.Laws ch. 3. The amended statute is parent’s motion. hold hearing

dial We further recipient oppor- when has adequate justification for an ex tunity post hearing for a termination his temporarily transferring custody to benefits). a her right to receive parent if a non-custodial is shown and full Questions regarding custody of parent question minor children are in the first directed in pending should maintain motion stance to discretion of the trial court with- modify provided decree is and unless such is abused discretion days, ap- in ten no violation process due judgment respect court’s will pears.2 appeal. Blakely not be disturbed on process Due concept is not a fixed Blakely, (1979); 100 Idaho P.2d 145 requiring specific procedural course in Koester, Koester v. 99 Idaho 586 P.2d *4 every process situation. is flexible (1978); Strain, 904, “[D]ue 1370 Strain v. 95 Idaho procedural protections and calls for such as (1974); Tomlinson, 523 P.2d 36 Tomlinson v. particular situation demands.” Morris 42, (1969). 93 454 Idaho P.2d 756 Where Brewer, sey 471, 481, v. 408 92 U.S. S.Ct. district court its discretion exercises to 2593, 2600, (1972). 33 L.Ed.2d 484 Determi temporary custody award to a non-custodial specific nation process of the dictates of due parent pending plenary an immediate hear requires comparing private interest ing on a motion for of a modification child which will be probable affected and the decree, custody appellate our review will be value of additional procedur or alternative to determining limited whether the district safeguards al risk of erroneous entering court abused its discretion deprivation private of the through interest parte temporary ex order. procedures gov actually used and the Provisions govern of a court order ernmental procedural interest in the safe custody judgments final child are not guards utilized. El g., E. Mathews v. judicata not res to the and are as issues 319, 893, dridge, 424 U.S. 96 S.Ct. 47 The district court determined. maintains (1976); L.Ed.2d 18 Goldberg Kelly, v. 397 modify continuing jurisdiction custody to 254, 1011, 90 L.Ed.2d U.S. S.Ct. 25 287 by changed required whenever provisions (1970). Although procedural central to due best interests to insure circumstances right process oppor is the notice and an g., Prescott E. welfare of the children. and tunity meaningful to be heard at time a 257, Prescott, P.2d 1176 97 542 v. Idaho manner, meaningful g., in a see e. Goldberg 684, Idaho Dey Cunningham, v. 93 (1975); supra, judicial Kelly, prehearing inter (1970). provides 71 I.C. 32-705 471 P.2d per vention in a matter is not se violative of that: requirements. process state or federal due OF CHILDREN.— “32-705. CUSTODY example, property For seizure of a debtor’s may, an action for the court In divorce opportunity without notice to the debtor or such judgment, give or after di- before preseizure hearing, upon application a care and educa- custody, rection for the judicial officer and submis a a creditor marriage of the of the as tion enti setting of an affidavit out facts sion proper, may may necessary seem or sequestration creditor tling the when modify the at time or same.” vacate post provided law for an immediate state 65(g) provides that I.R.C.P. hearing, approved by has seizure annulment, divorce, alimo- Supreme Court States. suits for of United “[i]n Co., or ny, separate v. W. T. 416 94 maintenance Mitchell Grant U.S. (1974); may prohibitive make see also the court L.Ed.2d S.Ct. orders, (non-need or no- Eldridge, supra mandatory or with without Mathews v. based as may may just.” tice bond welfare benefits be terminated social divorce, parte January, kept was awarded must be in mind that the ex 2. It granted temporary custody right said children at with the order in this case “the visitation who, places.” children to their father in the all normal reasonable times natural parte Our contemplated examination the record indi ex order a full hearing the district court did cates that not abuse days. appel- in the matter ten within awarding, its discretion in on the basis of right lant mother had under I.R.C.P. respondent father’s motion and affi 65(b)3 pro- to obtain full hearing thereof, support tempo davit submitted in priety temporary ex order on rary custody parties’ five minor chil days’ respondent two notice or on such respondent pending dren to the full may pre- shorter notice as ten days. the matter in Al temporary scribed. The fact that the though an ex properly be parte Sep- order did remain effect from compelling entered under circumstanc 26,1978, 20,1979, February tember was a es, the affidavit submitted stipulation parties result of a entered respondent’s support court in motion for 6,1978, on October and motions for continu- temporary custody supports the district appellant ance made wife on Novem- court’s decision to enter the cus ber and December tody hearing. The affi Appellant argues 6(c)(3)4 that I.R.C.P. alleged davit that there was a possibility prohibits modification of decree of divorce appellant that the mother would leave the as to the of children absent testimo- Idaho courts she were ny parties of the interested unless the allowed retain of the five chil *5 stipulated ties have to modification of the with possibility dren. Faced the that the however, 6(c)(3), decree. governs I.R.C.P. appellant mother would remove the chil procedure plenary to be followed in state, dren from the the court’s decision to hearing on a modification of the child custo- temporary custody award to children’s dy provisions of a divorce decree. father I.R.C.P. period for not to exceed days ten 65(g) provides impose specifically did not the court upon burden the mother’s parte ex proc preliminarily interests sufficient to constitute a enter orders in due ess custody necessary violation of constitutional child dimensions. matters if to assure See, g., e. Eldridge, just Mathews v. dispute. resolution of a U.S. Read in con- (1976). 96 S.Ct. 47 L.Ed.2d 18 junction 65(g), In 6(c)(3) with I.R.C.P. I.R.C.P. view the district court’s plenary authori not preclude disposition does manner of ty over custody child matters embodied in utilized the district court below. 32-705, I.C. the authority of appellant The mother 65(g) under I.R.C.P. also contends to enter orders in disputes child that the district court custody modifying erred in without notice if re quired by case, custody the child to perma award circumstances of the However, custody respondent. the fact that nent ex to merely findings shifted district court’s the children from fact entered fol one parent lowing plenary natural to the other period hearing, for a at both not which to days, parties exceed ten say present we cannot that the were and represented by counsel, district court abused its discretion February support in award ing temporary custody modify of the children to district court’s decision to the decree the respondent grant father. The district court’s respondent permanent 65(b). 6(c)(3). 3. “RULE TEMPORARY 4. “RULE RESTRAINING SHOW CAUSE HEARINGS IN ORDER—NOTICE—HEARING—DURATION. DIVORCE AND CUSTODY PROCEED- days’ party proceedings —... On 2 notice INGS. —... In who modifica- temporary restraining obtained the of a order with- tion decree of divorce as to the children, testimony out notice or such shorter notice to the court shall hear the party parties may prescribe, parties as the court interested unless the the adverse stipulated party may appear to the modification of the decree and and move its dissolution or good the court finds cause therefor and that it modification and in proceed that event court shall tois the best interest the child to hear and such determine motion as upon proceeding expeditiously justice require.” determine affidavits as the ends of hearing testimony file of the action without open and evidence in court.” BISTLINE, Justice, subject appellant dissenting. custody of the children The rights.5 wife’s reasonable visitation originally heard the ev- Judge McClintick findings the two older specify that entry of the divorce decree idence on the absent custody, were while in their mother’s five children to Mrs. which awarded the of time. amount from school a substantial Overman, logical judge to hear and was the several findings despite reflect request Accordingly, for modification. appellant happened unless he to be I would think that parent-teacher conferences unavailable, logically for Overman counsel attendance did children’s school wife the parte presentation made his ex would have sporad- attendance was improve. Their not McClintick, Judge Lodge Judge from preclude the children enough ic suggested that course of action. would have with their advancement making normal Judge Lodge how al- comprehend I do respon- found that classmates. The court an persuaded to issue himself to be lowed since the had remarried dent husband effect of which had the provide the was able to ties’ divorce and but, divorce,1 final decree overriding a a home environment children with parte, was ex we regard, because regular school attendance and would foster knowing what counsel way have no achievement. improved educational securing the Lodge in upon Judge urged supports the conclu- appeal The record on it must have been obviously, order. Most material, and sub- permanent that a sion for, certain, the persuasive, it is extremely circumstances had oc- change of stantial way short of suffic- moving affidavit falls divorce decree following the default curred modify, upon which predicate as the appellant such that awarding decree, and one a final temporarily, even the children would the best interests of be accorded expect would which we would neighboring respondent permanent in our by granting faith and credit served full See, g., Poesy e. the children. states. custody of *6 (1977). 561 P.2d 400 Idaho Bunney, 98 record, for counsel appears from the As no contentions appellant wife makes

The himself with simply armed Mr. Overman findings of fact court’s that hearsay- conclusory and totally the almost at produced evidence supported were not en- employee, of a state affidavit ridden motion to modi- respondent’s chambers, on hearing departed the and the court’s tered That custody. The district court’s changing divorce decree. fy the with an order misgivings Lodge divorce decree to himself had some modify Judge the decision to the order changes in reflected in the permanent respondent award the But, be that as it made. which he himself and to minor children of his five study this who may, believe that those I visita- wife reasonable grant appellant the of the will, be less critical myself, like case rights is affirmed. tion unprece- and judge’s precipitate trial rather respondent. Affirmed. Costs of this decision than of the dented actions day, especially given In a appeal. Court judges are J., trial, day, and trial DONALDSON, and or on law C. SHEPARD at quick multitude of upon to make a McFADDEN, JJ., called concur. subject they to modification that are Although respondent dis- sense contends that the change proof following plenary upon allegation of circum- of the and trict court’s decision Nonetheless, awarding arguments appellant’s cus- hearing a makes moot stances. aspects many of concerning prehearing tody of the usual the does have argument order, will finality being a habeas is that such an it will sustain the fact —one state, nearly always present short where a be- corpus proceeding in cases another in another plenary and, bar, plea I operate ex followed as term hearing. as a in that it will Hence, the merits we have addressed say, completely custo- of the it is definitive that rights process appellant’s contentions. due parents of in ac- until modified dial long statu- established with well and cordance tory provisions pertaining to matters not unaware that 1. I am this Court. decisions of and final, is, entirely in the not are important but opinion decisions. On the other unacceptable Court’s has two hand, Court, (1) misapplies the of this in flaws: the Court the facts of members the repose offices, adopted, of this case to the rule has now their secluded are so (2) time, approves of the actions of the pressed input for Court of counsel although trial has judge he shown his parties, collegial for both and the advice who— being, giving ap- own awareness of justices, experience of four other not to pearance of being, prejudiced issuing of law help representing mention clerks ex parte changing custody proceed- profes- some new in of finest talent — ed thereupon to the full decid- sion. Judge Kilkenny As observed in Rob- ed the had merits of case he Hollandsworth, erts v. 582 F.2d already placed position pre- in the (9th level, 1978), appeal at Cir. “[w]e judging. our atmosphere, somewhat cloistered have a substantially opportunity study better I. analyze problem such as here present- ed.’’ A.

Today opinion the Court announces an The district issuance of court’s euphe- which subverts Due Process to the solely order was based the affida mistical “Best Interests of Child” —with Neher, employee vit of one Mike an agree. Only which I years ago cannot two Idaho, Department State Health & recognized, Pincock, the Court in Mitchell v. Although Welfare.2 affidavit runs on (1978), 99 Idaho 577 P.2d 343 pages, majority five has extracted information, courts of this state required are to and will all of the relevant which em full extend faith and credit the decisions being bodies but seven lines. case This states, regardless opinions other importance, local moving extreme papers and as to doing whether is in so the “Best responsive court’s order are appended year seen, Interests the Child.” And readily hereto. As is nothing in that ago Court, Crapo, presented Anderson demonstrating affidavit facts an (1978), Idaho 589 P.2d 957 upheld a immediate need to seize the little children voiding trial determination an from their If the agent truly mother. state adoption decree, primarily for lack of due safety believed or well-being process notwithstanding required removal, then, two mem- immediate — 16-1612, bers of the strongly Court came out on the under I.C. the state could have *7 “Best of the Interests Child.” it immediately While is acted to remove the children. desirable that trial justified, however, courts be affirmed when Such drastic action is they affirmed, can should be only endangered neverthe- “the is where child in his appellate less an court extremely should be surroundings and prompt appears removal cautious where it is a prevent claimed that trial to be necessary physical serious gone court has outside the bounds Due or injury mental child.” I.C. lb- § See, appeal Process. Here it is the Court on e.g., 1612. v. Mahoney-Williams, State goes which way affirming too far in 101 (1980). 611 P.2d Idaho 1065 See court, simply, opinion, trial in my (Colo. humble also C. M. v. People, 601 P.2d 1364 using the as a 1979) (vague case vehicle in which to a references to child’s best propel expound upon spe the virtues cannot interests be substituted for the findings “Best Interests the Child” —at ex- a required cific before child can be pense Due Process. neglected abandoned). held to The appears powers deprive It that Mr. Neher decided take and exercised their custody dispute. prior hearing. side the father in this mother of her a children without any statutory appeal While that in did itself not violate There are other remedies than law, obtaining it did result a state official’s affidavit modified decree for redress being parte flagrant powers the sole basis for the ex order. from such abuse of the of the government, state, majority’s Thus two branches of state that but does make executive, judiciary any approval and the collaborated of such action more correct. 242 absolutely powers respond no exercise of state a chance to

trial court had before factu- allegations allegations moving party. imminent harm to the wel- of the Ex- al hear- they ceptions requirement prior fare of the children were to be left in of a only where there is a the court-decreed of the mother have been found “countervailing overriding interest of until a full could be held. Nonethe- state Connecticut, less, parte significance.” court the ex Boddie v. issued 780, 785, temporary custody to the 28 L.Ed.2d granting order U.S. S.Ct. Tribe, (1971). American Consti- defaulting father. See L. (1978). tutional Law 544-45 by the trial The reason advanced law, was that it was parte Having court for this ex recited the correct rule of maintaining however, purpose majority issued then announces that “for jurisdiction Apparently in this Court.” in an affidavit an uncorroborated assertion reasoning following on the alle- moving party provide was based submitted can affidavit, gation surmising in Neher’s “compelling circumstances” under affiant’s fear that your it is further an ex be issued. “[t]hat leaving soon be position magnified by the natural mother shall The error of this is here, take the this state and shall children with the assertion the fact jurisdiction immediate beyond might jurisdiction her and lose if the mother court added.) state, How- (Emphasis plainly out of is incorrect as a of this Court.” moves ever, theoretically would have retained if it was the trial court matter of law. Even jurisdiction, even if the mother did leave the to lose jurisdiction possible for the continuing jur- the affida- The is a official who swore out state. the state Moreover, newly explain enacted I.C. from whence gave isdiction. vit no facts and five provides that a court shall retain the mother 5-1003 came his fear “(1) (i) is the home the state. jurisdiction if state children would flee [t]his at the time of commence- state of the child employee state The fears of a (ii) been the proceeding, or had ment children out of Ida- might take her mother (6) months home state within six child’s justification for a provides insufficient ho proceeding before commencement taking the children court order district this state be- and the child is absent from mother, temporarily. even away from the per- or retention cause of his removal will holding that such fears This Court’s claiming his or for other rea- son order, in circumstances an ex support sons, acting as parent person and a not allowed the where the mother is ” live in this state.... ent continues to heard, frightening to opportunity to be least, understood properly say the

B. longer no there simply states a custodial protection afforded process has failed to due majority of this Court his) having (or her parent from discussed facts of apply the above properly court, away snatched parte order of the they adopt- to the rule which this case *8 And parent. to the other given Proc- over is no Due The Court holds there ed. of the state holding spite is uttered in justification this adequate where ess violation would still being that the court of the law parte order and where for the ex exists children were if the jurisdiction have even a full within is made for provision hardly We should out of the state. states that such taken then days. ten Court in assumption that courts indulge in the only entered un- may properly an order mindful of the be less states would unques- It is other compelling circumstances. der rendering full obligation of party seeking an ex constitutional true that the tionably states of other credit to decrees of demon- faith and bears the burden parte should Pincock. We court in than was this reasons before the state strating compelling that assumption proper indulge in the party to aid one with- powers wield its powers will lend their states in other by such courts party the other affected giving out to aiding proper in our courts exercise their HEREBY GIVEN that “NOTICE IS jurisdiction. do provisions of this order not indi- judge cate believes that the whether the There in the balance of nothing is justi- defendant relief is sought enough justify affidavit compelling this great fied, order. There no such threat allegations was of the affida- or that the the health or of the children welfare that true; vit the decision of the are waiting a until a days few contested hear- judge only after both will be made ing could be would have made any held present opportunity ties an have had difference. was in The court effect decid- the hearing their evidence at above affidavit, ing, on the this one basis of scheduled; provisions of this or- response of a without the benefit from the der to such hear- which take effect person having actually custody of the chil- purpose of main- were made for the dren, material, been a per- there had taining of this court until manent change and substantial of circum- held; judge that the is hearing can be requiring stances immediate change an impartial....” (Emphasis added.) custody. every concept This offends of Due Process. That I think practic- which most experi- We have here an excellent and ing attorneys and constitutional scholars allowing enced judge inexplicably himself quite will find opin- offensive the Court’s to be precipitately moved into transfer of attempt ion is the equate facile a tempo- custody of five without hearing order, rary entered at the initiation of a mother,3 basing one whit from the his deci- action, divorce “tempo- so-called law, sion on an erroneous statement of rary” order after entered the action has vehemently protest- while at the same time gone to final decree. ing his lack of belief in Neher’s affida- holding today The Court’s is that Due vit and lack any opinion about the mer- met, Process is when even a final decree is its. If something orally urged upon the disregarded, allows the party judge presentation at the of Mr. opportunity victimized an within days ten judge Overman’s motion caused the to feel to attempt undo horrendous mischief compelled unique to issue such a and doubt- which has by removing been done a moth- order, least, then, ful at the he should have er’s children from without require- her required proceedings further to be heard opportunity ment of notice an or to be before Judge judge McClintick another contrary heard. This is which has in the Obviously, despite pro- district. practice forever in this state. order, Judge

testations in Lodge could II. not reasonably signed the order unless Obviously entertaining doubts as he rely upon allegations did of the Neh- propriety order, of issuing this ex er affidavit.

district judge was para- careful include a The language original opinion used in the graph avowing his own impartiality —some- (withdrawn in Farrow v. United States thing I have previously seen done replaced, change but of a because judge district at the same time declar- —but facts), (9th discovered F.2d 1339 Cir. ing that he extended no credibility to the 1978), appropriate: allegations appeared in Neher’s affi- davit. The order contained this “There are a of reasons most un- number for this usual caveat or notice: requirement which derive from the fun- worthy 3. It September only eight of note the mother herein filed months caring was faced with original (and the herculean task of after the entered one *9 ages 7; five children the remarried), between of 2'h week after the father had and that that the divorce apparently decree was a default decree the father was current on the January issued on when the support payments modest child which the di- summons; respond failed to obligated pay. that the motion vorce decree him establishing temporary custody for order was 244 precept uttered,

damental even judges, like the when later shown that it they sentence, convicts beings. are human wrong.” (Hufsted- was 534 F.2d at 138 For example, when sentencing judge the ler, J., added). dissenting) (emphasis rules on the 2255 § claim or resentences also, Schwarz, g., e. v. See United States petitioner, difficult, the it may be if not 1974); (2d 500 F.2d Cir. United impossible, to ascertain the extent Vale, (5th 496 F.2d States Cir. which his untested recollection of the States, 1974); Mawson v. United 463 F.2d original sentencing proceeding may sub- 1972). (1st Cir. consciously or otherwise influence his Here trial judge apparently felt Moreover, new determination. when a necessary keep children in this judge has undergone the unsettling proc- change state so that if he did thereafter assessing ess of punishment of anoth- order, he would have his hands on er, it seems entirely plausible that he children, speak. so to But this would be might attach some emotional commit- determined, worry already no unless he had ment to the ‘correctness’ of his initial (which solely from Neher’s affidavit de- he determination. This natural human tend- believing) might nied there be estab- ency to reduce the dissonance created in material, and sub- lished such a permanent choosing one of several alternatives circumstances change stantial persuading thereafter oneself that best of the children would be interests chosen alternative the correct one has change custody. served When an been recognized and measured psy- impression, hearing only after one initial addition, chologists. In possibility ex- side, judge, in the trial implanted reimposition ists that of the same statements embod- produces the remarkable supposedly without considera- sentence — tion of the entered, ied in the order which was priors may in some circum- — justice require judge interests of stances be punishment a veiled for chal- himself from the full disqualify lenging original sentence.. . . The possibilities mere existence of such as the merits. subtly dissipates appearance these modifying custody The order should be resentencing

fairness of the 2255 or aside, “temporary” set proceeding, requirement and the of a dif- aside, be set should be should view, judge, ferent in our does much to mother, further returned to their appearance.” restore that Goodrick v. assigned to one of the proceedings to be State, 124, 128-29, 559 P.2d 98 Idaho judges other in the district. J., (1977) (Bistline, dissenting) 307-08 Farrow) (footnotes omitted) (quoting added).

(emphasis APPENDIX The same expressed sentiments were in a MODIFICATION OF DI- MOTION FOR dissenting opinion in Wilson v. United DECREE; TEMPORARY VORCE States, (9th 1976): 534 F.2d 130 Cir. OF MINOR CHILDREN CUSTODY “Even judges, if we could assume that AND TO SHOW CAUSE ORDER mortals, unlike other capable are of such Defendant, STEVEN COMES NOW feats of total recall post and edited ex OVERMAN, by through G. his counsel judgment, facto process is unfair and BRAUNER, A., record, P. Nam- WM. J. perceived will be as unfair. The defend- Idaho, Court for an moves the pa, ant opportunity explore has no at all to custody of granting him processes these mental present any or to Renae Over- Stephanie ties’ minor evidence that other reveal factors Overman, Erline Dawn man, Kimberly Ann pertinent sentencing. are More- Overman, and Ger- over, Overman, Merle George recognized, as other courts have Overman, cause hear- until a show

judges susceptible fraility are to that ald Dean judgment, human-kind to a held. to stick once ing may

DEFENDANT FURTHER MOVES the DEFENDANT FURTHER the restraining MOVES temporary Court for acting an whereby plaintiff, anyone Court for Order directed the Plaintiff the or for behalf, enjoined cause, has, or her restrained and why she the show molesting, threatening, or annoying, from Decree Divorce issued on of of Court using physical force and violence the day the 27th of not be January, should person the Defendant. as set modified hereinafter forth: 1. That the original Decree of Divorce DEFENDANT FURTHER the MOVES provides care, permanent the custo- restraining Court for a dy and control of the above mentioned Plaintiff, or whereby anyone acting the parties minor children of the is awarded behalf, her or on is restrained from remov- plaintiff until the children reach ing or attempting remove said minor respective ages their until majority, defendant, or from representative a further or or or contrary modifying order defendant. Court, preserving of this in the defendant upon This motion is based pleadings the right of visitation with the children at action, specifical- and files in this and more all normal and reasonable times and ly upon the of Mike affidavit Neher filed places. By change reason of material herewith, concurrently upon and the infor- plaintiff circumstances wherein the is mation and plaintiff belief is no longer no a fit proper person to have longer proper person fit and care, custody and control of the minor care, custody and control of said minor chil- paragraph said should modi- dren. fied read as follows: September, DATED this 26th day of ORDERED, “IT IS FURTHER AD- 1978.

JUDGED AND DECREED that BRAUNER, WM. J. P. A. permanent care, custody and control of (si Gary H. Lew By Overman, Stephanie Renae Kimberly GARY H. LEW Overman, Overman, Ann Dawn Erline Attorney for Defendant George Overman, Merle and Gerald Overman, Dean the minor children of hereby I certify that a true and correct parties hereto, hereby awarded to copy the foregoing Motion for Modifica- the defendant until said children Decree; tion of Divorce Temporary Custody reach their respective ages of majority, Children; of Minor Order Show or until a further or contrary or modi- Schiller, Cause mailed to Edwin G. fying order Schiller, of this Court.” Schiller, Williams & P.O. Box original 2. That the Decree of Divorce Nampa, mail, Idaho 88651 first class pay is to provides the defendant postage prepaid, this 26th day Septem- support, permanent as child plaintiff ber, per minor per month $75.00 sum (si Gary H. Lew child, children reach their until the said H. LEW GARY no ages majority, or are respective plaintiff, dependent upon longer AFFIDAVIT modifying contrary or until a further or NEHER, sworn, having duly MIKE been That of a this Court. reason order of deposes says: wherein change in circumstances material your That affiant is employed by longer proper a fit and plaintiff is no Department of Health and Welfare as a care, con- person to have the Social Worker Senior. and the defend- trol of minor children June, 1978, care, has, custo- seeking permanent since your ant is affiant That Overman, children, said A. minor with Lillian dy acquainted and control of the Overman, this ac- parties elimi- should be modified and G. paragraph Steven tion, children: and their minor entirety. nated in its *11 friends,

ten left with neighbors, and even short, Overman, Stephanie strangers, anyone Renae in who would have born 4-15-71 them; that the children’s source of Overman, Kimberly Ann born 8-13-72 cereal; food was often that the mother Overman, Dawn Erline born 3-8-74 children; prepared seldom meals for Overman, George Merle born 6-21-75 were in and that the children need of cloth- Overman, Gerald Dean born 6-21-75 ing and shoes. your That affiant has reviewed files 19, 1978, 5. That on or about June department upon of the and based said re- 26, 1978, department June received view, following states that the is a summa- complainant complaints. The stated that records, ry portions of said and that the had natural mother stated that she does following upon your is based affiant’s infor- place not children and will want the them mation and belief. your in a further foster home. It is affi- 19, 1977, December 1. That on or about natu- and belief that the ant’s information complaint with department received subsequently signed ral mother over custo- minor above-mentioned reference to the in dy to the Christian Childrens Home children; that it was believed that Boise, natural but that the father became children for leaving the minor mother was upset and obtained of the children sitters. The of time with periods prolonged your at that time. It is affiant’s further Stephanie that indicated complaint further information and belief that the natural attending regularly. school not reacquired custody mother of said minor 26, 1978, January 2. That on or about through trickery and deceit under department complaint received a pretext of a visitation. regards plaintiff. children and your 6. That it is affiant’s information complainant Stephanie The indicated that is and belief that one or more of the children special frequent education classes due to attending kindergarden were school absenses and does not need to be there. 21, 1978, by sent home September were complainant The stated that the children the nurse with lice. That natural moth- proper supervi- are left alone without often shampoo given er was instructions to said sion, Stephanie was often left them to school. That it children and return charge remaining children for sub- your affiant’s information and belief time, lengths of that the children stantial not said children have since returned to there were numerous were not clean and school. mother who came and male callers of the That recently September 7. as as went at all times. department complaint received a 14, 1978, February That on or about Stephanie and Kim have been retained department complaint received a from grade kindergarden, respective- in first Overman, the natural father. The Steven numerous It was fur- ly, due to absences. complainant reported that the children opinion complainant ther the that the being properly; were not looked after children should be removed from the moth- neighbors often left with children were custody. er’s time; periods for considerable that the affiant, 25, 1978, September Your vis- physically children were struck sitters ited residence of the natural mother at children; attending who were said Ste- Helena, Caldwell, Idaho. Your affiant phanie regularly attending was not school observed that the children were left attend- get due to the mother’s failure to rise and eighteen years a male approximately ed school; ready them and that the chil- age. your actually That affiant did dren were left a mentally often attended observe said but could hear them person. retarded within the residence. May 4. That on or about department complaint. received a your That it is affiant’s information complaint currently stated that the children were of- belief that the natural mother is your sayeth

Further affiant not. seeing frequently one Mark Fortick. That (si Mike Meher your affiant’s information and belief *12 MIKE MEHER day or September, that on about 23rd of AND SUBSCRIBED SWORN to before 1978, Helena, Caldwell, Idaho, at 1314 Mark me day September, this 26th of 1978. every Fortick broke window in his vehicle. your (si Gary That affiant has further observed H. Lew your what affiant believes to be numerous Public Notary for Idaho. parts nearby of said vehicle scattered Residing Nampa, at Idaho. residence. and your That is affiant’s information I hereby certify a true and correct mother belief a relative of the natural copy and foregoing of the above Affidavit recently was arrested at the residence at mailed, postage first duly prepaid, by Caldwell, Idaho, Helena, for mail, Schiller, class to Edwin G. firm of the robbery Icha- shotgun sawed-off armed of Schiller, Schiller, Williams & Attorneys for Caldwell, Idaho. bod’s in Plaintiff, P.O. Box Nampa, Idaho during the That immediately preceding day September, this 26th of 1978. weekend, your it is affiant’s information (si Gary H. Lew and belief that natural father one and GARY H. LEW Rodriguez Emma were married. That it is your affiant’s further information and he-

lief that met Steven Emma the natural TEMPORARY ORDER FOR CUSTODY mother and Mark Fortick in an establish- CHILDREN; OF MINOR AND ment your in Caldwell. That it is affiant’s ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE information and belief that Fortick Mark UPON MOTION Defendant and waived and brandished a That firearm. based upon Affidavit of MIKE NEHER said fireman was removed and taken from therewith; Mark Fortick the owner of the establish- filed believing and the Court ment. that it for is the best interest and welfare Study Evaluation has That Home of parties, the minor children of the Department, by the been conducted ORDERED, IT HEREBY IS AND THIS chil- placement of minor recommended temporary custody DOES ORDER That been with the natural father has dren parties’ children, Stephanie minor Re- made. Overman, Overman, nae Kimberly Ann your personally That affiant has Overman, George Dawn Erline Merle Over- involved with the above-named individuals man, Overman, hereby and Gerald Dean is June, since and has this discussed granted to the until Defendant a show your superiors. matter with That affiant’s held; hearing cause bemay your it is affiant’s information belief is natural father not successful cause, appear That the Plaintiff and show attempt his obtain has, October, if any day she 6th Department shall minor 1978 in the Courtroom the above entitled file an action under the Child Protective Caldwell, Canyon County, Idaho, Court in your Act. That further it is affiant’s belief at m. p. day, the hour of 1:30 o’clock of said the removal the children why the Decree Divorce entered herein custody of the natural father is in conform- day January, on the 27th should not being of ance to the best interest and well be modified as set forth in the Motion. the minor children. pending That on said Order your That it is further affiant’s fear that Cause, Plaintiff, anyone to Show or the natural mother shall soon leaving behalf, acting hereby or on re- her this state and shall take the children with enjoined beyond annoying, her and strained and from mo- immediate Court. lesting, threatening, using physical or force 629 P.2d 140 and violence on person of the Defend- Idaho, Plaintiff-Respondent, STATE of ant. Plaintiff, That anyone or acting for or on ALVAREZ, Hector Cedillo behalf, her hereby restrained from re- Defendant-Appellant. moving attempting or to remove said minor No. 13653. Defendant, from the representative of the Defendant. Supreme Court of Idaho. Plaintiff, That the or any person current- May ly having the care or custody of said minor *13 children shall immediately deliver to the

Defendant the above named minor children.

NOTICE HEREBY IS GIVEN that the

provisions of this order do not indicate Judge

whether the believes that the relief

sought by justified, the Defendant is the allegations of the Affidavit are

true; Judge that the decision of the will parties be made after both have had an

opportunity present their evidence at the scheduled;

hearing above provi-

sions of this Order which take effect

to such hearing purpose were made for the maintaining in this Court held;

until a can Judge be that the impartial and a party any questions has

hereon, party then such shall contact an

attorney questions who will answer such

and take steps necessary present such

party’s provided by evidence as rules of any party and that who violates or

conspires provisions violate contempt Order will be held in of this punished by

court and fine or im- both,

prisonment, byor therefor. day September,

DATED this 26th

(s) Lodge Edward J. Judge

District Anderson, Burley,

Gleason D. for defend- ant-appellant. Gen., Leroy, Atty. Lynn

David H. E. Thomas, Gen., Boise, Deputy Atty. plaintiff-respondent.

Case Details

Case Name: Overman v. Overman
Court Name: Idaho Supreme Court
Date Published: Jan 29, 1981
Citation: 629 P.2d 127
Docket Number: 13337
Court Abbreviation: Idaho
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