Lead Opinion
[¶ 1] Kathleen Zich appealed from a trial court order denying her request to move with her three children to Macon, Georgia. We conclude the trial court’s finding the move is not in the children’s best interests is clearly erroneous. We reverse and remand with directions the trial court enter an order granting the motion and restructuring visitation to preserve and foster the children’s relationship with their father, Bryan Tibor.
I
[¶ 2] Zich and Tibor were married in 1986 and have three children. The parties were divorced in October 1995, and judgment was entered upon their stipulаtion. They were awarded “joint legal and physical custody” of the children, with each having physical custody for considerable time, but with Zich having physical custody of the children more days per year than Tibor. The judgment also provided the parties must retain their residence within North Dakota for five years.
[¶ 3] Each party remarried following the divorce. Zich married Terrence Zich in March 1996. Shortly thereafter, Terrence Zich, an environmental engineer and hydro-geologist, lost his job through company downsizing. In November 1996, Zich filed a motion requesting that the court designate her as sole physical custodian of the children, set support amounts according to the child support guidelines, and abolish the five-year restriction on the parties’ ability to move out of state. In January 1997, the trial court ordered amendments to the original divorce judgment, designating Zich the primary custodian of the children and eliminating the five-year residency requirement. The court’s order quite clearly implied Zich would be granted approval to relocate the children out of state with a minimal showing:
I am satisfied that upon a showing of a proper reason for leaving this state, this Court would grant such proposal with an effort at that time to establish proper visitation with the children. If this cannot be accomplished by agreement, this Court orders that the parties must return to Court for the purpose of establishing appropriate levels of visitation and child support.
This matter comes before the Court upon a motion for new trial....
One of the issues raised by [Zich] is that this Court misled the parties as to their burden оf proof in the ultimate hearing on the request to leave the state.... .... Iam satisfied that I indeed misled [Zich] into believing that [her] burden on the request to leave the state would be somewhat less than the decisions of the Supreme Court might require. As a result, I believe I may have caused a situation where [Zich] presented less testimony than was available to satisfy the Court. I believe that I even indicated the same at the time of my oral ruling on July 15. Although my intentions were good each time, I believe that my subsequent actions caused a surprise which should be аllowed to be corrected if possible.
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[S]ince this Court has listened to the testimony and I believe I have been tainted to some degree, I hereby recuse myself from all further proceedings in this matter....
[¶ 5] The new trial on the motion was held in July 1998 before a different judge. After the hearing, the court entered an order denying Zich’s motion on two grounds: (1) Zich is not a parent entitled to custody of the children for purposes of bringing a motion under N.D.C.C. § 14-09-07 to move the children from this state; and (2) Zich failed to demonstrate the move would be in the children’s best interests. Zich appealed.
II
[¶ 6] Under N.D.C.C. § 14-09-07 “[a] parent entitled to the custody of a child” must get judicial permission to change the child’s residence to another state if the other parent does not consent to the move. The trial court found “the children spend virtually equal amounts of time with both parties,” and concluded Zich “is not a parent entitled to custody” under this provision and, therefore, is not entitled to seek permission to move with the children to another state. We conclude the trial court’s interpretation and application оf this statute is much too narrow.
[¶ 7] In its January 1997 order for amendments to the judgment, the court designated Zich the “primary custodian” of the children. Clearly, she is a “parent entitled to the custody” of the children. Although both parents have physical custody of the children for significant amounts of time, under the judgment Zich has physical custody more of the time than does Tibor. N.D.C.C. § 14-09-07 “specifically requires a custodial parent to seek permission” to change the children’s residence to another state. Hanson v. Hanson,
III
[¶ 8] The purpose of N.D.C.C. § 14-09-07 is to protect the noncustodial parent’s visitation rights if the custodial parent wants to move out of state. Hanson,
[¶ 9] To determine whether the move is in the children’s'best interests, the court must apply a four-factor analysis enunciated by this Court in Stout v. Stout,
1. The prospective advantages of the move in improving the custodial parent’s and child’s quality of life,
2. The integrity of the custodial parent’s motive for relocation, considering whether it is to defeat or deter visitation by the noncustodial parent,
3. The integrity of the noncustodial parent’s motives for opposing the move, [and]
4. Whether there is a realistic opportunity for visitation which can provide an adequate basis for preserving and fostering the noncustodial parent’s relationship with the child if relocation is allowed, and the likelihood that each parent will comply with such alternate visitation.1
[¶ 10] Although the trial court determined Zich was not entitled to bring the motion under N.D.C.C. § 14-09-07, it nevertheless determined the merits of the motion and, after considering the four factors, found Zich hаd failed to meet her burden of demonstrating the requested move would be in the children’s best interests. Because the trial court applied an erroneous interpretation of Stout and because we are left with a definite and firm conviction the trial court made a mistake, we conclude the trial court’s finding the move is not in the children’s best interests is clearly erroneous.
A
[¶ 11] Under the first Stout factor the trial court must weigh the advantages of the requested move “while recognizing the importance of' maintaining continuity and stability in the custodial family.” Hawkinson v. Hawkinson,
[¶ 13] The children’s best interests are inextricably interwoven with the quality of life of the custodial parent, with whom they live and upon whom they rely emotionally. Stout,
[¶ 14] There is also a direct relationship between a stepparent’s financial situation and the circumstances of а spouse’s dependent children, because a stepparent is liable to support a spouse’s dependent children if he receives them into the family and for as long as they remain in the stepparent’s family. N.D.C.C. § 14-09-09; see also Braun v. Braun,
[¶ 15] This case is factually similar to the circumstances in Paulson v. Bauske,
[¶ 16] The trial court paid little or no attention to other advantages this move affords the custodial family. Under the status quo, the custodial family is maintaining two separate households. The move would eliminate the cost and time expended in supporting the second household. The record evidence also demonstrates that, if allowed to move to Georgia with the children, the family could live on Terrence Zich’s income and Kathleen Zich has an opportunity to extend the time she spends directly caring for the three children.
[¶ 17] The trial court found a benefit for the children remaining in this area near Tibor’s extended family. Although the court recognized Zich’s extended family fives in Georgia, it discounted the advantage to the children being nearer those relatives, because the children “have spent limited time with them over the years.” Nevertheless, the record evidence shows
[¶ 18] The record evidence is undisputed all three children are doing very well in school and do not suffer from any emotional problems. Gregory Arbaeh, a cliniсal social worker at Medcenter One, provided counseling services for the family. He testified the children would adjust very well to the move and there would be no major adverse effect on them. Arbaeh testified all three daughters expressed a preference and willingness to move to Georgia. A child’s preference, in the context of a motion to move a child from this state, is an appropriate factor the court may consider in determining the child's best interests. Sumra v. Sumra,
[¶ 19] We conclude the trial court did not afford sufficient consideration to the evidence of the advantages of this move, especially in the context of maintaining the continuity and stability of the custodial family unit. We conclude, therefore, the trial court’s finding Zich did not demonstrate the move would involve prospective advantages to improve the children’s quality of life is clearly erroneous.
B
[¶ 20] Under the second Stout factor the court must consider the custodial parent’s motives for the move. The trial court found Zich’s motives for relocating the children were appropriate and not based on any intent to defeat or deter Tibor’s visitation. The evidence supports this finding.
C
21] Under the third Stout factor the court must consider the noncustodial parent’s motives for opposing the move. The trial court found Tibor’s motives “may be other than the bеst interests of the children.” The court found Tibor “has exhibited obsessive feelings” toward Zich in the past, as evidenced by his entering Zich’s home to check telephone messages and mail and his rummaging through her trash to find information about the poten-potenmove out of state. The court found Tibor was emotionally abusive toward Zich during the marriage and has been both physically and emotionally abusive toward his second wife. The court found Tibor used physical and emotional means to con-conhis second wife, and the court stated “[Continued abuse by [Tibor] toward [his second wife] could result in a change in my view of what is in the best interests of the children.”
[¶ 22] Tibor’s surveillance of Zich and intrusion into her residence and belongings demonstrates an unhealthy obsession and desire by him to control others. Tibor’s physical and emotional abuse of his second wife also demonstrates an obsession to control others. Although not directed toward the children, this conduct presents a negative influence and unsettling interference in the children’s lives. The trial court found a lack of integrity in the father’s motives for opposing the move and the evidence supports that finding.
D
[¶ 23] Under the fourth Stout factor the court must consider the negative impact of the move on the noncustodial parent’s relationship with the children and the ability to restructure visitation to foster and preserve the relationship. In applying factor four, the court stated consideration of whether visitation could be restructured to preserve the noncustodial parent/child relationship “applies only if the other factors require allowing the move.” This is an
[¶ 24] The trial court found if the move were allowed, “there is no way the same quality of relationship would be maintained.” Even though a move may add costs and distance to visitations, making it impossible to continue the frequency of visits between the noncustodial parent and child, the relationship between them can be preserved by a restructured visitation schedule. Keller,
[¶ 25] Zich offered a very generous alternative visitation schedule, including six weeks of uninterrupted visitation in the summer, one week eaсh Christmas, every other Thanksgiving, every Spring break, and every other Easter. She offered to split the cost of transportation for the visitations and offered to cooperate with visitations anytime Tibor wanted to see the children in Georgia. She testified she would comply with any visitation schedule the court ordered even if it provided more visitation time than what she had proposed.
[¶ 26] Although Georgia is a considerable distance from North Dakota, modern transportation reduces the measure of distance from days to hours, and instant communication is available through phone and cable links: Sumra,
IV
[¶ 27] When the relevant factors weigh in favor of the custodial parent’s request to relocate the children, the trial court’s denial of the motion constitutes reversible error. Stout,
[¶ 28] In Goff,
[¶ 29] We reverse the order of the district court denying Zich’s motion to relo-r cate with the children to Georgia and remand with instructions the court enter an order granting the motion and establishing an appropriate visitation schedule.
Notes
. Subsequent to the trial court's decision in this case, we clarified in Hawkinson v. Hawkinson,
. In fairness to the trial judge, we recognize he did not have the benefit of the Hawkinson and Goff'opinions in deciding this case.
Concurrence Opinion
concurring specially.
[¶ 31] I concur in the result reached by the majority. I write separately because of the continuing difficulty we have in the application of N.D.C.C. § 14-09-07, as this Court has interpreted it.
[¶ 32] Section 14-09-07, N.D.C.C., states:
A parent entitled to the custody of a child may not change the residence of the child to another state except upon order of the court or with the consent of the noncustodial parent, if the noncustodial parent has been given visitation rights by the decree. A court order is not required if the noncustodial parent:
(1) has not exercised visitation rights for a period of one year; or
(2) has moved to another state and is more than fifty miles [80.47] kilometers from the residence of the custodial parent.
The limited purpose of this statute is to safeguard the visitation rights of the noncustodial рarent. Stout v. Stout,
[¶ 33] I believe the burden imposed by this Court on the custodial parent, the burden of proving the move is in the best interests of the child, is misplaced. As this Court has stated, a request to move is not a redetermination of custody. Stout,
[¶ 34] I believe a much more realistic approach to motions for relocation is a presumption that the proposed move is in the best interests of the child, coupled with an opportunity for the noncustodial parent to submit opposing evidence, if desired, to try to overcome the presumption.
[¶ 35] Minnesota has a relocation statute very similar to N.D.C.C. § 14-09-07. Stout,
The custodial parent shall not move the residence of the child to another state except upon order of the court or with the consent of the noncustodial parent, when the noncustodial parent has been given visitation rights by the decree. If the purpose of the move is to interfere with visitation rights given to the noncustodial parent by the decree, the court shall not permit the child’s residence to be moved to another state.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has found а presumption favoring removal of the child is the best approach for motions for relocation, for several reasons:
First, in most cases it would obviate de novo consideration of who is best suited to have custody, an issue which has already been resolved once by the courts.*489 Unless the noncustodial parent could establish by a preponderance of the evidence that removal would not be in the child’s best interests, permission to remove would be granted. Second, it would tend to maintain the child in the family unit to which he or she currently belongs, and minimize judicial interference with decisions which affect that family unit. Third, it is grounded in Minnesota’s statutory scheme. Finally, it places the decision with the person best able to consider the child’s needs.
Auge v. Auge,
[¶ 36] This Court has previously considered presumptions in the relocation context. In Olson v. Olson,
[¶ 37] It is my belief, nineteen years аfter our decision, that Olson should be overturned. Recent legislative enactments clearly indicate a legislative policy in favor of continuity and stability in the existing custodial arrangement. See N.D.C.C. § 14-09-06.6 (1997). Furthermore, our recent relocation cases direct our courts to carefully tailor visitation schedules to preserve the noncustodial parent’s right to foster and develop a relationship with the child. Keller v. Keller,
[¶ 38] Application of N.D.C.C. § 14-09-07 has caused confusion and difficulty for both parents and courts since Burich injected a best interest standard and placed the burden of proof on the custodial parent. Recent attempts to clarify the law seem unavailing. In Stout, this Court attempted to bring some clarification to these cases by stating whether a move was in a child’s best interest could be determined by аn analysis of four factors:
1. The prospective advantages of the move in improving the custodial parent’s and child’s quality of life,
2. The integrity of the custodial parent’s motive for relocation, considering whether it is to defeat or deter visitation by the noncustodial parent,
3. The integrity of the noncustodial parent’s motives for opposing the move,
4. Whether there is a realistic opportunity for visitation which can provide an adequate basis for preserving and fostering the noncustodial parent’s relationship with the child if relocation is allowed, and the likelihood that each parent will comply with such alternate visitation.
Stout,
[¶ 39] When this Court decided Stout, the express goal was to give trial court’s more instructive and specific guidance in applying N.D.C.C. § 14-09-07. Stout,
[¶ 40] This Court should move toward a presumption that the proposed move is in the best interests of the child. I believe such a presumption would not be contrary to the purposes of N.D.C.C. § 14-09-07, and would be in harmony with our State’s legislative policy. By implementing such a presumption we would be establishing clear guidance for our courts without threatening the well-being of the children. I also encourage the North Dakota Legislative Assembly to consider legislatively creating such a presumption as a part of N D.C.C. § 14-09-07. If this Court erred in Burich and Olson, then such an amendment would be a great service to divorced parents, eliminating one more opportunity to renew a lingering dispute that hampers their efforts to get on with the rest of their lives.
[¶ 41] William A. Neumann
Concurrence in Part
concurring and dissenting.
[¶42] I agree with the majority that Kathleen Zich is a person entitled to custody under N.D.C.C. § 14-09-07.
[¶ 43] I would not retry the case and substitute my judgment for that of the trial court. See Goff v. Goff,
[¶ 44] Dale V. Sandstrom