1. Child Custody: Visitation: Appeal and Error. Child custody determinations, and visitation determinations, are matters initially entrusted to the discretion of the trial court, and although reviewed de novo on the record, the trial court's determination will normally be affirmed absent an abuse of discretion.
2. Judges: Words and Phrases. A judicial abuse of discretion requires that the reasons or rulings of the trial court be clearly untenable insofar as they unfairly deprive a litigant of a substantial right and a just result.
3. Divorce: Child Custody: Courts. Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-364 (Reissue 1998), a district court may in certain circumstances obtain and retain legal custody of a minor child, in proceedings to dissolve a marriage, and grant a parent physical custody of the child.
4. Child Custody: Courts. A trial court may properly take temporary custody of a child when it is unsure either parent is fit.
5. Judgments: Final Orders. If a judgment looks to the future in an attempt to judge the unknown, it is a conditional judgment. A conditional judgment is wholly void because it does not "perform in praesenti" and leaves to speculation and conjecture what its final effect may be.
6. Parent and Child: Visitation. A reasonable visitation schedule is one that provides a satisfactory basis for preserving and fostering a child's relationship with the noncustodial parent.
7. Child Custody. Ordinarily, custody of a minor child will not be modified unless there has been a material change of circumstances showing that the custodial parent is unfit or that the best interests of the child require such action.
8. Modification of Decree: Child Custody. Removal of a child from the state, without more, does not amount to a change of circumstances warranting a change of custody. Nevertheless, such a move when considered in conjunction with other evidence may result in a change of circumstances that would warrant a modification of the decree.
9. Child Custody. In considering a motion to remove a minor child to another jurisdiction, the paramount consideration is whether the proposed move is in the best interests of the child.
10. ___. In order to prevail on a motion to remove a minor child to another jurisdiction, the custodial parent must first satisfy the court that he or she has a legitimate reason for leaving the state. After clearing that threshold, the custodial parent must next demonstrate that it is in the child's best interests to continue living with him or her.
11. ___. A move to reside with a custodial parent's new spouse who is employed and resides in another state may constitute a legitimate reason for removal.
12. Child Custody: Visitation. In determining whether removal to another jurisdiction is in the child's best interests, the trial court considers (1) each parent's motives for seeking or opposing the move; (2) the potential that the move holds for enhancing the quality of life for the child and the custodial parent; and (3) the impact such a move will have on contact between the child and the noncustodial parent, when viewed in the light of reasonable visitation arrangements.
13. Child Custody: Appeal and Error. In determining the potential that the removal to another jurisdiction holds for enhancing the quality of life of the parent seeking removal and of the children, an appellate court should consider several pertinent factors, including: (1) the emotional, physical, and developmental needs of the children; (2) the children's opinion or preference as to where to live; (3) the extent to which the custodial parent's income or employment will be enhanced; (4) the degree to which housing or living conditions would be improved; (5) the existence of educational advantages; (6) the quality of the relationship between the children and each parent; (7) the strength of the children's ties to the present community and extended family there; and (8) the likelihood that allowing or denying the move would antagonize hostilities between the two parties.
14. Child Custody. While the wishes of a child are not controlling in the determination of custody, if a child is of sufficient age and has expressed an intelligent preference, the child's preference is entitled to consideration.
15. Divorce: Witnesses. Children of the parties to a marriage dissolution proceeding are not by that fact alone rendered incompetent as witnesses, but whether it is reversible error to hear their testimony depends upon the circumstances of the case.
MILLER-LERMAN, J.
I. NATURE OF CASEKimberly Vogel appeals, and Bradley Vogel cross-appeals, from the order of the district court for Sarpy County which modified the parties' decree of dissolution. Kimberly, the custodial parent, was granted permission to permanently remove the parties' children from Nebraska to Virginia so that she could accompany her new husband, who was transferred from Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska to Washington, D.C. The district court denied Bradley's cross-petition for change of custody. In its order, the district court also took legal custody of the parties' children; provided for annual transfer of physical custody of the children between the parties in the event Kimberly's husband, who is in the U.S. Air Force, is transferred overseas; awarded visitation rights to Bradley; required Kimberly to pay all travel expenses for such visitations; and provided for an alternate visitation schedule to take effect in the event Kimberly and Bradley establish residences within 50 miles of one another at any time in the future. We affirm in part, in part reverse and remand, and in part vacate certain portions of the decision of the district court.
II. STATEMENT OF FACTSBradley and Kimberly were married in 1988 and were divorced pursuant to a decree of dissolution entered July 25, 1997. Two children were born during the marriage, Brandon, born April 30, 1989, and Chelsea, born September 28, 1991. Prior to the modification proceedings which give rise to this appeal, legal custody and physical possession of the two children were given to Kimberly, subject to reasonable and liberal visitation by Bradley.
Subsequent to the dissolution of the parties' marriage, Kimberly began a relationship with Kent Butler, a master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. When they began their relationship, Butler was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. Fourteen months into the relationship, Butler was transferred to Washington, D.C., a transfer which Butler unsuccessfully resisted. Despite Butler's transfer, the relationship continued, and he and Kimberly were married on April 21, 2000.
On March 22, 2000, Kimberly filed an application to modify the decree of dissolution, requesting permission to permanently remove the children from Nebraska so that she and the children could move to Virginia to reside with Butler. On May 2, Bradley answered, denying that removal was in the best interests of the children. Bradley cross-petitioned for a change of custody to him and an order directing Kimberly to pay child support. The district court appointed a guardian ad litem on behalf of the children on May 16.
Trial was held August 23, 2000. At trial, both Kimberly and Bradley presented evidence which they assert supported their respective positions on removal and custody. Kimberly testified that the children got along well with her and were happy living with her. She testified to facts which illustrated her caregiving. She testified that she and Butler could provide a good home and, by combining their incomes, could provide a good standard of living for the children in Virginia. Kimberly also testified that in addition to court-ordered visitation, she and Butler expected to return to Nebraska periodically to visit extended family and that she anticipated that the children would see Bradley on these occasions. Bradley testified that he had exercised frequent visitation with the children since the divorce and that he was actively involved with them during such visitation. Bradley testified that his extended family, including his two brothers, their children, and his parents lived in the Omaha area and that the children had close relationships with such extended family. Bradley testified to certain incidents which he asserts illustrated Kimberly's improper caregiving. Kimberly disputed this testimony.
The report of the guardian ad litem was also entered into evidence. The guardian ad litem concluded in her report that Kimberly appeared to have a legitimate reason for requesting removal and that "[t]here does not appear to be any strong evidence to suggest why the children should be removed from their mother's care and placed into their father's care at this time." The guardian ad litem also noted in her report that while Kimberly had not voiced complaints to her regarding Bradley, Bradley had multiple complaints with regard to the quality of Kimberly's caregiving. The guardian ad litem testified at trial, and in response to a question regarding such complaints, the guardian ad litem acknowledged that Bradley's objections might have been motivated by hostility and that "[h]e struck me as angry."
The district court entered its order October 2, 2000. The district court denied and dismissed Bradley's application for change of custody and sustained Kimberly's application for leave to remove the children from Nebraska subject to certain conditions, including the following, as listed under paragraph 2 of the court's order:
A. The district court retained continuing jurisdiction over and assumed legal custody of the children, while ordering that Kimberly retain primary possession subject to Bradley's right of reasonable visitation.
B. Kimberly was granted leave to remove the children to Virginia, but could not permanently remove the children to a state other than Virginia or Nebraska or to a location outside the United States without further order of the district court.
C. In the event Butler is ever transferred to a location outside the United States and Kimberly elects to join him at such location, the district court ordered that the following would then apply:
(1) Kimberly would be required to remain in the United States and keep the children enrolled in their then current schools until they were released from school;
(2) possession of the children would then be transferred to Bradley for a period of 1 year;
(3) possession of the children would then be transferred to Kimberly for a period of 1 year;
(4) possession of the children would then be transferred to Bradley for a period of 1 year;
(5) possession of the children would then be returned to Kimberly.
D. While the children were residing in Virginia, a visitation schedule for Bradley was set which included, inter alia, "[t]he summer school break, except for the first and last five days thereof, each year," and Kimberly was required to pay the children's travel expenses associated with visitation.
E. In the event Kimberly and Bradley establish residences within 50 miles of one another at any time in the future, then the visitation schedule set forth in the October 2, 2000, order would become ineffective and the visitation schedule set forth in the district court's prior order of November 23, 1998, would again become effective.
On October 11, 2000, Kimberly moved for a new trial challenging (1) the district court's assumption of legal custody of the children, (2) the provision of the order which becomes effective on the condition that Butler is transferred overseas and she elects to join him, (3) the portion of the visitation schedule which gives Bradley visitation for almost the entire summer school break, and (4) the provision requiring Kimberly to pay all visitation-related travel expenses. In the alternative, Kimberly moved to enter a judgment notwithstanding the verdict (1) deleting the provision under which the district court assumes legal custody of the children, (2) deleting the provision which becomes effective only if Butler is transferred overseas and she elects to join him, (3) modifying the visitation schedule such that Bradley would have visitation during the first half of the summer school break in even-numbered years and during the second half of the summer school break in odd-numbered years, and (4) modifying the provision relating to visitation travel expenses to provide that Bradley be responsible for travel expenses from Virginia to Nebraska and that Kimberly be responsible for travel expenses from Nebraska to Virginia. The district court overruled Kimberly's motion. Kimberly appealed the order, and Bradley cross-appealed.
III. ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
Kimberly asserts in her appeal that the district court erred in (1) taking legal custody of the children from her and placing legal custody of the children in the district court when neither she nor Bradley had been shown to be unfit, (2) providing for an annual transfer of possession which would take effect in the event that Butler is transferred overseas and Kimberly elects to join him, (3) awarding Bradley visitation for almost the entire summer school break, (4) requiring Kimberly to pay all travel expenses associated with visitation, and (5) establishing an alternate visitation schedule in the event Kimberly and Bradley establish residences within 50 miles of one another at any time in the future.
In his cross-appeal, Bradley asserts that the district court erred in (1) failing to change custody from Kimberly to him, (2) permitting Kimberly to remove the children from Nebraska to Virginia, (3) failing to compute reasonable child support to be paid by Kimberly to him, and (4) denying Bradley the right to call the children to the witness stand to testify regarding their preferences.
IV. STANDARD OF REVIEW
[1,2] Child custody determinations, and visitation determinations, are matters initially entrusted to the discretion of the trial court, and although reviewed de novo on the record, the trial court's determination will normally be affirmed absent an abuse of discretion. Jack v. Clinton, 259 Neb. 198, 609 N.W.2d 328 (2000). A judicial abuse of discretion requires that the reasons or rulings of the trial court be clearly untenable insofar as they unfairly deprive a litigant of a substantial right and a just result. Id.
V. ANALYSIS 1. APPEAL (a) District Court Assuming Legal Custody of Children Kimberly claims that the district court abused its discretion by taking legal custody of the children without a showing that she or Bradley was unfit. Prior to these modification proceedings, the district court had awarded legal custody to Kimberly.
In its October 2, 2000, order, the district court did not explain its reasons for assuming legal custody of the children. A review of the bill of exceptions shows that at trial, the district court commented that it was going to take legal custody of the children so that "the Uniform Child Custody [Jurisdiction] Act [Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-1201 et seq. (Reissue 1998)] will not apply" and that "all further proceedings involving these children will take place in this court."
In Ensrud v. Ensrud, 230 Neb. 720, 433 N.W.2d 192 (1988), this court found that pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-364 (Reissue 1998), a district court may in certain circumstances obtain and retain legal custody of a minor child, in proceedings to dissolve a marriage, and grant a parent physical custody of the child. We stated in Ensrud that
"[w]hen the best interests of the children, in regard to custody, is not clear, the court may, and should, place custody in the court. . . .
"It is evident that when a court finds it necessary to place custody of minor children in the court, it does so because it is doubtful that it is cognizant of the full story relating to the best interests of the children and of the propriety of awarding custody to one of the parties. Such an order is ordinarily temporary and probationary in nature and reserves in the court the power to make further summary disposition of minor children when it becomes apparent that their best interests require it. There has not been a final determination of fitness in regard to either party. That question remains open and subject to determination after further notice and hearing."
230 Neb. at 725, 433 N.W.2d at 196 (quoting Bartlett v. Bartlett, 193 Neb. 76, 225 N.W.2d 413 (1975)).
In State ex rel. Reitz v. Ringer, 244 Neb. 976, 510 N.W.2d 294 (1994), overruled in part on other grounds, Cross v. Perreten, 257 Neb. 776, 600 N.W.2d 780 (1999), this court concluded that the trial court was not required to determine that both parents were unfit before taking custody of a child. Instead, this court concluded in State ex. rel. Reitz that "[t]he trial court properly took temporary custody of the child when it was unsure either parent was fit." 244 Neb. at 983, 510 N.W.2d at 300.
In the present case, the district court neither found both parents to be unfit nor indicated that it was unsure whether either parent was fit. At trial, the district court stated that "it's clear that both of these parents are good parents to some extent, and to some extent they leave a little bit to be desired about the way they're interacting with each other." We do not read this comment to be a finding of unfitness or questionable fitness as required under State ex rel. Reitz. The district court further stated at trial that it had some concerns regarding the effect of removal on the children, "plus the fact that the new spouse may be transferred or have an assignment somewhere else where we're going to [be] back in here again."
We conclude that the district court abused its discretion by assuming legal custody of the children in the present case. Our de novo review of the record does not reveal that either parent is unfit or of questionable fitness. Instead, the record shows that the district court assumed legal custody of the children because it was concerned about the effect of removal or the possibility of further moves which may be required by Butler's employment. The record indicates that the district court was concerned that if any further modifications were required, such modifications should be made by it rather than by a court in another jurisdiction. Such concerns about potential issues do not justify the district court's present assumption of legal custody of the children. See State ex rel. Reitz v. Ringer, supra. We therefore reverse that portion of the district court's order in which it assumed legal custody of the children and, for the reasons explained infra, remand with directions to return legal custody of the children to Kimberly.
(b) Conditional Orders Regarding Physical Possession and Visitation
Kimberly claims that the district court abused its discretion by entering orders which would become effective upon the occurrence of certain conditions. Specifically, the district court (1) ordered a new schedule for physical possession of the children in the event Butler is transferred overseas and Kimberly elects to join him and (2) ordered a new visitation schedule in the event Kimberly and Bradley establish residences within 50 miles of one another.
We have stated that if a judgment looks to the future in an attempt to judge the unknown, it is a conditional judgment. Simons v. Simons, 261 Neb. 570, 624 N.W.2d 36 (2001). A conditional judgment is wholly void because it does not "perform in praesenti" and leaves to speculation and conjecture what its final effect may be. Custom Fabricators v. Lenarduzzi, 259 Neb. 453, 610 N.W.2d 391 (2000); Village of Orleans v. Dietz, 248 Neb. 806, 539 N.W.2d 440 (1995).
The provision contained in paragraph 2C of the district court's October 2, 2000, order concerns custody matters in the event Butler is transferred overseas and Kimberly elects to join him, and the provision contained in paragraph 2E concerns visitation matters in the event Kimberly and Bradley establish residences within 50 miles of one another. We conclude that such orders are conditional in that they do not "perform in praesenti" and become effective only upon the happening of certain future events which may or may not occur. Whether such orders will ever become effective is speculative. The impact of such potential events on the children's best interests and the proper judicial response to the potential events identified in the orders complained of are better assessed at the time of their occurrence.
The provisions complained of in paragraphs 2C and 2E of the district court's order of October 2, 2000, are void and severable from the valid portion of the order. See Cross v. Perreten, 257 Neb. 776, 600 N.W.2d 780 (1999). We therefore order such portions of the district court's order vacated.
(c) Visitation Schedule and Travel Expenses
Finally, Kimberly claims that the district court abused its discretion in entering certain orders regarding visitation. Specifically, she objects to those portions of the October 2, 2000, order giving Bradley visitation for almost the entire summer school break and requiring her to pay all costs of travel associated with visitation.
In her arguments regarding summer visitation, Kimberly cites to Farnsworth v. Farnsworth, 257 Neb. 242, 597 N.W.2d 592 (1999), a removal case in which this court found to be reasonable a visitation schedule which gave the noncustodial parent a 6 weeks' summer visitation. Kimberly asserts that "[a]nything more constitutes an abuse of discretion." Brief for appellant at 11. However, in Bondi v. Bondi, 255 Neb. 319, 586 N.W.2d 145 (1998), we affirmed a visitation schedule which gave the noncustodial parent a summer visitation commencing 1 week after the beginning of the summer break and terminating 1 week before the conclusion of the summer break. In neither Farnsworth nor Bondi did we state that only a certain mathematical amount of visitation could be considered reasonable, and we decline to do so now. Instead, the determination of reasonableness is to be made on a case-by-case basis.
We have said that generally, a reasonable visitation schedule is one that provides a satisfactory basis for preserving and fostering a child's relationship with the noncustodial parent. Farnsworth v. Farnsworth, supra. Given the facts of this case, we conclude that the visitation schedule is reasonable and that the district court did not abuse its discretion in setting the summer visitation schedule. We therefore affirm that portion of the district court's order.
Regarding the challenged provisions of the October 2, 2000, order requiring Kimberly to pay all travel expenses associated with visitation, Kimberly again cites to Farnsworth in which the parties were ordered to split travel expenses for certain visitations and the noncustodial parent was required to pay the remaining expenses associated with visitations. Kimberly argues that in a removal situation, given the reduced visitation with the noncustodial parent, the custodial parent typically bears a greater economic burden in supporting the children and that it is unfair to further impose the entire economic burden of visitation on the custodial parent. Kimberly claims that the order imposing travel expenses on her was meant to "punish the custodial parent for being the one `who has chosen to move these children'" and that the district court abused its discretion in making such order. Brief for appellant at 13.
As with other visitation determinations, the matter of travel expenses associated with visitation is initially entrusted to the discretion of the trial court, and although reviewed de novo on the record, the trial court's determination will normally be affirmed absent an abuse of discretion. As with the summer visitation schedule, neither Farnsworth nor any other case sets an immutable standard for the allocation of travel expenses, and instead the determination of reasonableness is made on a case-by-case basis.
We have reviewed the record and note that there was evidence regarding the respective incomes of the parties, and the district court could reasonably have concluded that Kimberly could more readily bear the expenses of travel occasioned by her removal of the children. Such a determination is not a punishment but an arrangement which is within the district court's discretion based on the facts of the case. We conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion in ordering Kimberly to pay all travel expenses associated with visitation.
2. CROSS-APPEAL (a) Modification of Custody, Removal, and Child Support
Bradley cross-appeals and assigns error to the portions of the district court's October 2, 2000, order granting Kimberly permission to remove the children from Nebraska to Virginia, denying his motion to modify custody, and failing to order Kimberly to pay child support to him. Because these three issues are related, they will be discussed together.
Ordinarily, custody of a minor child will not be modified unless there has been a material change of circumstances showing that the custodial parent is unfit or that the best interests of the child require such action. Brown v. Brown, 260 Neb. 954, 621 N.W.2d 70 (2000). The party seeking modification of child custody bears the burden of showing such a change in circumstances. Id.
[8,9] We have stated that removal of a child from the state, without more, does not amount to a change of circumstances warranting a change of custody. Id. Nevertheless, such a move when considered in conjunction with other evidence may result in a change of circumstances that would warrant a modification of the decree. Id. In considering a motion to remove a minor child to another jurisdiction, the paramount consideration is whether the proposed move is in the best interests of the child. Jack v. Clinton, 259 Neb. 198, 609 N.W.2d 328 (2000).
In his motion to modify custody of the children, Bradley does not assert that such modification is required because Kimberly is unfit, but, rather, that the modification is required because Kimberly has indicated her intention to move to Virginia, proximate to Washington, D.C. Essentially, Bradley contends that it would be in the best interests of the children to remain in Nebraska. The resolution of both Kimberly's motion to remove the children and Bradley's motion for a change of custody depends on a consideration of whether the best interests of the children are served by allowing them to remain in Kimberly's custody and move with her to Virginia or by transferring their custody to Bradley and allowing them to stay in Nebraska.
In order to prevail on a motion to remove a minor child to another jurisdiction, the custodial parent must first satisfy the court that he or she has a legitimate reason for leaving the state. After clearing that threshold, the custodial parent must next demonstrate that it is in the child's best interests to continue living with him or her. Jack v. Clinton, supra; Farnsworth v. Farnsworth, 257 Neb. 242, 597 N.W.2d 592 (1999). Although the district court in its order did not explicitly discuss legitimate reasons or the best interests of the children in deciding these motions, the district court did grant Kimberly permission to remove the children and therefore implicitly found that she had a legitimate reason and that removal was in the best interests of the children.
Kimberly's asserted reason for leaving the state was to reside with Butler who serves in the Air Force and was restationed to Washington, D.C. We have previously held that a move to reside with a custodial parent's new spouse who is employed and resides in another state may constitute a legitimate reason for removal. See, Harder v. Harder, 246 Neb. 945, 524 N.W.2d 325 (1994); Maack v. Maack, 223 Neb. 342, 389 N.W.2d 318 (1986). We have further stated:
"`If there is a legitimate reason for the custodial parent's decision to leave the jurisdiction, the minor child will be allowed to accompany the custodial parent if the court finds it to be in the best interests of the child to continue to live with that parent. . . . Custody is not to be interpreted as a sentence to immobility.'"Harder, 246 Neb. at 949, 524 N.W.2d at 328 (quoting Demerath v. Demerath, 233 Neb. 222, 444 N.W.2d 325 (1989)). Following our de novo review, we conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion in determining that Kimberly had satisfied the threshold issue of showing a legitimate reason for leaving the state.
[12,13] In determining whether removal to another jurisdiction is in the child's best interests, the trial court considers (1) each parent's motives for seeking or opposing the move; (2) the potential that the move holds for enhancing the quality of life for the child and the custodial parent; and (3) the impact such a move will have on contact between the child and the noncustodial parent, when viewed in the light of reasonable visitation arrangements. Jack v. Clinton, 259 Neb. 198, 609 N.W.2d 328 (2000); Farnsworth v. Farnsworth, supra. In determining the potential that the removal to another jurisdiction holds with respect to the second consideration regarding enhancing the quality of life of the parent seeking removal and of the children, we have previously evaluated several pertinent factors, including: (1) the emotional, physical, and developmental needs of the children; (2) the children's opinion or preference as to where to live; (3) the extent to which the custodial parent's income or employment will be enhanced; (4) the degree to which housing or living conditions would be improved; (5) the existence of educational advantages; (6) the quality of the relationship between the children and each parent; (7) the strength of the children's ties to the present community and extended family there; and (8) the likelihood that allowing or denying the move would antagonize hostilities between the two parties. Brown v. Brown, 260 Neb. 954, 621 N.W.2d 70 (2000). We have stated the list of factors should not be misconstrued as setting out a hierarchy, and depending on the circumstances of a particular case, any one factor or combination of factors may be variously weighted. Id.
With respect to the first consideration involving the motive of each parent in seeking or opposing the move, from our de novo review, we see no conclusive evidence that either party was seeking to frustrate the custodial rights of the other party or was otherwise acting in bad faith.
With respect to the second consideration regarding the quality of life for the children and the custodial parent, Kimberly presented evidence generally to the effect that the move to the Washington, D.C., area where she could reside with Butler would result in a good quality of life for the children by providing educational, cultural, and recreational activities. The prime motive asserted for removal was to enable Kimberly, the custodial parent, to reside with Butler. Kimberly did not claim that the quality of life factors were the driving force behind her desire for removal, nor was she required to prove that the quality of life elsewhere was superior to that in Nebraska. Bradley presented evidence which focused on the children's ties to their community, their extended family in Nebraska, and the fact that the children had expressed concerns about moving.
The consideration before the district court was whether it would be in the children's best interests to move with Kimberly, who is their custodial parent, or to modify custody in order to allow the children to stay in Nebraska. From the record in this case, we conclude that although there were legitimate reasons for the children to remain in Nebraska, they were not compelling, and the district court could reasonably have found that the move with the custodial parent was in the children's best interests.
The third factor to be considered is the impact such removal will have on contact between the children and the noncustodial parent, when viewed in the light of reasonable visitation arrangements. In the present case, it is clear that the distance between Virginia and Nebraska will diminish the amount of contact available between the children and their noncustodial parent. The district court awarded Bradley liberal visitation and almost the entire summer school break. The visitations are to be facilitated by requiring Kimberly to pay all travel expenses associated with visitation. It appears that the district court attempted to minimize the negative impact removal would have on contact between Bradley and the children.
In sum, our de novo review of the record indicates that the district court did not abuse its discretion in granting Kimberly, the custodial parent, permission to move the children from Nebraska and in denying Bradley's motion to modify custody. Because we affirm the district court's order denying Bradley's motion to modify custody, we do not consider Bradley's assignment of error which claimed that the district court erred when it failed to order Kimberly to pay child support to Bradley.
(b) Testimony of Children
In his cross-appeal, Bradley assigns error to the district court's refusal to allow him to call the children as witnesses to testify as to their preferences in regard to custody and removal. Bradley subpoenaed both children to appear and testify on his behalf at trial. Kimberly moved to quash the subpoenas on the basis that it was not in the children's best interests to be required to appear and testify in a case involving their own custody and for the further reason that the children were not identified by Bradley as potential witnesses during discovery.
At trial, the district court determined that it would not allow Bradley to call the children as witnesses, but allowed Bradley to make an offer of proof. Bradley sought to stipulate that the children would testify that they would want to continue living in Nebraska with him rather than moving to Virginia with Kimberly, but Kimberly declined to so stipulate. Ultimately, the parties did stipulate that if called to testify, the children would testify that they would prefer to continue living in Nebraska. Bradley objected to the district court's decision not to allow the children's testimony, and the district court overruled his objection. Bradley made an offer of proof.
In the present case, the children's preferences were relevant because "the children's opinion or preference as to where to live" is one of the factors to be considered in determining whether to allow removal. See Brown v. Brown, 260 Neb. 954, 967, 621 N.W.2d 70, 81 (2000). Furthermore, § 42-364(2)(b) provides that in determining custody arrangements, one of the factors the court shall consider is "[t]he desires and wishes of the minor child if of an age of comprehension regardless of chronological age, when such desires and wishes are based on sound reasoning." We have held that while the wishes of a child are not controlling in the determination of custody, if a child is of sufficient age and has expressed an intelligent preference, the child's preference is entitled to consideration. Miles v. Miles, 231 Neb. 782, 438 N.W.2d 139 (1989). See, also, Grace v. Grace, 221 Neb. 695, 380 N.W.2d 280 (1986); Boroff v. Boroff, 197 Neb. 641, 250 N.W.2d 613 (1977). We observe that in those cases where the child's preference was given significant consideration, the child was typically over 10 years old. At the time of the trial in the present case, Brandon was 11 years old and Chelsea was 8 years old.
Children of the parties to a marriage dissolution proceeding are not by that fact alone rendered incompetent as witnesses, but whether it is reversible error to hear their testimony depends upon the circumstances of the case. Beran v. Beran, 234 Neb. 296, 450 N.W.2d 688 (1990); Murdoch v. Murdoch, 200 Neb. 429, 264 N.W.2d 183 (1978). This court has previously considered a district court's ruling on a parent's request to present children's testimony in a custody proceeding. In Krohn v. Krohn, 217 Neb. 158, 347 N.W.2d 869 (1984), the trial court denied the father's request for the court to interview the children, ages 4 and 6, in chambers. We affirmed the trial court's decision for a number of reasons, including the questionable value of such interview unless an adequate record were made and the young and impressionable age of the children entitling their expressions of preference to little if any weight. Moreover, any error in regard to the trial court's denial was waived because the father in Krohn made no offer of proof as to what the children were expected to testify.
In Murdoch v. Murdoch, supra, the wife called two natural daughters of the husband, ages 13 and 11, as her final witnesses and the trial court declined to hear their testimony. We concluded such refusal was not reversible error because the court had already questioned the two children in the presence of counsel for both parties and such unsworn testimony was in the record. We concluded that additional testimony of the children would not have affected the court's determinations and instead could have had a traumatic and disrupting emotional effect on the children and could have harmed the ultimate custodial arrangement and therefore the best interests of the children.
In Beran v. Beran, supra, the mother called the parties' 15-year-old daughter as a witness and the trial court did not allow her to testify. We concluded in Beran that the trial court had erred in its ruling. The mother had made an offer of proof as to the daughter's testimony, and the daughter was not being called to testify regarding her custodial preference but to corroborate her mother's testimony that the mother took care of the family and household duties as best she could when she was home. Such testimony was intended to counteract testimony of various witnesses presented by the father to the effect that the mother was no longer taking care of the family or that her family was no longer a priority to her. In Beran, we noted that although courts are rightly wary of placing minor children of a divorce proceeding in the traumatic position of testifying, the trial court should have allowed the daughter's testimony in that case. In Beran, the daughter was 15 years old at the time of trial and appeared to have a clear understanding of the proceedings. Her testimony had potential probative value in light of the testimony presented by the father. Although the guardian ad litem had expressed the opinion that the daughter should not testify, we found that such opinion was a broad recommendation and that there was no specific statement as to how the daughter might be detrimentally affected by testifying. We therefore concluded the trial court had committed reversible error in not allowing the daughter to testify for the limited purposes stated.
As a general matter, it has been observed that
[a] child who is a competent witness under the general rules relating to children as witnesses is a competent witness in an action for divorce. . . .
Although calling children to testify against one of their parents in a divorce case is distasteful and should be discouraged, a court may not prohibit a witness from testifying in a divorce case solely because the proposed witness is [a] child of the parties. Strictly speaking, however, if a child of the parties to a divorce action is called as a witness, the court is not warranted in excluding its testimony for reasons other than those warranting its exclusion generally. The rule applies with particular force where the need for calling the child to testify is imperative; public policy and private views of propriety do not justify a refusal to listen to competent testimony of young children where there is a need for such testimony. A divorce court's unwarranted refusal to permit the parties' minor children to testify may constitute reversible error.
24 Am. Jur. 2d Divorce and Separation § 379 at 538 (1998).
In the present case, the district court decided it would not permit the children's testimony because it found that such testimony would be cumulative and that it was not in the children's best interests to be required to testify. The parties had stipulated to the children's preferences, and the children's guardian ad litem had testified.
With respect to the move, the guardian ad litem testified that the children "had indicated that if they moved they would miss their father a great deal as well as — they're age appropriately nervous about the idea of going to a new school and leaving friends." She further testified that Brandon was "worried" about the prospect of moving and that "he's indicated that he doesn't want to lose his friends, his family contacts. He'd miss his dad." The guardian ad litem's report states that "[b]oth children indicated that, if they moved to D.C., they would miss their father greatly. They also expressed some concerns regarding leaving friends and starting new schools." In her testimony, the guardian ad litem concluded, nevertheless, that "the children appear to be pretty well-adjusted and could handle a move." With respect to the children's testifying, the guardian ad litem recommended in her report that "[d]ue to these children's young ages and their loyalty bonds to both parents, [she] would strongly object to any effort to have these children testify in court."
We conclude that the district court's decision not to permit the children to testify in the present case was not reversible error. The testimony would have been cumulative because, inter alia, the parties stipulated that the children would prefer to stay in Nebraska. Accordingly, the district court was able to consider the factor of the children's preferences in determining whether removal should be permitted, and thus we cannot say that the district court failed to consider their preferences. In light of the record and the valid concerns connected with requiring these young children to testify regarding their custody in a dispute between the parents, the district court did not commit reversible error in disallowing their testimony.
VI. CONCLUSIONWe conclude that the district court abused its discretion when it assumed legal custody of the children and when it entered conditional orders. We conclude that Kimberly's remaining assignments of error and Bradley's assignments of error on cross-appeal are without merit.
The district court's order in which it assumed legal custody of the children is reversed, and we remand the cause to the district court with directions to enter an order returning legal custody of the children to Kimberly. Paragraphs 2C and 2E of the district court's October 2, 2000, order, in which it made conditional orders, are void, and we vacate those portions of the order. We affirm the district court's order in all other respects.
AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED AND REMANDED IN PART, AND IN PART VACATED.
McCORMACK, J., participating on briefs.
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