Schieffer v. Schieffer

Case Number(s)
A-18-1090
Court Number
Cedar
Call Date
Case Time
Case Audio
Case Summary

A-18-1090, Schieffer v. Schieffer

Cedar County District Court, Judge Paul Vaughan

Attorney for Appellant: David A. Domina (Domina Law Group pc llo)

Attorney for Appellee: Wanda Howey-Fox (Harmelink & Fox Law Office, PLLC)

Civil Action: Marriage Dissolution

Action Taken by Trial Court: Ryan V. Schieffer (Ryan) and Jessica N. Schieffer (Jessica) were married in 2012; two children were born during the marriage. The marital home was situated on the parties’ 40-acre farm; both parties contributed to the family farm business during the marriage. Jessica filed for divorce in July 2016; among other things, she sought sole legal and physical custody subject to Ryan’s parenting time provided that he was “sober and not consuming intoxicating liquors or other substances.” After a hearing, the trial court filed a temporary order in November 2016; among other things, the court awarded the parties joint legal and physical custody (alternating weeks).   

After a trial in January 2018, the trial court entered a decree dissolving the parties’ marriage. As relevant to the issues on appeal, the decree granted Jessica sole legal and physical custody of the children and ordered Ryan to pay $736.46 per month in child support (based on income of $30,000 per year), $121,598.34 plus statutory interest to equalize the marital estate ($5,000 due immediately, $1,900 monthly after that), and $10,000 of Jessica’s attorney fees. Ryan appeals.

Assignments of Error: Ryan claims the trial court erred by (1) incorrectly identifying, valuing, and dividing the marital assets; (2) awarding sole legal and physical custody to Jessica; (3) applying the wrong standard of proof in determining custody; (4) awarding excessive child support; (5) awarding Jessica attorney fees; and (6) ordering him to pay more to Jessica each month than he earns.

Case Location
Lincoln
Court Type
District Court
Schedule Code
A2
Panel Text
Riedmann, Bishop, and Arterburn, Judges