Stibich v. Stibich
Annotate this Case
Download PDF
Cite as 2011 Ark. App. 308
ARKANSAS COURT OF APPEALS
DIVISION IV
CA09-1411
No.
Opinion Delivered
ADAM S. STIBICH
APPELLANT
APRIL 27, 2011
APPEAL FROM THE GARLAND
COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
[NO. DR-2007-457-III]
V.
HONORABLE LYNN WILLIAMS,
JUDGE
KIMBERLY R. STIBICH
APPELLEE
AFFIRMED; MOTIONS DENIED
ROBIN F. WYNNE, Judge
Adam S. Stibich appeals from a decree of divorce entered by the circuit court in which
the court granted custody of the parties’ minor children to Kimberly R. Stibich. Adam argues
that the circuit court clearly erred in granting custody to Kimberly and that the circuit judge
was biased against him. We affirm the decision of the circuit court.
The parties were married in 1998. The marriage produced two children, S.S. and A.S.
Kimberly filed for divorce in 2007. At the time Kimberly filed for divorce, S.S. was three
years old and A.S. was eight months old. In her complaint for divorce, which was filed on
May 18, 2007, Kimberly requested that the circuit court grant her custody of the children,
subject to reasonable visitation by Adam. Also on May 18, 2007, Kimberly filed a petition for
emergency ex parte relief in which she alleged that Adam was mentally and physically abusive
during the marriage and that Adam had threatened to take the children away from her.
Cite as 2011 Ark. App. 308
Kimberly requested that the court enter an emergency order granting her temporary custody
of the children and exclusive use of the marital residence. The circuit court entered an order
granting Kimberly temporary custody of the children that same day.
On May 21, 2007, Adam filed a petition to dissolve the emergency ex parte order. In
the petition, Adam requested that he be given exclusive use of the marital residence. He did
not request that he be granted custody of the children. On May 31, 2007, Adam filed an
amended answer to Kimberly’s complaint and a counterclaim in which he did request that he
be granted custody of the children. At the hearing on Adam’s petition to dissolve the
emergency ex parte order, he testified that he had not done anything to Kimberly that would
cause her to be concerned for her safety. He denied that there was any threat of violence
around the time Kimberly filed her petition for emergency ex parte relief. Kimberly testified
that Adam had never been the primary caregiver for the children. She testified that Adam has
hit her in the head and slammed her down. Kimberly testified that on January 17, 2004, Adam
repeatedly pulled her from the home by her feet while she was holding their infant child. The
circuit court dissolved the emergency order in an order entered on September 10, 2007.
The circuit court entered a temporary consent order on July 2, 2008, in which
Kimberly was given sole use and possession of the marital residence, as well as custody of the
children subject to visitation by Adam. The agreement was to last six weeks or until Adam
complied with the conditions set in a diversion agreement reached after Adam was charged
with assault in the third degree on a family or household member. Adam filed a motion to
2
Cite as 2011 Ark. App. 308
terminate the temporary consent order on September 5, 2008. At the hearing on the motion,
Kimberly testified regarding an incident during which she claimed Adam broke a tennis racket
in the presence of herself and a friend. She also testified that Adam had threatened and
harassed her since the temporary order was entered. Kimberly testified that Adam beat her up
on Thanksgiving in 2007 and in February 2008. Kimberly stated that Adam has a problem
with alcohol and that his personality changes when he drinks. Kimberly admitted that she
signed an affidavit under oath that Adam did not abuse her but claimed that it was an effort
to protect Adam professionally and to protect the family. Kimberly requested that the consent
order be extended.
Maggie Owens testified that she had babysat the parties’ children once or twice a week
for the past year. Owens testified to an incident in September in which Adam showed up at
the house with “glossy” eyes and smelling of alcohol. Owens called the police because Adam
was not allowed to be at the home. Owens admitted she had seen Adam intoxicated prior to
that night but denied that she had seen him behave in a violent or angry way. Owens testified
that Adam is her doctor.
Adam testified that he complied with the provision of the temporary consent order.
Adam denied ever physically abusing Kimberly. Adam denied having a problem with alcohol.
The circuit court denied Adam’s motion to terminate the temporary order and kept the order
in effect pending a final hearing.
3
Cite as 2011 Ark. App. 308
On April 24, 2009, Kimberly filed a motion for emergency ex parte relief in which she
requested that the circuit court suspend Adam’s visitation based upon allegations of illegal
drug use. Kimberly attached to the motion an affidavit from Delta Queen, an employee of the
attorney ad litem assigned to the case at that time. In the affidavit, Ms. Queen states that she
spoke with Adam by telephone on April 24, 2009, after which Adam apparently called the
number back accidently. Ms. Queen then heard a conversation between Adam and another
individual, the contents of which led Ms. Queen to conclude that Adam was using illegal
drugs during the call. The circuit court suspended Adam’s visitation and ordered him to
submit to hair-follicle, blood, and urine drug screens. Adam moved to dissolve the order after
submitting to drug tests that were negative. The circuit court found that Adam had negated
the allegation of drug use and reinstated his visitation.
At the hearing on Kimberly’s complaint for divorce, Dr. Karl Wagenhauser testified
that he had seen Adam drink at home around his children and that he had seen Adam drink
at home to the point that he appeared impaired. Sara Wilhite, the preschool coordinator at
S.S.’s school, testified that S.S. was in her classroom from August 2008 to August 2009. Ms.
Wilhite testified that S.S. has delays in communication and social skills. Ms. Wilhite further
testified that she had contact with Kimberly almost every day, that she saw Adam five or six
times, and that S.S. appeared to be well cared for. She had not seen anything that would give
her concern regarding either parent’s ability to care for S.S. Another teacher at the school,
Angie Pennington, testified that she also had no concerns with either parent. Delta Queen
4
Cite as 2011 Ark. App. 308
gave testimony that matched the contents of her April 24, 2009 affidavit. On crossexamination, Ms. Queen admitted to previous methamphetamine use.
Judy McDonald, who was Kimberly’s OB/GYN during her pregnancy with S.S.,
testified that Adam exhibited controlling behavior during Kimberly’s pregnancy and delivery.
Dr. McDonald testified that she had seen Adam on three or four social occasions and that he
was intoxicated each time. When Dr. McDonald had seen Kimberly with the children,
Kimberly was very loving toward them. Dr. McDonald stated that Kimberly told her she did
not drink during her pregnancy with S.S. She further testified that Kimberly expressed
concerns about drug use by Adam.
Deanna Horner testified that Kimberly is the primary caregiver and is an “excellent
mom.” She also stated that Adam was good with the children. Ms. Horner testified that she
called the police in July of the previous year when Adam came to the home after he had been
drinking, became angry, and smashed a tennis racket. Ms. Horner stated that she had never
seen Kimberly consume more than two or three beers around the children. She admitted on
cross-examination that she had a number of problems with drinking herself in the past and
that she had previously been arrested for terroristic threatening.
Kimberly testified that she quit working in 2006 when she was pregnant with A.S.
Kimberly denied interfering with Adam’s visitation. She further denied leaving her children
with babysitters. She admitted on cross-examination that she had occasional activities that
warranted leaving the children with a babysitter. The children also attended a Mothers’ Day
5
Cite as 2011 Ark. App. 308
Out program two days a week. According to Kimberly, she has been the primary caregiver
for the children, and Adam was away from home a lot on the weekends. Kimberly testified
that she would find random pills in Adam’s pants pockets. Kimberly denied drinking during
her pregnancy with S.S. She also denied ever having been diagnosed with a mental disorder.
Kimberly stated that she filed two domestic-abuse petitions against Adam in Garland County,
one in 2004 and another in 2008. She also accused Adam of domestic abuse while they lived
in New Jersey.
Sara Stough, an independent contractor who does work for Adam’s clinic, testified that
she had seen Kimberly drink during a pregnancy. She testified that when Adam would interact
with his children at the clinic, he showed the utmost responsibility and concern for their wellbeing. Travis Graves, a retired police officer, testified that he saw Kimberly intoxicated at a
local nightclub.
Dr. Scott Erwin testified that he had seen Kimberly and Adam get into arguments, but
he never saw either of them get into a physical altercation. Dr. Erwin stated that Adam was
an active and caring father. Dr. Erwin testified that he saw Kimberly drink while she was
pregnant with S.S. Adam told Dr. Erwin that he had pushed Kimberly away before but never
hit her or slapped her. Dr. Erwin testified that the results of Adam’s drug tests were negative.
Bradley Blacketer testified that he lived with the parties during the summer of 2005.
During that time he saw both parties drink and argue, but he never saw any physical violence.
Mr. Blacketer testified that Adam did the majority of caring for S.S. Mr. Blacketer described
6
Cite as 2011 Ark. App. 308
Kimberly as a very poor mother who has always been more concerned with herself. Mr.
Blacketer testified on cross-examination that Adam loaned him $10,000 and that he felt
indebted to Adam for that.
Larry Keys testified that he has never known Adam to use drugs. Mr. Keys stated that
he was with Adam on April 24, 2009, and they were fishing. He denied that Adam was using
drugs that day. Mr. Keys testified that Adam is a good father. He denied seeing either party
become physically violent with the other. Mr. Keys admitted that his wife received a $25,000
check from Adam the previous year, but he stated that he did not know what it was for.
Shirley Keys, Larry Keys’s wife, testified that she was out with Adam and the children during
one of Adam’s visitation times when Kimberly drove up beside them and swerved into their
lane. Kimberly admitted that she swerved into their lane but claimed that she did not intend
to do so. Mrs. Keys admitted that Adam loaned her $25,000.
Bruce Dodson, the parties’ therapist, testified that Kimberly told him she did not drink
while she was pregnant. Mr. Dodson stated that he recognized the following traits in Adam:
passive-aggressiveness, control, and a need for affirmation. He recognized the following traits
in Kimberly: anger, anxiety, and impulsivity. Mr. Dodson testified that he inferred from a
session that Adam had previously slapped Kimberly. Both parties expressed concern with the
other’s drinking, and Adam expressed concern that Kimberly spent more time on her personal
life than parenting.
7
Cite as 2011 Ark. App. 308
Michelle Holiday testified regarding an incident in which Adam cursed and yelled at
Kimberly. According to Ms. Holiday, Adam had been drinking prior to the incident. She
testified that she had never seen Kimberly neglect the children. She further testified that she
had been around Adam close to 100 times and every time he drank excessively.
James Grisham testified that Adam has a good relationship with his children. Mr.
Grisham stated that he saw Kimberly drink during both of her pregnancies. Mr. Grisham
testified that his wife works for Adam’s clinic.
Adam denied ever choking or beating Kimberly. He testified that Kimberly will have
rages so severe that she foams at the mouth. He stated that Kimberly has called the police six
or seven times since the divorce complaint was filed and that she called the police one time
prior to the filing of her complaint. Adam denied ever using drugs. Adam expressed concern
that Kimberly was more concerned with her activities than the children. He stated that he
tries to be as instrumental in the children’s lives as he can.
On September 4, 2009, the circuit court entered a decree of divorce in which it
granted custody of the children to Kimberly and visitation to Adam. On October 5, 2009,
Adam filed a notice of appeal from the decree. The circuit court entered a supplemental
decree on November 30, 2009. The supplemental decree does not pertain to the issue of
custody of the children. Kimberly filed a cross-appeal on December 29, 2009. The crossappeal has since been dismissed on Kimberly’s motion.
8
Cite as 2011 Ark. App. 308
Adam’s first point on appeal is that the circuit court clearly erred in awarding custody
of the children to Kimberly. We review child-custody cases de novo, but we will not reverse
a circuit court’s findings unless they are clearly erroneous. Taylor v. Taylor, 353 Ark. 69, 77,
110 S.W.3d 731, 735 (2003). A finding is clearly erroneous when, although there is evidence
to support it, the reviewing court on the entire evidence is left with a firm conviction that an
error has been committed. Piccioni v. Piccioni, 2011 Ark. App. 256, at 2. Because the question
of whether the circuit court’s findings are clearly erroneous turns largely on the credibility of
the witnesses, we give special deference to the superior position of the trial judge to evaluate
the witnesses, their testimony, and the child’s best interest. Sharp v. Keeler, 99 Ark. App. 42,
44, 256 S.W.3d 528, 529 (2007). There are no cases in which the superior position, ability,
and opportunity of the trial judge to observe the parties carry as great a weight as those
involving minor children. Judkins v. Duvall, 97 Ark. App. 260, 267, 248 S.W.3d 492, 497
(2007).
Adam spends the vast majority of his argument refuting the allegations of spousal abuse
levied by Kimberly. He does not present any evidence indicating that Kimberly failed to
properly care for the children during the marriage. Nor does Adam present evidence
indicating that the children were not doing well at the time of the hearing or that they had
not done well while in Kimberly’s custody after the couple separated. Based upon the record
before us, we cannot say that the circuit court clearly erred in granting custody to Kimberly.
9
Cite as 2011 Ark. App. 308
Adam’s second point on appeal is that the trial court was biased against him and its
decision to award custody to Kimberly was impermissibly designed to punish him. A judge
is presumed to be impartial. City of Dover v. City of Russellville, 346 Ark. 279, 285, 57 S.W.3d
171, 174 (2001). The party seeking to prove otherwise must demonstrate bias. Bradford v.
State, 328 Ark. 701, 705, 947 S.W.2d 1, 3 (1997). In attempting to demonstrate bias, Adam
points to the fact that his visitation was suspended when he was accused of drug use.
However, his visitation was later reinstated after he submitted to the required drug tests.
Adam also argues that the trial court entered an ex parte order on May 28, 2009, solely based
upon an allegation by Kimberly that he took a vehicle that was in her possession. Our review
of the motion for emergency ex parte relief that resulted in the May 28, 2009 order reveals
that Kimberly also alleges that Adam failed to provide the results of his court-ordered drug
tests and that he engaged in actions that caused her to fear for the safety and welfare of herself
and the children. Adam further argues that the orders in which the trial court suspended his
visitation were entered to punish him because the orders never mention that the actions were
taken because they were in the best interest of the children. We note that, despite the fact that
Adam points to several instances prior to the final hearing that he claims clearly show the trial
judge was biased against him, he never requested that the trial judge recuse. Adam has failed
to demonstrate bias on the part of the trial judge.
Adam has filed before this court a motion for judgment on appeal. Adam has also filed
a motion and amended motion for order authorizing and requiring trial court to finally and
10
Cite as 2011 Ark. App. 308
fully resolve all claims currently pending and viable between the parties and a renewed motion
for sanctions against Kimberly and her counsel. These motions are hereby denied.
Affirmed; motions denied.
A BRAMSON and B ROWN, JJ., agree.
11
Some case metadata and case summaries were written with the help of AI, which can produce inaccuracies. You should read the full case before relying on it for legal research purposes.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.