California Court of Appeal Jul 18, 2014 No. E056910Unpublished
Filed 7/18/14 Marriage of Malcolm CA4/2
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
DIVISION TWO
In re the Marriage of DIANE and BRUCE MALCOLM.
DIANE MALCOLM, E056910 Respondent, (Super.Ct.No. FAMVS900669) v. OPINION BRUCE MALCOLM,
Appellant.
APPEAL from the Superior Court of San Bernardino County. David R. Proulx,
Temporary Judge (pursuant to Cal. Const., art. VI, § 21), and Dennis G. Cole, Judge.
(Retired judge of the San Bernardino Super. Ct., assigned by the Chief Justice pursuant to
art. VI, § 6, of the Cal. Const.) Affirmed.
Law Offices of Michael J. La Cilento and Michael J. La Cilento for Appellant.
Law Office of James J. Kenny and James J. Kenny for Respondent.
1
I
INTRODUCTION
Appellant Bruce Malcom urges this court to reverse and vacate a marital
dissolution judgment entered by the trial court on June 12, 2012. The trial court
judgment incorporates a judgment entered by Retired Judge Cole, which Bruce argues is
invalid because he did not agree orally or in writing to Cole serving as judge for all
purposes. Bruce asserts that Cole was acting merely as a nonbinding mediator/arbitrator
who was assisting the parties with settlement and did not have authority to enter a final
judgment.
We conclude there was substantial evidence supporting the trial court’s
determination that the parties had stipulated to referring the case to Retired Judge Cole
for all purposes, including mediation and trial. The trial court therefore appropriately
ordered Cole’s judgment entered as the final judgment in the case, and judgment is
affirmed.
II
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
Bruce Malcolm and Diane Malcolm married in September 2000, and separated in
January 2009. In March 2009, Diane filed a petition for dissolution and an amended
petition. On January 23, 2009, Diane’s employment from the family business was
terminated.
September 23, 2009 Hearing
On September 23, 2009, during an order to show cause (OSC) hearing regarding
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attorneys fees, costs, and property control, Diane’s attorney, James Kenny, explained that
the parties had agreed that Bruce would pay the mortgage, utilities, and $2,000 a month
in spousal support. The OSC was continued from May 2009 to the date of the September
23, 2009 hearing to allow a cooling off period. Kenny requested the court to adopt the
portions of the agreement regarding the mortgage, utilities, and spousal support. Kenny
acknowledged that he anticipated Bruce would claim he had not agreed to those items but
Kenny asserted that “there would be no reason to continue an initial OSC with no support
orders and [Diane] unemployed and with no money, continue an initial OSC for four
months unless there was an agreement.” Kenny further requested the court to make a
new spousal support order effective October 1, 2009, for $4,162 per month. Bruce’s
attorney, Michael Donnelly, argued there was no agreement as to the amount of spousal
support and Bruce could not pay support or the mortgage because there was no money to
make the payments.
The trial court ordered, pursuant to a stipulation submitted to the court, that Bruce
pay the mortgage and utilities. The court further ordered Diane reimbursed for payments
on the mortgage and utilities she made from May 1, 2009, until October 1, 2009. The
court also found that the parties had agreed that Bruce would pay $2,000 per month in
spousal support, beginning May 1, 2009. The trial court further ordered Bruce to pay
$4,162 in spousal support and pay Diane’s attorney’s fees totaling $26,000, with $6,000
already paid and $20,000 owing. Trial was set for December 9, 2009.
On December 8, 2009, Diane and Bruce’s attorneys, signed a stipulation and order
on behalf of their clients, agreeing that “The parties shall forthwith schedule and attend a
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4-Way Settlement Conference in Rancho Cucamonga for the purpose of attempting to
resolve all issues. Said 4-Way Settlement Conference shall take place on or before
December 30, 2009.” It was also agreed the stipulation and order would be submitted to
the court for approval at the hearing on December 9, 2009, and, upon its approval, the
December 30, 2009 hearing would “be continued until a mutually convenient date for
purposes or resolving any residual issues.” The Stipulation and Order were filed on
January 29, 2010.
In May 2010, Diane’s attorney notified the court the parties were working on a
settlement and, as requested, the May 25, 2010 OSC hearing was taken off calendar. In
August 2010, Bruce’s employer notified him that his work hours were being reduced to
part-time employment because of the recession, which was forcing Bruce’s employer to
reduce overhead. In November 2010, Bruce filed an OSC re modification of orders
regarding spousal support and attorneys fees on the ground he had been placed on part-
time employment status, with about a 50 percent reduction in income because of a
decrease in construction work due to the recession.
January 19, 2011 Hearing
On January 19, 2011, the trial court conducted a hearing on Bruce’s OSC re
modification of spousal support and attorneys fees orders. Diane and Bruce were both
present at the hearing. Diane’s attorney told the court he believed the court should not
hear the matter because the parties had been litigating the case in front of Retired Judge
Cole since March 2010. Kenny acknowledged that he, Donnelly (Bruce’s former
attorney), and Cole “did not cross the T’s properly on paperwork in terms of getting an
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appropriate stipulation. But we’ve all submitted to this jurisdiction, and [Cole] in fact has
issued a tentative decision as to all issues.” Kenny said the parties were attempting to
schedule a final session to complete the matter. Kenny, who appeared at the hearing
telephonically, therefore requested the court to either “continue this to a date when I can
be present and argue it, or two, simply refer it to Judge Cole pursuant to the parties’
agreement to have him hear all issues in this case.”
Bruce’s new attorney, Stephen Miller, acknowledged he had recently substituted
in as Bruce’s attorney and informed the court that he had searched for an agreement or
court order suggesting that the case had been transferred to IVAMS (Inland Valley
Arbitration and Mediation Services) for all purposes. Miller said the parties met with
Cole and it was Miller’s understanding the process was solely a mediation. Miller
believed there was no binding referral transferring the case from the court to IVAMS.
The court responded that it did not intend to refer the matter to IVAMS absent a clear
indication IVAMS had sole authority. Miller told the court Bruce was in dire need of an
order modifying spousal support, even if temporary, because of his drastic reduction in
income.
Kenny requested that he be permitted to obtain a declaration from Judge Cole to
show that the matter was not being mediated: “[T]he true facts are we agreed that he
would be judge for all purposes, and that he would render a decision in the matter, and as
I indicated, he previously had indicated in writing a tentative decision as to all issues in
the case. [¶] I think it’s not appropriate to simply change the vehicle with which we’re
hearing the case after everyone appeared in front of Judge Cole and agreed in front of a
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Retired Superior Court Judge that he would have exclusive jurisdiction, and he would
hear the case.”
The court asked Kenny if he had a document stating that Cole had exclusive
jurisdiction. Kenny said he did not. There was no written stipulation. However, the
parties and their attorneys appeared in front of Cole and participated in a multiple-day
proceeding, resulting in Cole issuing a tentative decision as to all issues, including
spousal support. Kenny argued that even though there was no written stipulation, the
parties asked Cole to make a binding decision as to all issues in the case.
The court then calculated spousal support based on the current information
provided to the court and proposed modifying support, without prejudice, and reserving
retroactivity and setting another OSC hearing to give the parties an opportunity to contest
the modification order. Kenny again requested to return the following week for a hearing
during which he would establish that the current hearing was improper because the matter
was submitted to Cole for all purposes.
The trial court set a hearing on February 4, 2011, to revisit the issues raised in the
current hearing, including jurisdiction, and ordered Bruce to pay Diane monthly spousal
support in the amount of $2,088 a month, beginning February 1, 2011. The order was
temporary, without prejudice, and with retroactivity reserved.1
1The minute order incorrectly refers to the court-ordered support as child support. The reporter’s transcript shows that the court ordered spousal support, and there was no mention of child support during the hearing.
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February 4, 2011 Hearing
On February 4, 2011, the trial court addressed the question of whether the matter
had been properly referred to Cole for all purposes. The court stated that it had reviewed
letters that clearly indicated the parties had agreed to engage in alternate dispute
resolution (ADR) with Cole and, in one of the letters, Bruce’s attorney had stated, “we’re
going to go with Judge Cole through initial settlement discussions and trial.”
Bruce’s attorney, Miller, stated that Bruce believed Cole’s findings were not
binding or final because Cole was engaging in settlement discussions with the parties as a
mediator. In Cole’s April 22, 2010 letter, Cole “suggested if he’s going to proceed as a
judge and make a final decision in particular with a possible waiver of any appeal rights,
he would need, my words, are knowing and intelligent, but I think the Court should find
it would have to be a knowing and intelligent waiver by the parties of the fact that he had
served as the mediator and had heard settlement positions and proposals and engaged in
mediation.” Miller noted that once a judge serves as a mediator in a case and hears
settlement positions, the mediator cannot try the case unless there is a knowing and
intelligent waiver in writing.
Miller acknowledged he had looked at numerous letters and there were letters in
which Bruce’s former attorney, Donnelly, agreed to Cole deciding the matter. Miller said
it appeared that Cole was urging the parties to settle and the case should only be before
Cole for mediation purposes. Bruce did not want Cole to make a final decision and lose
the right to appeal. Miller and Kenny met with Cole around October 2009 and told him
they wanted to continue mediation. Kenny indicated that he thought IVAMS had
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exclusive jurisdiction. Miller told Cole he disagreed and asked Kenny to show him a
written agreement to IVAMS jurisdiction. This same dispute, over whether there was a
written binding agreement to submit the matter to IVAMS for all purposes, was raised at
the January 2011 hearing. Miller asserted there was no agreement divesting the trial
court of jurisdiction over the case.
In response, Kenny stated that the December 9, 2009 hearing was continued.
Cole’s April 22, 2010 letter stated how Cole proposed to resolve the case. Bruce did not
like Cole’s proposal and therefore did not mention it to the trial court. Rather, Bruce
attempted to persuade the trial court to decide the matter differently; more favorably to
Bruce. Kenny noted the only missing document was an oath of office, which normally
Cole and the court would sign when the court referred a case to him. There was an oral
agreement referring the matter to Cole, confirmed by Cole’s letter and Donnelly’s letter.
Kenny further stated that, in addition, the parties and their attorneys all appeared
in front of Cole and the parties agreed to the reference and that Cole be the judge for all
purposes. Kenny argued that such agreement was binding. It was confirmed in writing
by Bruce’s attorney, Donnelly, and by Cole in letters dated March 8, 2010, April 22,
2010, and May 19, 2010. Bruce’s attorney, Donnelly, in his May 19, 2010 letter said that
“We agreed that [Cole] would be able to make a ruling on all issues that would be
binding upon our clients with a waiver of right to appeal.”
The court noted it had never signed an oath of office transferring a matter from the
court to a mediation center. Kenny replied that, normally, a document referred to as an
oath of office is used, consenting to a retired judge acting as a judge for all purposes. The
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retired judge signs their oath of office and the referring judge also signs the form. In the
instant case there was no signed oath of office form. There were only referral letters,
stating that the matter was referred to Cole, and the parties’ affirmation in front of Cole
directly. In Kenny’s opinion, the oath of office form did not have to be signed before the
matter was sent to Cole as a binding reference for all purposes but it did need to be signed
before Cole issued his ruling. Kenny believed Miller and Bruce could be ordered to sign
the form because they already stipulated and consented to the binding referral in writing
and orally before Judge Cole.
Miller acknowledged that “indisputably there was contemplated a reference, a
transfer of this case to Judge Cole and probably for all purposes.” Miller argued that,
nevertheless, Bruce was required personally to waive knowingly and intelligently his due
process and procedural rights, and there was nothing showing that Bruce had done this.
Miller noted that Cole stated in his April letter that he had not seen a written agreement
by the parties, agreeing to binding authority to decide the matter.
Kenny responded that Bruce never took any steps to opt out of the IVAMS referral
and that the parties entered into a binding agreement to go to IVAMS. Therefore the
court should order the parties to sign whatever documents were necessary to complete the
process and return to Cole for completion of the proceedings. The court should also
vacate the January 19, 2011 order because it was made after the matter was submitted to
IVAMS. Kenny also requested the court to sign the wage assignment order enforcing the
spousal support and attorney fees orders made before the matter was submitted to
IVAMS.
9
After hearing argument and reviewing the parties’ OSC papers, the trial court
found, based on Donnelly’s March 8, 2010 letter, that the parties agreed that Cole would,
not only assist in attempting to settle the matter, but also try the matter if it did not settle.
The court directed the parties to cooperate with Cole in completing the case and carry out
their duties pursuant to their agreement, including attempting to settle the matter and, if
unable to settle, participating in trial conducted by Cole.
Miller responded that the trial court had not made a finding that the parties
knowingly and intelligently waived their rights so that Cole could serve, not only as
mediator, but also as judge in the case. The court agreed it was not making that finding
because that determination was to be made by Cole, not the trial court.
Cole’s December 13, 2011 Judgment
After trying the matter, Cole issued a judgment of marital dissolution on
December 13, 2011. The judgment included division of marital property and debts. It
also ordered Bruce to pay $4,162 in spousal support, spousal support arrearages, and
attorney’s fees arrearages. On December 14, 2011, the court clerk returned the judgment,
stating the court “cannot file this status not taken/no default or response.”
May 29, 2012 Ex Parte Motion to Enter Judgment
On May 29, 2012, the trial court heard an ex parte motion for entry of default
against Bruce and entry of Cole’s judgment. Several days before the hearing, Bruce
substituted in Michael La Cilento. La Cilento informed the court that Bruce had intended
to allow default judgment to be entered against him. La Cilento requested a noticed
hearing on Diane’s motion for entry of judgment and objected to entry of default
10
judgment. La Cilento asserted that Bruce never waived his rights to a full evidentiary
hearing and trial in the trial court.
Kenny told the court he had brought the matter ex parte because Bruce was
attempting to secrete assets awarded to Diane, was not paying spousal support or house
payments, refused to sign over the home to Diane, and refused to sign the judgment.
Kenny said he was not opposed to the trial court entering default judgment as long as the
court entered Cole’s judgment. Kenny noted that the trial court had previously ordered
the parties to return to Cole to complete the case, which was done. Kenny then prepared
a judgment in accordance with Cole’s findings, which Cole signed on December 13,
2011. Kenny explained that it had been “a procedural minefield to get it entered by the
clerk, and that’s the reason for the ex parte. But there’s no substance that we’re asking
for. We’re simply saying this has already been tried to a concordant; you’ve got the
judgment. Please order the judgment filed.” Kenny told the court it did not need to enter
a second judgment. The court had relinquished jurisdiction to Cole and therefore merely
needed to order the court clerk to file Cole’s judgment.
The trial court found there was no emergency and therefore set on June 12, 2012, a
noticed hearing for the OSC request for entry of judgment. The court initially concluded
it had no authority over the matter other than to enter the judgment signed by Cole, but
requested the parties to file responsive papers on the matter.
June 12, 2012 Hearing on Diane’s Motion for Entry of Judgment
On June 12, 2012, the trial court conducted a hearing on Diane’s motion seeking
entry of Cole’s judgment. La Cilento argued that Bruce and his attorney never signed a
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waiver allowing Cole to act as both mediator and judge in the case. He also argued the
trial court did not decide the jurisdiction issue during the February 4, 2011 hearing. La
Cilento attempted to quote an email by Mary Gutierrez, IVAMS case administrator and
Cole’s clerk,2 to establish what Cole knew when he signed the judgment. The trial court
sustained Kenny’s hearsay objection to the email. The trial court explained that whatever
Gutierrez stated in her email regarding Cole’s ruling was hearsay and it must be assumed
Cole knew what he was signing when he executed the judgment.
The trial court noted that Cole’s judgment did not include the signatures of the
parties. La Cilento said that was because Bruce did not stipulate to the judgment, since
the proceeding was a mediation. The trial court responded that at the February 4, 2011
hearing, the trial court found, based on a March 8, 2010 letter from Donnelly, that the
parties had agreed to use Cole through IVAMS to conduct the mandatory settlement
conference (MSC) and trial in the matter.
La Cilento noted there was an April 22, 2010 letter from Cole stating that he was
“comfortable dealing with spousal support and attorneys’ fees.”3 Cole did not say he was
determining all issues in the case. Therefore it was ambiguous whether Cole had binding
authority to decide all issues in the case. Bruce claimed he never agreed to Cole having
binding authority to decide the case and never waived his constitutional rights to a court
trial. La Cilento also argued there was no signed writing by Bruce, agreeing to binding
2 Bruce’s responsive pleading to Diane’s motion for entry of judgment included a declaration by La Cilento’s secretary, Alma Suarez and an e-mail from Mary Gutierrez. These documents are not included in this court’s clerk’s transcript. 3 The April 22, 2010 letter is not included in this court’s clerk’s transcript.
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arbitration and such a writing was required. La Cilento maintained that Cole did not
know what the scope of his authority was (despite having signed a judgment). The trial
court again noted the court had already determined that the parties had agreed that Cole
was going to hear the MSC and trial.
Kenny explained to the trial court that there was no arbitration. The case was
submitted as an ADR matter, in which the parties agreed to have the trial court refer the
case to Cole, as judge pro tem. Kenny acknowledged that the parties did not sign a
stipulation. Kenny noted that, nevertheless, the trial court had previously ruled in
February 2011 that the matter was to be heard by Cole for all purposes pursuant to
Donnelly’s letter. A year later on April 30, 2012, the trial court signed an order with
findings stating that the parties had agreed Cole “would hear the matter for all purposes
including settlement conferences to attempt to resolve the matter and trial if necessary.”4
Kenny noted that Cole originally signed a judgment on December 7, 2011, but the
court clerk’s office lost it when it was submitted for filing. On December 13, 2011, Cole
signed a second identical judgment to replace the lost one. The trial court rejected that
judgment because there was no “status not taken” or “default or response” in the case.
Bruce later filed a response on May 25, 2012. The trial court ordered the parties’
marriage dissolved and directed the clerk’s office to enter the judgment signed by Cole
4 The April 30, 2012 trial court order is not included in this court’s clerk’s transcript. The trial court quoted the April 30, 2012 order during the hearing on June 12, 2012.
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on December 13, 2011. On June 12, 2012, over Bruce’s objection, the trial court entered
judgment incorporating Cole’s judgment filed on December 13, 2011.
III
COLE’S AUTHORITY TO DECIDE CASE
This appeal turns on whether Cole had binding authority to decide this case and
issue a judgment, filed in the trial court as a final, enforceable judgment.
In proceedings under the family law statutory scheme (Fam. Code, § 2000 et seq.),
“as an expeditious means of resolving disputed issues, trial courts frequently appoint a
subordinate court officer to whom is delegated, pursuant to the stipulation of the parties,
the authority to render binding factual findings or judicial determinations. (See In re
Marriage of Olson (1993) 14 Cal.App.4th 1, 8, fn. 5 [‘The best and least expensive
method of resolving disputes such as (the family law dispute in Olson), is for the parties
to stipulate not only to the appointment of a special master, but also that the special
master be empowered to determine the issues . . . .’].) Depending upon the stipulation of
the parties, such an officer may serve in the capacity of a temporary judge pursuant to
article VI, section 21, of the California Constitution; an arbitrator under the private
contractual arbitration provisions of [Code of Civil Procedure,] sections 1280-1288.8;[]
or a referee pursuant to section 638. [Citations.]” (In re Marriage of Assemi (1994) 7
Cal.4th 896, 907 (Assemi).)
In the instant case, Diane argues the parties agreed Cole would serve as a
temporary judge. Under article VI, section 21, of the California Constitution, “On
stipulation of the parties litigant the court may order a cause to be tried by a temporary
14
judge who is a member of the State Bar, sworn and empowered to act until final
determination of the cause.” (Cal. Const., art. VI, § 21.) Under California Rules of
empowering a temporary judge to act in this capacity, the parties must submit, for
approval of the presiding or supervising judge of the court, a written stipulation
designating the proposed temporary judge, and the temporary judge (unless a court
commissioner) must take and file an oath of office. [Citation.] Once a temporary judge
has taken an oath of office, he or she has the same authority as a regular judge [citation],
basically is bound by the same rules of evidence and procedures as those applicable in
superior court trials, and is empowered to render an appealable judgment in the same
manner as a regular judge. [Citations.]” (Assemi, supra, 7 Cal.4th at p. 908.)
5 The California Rules of Court will be referred to as “rule.”
Rule 2.831, states the following procedures for appointing a temporary judge: “(a) Stipulation “When the parties request that an attorney be designated by the court to serve as a temporary judge on a case, the stipulation of the parties that a case may be tried by a temporary judge must be in writing and must state the name and office address of the member of the State Bar agreed on. The stipulation must be submitted for approval to the presiding judge or the judge designated by the presiding judge. “(b) Order, oath, and certification “The order designating the temporary judge must be signed by the presiding judge or the presiding judge’s designee and refer to the stipulation. The stipulation and order must then be filed. The temporary judge must take and subscribe the oath of office and certify that he or she is aware of and will comply with applicable provisions of canon 6 of the Code of Judicial Ethics and the California Rules of Court. “(c) When the temporary judge may proceed “The temporary judge may proceed with the hearing, trial, and determination of the cause after the stipulation, order, oath, and certification have been filed.”
15
Stipulated binding arbitration differs from the stipulated use of a temporary judge
to decide a case: “The role of an arbitrator acting pursuant to a private written agreement
to arbitrate, in proceedings governed by the private arbitration statutory scheme ([Code of
Civ. Proc.] § 1280 et seq.), differs from that of a temporary judge in several respects.
The arbitrator need not be sworn or take an oath of office in order to serve in that
capacity. The arbitration proceedings are not governed by the rules of evidence or
judicial procedures applicable to superior court trials, unless the arbitration agreement
provides otherwise. (§ 1282.2, subd. (d).) The arbitrator issues an award, rather than a
final appealable judgment, and a party to the proceedings must petition the court to
confirm, correct, or vacate that award (§ 1285), with limited grounds for correction (§
1286.6) or vacation (§ 1286.2) being available; additionally, the arbitrator’s decision
generally is not reviewable for errors of fact or law [citation]).” (Assemi, supra, 7 Cal.4th
at p. 908.)
In the present proceedings, the role served by Cole pursuant to the parties’
stipulation and order corresponded more closely to the functions and characteristics of a
temporary judge than to those of an arbitrator. The parties contemplated that the
proceedings would be governed by the rules and procedures applicable in superior court
trials, and that Cole would render a decision having the same finality as a trial judgment.
Stipulation to Use Cole as a Temporary Judge for All Purposes
Bruce contends he never agreed to Cole having authority to make a binding
determination in the case. Bruce claims he only agreed to nonbinding mediation and did
not stipulate to referral of the case to Cole for all purposes, including a trial.
16
During the OSC hearing on February 4, 2011, the trial court adjudicated the issue
of whether the parties agreed to Cole deciding the case. After considering evidence
submitted by the parties and oral argument, the trial court found that, even though there
was no written stipulation signed by the parties or recorded transcript of an oral
stipulation, there was sufficient evidence establishing that the parties had agreed to refer
the case to Cole for all purposes.
The parties agree no express stipulation is in the record. Diane argues such an
agreement may be implied from the conduct of the parties and letters confirming an
unrecorded oral stipulation. We agree. In In re Mark L. (1983) 34 Cal.3d 171, 178-179,
the Supreme Court found that an agreement that a commissioner would sit as a temporary
judge could be implied from the conduct of the parties during the course of the
proceedings. “[S]everal cases recognize that voluntary participation before a subordinate
officer who lacks authority in that capacity may amount to an agreement that he acted as
a temporary judge.” (Id. at p. 178; see also In re Lamonica H. (1990) 220 Cal.App.3d
634, 645 (Lamonica).)
There was substantial evidence supporting the trial court’s factual determinations
during the February 4, 2011, and June 12, 2012 hearings that the parties orally or
impliedly stipulated to Cole serving as a temporary judge for all purposes in the case.
The evidence, consisting of letters confirming the parties agreement to using Cole in the
case, is not included in the record on appeal. However, language from the letters was
quoted during the trial court hearings and the content of the letters was discussed by
counsel and the court.
17
The proper standard of review of the trial court’s factual determination that the
parties agreed to refer the case to Cole for all purposes is whether the court’s findings and
rulings were supported by substantial evidence. “We make ‘“[a]ll presumptions favor the
trial court’s ruling, which is entitled to great deference because the trial judge, having
been present at trial, necessarily is more familiar with the evidence and is bound by the
more demanding test of weighing conflicting evidence rather than our standard of review
under the substantial evidence rule.” (Rony v. Costa (2012) 210 Cal.App.4th 746, 753-
754.)
Since Bruce has not provided this court with the actual letters and pleadings
presented to the court during the February 4, 2011, and June 12, 2011 hearings, we must
rely on a limited record, which shows there was substantial evidence supporting the trial
court’s finding that Bruce personally agreed to Cole serving as a temporary judge for all
purposes, including trial, with the intent that Cole’s evidentiary findings and decision
would be binding. It was not until Bruce reviewed Cole’s proposed decision that he
challenged Cole’s authority to enter a binding judgment.
The evidence relied on by the trial court in finding that Bruce personally stipulated
to referral of the case to Cole for all purposes included three letters, dated March 8, 2010,
April 22, 2010, and May 19, 2010. The trial court stated during the February 4, 2011
hearing that it had reviewed the letters and concluded that the letters “clearly indicate that
there was an agreement by the parties to engage in ADR with Judge Cole. There’s a
reference in one of the letters I think it’s Bruce’s counsel writing to Diane’s counsel that
says we’re going to go with Judge Cole through initial settlement discussions and trial.
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There’s a reference to trial there.” (Italics added.) Bruce’s attorney, Miller, even
acknowledged during the hearing that he had looked at numerous letters and there were
letters in which Bruce’s former attorney, Donnelly, agreed to Cole deciding the matter.
Miller stated that “indisputably there was contemplated a reference, a transfer of this case
to Judge Cole and probably for all purposes.”
Kenny informed the court at the February 4, 2011 hearing that there had been an
oral agreement by the parties to refer the matter to Cole, and the agreement was
confirmed by Cole and Donnelly’s letters, and by the parties appearing before Cole and
agreeing to referral of the matter for all purposes to Cole. Donnelly’s March 8, 2010
letter to Kenny, confirmed that Cole would conduct an MSC and trial in the case. Cole
stated in his April 22, 2010 letter that, if no settlement was reached, he would rule on the
case based on the pleadings. Donnelly again confirmed in his May 19, 2010 letter that
“We agreed that [Cole] would be able to make a ruling on all issues that would be
binding upon our clients with a waiver of right to appeal.” Kenny noted that Bruce never
took any steps to opt out of the IVAMS referral and that the parties entered into a binding
agreement to go to IVAMS.
During the hearing on June 12, 2012, the trial court again considered evidence and
heard argument on the issue of whether the parties agreed to Cole trying the case. None
of the evidence submitted, including evidence presented by Bruce’s new attorney, La
Cilento, is included in the record on appeal. The trial court noted during the hearing that
at the February 4, 2011 hearing, the trial court considered a March 8, 2010 letter from
Donnelly to Kenny. The letter stated: “[T]his letter confirms that we have agreed to use
19
Judge Dennis Cole retired through IVAMS to conduct the MSC and trial in the above
matter.” The letter further discussed how the mediation would be handled, mentioned
that Cole would try the case if the case did not settle, and stated, “all Victorville court
matters will be taken off calendar.” The trial court concluded the court had already
determined that the parties had agreed Cole was going to conduct the MSC and trial.
In response to La Cilento arguing that Bruce had not signed any writing agreeing
to binding arbitration, Kenny explained that the case was not an arbitration; it was
submitted as an ADR matter, pursuant to an agreement to have the trial court refer the
case to Cole, as a judge pro tem. Kenny stated that on April 30, 2012, the trial court
signed an order stating the trial court’s findings and ruling on February 4, 2011. The
April 30, 2012 order stated: “Diane and Bruce agreed that retired judge Dennis Cole
would hear the matter for all purposes including settlement conferences to attempt to
resolve the matter and trial if necessary. Their agreement was confirmed in a letter dated
March 8th, 2010. Bruce did not inform this Court in his Order to Show Cause of the
agreement. Neither party has taken steps to opt out of the ADR proceedings with Judge
Cole. This Court makes no other findings. This case is referred back to Judge Cole.
Parties are ordered to cooperate with Judge Cole, execute any documents necessary to
enable Judge Cole to carry out his duties to either settle the case or conduct a trial and
render a decision on the merits.”
Giving due deference to the trial court as trier of fact, we conclude that the record
supports the trial court’s finding that the parties, with the assistance of their attorneys,
20
agreed Cole would, not only mediate the case, but also, in the event the case did not
settle, resolve the matter by trial.
Oath of Office Requirement under Rule 2.831
Bruce argues Cole’s judgment is unenforceable because Cole did not execute an
oath of office empowering Cole to act as a temporary judge. However, at the February 4,
2011 hearing, after the trial court found that the parties had stipulated to referring the case
to Cole for all purposes, the court ordered compliance with all requirements for Cole to
try the case, which included Cole executing an oath of office. There is no evidence this
was not done prior to Cole trying and entering judgment in the case.
Furthermore, evidence the parties stipulated to referring the case to Cole indicates
that the parties may have contemplated that Cole would serve in some hybrid capacity not
clearly consistent with either the position of a temporary judge or that of an arbitrator
under the private arbitration statutes, in which case Cole was not required to execute an
oath of office. As an arbitrator, Cole would have been “empowered to exercise the
adjudicatory functions of an arbitrator (if not a temporary judge) with the authority to
render a binding determination of the controverted issues submitted to him by the parties,
whether that determination was in the nature of a final judgment, subject to ordinary
appellate review, or an arbitrator’s award subject to the procedures of the private
arbitration statutory scheme. As such, his role was closely analogous to that of a judge,
in a judicial proceeding, empowered to exercise what are essentially judicial functions.
‘Arbitrators are judges chosen by the parties to decide the matters submitted to them,
finally . . . .’ [Citation.]” (Assemi, supra, 7 Cal.4th at p. 909.)
21
Regardless of whether the parties intended that Cole serve as a temporary judge,
private arbitrator, or hybrid adjudicator, Bruce initially waived any requirement that Cole
execute an oath of office by not objecting until the February 4, 2011 hearing. And there
is no evidence that, thereafter, Cole did not execute an oath of office or that Bruce
objected to Cole not having done so.
Even though there was no written, signed stipulation by the parties to Cole serving
as a temporary judge for all purposes in the case and even if Cole did not execute an oath
of office, Cole’s judgment is not void. In addressing the issue of whether the failure to
comply with rule 244 (now rule 2.831) rendered a judgment by a temporary judge void,
the court in In re Robert S. (1988) 197 Cal.App.3d 1260, 1264 (Robert S.) concluded:
“Despite the existence of an express stipulation on the record, defendants would have us
elevate the method for memorializing a stipulation set forth in rule 244(a) [rule 2.831] to
the level of a constitutional prerequisite to clothing an attorney selected under that rule
with the powers of a temporary judge. We decline to do so. [¶] In reaching our
conclusion that the failure to comply with rule 244(a) does not void the judgment, we
rely, in the first instance, on the plain language of article VI, section 21, of the California
Constitution, which requires only that there be a ‘stipulation of the parties litigant.’ The
cases interpreting the constitutional provision have rejected any requirement that the
stipulation be express. [Citations.]” The court in Robert S. stated that “a valid stipulation
may be implied from conduct.” (Ibid.; see also In re Lamonica H., supra, 220
Cal.App.3d at pp. 640-641, 643.)
22
The court in Robert S. further held that the appellant waived his objection to
noncompliance with rule 244(a) by failing to object and by participating in the
proceedings: “Based on the omission of the requirement that the selection of a temporary
judge be subject to the rules of the Judicial Council, we conclude that compliance with
rule 244(a) is not a constitutional prerequisite to empowering a temporary judge to act.
[¶] Having concluded that compliance with rule 244(a) was not a prerequisite to the
court’s jurisdiction, we hold that an objection to the proceeding, based on the absence of
a written stipulation pursuant to rule 244(a), was waived not merely by defendants’
failure to object, but also by their express consent to the proceedings. We agree with the
Oaxaca court that ‘“‘It would seem . . . intolerable to permit a party to play fast and loose
with the administration of justice by deliberately standing by without making an
objection of which he is aware and thereby permitting the proceeding to go to a
conclusion which he may acquiesce in, if favorable, and which he may avoid, if not.’”’
Bruce alternatively urges this court to vacate Cole’s judgment under Family Code
section 2122, subdivisions (a) and (e), which provide:
“The grounds and time limits for a motion to set aside a judgment, or any part or
parts thereof, are governed by this section and shall be one of the following: [¶] (a)
Actual fraud where the defrauded party was kept in ignorance or in some other manner
was fraudulently prevented from fully participating in the proceeding. An action or
25
motion based on fraud shall be brought within one year after the date on which the
complaining party either did discover, or should have discovered, the fraud. [¶] . . . [¶]
(e) As to stipulated or uncontested judgments or that part of a judgment stipulated to by
the parties, mistake, either mutual or unilateral, whether mistake of law or mistake of
fact. An action or motion based on mistake shall be brought within one year after the
date of entry of judgment.”
Family Code section 2122 is inapplicable because Bruce did not file a motion to
set aside Cole’s judgment based on fraud or mistake. Furthermore, there is no evidence
in the record supporting findings of fraud or mistake. Bruce argues he was defrauded by
Kenny, “who drafted an allegedly ‘Stipulated’ Judgment to be signed by Judge Cole
which neglected to have the signatures of either parties nor any statement which denoted
that each party understood the Stipulation and were assenting to it.” Bruce further argues
“Judge Cole’s signing of the allegedly ‘Stipulated’ Judgment was a mistake in that he
may have been led to believe that all the parties had assented to the terms of the
agreement.”
Extrinsic fraud, as basis for equitable relief from judgment, occurs where a party is
deprived of the opportunity to present a claim or defense to the court, where the party is
kept in ignorance, or where a party is in some manner fraudulently prevented from fully
participating in the proceeding. (Kuehn v. Kuehn (2000) 85 Cal.App.4th 824, 832-833
(Kuehn).) In the instant case, there is no evidence of this. Bruce had the opportunity to
contest Cole’s proposed judgment. Bruce’s attorney was served with a copy of the
proposed judgment and notice of entry of judgment on December 7, 2011, before Cole
26
signed the judgment on December 13, 2011. He did not object to the judgment at that
time, and the judgment was reviewed and signed by Cole, a retired judge. Bruce also had
the opportunity at the February 4, 2011, and June 12, 2012 hearings to contest the
judgment on the grounds the parties had not signed Cole’s “stipulated” judgment.
Furthermore, the judgment was not a stipulated judgment and therefore did not
require the parties’ signatures. Although Cole’s judgment incorrectly states the parties
stipulated to the judgment, it is clear it was not a stipulated judgment since it was only
signed by Cole and had no signature lines for the parties. There is no evidence that Cole
was misinformed or misled into believing that the parties agreed to the judgment. He
reasonably could have assumed Bruce did not object to it because he did not propose an
alternative judgment or notify Cole or Diane’s attorney of any objections to the judgment.
In addition, the trial court reviewed Cole’s judgment at the hearing on June 12, 2012,
during which Bruce again had the opportunity to challenge Cole’s judgment under
Family Code section 2122, and did not do so.
The trial court judgment incorporating Cole’s judgment reflects that Cole and the
trial court were aware that Cole’s judgment was not a stipulated judgment and, over
Bruce’s objection, ordered Cole’s judgment entered as the final judgment in the trial
court. The final judgment states that the matter was “contested” and tried by Cole
through IVAMS, with judgment of dissolution entered on June 12, 2012. The judgment
further states that spousal support and property division were ordered pursuant to Cole’s
attached judgment. Although Cole’s judgment, which is attached to the trial court form
judgment, incorrectly states the parties agreed to the terms of his judgment, the form
27
judgment indicates the parties did not stipulate to the judgment. The provision included
on the judgment form, stating “settlement agreement, stipulation for judgment, or other
written agreement,” is not selected, thus indicating, along with the absence of the parties
signatures, that the parties had not stipulated to the judgment. In addition, Bruce was
served with a copy of Cole’s proposed judgment and did not object to the proposed
judgment or notify Cole of any inaccuracies in the judgment.
Fraud is intrinsic and not a valid ground for setting aside a judgment when the
party has been given notice of the action and has had an opportunity to present his case
and to protect himself from any mistake or fraud of his adversary, but has unreasonably
neglected to do so. (Kuehn, supra, 85 Cal.App.4th at p. 833.) In the instant case, Bruce
had an opportunity to present his case, object to Cole’s judgment, and challenge any
mistake, fraud, or errors in the judgment. In addition, the parties’ assent to the judgment
and signatures were not required, since the judgment was not a stipulated judgment.
Bruce has not demonstrated any fraud or mistake requiring this court to vacate the
judgment under Family Code section 2122, subdivisions (a) or (e).
Code of Civil Procedure Section 1286.2
Bruce argues that under Code of Civil Procedure section 1286.2, subdivision
(a)(4), the trial court is required to vacate Cole’s judgment because Code of Civil
Procedure section 1286.2, subdivision (a)(4), requires the court to vacate an arbitration
award if the arbitrator exceeded his powers and the award cannot be corrected without
affecting the merits of the decision. Bruce has not established that the proceeding in the
instant case was subject to Code of Civil Procedure section 1286.2, which applies to
28
private arbitrations. Furthermore, as discussed above, Bruce has not established that Cole
exceeded his powers when he entered judgment in the case. The record on appeal shows
that the parties agreed that, if mediation was unsuccessful, Cole, acting as a temporary
judge, would try the case and his decision would be binding. Cole tried the case and
issued a decision. Bruce did not notify Cole that he objected to Cole’s proposed
judgment.
Bruce also cites several cases in support of the proposition that the trial court, not
the arbitrator, shall decide the enforceability of an arbitration agreement. The cases,
which include Bayscene Resident Negotiators v. Bayscene Mobilehome Park (1993) 15
Cal.App.4th 119, All Points Traders, Inc. v. Barrington Associates (1989) 211
Cal.App.3d 723, 736-737, Loving & Evans v. Blick (1949) 33 Cal.2d 603, and Bianco v.
Superior Court (1968) 265 Cal.App.2d 126, 129, are not on point here. They concern
reversing a binding arbitration award on the ground the underlying arbitrated claims were
founded on illegal, unenforceable contracts. That is not at issue here. The issue here is
whether Cole had authority to try the case and enter a binding judgment based on the
parties’ agreement to refer the case to Cole for all purposes. The trial court decided that
factual issue during the hearing on February 4, 2011, and we conclude substantial
evidence supported the trial court’s finding. Not only is Code of Civil Procedure section
1286.2, subdivision (a)(4), inapplicable but, in addition, Cole did not exceed his powers
in issuing a decision in this case.
29
IV
DISPOSITION
The judgment is affirmed. The parties are ordered to bear their own costs on
appeal.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS
CODRINGTON J.
We concur:
McKINSTER Acting P. J.
KING J.
30
AI Brief
AI-generated · verify before citing
Holding. The court held that substantial evidence supported the trial court's determination that the parties had stipulated to referring their marital dissolution case to a retired judge for all purposes, including mediation and trial. Consequently, the trial court properly entered the retired judge's decision as the final judgment.
Issues
Whether the parties stipulated to refer the marital dissolution case to a retired judge for all purposes, including trial.
Whether the trial court erred in entering the retired judge's decision as the final judgment in the case.
Disposition. Affirmed.
Quotations verified verbatim against the opinion
“We conclude there was substantial evidence supporting the trial court’s determination that the parties had stipulated to referring the case to Retired Judge Cole for all purposes, including mediation and trial.”
“The trial court therefore appropriately ordered Cole’s judgment entered as the final judgment in the case, and judgment is affirmed.”