Sharon Brooks v. Michael Brooks

Syllabus

The defendant, Michael Brooks, appealed pro se from an order of the Family Court denying his motion seeking visitation with his nine-year-old daughter, whom he shares with the plaintiff, Sharon Brooks. On appeal, Mr. Brooks challenged the decision of the trial justice for multiple reasons, including what he asserted was her failure to fully assess the child's best interests, her inappropriate consideration of his status as an incarcerated parent, and her neglect in considering a substantial change in circumstances. He also contested what he claimed to be erroneous evidentiary rulings, as well as unspecified violations of his constitutional rights. After thoroughly reviewing the record, the Supreme Court held that (1) the trial justice adequately assessed the child's best interests (2) the trial justice gave appropriate consideration to Mr. Brooks's status as an incarcerated parent and (3) the trial justice did not overlook any change in circumstances that favored visitation. The Court declined to address Mr. Brooks's remaining arguments because they were either not properly preserved in the Family Court or not properly developed on appeal. Therefore, the Supreme Court affirmed the order of the Family Court.