HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-5632MICHELLE L. GARDENHOUR,
PLAINTIFF
VS.
TROY A. GARDENHOUR,
DEFENDANT
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 0 ~... ~- ,3 ~, ~~--
IN CUSTODY
COMPLAINT IN CUSTODY
AND NOW comes the Plaintiff, MICHELLE L. GARDENHOUR, by her attorney,
Samuel L. Andes, and makes the following Complaint for Custody:
1. The Plaintiff is MICHELLE L. GARDENHOUR, an adult individual who resides at
13 Lynn Avenue in Newburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. The Defendant is TROY A. GARDENHOUR, an adult individual who resides, to
the best of Plaintiff's knowledge at 13882 Lower Edgemont Road in Waynesboro,
Pennsylvania 17268.
3. The Plaintiff and Defendant are husband and wife.
4. The Plaintiff and Defendant are the parents of three minor children, Marissa P.
Gardenhour, age 6, born 12 August 1996, Madison J. Gardenhour, age 2, born 22
February 2000, and Megan A. Gardenhour, age 1, born 20 July 2001.
5. Plaintiff seeks an award of primary legal and physical custody of the said minor
children, Marissa P. Gardenhour, Madison J. Gardenhour and Megan A. Gardenhour.
6. The children were not born out of wedlock and are presently in the custody of
the Plaintiff.
7. During the past five years, the minor children have resided with the following
persons at the following addresses:
1996 - August 1999
August 1999 - March 2000
Plaintiff & Defendant
Plaintiff & Defendant
226 Shippensburg Mobile Estates
Shippensburg, PA
13 Lynn Avenue
Newburg, PA
March 2000 - May 2002
June 2002 - September 2002
September 2002 - present
Plaintiff only
Plaintiff & Defendant
Plaintiff only
309 Bowser Road
Osterburg, PA
13 Lynn Avenue
Newburg, PA
13 Lynn Avenue
Newburg, PA
8. The mother of the children is the Plaintiff who resides at the address set out
above. She is married to the Defendant.
9. The father of the children is the Defendant who resides at the address set out
above. He is married to the Plaintiff.
10. The Plaintiff is the natural mother of the children. Plaintiff currently resides
with the children.
11. The Defendant is the natural father of the children. Defendant currently
resides with his grandparents, Charles and Miriam Gardenhour, both in their late
seventies.
12. The Plaintiff has not participated as a party or in any other way in any
litigation concerning the custody of the children in this or any other court.
The Plaintiff has no information of a custody proceeding concerning the children
pending in a court of this or any other jurisdiction.
Plaintiff knows of no other person not a party to this action already who has
physical custody of or claims to have custody or visitation rights to the said children.
13. The best interests and permanent welfare of the children will be served by
granting the relief requested by Plaintiff for the following reasons:
A. Defendant suffers from psychological, emotional, and perhaps
psychiatric problems which make him incapable of properly caring for these
children.
B. Defendant has a temper and anger problem which is not able to
control which make him a threat to the safety of the children.
C. Defendant has assaulted Plaintiff, both in the presence of the
children and outside of the presence of the children, and represents a serious
threat of physical injury to Plaintiff and/or the children,
D. Defendant is unstable, unable to control his temper and his
emotions, and generally not qualified to care for children of this age.
E. Plaintiff has been the primary care provider of the children since
their birth, can provide a good, stable, and safe home for them, and should
be awarded primary legal and physical custody so she can properly care for
the children and protect them from Defendant's rages and other problems.
14. Each parent whose parental rights to the children have not been terminated
and the person who has physical custody of the children have been named as parties to
this action.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays this court to award her legal custody and primary
physical custody of the children and to limit Defendant's contact to the children to short
periods of time supervised by one or more competent and independent adults.
Attorney for Plaintiff
Supreme Court ID # 17225
525 North 12th Street
Lemoyne, Pa 17043
(717) 761~5361
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements made in this Complaint are true and correct. I
understand that any false statements in this Complaint are subject to the penalties of 18
Pa. C.S. 4904 (unsworn falsification to authorities).
Date: ~ ~
MICHELLE L. GARDENHOUR ....
MICHELLE L. GARDENHOUR
PLAINTIFF
TROY A. GARDENHOUR
DEFENDANT
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
: 02-5632 CIVIL .ACTION LAW
:
IN CUSTODY
:
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, Wednesday, November 27, 2002 , upon cortsideration of the attached Complaint,
it is hereby directed that parties and their respective counsel appear before Melissa P. Greevy, Esq. , the conciliator,
at 301 Market Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043 on Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 1:00 PM
for a Pre-Hearing Custody Conference. At such conference, an effort will be made to resolve the issues in dispute; or
if this cannot be accomplished, to define and narrow the issues to be heard by the court, and to enter into a temporary
order. All children age five or older may also be present at the conference. Failure to appear at the conference may
provide grounds for entry of a temporary or permanent order.
The court hereby directs the parties to furnish any and all existiug Protection from Abuse orders,
Special Relief orders, and Custody orders to the conciliator 48 hours prior to scheduled hearinl~.
FOR THE COURT~
By: /s/ Melissa P. Greevy, Esq.
Custody Conciliator
The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County is required by law to comply with the
Americans with Disabilites Act of 1990. For information about accessiible facilities and reasonable
accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before the court, please contact our office.
All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any hearing or business before the court. You must
attend the scheduled conference or heating.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR ATTORNEY AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT
HAVE AN ATTORNEY OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET
FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17(I 13
Telephone (717) 249-3166
VINVA"I,kg-'NN~d
XI.NNO0 ON'~q¥~NO
MICHEI.I .E L. GARDENHOUR
Plaintiff
Vo
TROY A. GARDENHOUR
Defendant
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
: PENNSYLVANIA
:
: No. 02-5632 CiVIL, ACTION - LAW
:
:
.'
: IN CUSTODY
:
PRAECIPE OF ENTRY OF APPE~fllANCI~.
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter my appearance on behalf of the defendant in the above-captioned
matter.
Date: December 6, 2002
Respectfully submitted,
ABOM & KU~iqJLAKIS, L.L.P.
Kara W. Haggerty,
Attorney I.D.# 86914
8 South Hanow:r Street, Suite 204
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-0900
Attorney for Defendant
MICHEI,I,E L. GARDENHOUR
Plaintiff
Mo
TROY A. GARDENHOUR
Defendant
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
: PENNSYLVANIA
:
: No. 02-5632 CIVIL ACTION - LAW
:
.
..
: IN CUSTODY
.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Kara W. Haggerty, Esquire, ofABOM & KUTULAKIS, L.L.P., hereby certify that on this
6m day of December, 2002, a true and correct copy of the PRAECIPE OFE'.IVTRY OF
APPEARAMCEwas served upon the parties listed below, addressed as follows:
BY FIRST CLASS MAIL:
Samuel L. Andes, Esquire - Attorney for Plaintiff
525 North Twelfth Street
P.O. Box 168
Lemoyne, PA 17043
A. BOM & K'UTULAKIS, L.L.P.
_
Kara W. Haggerty,
Attorney I.D. #86914
8 South Hanover Street, Suite 204
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorney for Defendant
MICHELLE L. GARDENHOUR,
PLAINTIFF
VS,
TROY A. GARDENHOUR,
DEFENDANT
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 02-5632
IN CUSTODY
PLAINTIFF'S PETITION FOR PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION
AND ACCESS TO MEDICAL RECORDR
AND NOW, comes the above-named Plaintiff, by her attorney, Samuel L. Andes,
and petitions the court for relief in this matter as follows:
1. The Petitioner herein is the Plaintiff Michelle L. Gardenhour. The Respondent
herein is the Defendant Troy A. Gardenhour.
2. This is a custody matter involving the legal and physical custody of three young
children, Marissa P. Garenhour, age 6, Madison J. Gardenhour, age 2, and Megan A.
Gardenhour, age 1. All three of the children currently reside in the physical custody of the
Plaintiff and see the Defendant only under supervised .conditions.
3. The Defendant has a history of severe psychiatric and psychological disorders,
which include:
A. At least two hospitalizations for such conditions, one in about
December of 2000 and a second one in September of 2002.
B. A diagnosis of Bi-Polar disease.
C. A history of serious psychiatric medications for depression, angry
outbursts, and similar problems. The medications which have been
prescribed for the Defendant, in which he has taken on irregular occasions,
include: Prozac, Zoloft, Remeron, Effexor, and Celexa, which Plaintiff
believes were prescribed for depression and Depakote, Effexor, Selexa, and
Zyprexa for anger and uncontrolled outbursts.
4. As a result of Defendant's psychiatric and psychological disorders, he has been
unable to control his conduct, particularly during uncontrolled outbursts of anger. During
periods when he cannot control his conduct, Defendant has:
A. Physically assaulted Plaintiff by choking, pushing, and otherwise
physically abusing her; and
B. Threatening to kill Plaintiff, attempting suicide in December of
2000 and discussing his own suicide on other occasions; and
C. Subjecting the children to extreme verbal and emotional abuse
which has included swearing at them, calling them names, insulting and
belittling them.
§. Defendant denies that he has suffers from all of the mental disorders which
Plaintiff has observed and for which Defendant has been diagnosed. Defendant has
repeatedly denied committing acts of violence and of physical and emotional abuse
toward Plaintiff and the children.
6. Because of Defendant's conduct toward the children and toward Plaintiff in the
presence of the children, the oldest of the children is currently involved in psychological
counseling.
7. Plaintiff believes that Defendant is not able 'to control his anger or other
outbursts, that Defendant denies he suffers from mental disorders, and that Defendant
fails to take his medication, or refuses to take it, on a regular basis, or continue with
therapy as required to treat his conditions.
8. Plaintiff is concerned about the physical and emotional safety of the children if
they are alone with Plaintiff and has requested this court to grant him limited contact with
the children, under supervised visitation. A hearing will be scheduled on that request in
the near future.
9. For the court to properly evaluate the facts in this case and make a decision
which is proper for both parties and the parties' children, Plaintiff believes that the court
needs a psychiatric evaluation of Defendant.
10. Plaintiff believes that the court, and any professional called upon to perform a
psychiatric evaluation of Defendant, require access to Defendant's medical and hospital
records, as well as to police reports and other reports or records which may shed light on
his mental or psychiatric condition.
11. Plaintiff is unable to pay the cost of a psychological evaluation or the
production of medical records. Plaintiff is unemployed and has been unemployed outside
the house for several years because of the age of the .parties' children. Defendant is
employed and Plaintiff believes he has funds sufficient to pay the cost of such evaluation
and the production of such records.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays this court to order and decree as follows:
A. Order Defendant to submit to a psychological evaluation by a
psychiatrist or other competent professional choosen by Plaintiff or, in the
alternative, appointed by the court; and
B. Order that all of Defendant's medical records, specifically including
any records of psychological or psychiatric diagnosis, medication, treatment,
or therapy, be made available to Plaintiff's counsel and to the professional
conducting the evaluation in this matter; and
C. That Defendant be directed to pay the cost of such evaluation and
the production of records.
Sa"~r~el L.'~:~e~ v~-'~/~
Attorney for Plaintiff
Supreme Court ID # 1 7225
525 North 12th Street
Lemoyne, Pa 17043
(717) 761-5361
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements made in this Petition are true and correct. I understand
that any false statements in this Petition are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. 4904
(unsworn falsification to authorities).
Date:
MI~H E-L[~'-L. GARDENH0O~-
MICHELLE L. GARDENHOUR,
PLAINTIFF
VS.
TROY A. GARDENHOUR,
DEFENDANT
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 02-5632
IN CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW this ,x~-~ day of .~' ?T-7 L~ ?J -~ ,2003, upon
consideration of the attached Petition, a Rule is hereby issued upon the Defendant,
Troy A. Gardenhour, to show cause, if any he has, why the relief prayed for therein shall
not be granted.
The Rule shall be served upon Defendant's counsel of record in this matter, Cara
Haggerty, Esquire, and shall be returnable ~.o days from the date of service.
BY THE COURT,
Distribution:
Samuel L. Andes, Esquire (Attorney for Plaintiff) 525 North 12th Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043
Cara Haggerty, Esquire (Attorney for Defendant)
8 South Hanover Street, Suite 204, Carlisle, PA 17013
JAN 2 1 2003
MICHELLE L. GiARDENHOUR,
Plaintiff
V.
TROY A. GARE
AND N(:
of the attached
follows:
1. Ph'
have periods
a.m. un
Pennsyl,
January
B
friend, B
on Tues
These vi
C
supervis
2. It
therapist, Lisa
fashion as is c
3. A
County Court
testimony wil
Gardenhour, ,,
testimony. C~
ENHOUR,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-5632 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
~W, this _ ~.¢-"/ day of ~
Custody L;onciliation Summary Report, it
,2003, upon consideration
hereby ordered and directed as
'sical Custody. Mother shall have primary' physical custody. Father shall
,f supervised visitation which shall be arranged as follows:
On the second, third, and fourth Saturdays of each month from 10:00
Iii 3:00 p.m. at the home of the paternal grandmother in Fayetteville,
fania and supervised by Mother's representative. The first visit shall be
11,2003.
Two weekdays from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the home of Mother's
~nielle Reed and in her presence. The parl:ies anticipate the visits will occur
ays and Thursdays but shall be scheduled at the convenience of Ms. Reed.
sits shall commence on January 7, 2003.
At other such times as the parties acjree and are able to arrange for
ion.
shall be permissible for Father to be in contact with the oldest child's
Barnes, and to participate in joint counseling with the oldest child in such
etermined to be clinically indicated by Ms. Barnes.
Hearing is scheduled in Courtroom Number 2, of the Cumberland
house, on the 26th day of February, 2003 at 9:00 A.M., at which time
be taken. For the purposes of the hearing, the Mother, Michelle L.
;hall be deemed to be the moving party and shall proceed initially with
)unsel for the parties or the parties pro .se shall file with the Court and
NO. 02-5632 CIVIL
opposing COL
custody, a list
of the anticipa
ten days prior
Dist: -,,'Sramuel L. /
~K'ara W. Ha
TERM
~nsellparty a memorandum setting forth each party's position on
of witnesses who are expected to testify at the hearing, and a summary
led testimony of each witness. These memoranda shall be filed at least
to the hearing date.
,ndes, Esquire, PO Box 168, Lemoyne, PA 17043
;Igerty, Esquire, 8 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, PA 17013
JAN 21 Z 23(¢
MICHELLE L. E
TROY A. GARE
IN ACC(:
1915.3-8, the ur
1. TI'
litigation are as
NAME
;ARDENHOUR,
Plaintiff
'ENHOUR,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-5632 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN CUSTODY
CUSTODY CONCILIATION SUMMARY REPORT
~RDANCE WITH CUMBERLAND COUNTY RULE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE
~dersigned Custody Conciliator submits the following report:
e pertinent information concerning the children who are the subject of this
follows:
DATE OF BIRTH
CURRENTLY IN THE CUSTODY OF
Marissa P. Gardenhour August 12, 1996 Mother
Madison J. Eiardenhour February 22, 2000 Mother
Megan A. Glrdenhour July 20, 2001 Mother
2. TNe parties were se_e,n for their first Custody Conciliation Conference on
January 2, 2003L pursuant to Mother s Complaint in Custody filed on or about November 22,
2002. Attending the Conference were: the Mother, Michelle L. Gardenhour, and her
counsel, Samue L. Andes, Esquire; the Father, Troy A. Gardenhour, and his counsel, Kara
W. Haggerty, E,,
from Abuse Ord
This Order was
consent of the pl
3. Thc
Therefore a hear
4. Mo'
physical custody
Father has a hisl
and to the childr~
compliant with hi
prescribed, she r
Father has push
threatened to kill
police were calle(
;quire. Other orders relevant to this proceeding include a final Protection
ar, docketed to 02-5855 in which the Mother is identified protected party.
entered without any admissions or findings of abuse but pursuant to the
~rties. The Order expires on December 18, 2003.
; parties were able to reach an aqreement only as to an Interim Order.
ing before the Court will be necessary.
:her's position on Custody is as follows: Mother petitions seeking primary
and short supervised visits with the Father based on her allegations that
ory of difficulties with serious emotional problems, verbal abuse to herself
;n. It is Mother's view that Father functions,, significantly better when he is
~ medication. However, at times when he has not taken his medication as
eports that his temper outbursts have escalated. She further alleges that
9d her, attempted to choke her, torn the 'telephone out of the wall and
her in the presence of the parties' oldest child. Following this incident, the
and Father was arrested on criminal charges which are presently pending
NO. 02-5632 CIVIL TERM
ARD. Those
represents that
been treated w
disorder. She
therapist has ¢
presently empl,
able to start a I
end of January
Father. Howev
in their best in1
occur by a pers
that Father's fa~
5. F~
time as he can
from his positi¢
weekends. Fa!
which have oc~
possible have b
he has ever con
battled depress
supervised con'
with his grandp
noted that he b
wishes, and witt'
6. Ne
will be offered fr
therapist, Lisa B
would be filing
treatment recor,
evaluation.
charges were simple assault, terroristic threats and harassment. Mother
Father has had at least two inpatient psychiatric admissions and that he has
ith various psychoactive drugs to treat what she understands to be bi-polar
alleges that parties oldest child has been in treatment and according to the
emonstrated symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Mother is not
)yed outside the home. However, she is seeking employment and maybe
)osition as a therapeutic support staff in a wrap-around program toward the
2003. Mother is very willing for the children to continue to have contact with
ar, she is of such concern for their emotional safety that she believes it to be
erest for his contact to be supervised. She has requested supervision to
}n whom she designates from her family or by a friend because she believes
nily does not take a view that his problems are as serious as does she.
:166739
~ther's position on custody is as follows: Father would like to spend as much
,vith the children. He is presently working full time and is off work each day
,n at Masters Manufacturing in Carlisle at 2:30 p.m. He does not work
her's mother has been participating in providing supervision for the visits,
;urred prior to the entry of this Order. Assisting in making those visits
-_,en members of Mother's family and a nearby neighbor. Father denies that
stituted a danger to the children and although he has acknowledges he has
on over the years, does not believe that his symptoms have warranted
act with the girls. Father is presently residing in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
~rents. He is seeking shared physical custody of the children. Father also
alieves that Mother has placed the oldest child in counseling against his
out consulting him.
ad for Expert Testimony: The Conciliator anticipates that expert testimony
~m Father's treating Psychiatrist, Dr. Rosenthall as well as from the child's
arnes. However, counsel for the Mother, Mr. Andes, has indicated that he
a petition for psychiatric evaluation and access for Father's psychiatric
Is. Mr. Andes also mentioned that he may file a petition a custody
Melissa Peel Greevy, q '
Custody Conciliator
MICHELLE L. GARDENHOUR
Plaintiff
Vo
TROY A. GARDENHOUR
Defendant
: No. 02-5632
: IN CUSTODY
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DEFENDANT'S ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF'S PETITION FOR PSYCHIATRIC
EVALUATION AND ACCESS TO MEDICAL RECORDS
AND NOW, comes the Defendant, Troy A. Gardenhour, by and through his attorney, Kara
W. Haggerty, Esquire, of ABOM & KUTULAKIS, L.L.P., and respectfully answers as follows:
1. It is admitted that the Petitioner is the Plaintiff, Miche!le L. Gardenhour. It is admitted
that the Respondent is the Defendant, Troy A. Gardenhour.
2. It is admitted that this is a custody matter involving the legal and physical custody of
three young children, Marissa P. Gardenhour, age 6, Madison J. Gardenhour, age 2, and Megan A.
Gardenhour, age 1. It is admitted that all three of the children currently reside in the physical
custody of the Plaintiff and see their father only under supervised conditions. By way of further
answer, Mr. Gardenhour reluctantly agreed to supervised Visitation until a hearing could be held on
this matter due to the fact that the plaintiff had been denying Mr. Gardenhour all contact with his
children.
3. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is specifically denied that Mr. Gardenhour has a
history of severe psychiatric and psychological disorders.
a. It is admitted that Mr. Gardenhour has undergone two hospitalizations, one in
December of 2000 in which he admitted himself to Philh~ven due to depression issues, and
one in September of 2002 in which he was involuntarily committed to Holy Spirit Hospital
based on the false testimony of his wife, the Plaintiff in this action.
b. It is specifically denied that Mr. Gardenhour has a diagnosis of Bi-Polar disease.
By way of further answer, Mr. Gardenhour previously underwent a psychiatric evaluation
that had specifically ruled out any evidence of underlying bipolarity.
c. It is specifically denied that Mr. Gardenhour has failed to take any prescribed
medication. By way of further answer, Mr. Gardenhour has been diagnosed with depression
and is currently prescribed Depakote, Zyprexa and Zoloft for that condition.
4. Denied. It is specifically denied that Mr. Gardenhour suffers from psychiatric and
psychological disorders. It is specifically denied that any psychiatriC or psychological disorders have
caused Mr. Gardenhour to be unable to control his conduct, or th.at Mr. Gardenhour experiences
uncontrolled outbursts of anger. It is specifically denied that Mr. Gardenhour physically assaulted
the Plaintiff. It is specifically denied that Mr. Gardenhour threatened to kill the Plaintiff, attempted
suicide in December of 2000 or discussed his own suicide on other occasions. By way of further
answer, there was an incident between Mr. Gardenhour and the Plaintiff in which Mr. Gardenhour
has been accused of pushing the Plaintiff. Mr. Gardenhour does deny these allegations, and this
matter is currently pending ARD in Cumberland County.
5. Denied. The Defendant is without knowledge or infoJ.xnation sufficient to form a belief
as to the truth of the averment stating what the Plaintiff has obse:rved; therefore, it is denied. By
way of further answer, it is specifically denied that Mr. Gardenhour suffers from or has been
diagnosed with mental disorders. It is specifically denied that Mr.. Gardenhour has committed acts
of violence and of physical and emotional abuse toward the Plaintiff and the children.
6. Admitted in part, denied in part, It is admitted that the oldest of the children is currently
involved in psychological counseling. It is specifically denied that the psychological counseling is
because of Mr. Garden_hour's conduct toward the children and toward the Plaintiff in the presence
of the children.
7. Denied. The Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief
as to the truth of the averment stating what the Plaintiff believes; therefore, it is denied. By way of
further answer, it is specifically denied that Mr. Garden_hour is not: able to control his anger or other
outbursts. It is specifically denied that Mr. Gardenhour suffers from mental disorders. It is
specifically denied that Mr. Gardenhour fails to take his medication, refuses to take his medication
on a regular basis, or refuses to continue with therapy, if any is recommended or required.
8. Denied.~ The Defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief
as to the truth of the averment stating that the Plaintiff has concerns; therefore, it is denied. By way
of further answer, it is specifically denied that the physical and emotional safety of the children is a
concern when they are alone with their father. It is specifically de. hied that it is necessary for this
court to order limited contact between Mr. Gardenhour and his children under supervised visitation.
9. Denied. It is specifically denied that the court needs a psychiatric evaluation of Mr.
Gardenhour for the court to properly evaluate the facts in this ca'se in order to make a decision
which is proper for both parties and the parties' children. By way of further answer, there is no
authority to conclude that anyone with mental health issues is necessarily unqualified or unable to
perform parental obligations. The Plaintiff may obtain an expert to provide an opinion based upon
the facts at the Plaintiff's expense. This petition is Plaintiff's effort to obtain expert testimony at Mr.
Gardenhour's expense.
10. Denied. It is specifically denied that the court may have access to and review Mr.
Gardenhour's medical and hospital records. It is specifically denied that any professional must be
called upon to perform a psychiatric evaluation of Mr. Gardenhour. It is specifically denied that
~ The Defendant assumes that Plaintiffs averment number 8 contains a mista~ke. The answer to averment number 8
assumes that the second "Plaintiff' actually refers to Mr. Gardenhour.
police reports or other reports or records should be introduced or reviewed in this matter. By way
of further answer, if the court determines that criminal history information is to be admitted, the
Defendant would request that the criminal history of both parties be admitted.
11. Denied. It is specifically denied that the Plaintiff is un.able to pay the cost of a
psychological evaluation or the production of medical records. It is specifically denied that such
evaluation is necessary. It is specifically denied that Mr. Gardenhour has funds sufficient to pay the
costs of such evaluation and the production of such records.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant prays This Honorable Co~xtt to deny the Plaintiff's Petition
for Psychiatric Evaluation and Access to Medical Records, pursualr~t to In the Matter of K.D., R.D.,
Appeal of A.D., 744 A.2d 760 (Pa. Super. 1999), where the Superior Court of Pennsylvania held that
ordering a parent to undergo psychological testing unconstitutionally infringed on the parent's right
of privacy and their interest to be free from an unwanted psychological evaluation.
Respectfully submitted,
ABOM & KUTULAKIS, L.L.P.
Supreme Court ID #86914
8 South Hanover Slxeet, Suite 204
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-0900
Attorney for Defendant
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements made in this Answer are true and correct. I understand that any
false statements in this Answer are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904, relating to
Unswom Falsification to Authorities.
DATE:
Troy A. G~(~enho'ur
MICHELLE L. GARDENHOUR
Plaintiff
Vo
TROY A. GARDENHOUR
Defendant
: No. 02-5632
: IN CUSTODY
IN THE COURT OF CONIMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUN~I~(,
PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this 12a' day of February, 2003, I, Kara W. Haggerty, Esquire, hereby certify
that I did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing Answer to Plaintiff's Petition for Psychiatric
Evaluation and Access to Medical Records upon the following by placing or causing to be placed
said copy in the United States Mail, addressed as follows:
Samuel L. Andes, Esquire
525 North 12~ Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Date:
Attorney I.D. No. 86914
8 South Hanover Street, Suite 204
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-0900
Attomey for Defindant
MICHELLE L. :
GARDENHOUR, :
Plaintiff :
V. ·
TROY A. :
GARDENHOUR, :
Defendant :
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 02-5632 CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 18th day of February, 2003,'upon consideration of Plaintiff's
Petition for Psychiatric Evaluation and Access to Medical Records and Defendant's
Answer to Plaintiff's Petition for Psychiatric Evaluation ~md Access to Medical Records,
Plaintiff's petition is denied, without prejudice to Plaintiff's right to renew the request of
the petition at the hearing before the Honorable Edgar B. Bayley on February 26, 2003,
based upon a demonstrated need for the relief requested after the parties have presented
other evidence in the case.
Samuel L. Andes, Esq.
525 N. 12th Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Attorney for Plaintiff
Kara Haggerty, Esq.
8 South Hanover Street
Suite 204
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorney for Defendant
BY THE COURT,
esley Olef_,_~., ~n. j.
'rc
MICHELLE L. GARDENHOUR,
Plaintiff
V.
TROY A. GARDENHOUR,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 02-5632 CIVIL TERM
ORDER QF CQURT
AND NOW, this 26th day of February, 2003, upon
agreement of the parties, the following order is entered:
1. Legal custody of Marissa P. Gardenhour, born
August 12, 1996, Madison J. Gardenhour, born February 22, 2000,
and Megan A. Gardenhour, born July 20, 2001, shall be shared by
the mother, Michelle L. Gardenhour, and the father, Troy A.
Gardenhour. The parents will cooperate to make major decisions
for the benefit and protection of their children, and will
exchange information regarding their education, healthcare and
other major items.
2. The mother, Michelle L. Gardenhour, shall have
primary physical custody of the children..
3. The father, Troy A. Garden.hour, shall have the
following periods of temporary custody until further order of
court:
a. Alternating weekends from Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
until Sunday at 6:00 p.m. The weekends will start on Saturday,
March 8, 2003. The mother shall both drop off the children and
pick them up at the father's home at the commencement and end
of these periods.
b. Every Tuesday from 3:00 p..m. until
7:00 p.m., commencing on Tuesday, March 4, 2003. The father
and his mother shall be responsible to provide transportation
to both pick up the children at their day care center or at the
bus stop where Marissa gets off the school bus, and to return
the children to the mother's home.
c. Such other afternoons or ew~nings during the week,
or such additional times otherwise, as the parents may agree.
4. Ail of the father's periods of temporary custody
shall be under the direct supervision of his mother Edith
Gorman, and shall take place in her physical presence. When
the children spend the night it will be .at her home.
5. The parents shall obtain an evaluation by Arnold
Shienvold of Riegler Shienvold and Associates within ninety
days, if possible. The purpose of the evaluation is to
determine whether there is a need for continued supervision of
the father's time with the children. The evaluation shall
review the father's history and current health condition and
address the mother's concerns and anxieties about him and his
time with the children. The parents shall share equally the
cost of Dr. Shienvold's services. Dr. Shienvold shall report,
verbally or in writing, to counsel for both parents.
5. This order shall remain in effect until modified
by this Court which may be done following a hearing or by
agreement of the parties.
Samuel L. Andes Esquire
For Plaintiff
Kara W. Haggerty, Esquire
For Defendant
Sheriff
By t ~h~~,~
Edgar B. Bayley~J.
prs