Marriage of Rubtsov and Rubtsova CA2/3

INTRODUCTION

This is an appeal from custody and visitation orders in a high conflict marital dissolution proceeding. Appellant Ivan Rubtsov represented himself in most of the proceedings below, and both Ivan1 and respondent Ulyana Rubtsova represent themselves on appeal. Ivan and Ulyana have three minor children. After a lengthy contested custody proceeding, the trial court awarded sole physical and legal custody of the couple’s two younger children to Ulyana and sole physical and legal custody of the oldest child, V., to Ivan. The court also required professional monitors to oversee visitation between both Ivan and V., respectively, and the younger children. The court made a number of important factual findings that informed its decision. Primarily, the court found that, following Ulyana’s initiation of the marital dissolution action, Ivan engaged in an aggressive and persistent campaign to alienate Ulyana from the children. Ivan had imprinted his message on V. to the point that she became an instrument in his campaign against Ulyana. The court also found that Ulyana and Ivan are unable to communicate in a non-hostile, effective manner and therefore would be unable to make…