Opposition Brief — Catz v. McDonald
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Supreme Court, U.S.
FILED
MAR 27 1997
No. 96-1354
OFFICE OF THE CLERK
In The
Supreme Court of the United States
October Term, 1996
*
ROBERT S. CATZ,
Petitioner,
TRIAL COMMISSIONER JOSEPH R. McDONALD,
DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION OF THE
SUPERIOR COURT IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF
PIMA, ARIZONA, SUSAN R. CHALKER
(Real Party of Interest), FIDELITY INVESTMENTS,
TEACHERS INSURANCE ANNUITY ASSOCIATION-
COLLEGE RETIREMENT EQUITY FUND, AND
WATERHOUSE SECURITIES, INC.,
Respondents.
*
On Petition For Writ Of Certiorari
To The Arizona Court Of Appeals, Division Two
¢
BRIEF IN OPPOSITION
¢
LEONARD Karp
Counsel of Record
Counsel for Respondent Susan R. Chalker
33 N. Stone Avenue
Suite 2120
Tucson, Arizona 85701-1415
(520) 882-9705
March 27, 1997
COCKLE LAW BRIEF PRINTING CO., (800) 225-6964
OR CALL COLLECT (402) 342-2831
QUESTIONS PRESENTED
Whether this Court has jurisdiction pursuant to 28
U.S.C. § 1257 to hear this matter where Petitioner
neither raised, nor did the court below decide, the
“question” Petitioner presents in-his Petition for Writ
of Certiorari.
Whether the Arizona statutes and the Arizona courts
afforded due process to Petitioner.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY PROVI-
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B: ARIZONA: THE TRIAL COURT .............
C. THE PETITION IS YET ANOTHER ATTEMPT
TO COLLATERALLY ATTACK THE DIVORCE
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THE PETITION FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI
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A. THE ARIZONA STATE COURT DID NOT
DECIDE AN IMPORTANT FEDERAL QUES-
TION OR IMPORTANT QUESTION OF FED-
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B. A.R.S. § 25-315 IS CONSTITUTIONAL ON ITS
FACE AND AS APPLIED HERE.............
C. THE UNIQUE FACTS OF THIS CASE ARE
NOT SUITED TO THE PRONOUNCEMENT
OF BROAD LEGAL PRINCIPLES............
20
21
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS - Continued
Page
D. THE IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS ACAINST
PETITIONER IS APPROPRIATE
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iv
TABLE OF AUTHORITIES
Page
CASES
Braxton v. U.S., S00 US. FOG CIGGE) co ccccccccecesaccs 20
Ellis v. Dixon, 349 U.S. 458, rehearing denied, 350
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Poppenheim v. Portland Boxing and Wrestling Com-
mission, 442 F.2d 1047 (9th Cir. 1971).............. a
Stone v. Godbehere 894 F.2d 1131 (9th Cir. 1990) ..... 22
STATUTES AND RULES
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MISCELLANEOUS
§ 304, Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act........... 21
a
. BRIEF IN OPPOSITION TO PETITION
FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI
Real Party in Interest, Susan R. Chalker (“Chalker”)
requests that this Court deny the Petition for Writ of
Certiorari filed by Robert Catz (“Catz”), wherein he seeks
review of the judgment of the Arizona Court of Appeals,
Division Two, entered on May 2, 1996. The decision of the
Arizona Court of Appeals, Division Two, does not decide
an important federal question nor does it conflict with
any decisions among other state or federal courts. Review
by this Court is unnecessary and inappropriate.
¢
OPINIONS BELOW
Chalker concurs with the Statement of Opinions
Below as set forth in Catz’ Petition.
¢
JURISDICTION
On November 26, 1996, the Supreme Court of the State
of Arizona denied review of Catz’ Petition for Special
Action filed with the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division
Two (“Court of Appeals”). Catz asserts that this Court has
jurisdiction to review the Court of Appeals decision pur-
suant to 28 U.S.C. § 1257. He is wrong. A final judgment
regarding the “question” presented in Catz’ Petition for
Writ of Certiorari (“Petition”) was never entered by the
Court of Appeals or the Arizona Supreme Court and this
Court is therefore deprived of review jurisdiction under 28
U.S.C. § 1257. Jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1257 is also
unavailing because Catz never raised the issue of the
constitutional validity of the Arizona statute imposing an
automatic injunction against the parties to a domestic rela-
tions proceeding, A.R.S. § 25-315, in his Petition for Special
Action to the Court of Appeals.
e
CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY
PROVISIONS INVOLVED
Arizona Revised Statutes, § 25-315 is the sole statu-
tory provision involved in the matter before this Court. It
states in full:
Temporary order or preliminary injunction;
effect
A. In all actions for the dissolution of mar-
riage or for legal separation, the clerk of the
court shall pursuant to order of the superior
court issue a preliminary injunction in the
following manner:
1. The preliminary injunction shall be
directed to each party to the action and
contain the following orders:
(a) That both parties are enjoined from
transferring, encumbering, concealing, sell-
ing or otherwise disposing of any of the
joint, common or community property of
the parties except if related to the usual
course of business, the necessities of life or
court fees and reasonable attorney fees
associated with an action filed under this
article, without the written consent of the
parties or the permission of the court.
(b) That both parties are enjoined from
molesting, harassing, disturbing the peace
of or committing an assault or battery on
the person of the other party or any natural
or adopted child of the parties.
(c) That both parties are enjoined from
removing any natural or adopted child of
the parties then residing in Arizona from
the jurisdiction of the court without the
prior written consent of the parties or the
permission of the court.
2. The preliminary injunction shall include
the following statements:
“Warning
This is an official court order. If you disobey
this order the court may find you in contempt of
court. You may also be arrested and prosecuted
for the crime of interfering with judicial pro-
ceedings and any other crime you may have
committed in disobeying this order.
You or your spouse may file a certified copy
of this order with your local law enforcement
agency. A certified copy may be obtained from
the clerk of the court that issued this order. If
you are the person that brought this action, you
must also file evidence with the law enforce-
ment agency that this order was served on your
spouse.
This court order is effective until a final
decree of dissolution or legal separation is filed
or the action is dismissed.”
3. The preliminary injunction shall be
effective against the petitioner upon filing
the petition and against the respondent
upon service of a copy of the order. In the
event of service by registered mail under
4
the rules of civil procedure, the order shall
be effective upon receipt of the order. The
order shall remain effective until further
order of the court or the entry of a decree of
dissolution or legal separation.
4. At the time of filing the petition for
dissolution or legal separation, the copies of
the preliminary injunction shall be issued to
the petitioner or the agent, servant or
employee filing the petition for dissolution
or legal separation. The petitioner shall be
deemed to have accepted service of the peti-
tioner’s copy of the preliminary injunction
‘and to have actual notice of the contents
thereof by filing or causing to be filed a
petition for dissolution or legal separation.
The petitioner shall cause a copy of the
preliminary injunction to be served upon
the respondent together with a copy of the
summons and petition for dissolution or
legal separation.
5. The preliminary injunction shall have
the force and effect of an order of the supe-
rior court signed by a judge and shall be
enforceable by all remedies made available
by law, including contempt of court. The
provisions of rules 65(a)(1) and 65(e) of the
rules of civil procedure shall not be applica-
ble to the preliminary injunction.
B. In a proceeding for dissolution of mar-
riage, for legal separation or for mainte-
nance or support following dissolution of
the marriage by a court which lacked per-
sonal jurisdiction over the absent spouse,
either party may move for temporary main-
tenance or temporary support of a child,
natural or adopted, common to the parties
entitled to support. The motion shall be
accompanied by an affidavit setting forth
the factual basis for the motion and the
amounts requested.
C. As a part of a motion for temporary
maintenance or support or by independent
motion accompanied by affidavit, either
party may request the court to issue a tem-
porary restraining order or preliminary
injunction for any of the following relief:
1. Excluding a party from the family home
or from the home of the other party upon a
showing that physical or emotional harm
may otherwise result.
2. Providing other injunctive relief proper
in the circumstances.
D. The court may issue a temporary
restraining order without requiring notice
to the other party only if it finds on the
basis of the moving affidavit or other evi-
dence that irreparable injury will result to
the moving party if no order is issued until
the time for responding has elapsed. No
bond shall be required unless the court
deems it appropriate.
E. On the basis of the showing made, and
in conformity with §§ 25-318 and 25-319, the
court may issue a preliminary injunction
and an order for temporary maintenance or
support in amounts and on terms just and
proper in the circumstances. The court may
also make temporary orders respecting the
property of the parties, as may be necessary.
F. A temporary order or preliminary
injunction:
1. Does not prejudice the rights of the par-
ties or any child which are to be adjudicated
at the subsequent hearings in the proceed-
ings.
2. May be revoked or modified before final
decree on a showing by affidavit of the facts
necessary to revocation or modification of a
final decree under § 25-327 and as provided
in rule 65 of the rules of civil procedure.
3. Terminates when the final decree is
entered or when the petition for dissolution
or legal separation is dismissed.
G. A person who disobeys or resists an
injunction issued pursuant to subsection A,
paragraph 1, subdivision (b) or subsection
C, paragraph 1 of this section is subject to
arrest and prosecution for interference with
judicial proceedings pursuant to § 13-2810
and the following procedures apply:
1. Any party may cause a certified copy of
the injunction and return of service on the
other party to be registered with the sheriff
having jurisdiction of the area in which the
party resides. The party original registering
the injunction shall register any changes or
modifications of the injunction with such
sheriff. For enforcement by arrest and pros-
ecution for interference with judicial pro-
ceedings, a certified copy of the injunction,
whether or not registered with such sheriff,
is presumed to be a valid existing order of
the court until a final decree of dissolution
or legal separation is entered or the action
iii.
for dissolution or legal separation is dis-
missed.
2. A peace officer may, with or without a
warrant, arrest a person if he has probable
cause to believe that an offense under this
subsection has been committed and he has
probable cause to believe that the person to
be arrested has committed the offense,
whether such offense is a felony or a misde-
meanor and whether such offense was com-
mitted within or without the presence of the
peace officer. The release procedures avail-
able under § 13-3883, paragraph 4 and
§ 13-3903 are not applicable to arrests made
pursuant to this subsection.
3. A peace officer making an arrest pur-
suant to this subsection is not civilly or
criminally liable for the arrest if the officer
acts upon probable cause and without mal-
ice.
4. A person arrested pursuant to this sub-
section may be released from custody in
accordance with the rules of criminal pro-
cedure or other applicable statute. An order
for release, with or without an appearance
bond, shall include pretrial release condi-
tions necessary to provide for the protection
of the alleged victim and other specifically
designated persons and may provide addi-
tional conditions which the court deems
appropriate, including participation in any
counseling programs available to the defen-
dant.
5. The remedies provided in this subsec-
tion for enforcement of the preliminary
injunction are in addition to any other civil
or criminal remedies available, including
civil contempt of court. The use of one rem-
edy does not prevent the simultaneous or
subsequent use of any other.
¢
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
Catz’ factual recitation of the case is inaccurate,
incomplete and misleading and Chalker therefore
includes a Statement of the Case.
A. INTRODUCTION
The instant Petition is but another in a long series of
attempts by Catz to collaterally attack the Decree of Dis-
solution of Marriage (“Divorce Decree”) entered March
14, 1995, by the Superior Court of Arizona in and for the
County of Pima (“Superior Court”). Although the
“issues” raised in the Petition are the same as those
repeatedly raised by Catz in various proceedings in var-
ious fora, they were never presented to the Court of
Appeals nor properly raised before the Supreme Court of
the State of Arizona for resolution. With the exception of
his recently filed and pending request for review in the
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and
an action in, although currently stayed by, the United
States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee,
all other related actions filed by Catz have either been
dismissed or voluntarily withdrawn. The following state-
ment details the odyssey of judicial abuse of process to
which Catz has subjected Chalker and the courts from
November, 1994 to date.
<r
B. ARIZONA: THE TRIAL COURT
On November 4, 1994, Chalker filed a Petition for
Dissolution of Marriage against Catz in the Superior
Court, Cause No. D-103065. At the same time, she also
filed a Petition for Order to Show Cause requesting pen-
dente lite orders on spousal maintenance, exclusive use of
the marital residence, attorney’s fees, child support and
funds to service the parties’ community debt. Hearing on
the Petition for Order to Show Cause was set for January
11, 1995. On December 1, 1994, the Superior Court
granted Chalker’s Ex Parte Motion to Add Parties and for
Issuance of Temporary Restraining Orders (“TRO”) as
permitted under A.R.S. § 25-315. Fidelity Investment
Trust, TIAA-CREF, and others, were named as additional
parties to the action on Dissolution of Marriage.
Chalker’s request for TRO was prompted by Catz’
avowal that he intended to remove all property from the
reach of the Arizona court and had taken steps to see that
Chalker would be unable to touch any community
assets.' Catz misrepresents the facts when he states in his
Petition that the Superior Court was not advised of the
existence of an earlier entered Ohio divorce decree. In an
affidavit appended to the application for TRO, Chalker
stated, under oath, she never had actual notice of any
prior divorce proceedings, nor had she been served with
1 Chalker’s fears that Catz would secret away community
assets proved correct. On November 26, 1994, Catz acted on his
threat and requested Fidelity, a financial institution holding
community assets, to transfer title of community funds to his
adult children from a prior marriage, Shawn and Jason Catz.
—*
10
divorce papers from any jurisdiction purporting to con-
tain a judgment on divorce between herself and Catz.”
Catz’ repeated claims to the contrary aside, the Superior
Court was well aware from the outset of the action on
Dissolution of Marriage of the Ohio “divorce”.
Although Catz knew that Chalker had filed a Petition
for Dissolution (he had received notice from the Superior
Court on November 22, 1994 informing him of his option
to attend mediation to resolve child custody issues), he
evaded service of process until December 14, 1994. On
that same date, Catz filed an Emergency Motion to Dis-
miss the action on dissolution. The court did not, as Catz
contends, “evaluate” Catz’ emergency motion and deter-
mine that Chalker failed to disclose the existence of the
Ohio decree. Rather, it set a hearing on the Motion to
Dismiss for December 19, 1994. This hearing was later
reset to January 11, 1995, the same date and time as the
2 Catz and Chalker were married on April 13, 1980. On or
about April 10, 1989, while Catz was teaching law in Ohio and
Chalker was residing with their minor son at their marital
residence in Florida, Catz obtained a divorce from the Court of
Common Pleas of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, by entry of a default
judgment. Catz claimed to have obtained service upon Chalker
by sending the summons and complaint to a post office box,
registered in Catz’ name, where they were purportedly accepted
by an individual named Tim Loughart; Catz did not serve
Chalker personally at the marital residence. Chalker testified
that she was never served with process, never received notice of
the action, and was not aware of the purported divorce until late
in 1994. (APPENDIX 1)
Chalker recognizes that the Appendices to her Brief in
Opposition are unusually lengthy but believes the submission
of same is necessary for the Court appreciation of the
multiplicitious litigation to which she has been subjected.
11
pending hearing on pendente lite orders. Instead of
actively defending against the Superior Court action,
Catz filed a Notice of Removal to the United States Dis-
trict Court for the District of Arizona (“Arizona district
court”), thereby staying all state court matters, including
the very post-seizure hearing Catz now complains the
Superior Court failed to provide. (APPENDIX 2)
Following the Arizona district court’s remand on Jan-
uary 12, 1995, Catz did nothing to preserve or to obtain a
hearing to determine the efficacy of the TRO. Rather, it
was Chalker who filed an amended notice of hearing for
pendente lite relief. The Superior Court reset that hearing
to February 16, 1995, later rescheduled to March 14,
1995.3 Catz was provided with all pleadings, discovery
requests, court orders, and notices of hearing.‘ In fact, at
3 Chalker’s Motion to Continue the Show Cause hearing for
pendente lite orders was filed on January 25, 1995 and mailed to
Catz. (APPENDIX 3) Catz promptly responded to this Motion
on February 3, 1995 requesting that the hearing be continued for
the reason that he had competing commitments. (APPENDIX 4)
At the February 6, 1995 hearing, for which Catz did not appear,
the Superior Court continued the Show Cause hearing to March
14, 1995. Catz’ request for continuance is significant in that it
shows he was in receipt of Chalker’s pleadings and because he
did not ask for a hearing regarding his earlier filed Motion to
Dismiss.
4 At the heart of Catz’ grievance is his charge that hearing
notices came to him at a delayed pace, if at all. This allegation is
disingenuous. Catz chose to respond to some of Chalker’s
pleadings in a timely fashion, while completely ignoring others.
Catz changed places of residence on several occasions during
the time period in question, and did not notify the Superior
Court of his permanent relocation to Nashville, Tennessee, until
late January 1995.
12
one point, Chalker was serving Catz at five different
addresses and communicating with Catz through a Mr.
Philip Stinson, an attorney who represented Catz in the
Arizona district court matter. When Catz failed to appear
at his deposition as scheduled, Chalker filed a Motion for
Sanctions which was set for hearing. Although Catz
alleges not to have received timely notice of the hearing
on sanctions, Chalker informed Catz of the hearing both
by sending him the notice of hearing, and confirming the
hearing date and time, via telephone and letter, with Mr.
Stinson. (APPENDIX 5) Following the March 2, 1995,
evidentiary hearing on sanctions, for which Catz did not
appear, the Superior Court found Catz had willfully,
deliberately and in bad faith refused to Participate in
discovery and ordered that the scheduled March 14, 1995
hearing be limited to a proceeding on default. (APPEN-
DIX 6)
Although he now states he had untimely and inade-
quate notice, Catz has conceded his knowledge of the
March 14, 1995 hearing. Indeed, in an attempt to forestall
the very hearing of which he claims to have ill notice
Catz filed, on the very day of the hearing, yet another
Notice of Removal to the Arizona district court. (APPEN-
DIX 7) Prior to the second removal and following an
evidentiary hearing, the Superior Court entered default
judgment against Catz. The Superior Court refused to
give full faith and credit to the 1989 Ohio Decree of
Dissolution, finding it to be null and void as having been
fraudulently obtained. (APPENDIX 8)
On March 31, 1995, the Arizona district court again
remanded the case to the Superior Court and specifically
ordered the federal clerk to accept no further pleadings
le nn er ene
inttmimetihinett sti
He Sathaese a3 AB bie ws
13
from Catz without the court's permission. (APPENDIX 9)
While Catz’ second attempt at removal was pending in
the Arizona district court, he filed motions pursuant to
Rules 59 and 60, ARIZ.R.CIV.P., in the Superior Court to
vacate the orders on sanctions and the default judgment
entered against him. Catz claims that his post-judgment
Superior Court pleadings were returned to him on April
14, 1995 by the clerk of the Superior Court with a ques-
tionnaire required of litigants unable to pay fees and
costs. However, after the second remand from the Ari-
zona district court, Catz did not attempt to re-file his
Superior Court post-judgment motions, nor did he return
the clerk’s questionnaire. Catz, a practicing lawyer and
former professor of law, having failed to substantively
respond to the proceedings pending in the Superior
Court and without having made even the most cursory
attempt to comply with the procedural requirements of
Arizona law, now complains that he lost his right to
appeal the judgment of the Superior Court because of the
actions of the clerk of the court.5
> Rule 60, Ariz.R.Civ.P., provides a litigant with indefinite
time for filing a motion for relief from judgment if the judgment
is void and six months if the judgment was obtained by fraud.
Therefore, as a matter of law, Catz was not deprived of any
rights as a result of the clerk’s return of his papers. Rather, it is
apparent that Catz simply elected to challenge the Superior
Court’s ruling in other fora, via collateral attacks, rather than
through the well-articulated procedures that were available to
him in the Arizona courts.
14
C. THE PETITION IS YET ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO
COLLATERALLY ATTACK THE DIVORCE DECREE
Catz asserts that “having been deprived of his right
to file a direct appeal from the default judgment,” he filed
an “original” action in the United States District Court for
the Middle District of Tennessee (“Tennessee district
court”) collaterally attacking the Arizona Divorce Decree
on October 2, 1995.° Curiously, Catz omits mention of the
litigious wars he fought on other fronts from April 1995
through the October Tennessee filing. A summary of
Catz’ filings from April 10 through October 1995, which
escape mention in his Petition follow:
1. On April 10, 1995, Catz moved to dismiss
his earlier filed federal civil rights action
against Chalker. Catz filed this § 1983 com-
plaint against Chalker on December 20,
1994. The Arizona District Court dismissed
this complaint with prejudice on June 8,
1995 expressly adopting Chalker’s reasoning
that Catz’ “utter disregard for the law must
be halted . . . ” (APPENDIX 11) Catz had
° Coincidentally, this occurred after a hearing in the United
States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio (“Ohio
district court”) on September 29, 1995 on Catz’ Motion for
Temporary Restraining Order filed in conjunction with his
Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief. At that
hearing, the Honorable John M. Manos noted, on the record,
numerous deficiencies in Catz’ pleadings, including lack of
personal jurisdiction, improper venue, the absence of
allegations of state action to support a civil rights action under
42 U.S.C. § 1983, and the preclusive effect of the prior actions in
which the same claims had been asserted and dismissed. The
transcript of that hearing demonstrates the court’s clear intent
to dismiss Catz’ complaint. (APPENDIX 10).
15
also filed a companion civil rights action
against Chalker’s divorce attorneys, but
never served the complaint.
On April 12, 1995, Catz filed an Application for
Supplemental Relief and an Ex-Parte Lis Pen-
dens in the Court of Common Pleas of
Cuyahoga County, Ohio (“Ohio State Court”),
requesting declaratory and injunctive relief.
(APPENDIX 12) Catz voluntarily dismissed
this action on July 28, 1995, the day of the
hearing on the temporary orders, stating to the
court that his intentions were to litigate his
claims to fruition in Arizona.
On April 28, 1995, Catz filed a Notice of
Appeal to the United States Court of
Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (“Ninth Cir-
cuit”) from the Order of the Arizona District
Court, remanding the dissolution proceed-
ings to the Superior Court. He voluntarily
dismissed this appeal on June 10, 1995.
On June 23, 1995, and although the time
limits for filing a Motion to Vacate Judgment
pursuant to Rule 60(c), ARIZ.R.CIV.P., had
yet to expire, Catz filed a Petition for Special
Action in the Supreme Court of Arizona
requesting review of the Superior Court’s
orders. (APPENDIX 13) The court declined
to hear the petition by order entered on June
30, 1995. (APPENDIX 14)
On July 4, 1995, in the Supreme Court of
Arizona, Catz filed an Emergency Motion
for Rehearing by the Full Court En Banc
regarding the denial of entertaining the Peti-
tion for Special Action. (APPENDIX 15) This
motion was denied by the court on July 14,
1995. (APPENDIX 16) Instead of pursuing
16
relief through the Court of Appeals, as the
Arizona Supreme Court suggested in their
June 30, 1995 order, Catz voluntarily with-
drew his Petition for Special Action on
August 10 and advised the clerk that he
intended to petition for a Writ of Certiorari
with the United States Supreme Court.
(APPENDIX 17)
On July 27, 1995, and while the Ohio state
court action was still pending, Catz filed a
complaint for Declaratory and Injunction
relief in the Ohio district court requesting
substantially the same relief as he requested
in both the Ohio state court action and in his
Arizona Special Action Petition. (APPEN-
DIX 18)
On September 26, 1995, Catz filed his First
Amended Complairt in the Ohio district
court adding Cha!«er’s divorce counsel,
Leonard Karp and Annette Everlove, as
additional defendants. (APPENDIX 19) This
complaint was Cismissed, with prejudice, by
the Honorable Judge M. Manos, on Decem-
ber 1, 1995. The court found “the complaint
does not have an arguable basis in law or
fact because it is barred by the principle of
res judicata. Catz entered an appearance in
the Arizona state case and filed the second
Arizona federal case. Judgments were ren-
dered on the merits in both cases. His
opportunities to attack them ended when he
did not appeal.” (citations omitted). The
court further found “[Catz’] claims in [this
case] are identical to ones previously raised
and decided . . . [t]he complaint filed by
Catz is without merit.” (APPENDIX 20).
of eos ee eal
AOD REND LEE SPRITE 4 FO
17
Following entry of the Divorce Decree by the Supe-
rior Court, Catz embarked upon a campaign of forum
shopping marked by dishonesty and vituperation, raising
substantially the same claims in the Arizona district
court, the Ninth Circuit, the Ohio state court and the
Ohio district court, as well as the Tennessee district court.
Never, however, did Catz put his claims for relief before
the court to which he was admonished time and time
again to seek redress, the Arizona Court of Appeals.
Contrary to Catz’ assertion, his Tennessee action was
far from “original,” rather it was substantially identical to
the complaints previously filed in the Ohio state court
and the district courts of Ohio and Arizona. (APPENDIX
21) Chalker moved to dismiss Catz’ complaint in the
Tennessee district court for lack of personal and subject
matter jurisdiction, responsive to which Catz filed his
First Amended Complaint. On October 26, 31 and
November 2, 1995, the Tennessee district court, the Hon-
orable Robert Echols, held a hearing on Chalker’s Motion
to Dismiss. A flurry of post-hearing filings by Catz fol-
lowed, including his motion to, once again, amend his
complaint. On February 7, 1996, Judge Echols entered a
Memorandum Opinion and Order dismissing Catz’ com-
plaint, finding that Catz’ claims were nothing more than
collateral attacks on the judgment of the Superior Court
in a domestic relations action and that federal subject
matter jurisdiction was therefore lacking. (APPENDIX 22)
Catz thereupon filed a motion to alter or amend the
judgment and another motion for leave to amend the
complaint. (APPENDIX 23) All were denied by court
18
order on April 10, 1996.7 The Tennessee district court, like
the Ohio and Arizona district courts before it, advised
Catz that his only avenue for relief, if such were due, was
through the appellate process in Arizona.
On November 30, 1995, while the first Tennessee
district court case was pending, Catz filed a second action
in the Tennessee district court. In February, 1996, Catz
filed an Amended Complaint in this second action, a
document almost identical to the proposed amended
complaint he was denied leave to file in the first action,
even containing the same typographical errors. (APPEN-
DIX 24) However, it was not until February 26, 1996, after
Judge Echols had issued his ruling dismissing the first
Tennessee district court action, that Catz attempted to
serve any defendant in the second action. At the May 14,
1996 status conference regarding the second action, Catz
acknowledged that he intended to file yet another action
against the same named defendants in the United States
District Court for the District of Columbia. This
prompted the Magistrate Judge presiding at the status
conference to enter an order enjoining Catz from filing
any actions against the defendants in any other district
court and staying further proceedings in the second Ten-
nessee district court action pending the determination of
the consolidated cases on appeal to the Sixth Circuit.
(APPENDIX 25) See footnote7, supra.
” Catz appealed the Tennessee district court’s order, which
was consolidated with his appeal of the Ohio district court’s
order, Case Nos. 96-3114 and 96-5776, currently pending in the
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
> I
<
$
AEN eSB A EAR AA ane
D. BACK TO ARIZONA
On March 27, 1996, more than a year after entry of
the Divorce Decree Catz filed his Verified Petition for
Special Action in the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division
Two. (APPENDIX 26) By Order entered May 2, 1996, the
Court of Appeals declined jurisdiction and awarded
Chalker her attorneys’ fees and costs. (APPENDICES 27
and 28) On May 18, 1996 Catz filed his Petition for
Review with the Arizona Supreme Court. (APPENDIX 29)
There, Catz asked the court to consider for the first time
the constitutionality of the injunctive provisions of A.R.S.
~ § 25-315. Although Catz insisted in pleadings to the Ari-
zona Supreme Court that this issue was presented to the
Court of Appeals, it in fact was neither raised by Catz nor
decided by that court. Likewise, Catz now persists in his
assertion to the Court that the question of the constitu-
tionality of A.R.S. § 25-315 was properly before the Court
of Appeals. However, as the record below clearly demon-
strates, Catz never asked the Court of Appeals to review
and/or rule upon the constitutionality, or lack thereof, of
A.R.S. § 25-315. On October 25, 1996, the Supreme Court
of Arizona denied Catz’ Petition for Review, and as with
the Court of Appeals below, awarded Chalker her attor-
neys’ fees and costs. (APPENDICES 30 and 31)
4
20
THE PETITION FOR WRIT OF
CERTIORARI SHOULD BE DENIED
A. THE ARIZONA STATE COURT DID NOT DECIDE
AN IMPORTANT FEDERAL QUESTION OR
IMPORTANT QUESTION OF FEDERAL LAW.
The principal purpose behind certiorari jurisdiction
is to permit this Court to resolve conflicts among the
United States courts of appeal inter se and/or the state
courts of last resort concerning the United States Consti-
tution or provisions of federal law. Rule 10, Sup.Ct.R;
Braxton v. U.S., 500 U.S. 344 (1991). At a minimum, the
petitioner must present a question of federal dimension
and must have presented that same question to the courts
below. When an important federal question is not prop-
erly raised below, this Court may not proceed on a peti-
tion for certiorari. Ellis v. Dixon, 349 U.S. 458, rehearing
denied, 350 U.S. 855 (1955). Here, neither the Arizona
Supreme Court nor the Court of Appeals decided an issue
of federal law. The question Catz now presents for review
was neither presented to, nor resolved by, the Arizona
courts. In fact, in his Petition for Special Action to the
Court of Appeals, Catz never mentions A.R.S. § 25-315,
nor does he cite any of the cases to which he refers this
Court in support of his claim that the Arizona statute is
unconstitutional.
Even assuming arguendo that Catz properly presented
a federal question to the Court of Appeals, this Court
should nevertheless deny certiorari for the reason that no
conflict regarding the constitutionality of A.R.S. § 25-315
exists between any federal and/or state courts. Indeed,
demonstrative of the uniformity among jurisdictions as to
‘4
YT
3
,
:
7
2
t
bs
:
21
the validity of A.R.S. § 25-315 is the fact that it is based
upon § 304 of the Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act.®
B. A.R.S. § 25-315 IS CONSTITUTIONAL ON ITS
FACE AND AS APPLIED HERE
On November 4, 1994, concurrent with the filing of
the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, the clerk of the
Superior Court issued a preliminary injunction enjoining
both Catz and Chalker from removing their minor child
from the state, from disturbing the peace of each other,
and from disposing of marital assets without written
permission of the parties or the court. The clerk’s action
was taken pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-315(A).9 By order
entered on December 1, 1994, the Superior Court froze
certain marital assets of Catz and Chalker in accordance
with A.R.S. § 25-315(D). This order was issued after the
Superior Court reviewed affidavits of Chalker and Sandra
Potter, a mutual friend of both parties, and found that
8 Arizona adopted the Uniform law with a slight variation
which provides even more constitutional guarantees to
divorcing spouses. Specifically Arizona’s preliminary
injunction states that a spouse may not dispose of joint or
community property while the Uniform law states that a spouse
may not dispose of “any” property pending dissolution
proceedings. U.L.A. § 304(b)(1).
° The preliminary injunction expressly exempts the
disposal of property in the usual course of business or for the
necessities of life. A.R.S. § 25-315(A). Therefore Catz’ complaint
that he would have to suspend his business operations and
would be unable to pay for the necessities of life is in error. (See,
Catz’ Petition at page 6).
22
absent such order irreparable injury to the marital com-
munity would result. Additionally, the Superior Court
specifically found the posting of a bond inappropriate
given the facts and circumstances of the case.
The purpose of A.R.S. § 25-315 is clear: to prevent,
during the pendency of proceedings on dissolution of
marriage, exactly the type of misconduct Catz attempted
to engage in here, i.e., the wrongful dissipation of marital
assets, the secreting of marital assets, and the placing of
marital assets beyond the jurisdiction of the court. The
constitutionality of the injunctive provisions of A.R.S.
§ 25-315 was challenged and affirmed by the United
States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Stone v.
Godbehere, 894 F.2d 1131 (9th Cir. 1990). While recognizing
that due process requires some form of notice and hear-
ing when deprivation of property is at issue, the Ninth
Circuit found that A.R.S. § 25-315 conformed to the due
process requirements of the United States Constitution
given the special circumstances involved in a dissolution
proceeding (which include the individual’s reduced inter-
est in community property, the state’s interest in prevent-
ing the dissipation of marital assets, and the unlikely risk
of erroneous deprivation, Stone id. at 1134).
Similarly, the issuance of a TRO pursuant to A.R.S.
§ 25-213 is constitutionally sound, offering even more
protection than the preliminary injunction provisions of
A.R.S. § 25-315. Under A.R.S. § 25-213, the court must
find an extraordinary need for prompt judicial action and
the moving party has the burden of showing that irrepar-
able injury will result without the order. Catz’ allegation
that he was deprived of due process because he was not
given the opportunity to be heard on the TRO is absurd.
23
A.R.S. § 25-315(F)(2) provides for a post-seizure hearing.
Specifically, A.R.S. § 25-315(F)(2) states that the TRO or
the preliminary injunction may be revoked or modified
“on a showing by affidavit of the facts necessary to
revocation or modification of [the order]”. The statute
clearly provides for a prompt hearing on orders issued
pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-315(D). It was not any statutory
failing or frailty that caused the hearing on Catz’ Motion
to Dismiss to be stayed but rather it was Catz’ own
conduct including, most significantly, the filing of the
Notice of Removal to the Arizona District Court. After
remand to the Superior Court, Catz never renewed his
request for hearing. It is axiomatic that one who conscien-
tiously disregards his rights and opportunities to be
heard, as Catz did here, cannot later be permitted to
claim a violation of due process.
C. THE UNIQUE FACTS OF THIS CASE ARE NOT
SUITED TO THE PRONOUNCEMENT OF BROAD
LEGAL PRINCIPLES
Although Catz casts this case as an example of the
Arizona courts depriving an innocent litigant of due pro-
cess, it is not. Rather, this case involves a lawyer and
former professor of law, who fraudulently obtained a
divorce in 1989, never disclosed the same to his wife and
thereafter continued to live with her as husband and
wife, including a relocation from Florida to Arizona, until
September 1994. After his wife filed for dissolution of
marriage in Arizona, Catz Strategically chose to litigate
his claims in the federal arena, thereby voluntarily aban-
doning his opportunities to avail himself of his rights
24
under the Arizona state appellate process.1° After entry
of judgment, Catz consistently refused to follow estab-
lished, cogent Arizona post-judgment procedures.
Instead, Catz commenced a protracted, abusive course of
litigation in other jurisdictions in an effort to collaterally
attack the Arizona judgment. These unique facts make
this case particularly inappropriate for review and inap-
propriate for the explication of national policy by this
Court.
D. THE IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS AGAINST
PETITIONER IS APPROPRIATE
As is plain from a brief review of the procedural
history in this case, Catz has made a mockery of the
judicial system. He has used both federal and state court
processes to abuse and to harass his ex-wife and her
counsel, rather than attempting to secure the just deter-
mination of any valid legal dispute. The “question” pre-
sented to this Court was never raised before the Arizona
Court of Appeals. It has, however, been the subject of
\ endless litigation pursued by Catz in court after court, in
jurisdiction after jurisdiction, where his claims have
either been summarily dismissed by the court or volun-
tarily withdrawn at the eleventh hour.
10 Response to Catz’ allegations of no notice, calloused
treatment, collusion and other draconian measures is detailed in
Chalker’s Statement of the Case. However, to briefly repeat,
Chalker adamantly denies Catz’ allegations and alleges that
Catz is the victim of his own scheme to evade the Arizona state
court process.
es
25
Chalker has been required to respond to these myr-
iad spurious actions, causing to deplete her funds and
hire counsel in three different states. “Somewhere along
the line, the rights of the defendant to be free from costly
and harassing litigation must be considered. So too must
the time and energies of our courts and the rights of
would-be litigants awaiting their turns to have other
matters resolved.” Poppenheim v. Portland Boxing and
Wrestling Commission, 442 F.2d 1047, 1054 (9th Cir. 1971).
Catz’ opportunity to attack the judgment of the Supe-
rior Court ended when he did not appeal. Chalker there-
fore requests that this Court exercise its inherent powers
to put an end to Catz’ pattern of abusive and vexatious
litigation and enjoin him from filing or prosecuting other
litigation challenging the Divorce Decree entered by the
Superior Court.
Rule 42, S.Ct.R., provides that when a Petition for
Writ of Certiorari is frivolous, the Court may impose just
damages and single or double costs against the Petitioner.
Here, Catz’ Petition is frivolous and constitutes a misuse
of process for which he should be sanctioned. Chalker
submits that the need for and Propriety of sanctions is
redoubled where, as here, Catz is a former law professor
and member of the bars of the states of Ohio, Florida and
the District of Columbia. Chalker therefore further
requests that this Court impose just damages and double
costs against Catz.
26
CONCLUSION
As stated herein, Catz raises no issue appropriate for
the exercise of this Court's jurisdiction, and accordingly,
the Petition for Writ of Certiorari should be denied.
Respectfully submitted,
LEONARD Karp
Counsel of Record for
Respondent Susan R. Chalker
33 N. Stone Avenue
Suite 2120
Tucson, Arizona 85701-1415
(520) 882-9705
March 27, 1997
App. i
APPENDICES
Affidavit of Susan Ruth Chalker filed with Peti-
tion for Temporary Restraining Orders in the
Pima County Superior Court dissolution action
ee MII Ber PUN eco ecuedlveercceys App. 1
Petition and Notice of Removal in the United
States District Court for the District of Arizona;
Certificate of Service of Petition and Notice of
PE ce Bive rev eeleredrercs rh tseecedees App. 4
Notice of Hearing on Motion and Order to Con-
tinue Hearing on Order to Show Cause filed in
Pima County Superior Court on January 25,
aes a Pe ae ee App. 6
Respondent's Response to Petitioner’s Motion to
Continue Hearing on Order to Show Cause filed
in Pima County Superior Court on January 31,
1995 with attached Certificate of Service...App. 8
Letter dated February 15, 1995 (Dictated Febru-
ary 14, 1995) to Philip Matthew Stinson, Sr.,
Esq., from Annette Everlove with enclosed
Notice of Hearing on Petitioner’s Motion for
Sanctions/Motion to Strike Pleading filed in
Pima County Superior Court on February 10,
REE Se pee oe AE Ss eee a App. 12
Pima County Superior Court Minute Entry
Order regarding Under Advisement Ruling
regarding Petitioner’s Motion for Sanctions
oS ee App. 15
Second Petition and Notice of Removal filed in
the United States District Court for the District
of Arizona on March 13, 1995 with attached
RUE GE DOWIE, cece cence snes App. 21
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
App. ii
Certified copy of Decree of Dissolution of Mar-
riage filed in the Pima County Superior Court
ee a, . ee Ca cs App.
Order filed in the United States District Court
for the District of Arizona on March oi,
WG. os iinicuchcsvisrapecoteueiecn eee App.
Transcript of Proceedings Before the Honorable
John M. Manos, United States District Judge, for
the United States District Court, Northern Dis-
trict of Ohio, Eastern Division dated September
SD, TR y 00 i renee ais gutieteisbediee ak App.
Order filed in the United States District Court
for the District of Arizona on June 9, 1995;
Defendant’s Response to Plaintiff’s Motion for
Voluntary Dismissal filed in the United States
District Court for the District of Arizona on May
BO) SHOR si pc iwbwss ererc arene etiatis App.
Plaintiff’s Application for Supplemental Relief
Pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code § 2721.09 to Enforce
Against Defendant a Judgment of this Court
Entered on April 10, 1989 filed in the Court of
Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations,
Cuyahoga County, Ohio.................:. App.
Verified Petition for Special Action filed in the
Supreme Court of Arizona (cover page and page
F QO 88a PEER ke Pee Bet Oe as App.
Order filed in the Supreme Court of Arizona on
FE Bs: Pes 4a nin 8s catneny eens hak ee ek App.
Emergency Motion for Rehearing by the Full Court
en Banc filed on July 4, 1995 with attached Certifi-
cate of Service; Order filed in the Supreme Court of
Arizona on June 30, 1995................... App.
25
32
36
51
57
61
63
65
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Zi.
ye ®
App. iii
Order filed in the Supreme Court of Arizona on
SO Sy SOO aes aver tek sks ed eeeaeel aula App.
Letter dated July 13, 1995 to Ms. Joyce A.
Goldsmith, Clerk, from Robert S. Catz,
NOS 6.55 oid wine & cose Kade ke antee ened App.
Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief
filed in the United States District Court for the
Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division on
i ae Neer pean epee App.
Plaintiff’s First Amended Complaint filed in the
United States District Court for the Northern
District of Ohio, Eastern Division on September
re ae ee eee eer App.
Memorandum of Opinion filed in the United
States District Court for the Northern District of
Ohio, Eastern Division on December 1, 1995;
Order filed in the United States District Court
for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Divi-
sion on December 1, 1995................ App.
Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief
filed in the United States District Court for the
Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division
72
74
76
81
91
OR, SOUUE i: BO ion 605s hs bene shane en App. 102
Memorandum filed in the United States District
Court for the Middle District of Tennessee,
Nashville Division on February 7, 1996; Order
filed in the United States District Court for the
Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division
ek Bee: A ir ae App. 107
23.
24.
25.
26.
a7.
28.
29.
30.
31.
App. iv
Plaintiffs’ Motion for Leave to File the Attached
Amended Complaint Pursuant to Rule 15(a) of
the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure filed in the
United States District Court for the Middle Dis-
trict of Tennessee, Nashville Division on Febru-
ary 17, 1995; Plaintiffs’ Amended Complaint
filed in the United States District Court for the
Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division
Om Fraary FF, Webs icin sve venebeasean App. 130
Plaintiffs’ First Amended Complaint filed in the
United States District Court for the Middle Dis-
trict of Tennessee, Nashville Division on Febru-
CES Dy. BOR occ cncaveakinseseiseneer App. 140
Order filed in the United States District Court
for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville
Division on May 14, 1996................ App. 147
Verified Petition for Special Action filed in the
Arizona Court of Appeals (cover page and page
FOO as 05k. 0:0:005% snenhnsnedke nae App. 150
Order filed in the Court of Appeals, State of
Arizona, Division Two on May 2, 1996... App. 153
Order filed in the Court of Appeals, State of
Arizona, Division Two on June 10, 1996.. App. 154
Petition for Review by the Supreme Court
(cover page and page 2 only) filed on May 18,
Ps eivicn's'u hh es gio nae eee a ee eee App. 155
Order from Supreme Court of Arizona dated
NIN Bile; WEEE cstnctig was de seh uweae en App. 158
Order from Supreme Court of Arizona dated
DEMOS WL RON sp eresicieenccacusnai App. 160
App. 1
APPENDIX 1
AFFIDAVIT
State of Arizona )
)
County of Pima)
I, SUSAN RUTH CHALKER, being first duly sworn,
upon my oath, depose and say:
1. I am the Wife of Respondent, ROBERT S. CATZ,
and I reside in Pima County, at 6374 North Vuelta Tajo,
Tucson, Arizona 85718.
2. My Husband and I were married in April 1980 in
Washington D.C.
3. Since the time of our marriage to date, my hus-
band has always controlled our financial affairs.
«. In all the time we were married I only visited
Ohio briefly on one or two occasions.
5. I have never seen any documents whatsoever
concerning an alleged Ohio “divorce” until my Arizona
attorneys obtained them from the court of Common Pleas
in Cuyahoga County, Ohio in November 1994.
6. The Ohio court files state that the divorce petition
was sent to a postal drop located on Bird Avenue in
Miami, Florida and that someone named “Tim Luckhart”
signed for the return receipt of said papers as my agent. |
never rented, leased, owned, in any way contracted for,
or had a key to a postal box at the Bird Avenue Postal
Plus. I never authorized Tim Luckhart to be my agent at
App. 2
the Bird Avenue address. Tim Luihard is a friend and
business partner of my husband’s and also owned Postal
Plus at the time of the receipt.
7. Only when my husband was out of town would I
pick up the mail from the Bird Avenue box and only
during business hours, because the owners knew me as
Robert Catz’ wife.
8. My husband was constantly hiding from credi-
tors maintaining several postal drop boxes.
9. My husband and I moved to Florida in 1983. At
all times material to this case, we had a common under-
standing that Florida was our marital residence.
10. The Ohio Court file indicates that the divorce
was granted on the grounds that my husband and I lived
separate and apart without cohabitation from November,
1987 through November 1988. This is not true. He kept
his clothes at 3241 Gifford Lane, Coconut Grove, Florida
in a house we shared as man and wife. During 1988 he
was working as a law professor in Ohio and returned
home to Miami on many occasions.
11. In 1988, when my husband filed for divorce in
Ohio without my knowledge, he lived with me as my
husband at 3241 Gifford Lane, Miami Florida. We had a
joint checking account in Florida and we both used that
account to pay for groceries, family expenses, Aaron’s
clothes, and school expenses and gifts. His name was on
the phone bill and the gas bill at the Gifford Lane
address. All of my personal mail was sent to me at the
Gifford Lane address and my husband was aware of this
fact.
—
App. 3
12. We moved to Tucson in 1993 from Miami, Flor-
ida. We relocated so that my husband could begin a new
career and start new businesses.
13. At the time we moved, he told me not to get a
legal job, but to get a job earning approximately $25,000 a
year and he would monitor the investments and try to
start a business. He told me that it was important that I
have summers and time off so we could travel and live a
certain lifestyle.
14. He also consistently told me that I would just
have to work for a few years at which time we could live
off his retirement and other investments.
FURTHER AFFIANT SAYETH NOT.
/s/ Susan Ruth Chaiker
SUSAN RUTH CHALKER
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO this 30th day of
December, 1994, by Susan Ruth Chalker.
/s/ Selma Carrills
NOTARY PUBLIC
My. Commission Expires:
August 25, 1998
App. 4
APPENDIX 2
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA
ROBERT S. CATZ
Civil Action
)
ie )
Petitioner, No. 94-872
vs. )
SUSAN RUTH CHALKER ‘
Respondent. )
)
PETITION AND NOTICE OF REMOVAL
(Filed Dec. 9, 1994)
The Petition of Removal of Robert S. Catz alleges as
foliows:
1. On November 4, 1994, an action was commenced
against petitioner in the Superior Court of the State of
Arizona in and for the County of Pima, entitled Chalker v.
Catz, No. D-103065, by the service on the petitioner of a
summons and complaint at his residence on December 14, |
1994. Copies of all relevant pleadings are attached hereto. |
2. The above civil action, for which this Court has
original jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and
1343, is one which may be removed to this Court by
Petition pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1441(b) and 1443 in that
the removed action originally brought in the Superior
Court collaterally attacks on equal protection and due
process grounds the constitutional validity of an Ohio
state court judgment entered on April 10, 1989 in Catz v.
Chalker, No. D191073 (Cuyahoga County Court of Com-
mon Pleas, filed December 12, 1988) (a copy of said
App. 5
judgment is attached hereto) by alleging that the State of
Ohio failed to serve her with a Petition for Divorce or
similar pleading, nor a judgment or decree purporting to
enter a divorce between the parties.
WHEREFORE, Petitioner prays that the above action
now pending against him in the Superior Court of Ari-
zona of and for the County of Pima be removed to this
Court.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Philip Matthew Stinson, Sr.
Philip Matthew Stinson, Sr.
P. O. Box 809
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0809
(610) 525-5040
Attorney for Petitioner
App. 6
APPENDIX 3
Annette Everlove, Esq.
BUTLER & STEIN, P.C.
110 South Church Ave.
Suite 9300
Tucson, Arizona 85701
(602) 628-1618
Pima County Computer No. 17238
and
Leonard Karp, Esq.
KARP & WEISS, P.C.
33 N. Stone Ave.
Suite 1800
Tucson, Arizona 85701
(502) 882-9705
Pima County Computer No. 30244
Co-Counsel for Petitioner
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF
ARIZONA IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF PIMA
NO. D-103065
NOTICE OF HEARING
ON MOTION AND
In re the Marriage of:
SUSAN RUTH CHALKER,
)
)
is )
Petitioner, ORDER TO
and CONTINUE HEARING
ROBERT STEVEN CATZ ) ON ORDER TO SHOW
meni CAUSE
espondent, ;
itional ‘es, ) Assigned to: Judge
Additional Parties ) McDonald
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Petitioner, Susan
Ruth Chalker, has filed a Motion to Continue Hearing on
Order to Show Cause.
App. 7
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a hearing will be
held on said Motion on Monday, the 6th day of February,
1995 at 9:00 a.m., before the Honorable Joseph R.
McDonald, Pima County Superior Court, 110 W. Congress
Street, Tucson, Arizona 85701.
DATED this 25th day of January, 1995.
BUTLER & STEIN, P.C.
/s/ Annette Everlove
Annette Everlove
Attorney for Petitioner
Copy of the foregoing
mailed this 25th day of
January, 1995 to Respondent,
Robert Steven Catz, at the
following addresses:
6241 Tierra de las Catalinas
Tucson, Arizona 85701
6421 Tierra de las Catalinas
Tucson, Arizona 85718
4302 E. Fairmount, No. 23
Tucson, Arizona 85712
730 Harrison Street, #201
San Francisco, CA 94107
c/o Philip Matthew Stinson, Sr.
P.O. Box 809
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0809
with a telephonic message left
on Respondent’s answering machine
telephone no. (602) 798-6474,
on January 25, 1995, regarding
hearing date and time, at the Court’s
request.
App. 8
APPENDIX 4
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF
ARIZONA IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF PIMA
In re the Marriage of:
SUSAN RUTH CHALKER,
Petitioner,
No. D-103065
vs.
ROBERT STEVEN CATZ,
Respondent.
ee Owe eae we
RESPONDENT’S RESPONSE TO PETITIONER’S
MOTION TO CONTINUE HEARING ON
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE
Respondent hereby responds to petitioner’s Motion
to Continue Hearing on Order to Show Cause, and avers
as follows:
1. The parties were married on April 13, 1980, in
Washington, D.C. The parties have a minor son, Aaron
Catz, currently age 14.
2. On April 10, 1989, the Cuyahoga County, Ohio,
Court of Common Pleas, issued a divorce, in Catz v. Catz.
A copy of said decree is attached an exhibit to Respon-
dent’s Emergency Motion to Dismiss filed in this Court
on December 14, 1994.
3. The parties’ Ohio decree of divorce judgment is
presumptively valid under Arizona law. See, e.g., Car-
nahan v. Carnahan, 290 P.2d 729, 730-31 (Ariz. Supr. Ct.
App. 9
1950). Furthermore, a litigant attacking a sister state judg-
ment in a divorce case has a heavy burden. See, e.g.,
Williams v. North Carolina, 325 U.S. 226, 233-234 (1945).
4. All of respondent’s assets were attached by Order
of this Court on December 1, 1994, by an ex parte tempor-
ary restraining order, without hearing, and without
notice to respondent.
5. As a direct result of this Court’s issuance of the
temporary restraining order and subsequent attachment,
respondent has become homeless; suffered extreme finan-
cial hardship; is unable to financially support himself; has
ceased operations of his businesses in Tucson for want of
operating capital; is unable to financially support the
parties minor child; and has been forced to place his
personal belongings in storage and relocate to Tennessee,
where he is currently residing with his 26 year-old son in
a small one bedroom apartment. As of this date, respon-
dent has less than $750.00 in personal assets upon which
to support himself.
6. At all times between 1989 and this Court's issu-
ance of the temporary restraining order, respondent has
paid regularly child support for Aaron, currently in the
amount of $825.00 per month (an mount [sic] equal to
petitioner’s rent).
7. The temporary restraining order was issued ex
parte without any demonstration by petitioner of the like-
lihood of successfully attacking the state court judgment,
which is a legal predicate to her being able to secure relief
from this Court. Yet it has been more than seven weeks
since respondent filed an Emergency Motion to Dismiss
on the grounds that this action is barred by claim/issue
App. 10
preclusion and, therefore, entitled to full faith and credit
under Article IV, Section I, of the United States Constitu-
tion and 28 U.S.C. § 1738. In the seven week period, not
only has petitioner failed to file a responsive pleading
and, thereby, address the significant and dispositive issue
in the case, but has never even sought an order extending
the time to reply, therefore placing petitioner in default.
See attached Motion of Respondent filed this date. Nor
has petitioner ever stated on the record precisely how she
intends to collaterally attack the Ohio judgement. See
Coffee v. National Equipment Rental, Ltd., 451 P.2d 329, 331
(Ariz. Ct. App. 1969).
8. Respondent’s family has recently established a
small trust fund for the support of the parties minor
child, Aaron, in the amount of $400.00 per month, to be
paid until such time as respondent’s monies are released
by this Court so that he will provide support for his son.
9. Petitioner - by averring that she is in need of a
continuance because she needs to attend a professional
conference in Phoenix — has failed to aver good cause as
to why her Show Cause hearing should be continued.
WHEREFORE, respondent requests the following
relief:
(a) the the court issue an order setting a date
certain by which respondent must file an
opposition to the Motion to Dismiss, and
that her failure to do so will so deem the
matter for adjudication without more;
(b) that no hearings in this case be rescheduled
until such time as petitioner files a reply to
respondent’s Motion to Dismiss; or in the
alternative, until the time designated by the
App. 11
Court expires for petitioner to file such
reply;
(c) that the Show Cause hearing be
rescheduled for a date subsequent to March
15, 1995, as respondent will be on the East
Coast of the United States searching for
employment, and has several interviews
scheduled in late February and early
March; and,
(d) that the temporary restraining order attach-
ing all of respondent’s monies be vacated
and that the standard preliminary Injunc-
tion issued on November 4, 1994, remain in
full force and effect.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Robert S. Catz
Robert S. Catz
1402 17th Avenue, Apt. B
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 298-4706
Respondent, Pro Se
App. 12
APPENDIX 5
BUTLER & STEIN, P.C.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
110 SOUTH CHURCH AVENUE
SUITE 9300
TUCSON, ARIZONA 85701
A. BATES, BUTLER IIiI* TELEPHONE:
ALAN L. STEIN* ¢ (602) 628-1618
ANNETTE EVERLOVE FAX (602) 629-0197
JEAN MOSKOW
* ALSO ADMITTED IN COLORADO
$ ALSO ADMITTED IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
February 15, 1995
(Dictated February 14, 1995)
Via Telefax and First Class Mail
Philip Matthew Stinson, Sr., Esq.
P.O. Box 809
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0809
RE: Chalker/Catz Dissolution
Pima County Cause No. D-103065
Dear Mr. Stinson:
This letter confirms today’s telephone conversation
where you called to inform me that you will be represent-
ing Robert Catz in the above-referenced domestic rela-
tions matter.
I advised you of the pending hearing on Petitioner’s
Motion for Sanctions scheduled for March 2, 1995 at 9:30
a.m. and the continued hearing on Order to Show Cause
set on March 14, 1995 at 9:00 a.m. In addition to a copy of
App. 13
the Notice of Hearing on Petitioner’s Motion for Sanc-
tions, I enclose copies of the Motion for Sanctions and
Petitioner’s Opposition to Respondent’s Motion to Dis-
miss (which you will note was filed and mailed to Mr.
Catz on December 30, 1994).
During our conversation you made, inter alia, the
following statements and/or representations:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
we had attached all of Mr. Catz’ assets and there
were absolutely no additional assets, but then
asked me if I knew of any additional assets;
information regarding the source of trust funds
referred to in a letter from Rochelle Catz to Ms.
Chalker was confidential, that it was not Mr.
Catz’ money but rather from people who have
taken an interest in providing for Aaron’s sup-
port;
you intend to sue Ms. Chalker for illegally using
Mr. Catz’ PIN number to access deposit informa-
tion at Riggs Bank;
Mr. Catz informed a representative of Geico
Insurance Company, (an individual whom, as I
told you, I had instructed to contact Mr. Catz),
within the last two days, that Ms. Chalker’s
claim for property damage reimbursement from
her recent automobile accident constituted “a
fraudulent insurance claim” and that neither Ms.
Chalker nor her vehicle are insured in that Ms.
Chalker had bought Mr. Catz’ car and that you
had a bill of sale to prove it. Responsive to my
question as to when this purported sale took
place and the purchase price of the vehicle, you,
after apparently looking for the document,
stated that you could not locate the bill of sale at
this time;
App. 14
(5) upon Mr. Catz leaving Arizona, he deposited
into your care a “pile of papers” that you were
“proud to say” you had not touched.
I reiterate the observation made to you that Mr. Catz’
outrageous representations to the insurance company,
and his position that Ms. Chalker is not insured, is very
dangerous. Due to Mr. Catz’ continued machinations, Ms.
Chalker has been unable to negotiate the property dam-
age reimbursement check in the approximate sum of
$4,800.00, cannot purchase a replacement vehicle, and
thus has been reliant upon a rented vehicle. Request is
made that you ask your client to re-think his position in
this regard and instruct Geico Insurance to issue a check
to Ms. Chalker in her name alone, and correct his misrep-
resentation to the insurance company as to her lack of
insured status.
Lastly, I concluded our conversation by telling you
that, both pertaining to the domestic relations action and
matters filed-in federal court, all communication between
you and this firm, as well as between you, Mr. Karp and
his firm, must be in writing.
Very truly yours,
BUTLER & STEIN, P.C.
/s/ Annette Everlove
Annette Everlove
Enclosures: As stated
cc: S. Chalker w/o enclosures
AE:smh
A
|
|
4
App. 15
APPENDIX 6-
Annette Everlove, Esq.
BUTLER & STEIN, P.C.
110 South Church Ave.
Suite 9300
Tucson, Arizona 85701
(602) 628-1618
Pima County Computer No. 17238
and
Leonard Karp, Esq.
KARP & WEISS, P.C.
33 N. Stone Ave.
Suite 1800
Tucson, Arizona 85701
(602) 882-9705
Pima County Computer No. 30244
Co-Counsel for Petitioner
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE
STATE OF ARIZONA
IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF PIMA
In re the Marriage of: )
SUSAN RUTH CHALKER, ) NO: D-103065
) NOTICE OF HEARING
) ON PETITIONER'S
and ) MOTION FOR
ROBERT STEVEN CATZ, ) SANCTIONS/MOTION
) TO STRIKE PLEADING
Petitioner,
Respondent,
Additional Parties.) Assigned to:
) Judge McDonald
)
App. 16
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Petitioner, Susan
Ruth Chalker, has filed a Motion for Sanctions/ Motion to
Strike Pleading.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a hearing will be
held on said Motion on Thursday, the 2nd day of March,
1995 at 9:30 a.m., estimated time: 30 minutes.
before the Honorable Joseph R. McDonald, Pima County
Superior Court, 110 W. Congress Street, Tucson, Arizona
85701.
DATED this 10th day of February, 1995.
BUTLER & STEIN, P.C.
/s/ Annette Everlove
Annette Everlove
Co-Counsel for Petitioner
Copy of the foregoing
mailed this 10th day of
February, 1995 to:
Mr. Robert S. Catz
c/o Shawn D. Catz
1402 - 17th Ave. #B
Nashville, TN 37212
Respondent
WITH CONFORMED COPY TO FOLLOW
App. 17
ARIZONA SUPERIOR COURT, PIMA COUNTY
Judge: Pro Tempore Joseph CASE NO. D-103065
~ ee DATE — March 2, 1995
Court Reporter: None
—
In re the Marriage of (
SUSAN RUTH CHALKER, (
~~
Petitioner
and )
ROBERT STEVEN CATZ, ( )
Respondent
EVENT SUMMARY
TYPE: Under Advisement Ruling Result:
Date: Time: Length: Div: Reg:
TYPE: Result:
Date: Time: Length: Div: Reg:
TYPE: Result:
Date: Time: Length: Div: Reg:
TYPE: Result:
Date: Time: Length: Div: Reg:
MINUTE ENTRY
App. 18
UNDER ADVISEMENT RULING
RE: PETITIONER’S MOTION FOR SANCTIONS
The Court has heard the arguments of counsel for
petitioner, respondent not appearing in person or by
counsel, and finds as follows:
1. Respondent was served with the summons,
amended petition for dissolution and various other docu-
ments described in the return of service on December 14,
1994 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona. The documents
with which respondent was then served included uni-
form interrogatories and a request for production of doc-
uments.
2. On the same date, December 14, 1994, respondent
filed his emergency motion to dismiss the amended peti-
tion. Petitioner has filed her written opposition to this
emergency motion. The emergency motion had as respon-
dent’s address the same address where he was served
earlier in the day.
3. On December 19, 1994, respondent filed a peti-
tion and notice of removal of this dissolution proceeding
to the United States District Court for the District of
Arizona at Tucson. The basis alleged by respondent in the
petition for removal was that the dissolution petition
filed in this court represented an attack on the constitu-
tional validity of an Ohio decree of divorce entered April
10, 1989. The matter was remanded to this court by the
U.S. District Court, Marquez, J.
4. On December 22, 1994, respondent was noticed
for deposition on January 3, 1995. Because of the removal
and subsequent remand, the deposition was reset for
App. 19
February 9, 1995, and the notice was issued January 24,
1995.
5. Since December 14, 1994, respondent has appar-
ently moved from Tucson and has failed to provide the
court or opposing counsel with a current address as he is
required to do under Rule 12(a), Uniform Rules of Prac-
tice for the Superior Court. As a consequence, counsel for
petitioner has been required to send copies of pleadings
to respondent at five different addresses.
6. On February 6, 1995, by minute entry order,
respondent was directed to provide opposing counsel
and the court with a single address where he will hence-
forth receive all process, pleadings and notices. Respon-
dent has failed to do so.
7. In the same minute entry order, respondent was
directed to appear for his deposition on February 9, 1995.
Again, respondent has failed to comply.
8. Respondent has not answered uniform interroga-
tories served upon him on December 14, 1994, nor has he
produced the documents set forth in the request for pro-
duction similarly served upon him on the same date.
9. Respondent has failed to participate in discovery
as required by the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure and
that failure is willful, deliberate and in bad faith. Respon-
dent is subject to sanctions as set forth and permitted in
Rules 16(f), 26(f) and 37(b), Arizona Rules of Civil Pro-
cedure.
10. Petitioner is entitled to an award of all fees and
costs associated with respondent's failure to comply with
discovery requests.
App. 20
THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED:
1. Respondent is in contempt of the Court’s orders
regarding discovery.
2. Respondent is subject to sanctions and will be
sanctioned in accordance with Rules 16(f), 26(f) and 37(b),
Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure.
3. Petitioner is awarded her fees and costs associ-
ated with respondent's failure to comply with discovery.
Ms. Everlove will submit the appropriate affidavit.
4. As a sanction, the default of respondent, Robert
Steven Catz, is herewith entered. The hearing currently
set on petitioner’s OSC on March 14, 1995 shall be limited
to entry of a default judgment pursuant to Rule 55(b),
Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure.
The Court signs this minute entry in lieu of a formal
order.
/s/ Joseph R. McDonald
Joseph R. McDonald
Judge Pro Tempore
Copies to:
Hone. Joseph R. McDonald
Annette Everlove, Esq.
Leonard Karp, .
Robert S. Catz, c/o Shawn D. Catz, 1402 17th Ave., #B,
Nashville, TN 37212
Under Advisement Cierk
Court Administrator
Beth Hoover/If
Deputy Clerk
App. 21
APPENDIX 7
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA
ROBERT S. CATZ,
)
Petitioner,
na ) No.
SUSAN RUTH CHALKER, ) CVY-94-872-TUC-ACM
Respondent.
)
SECOND PETITION AND NOTICE OF REMOVAL
The Second Petition of Removal of Robert S. Catz,
alleges as follows:
1. Respondent Chalker filed a Petition for Dissolu-
tion of Marriage in the Pima County Superior Court of
the State of Arizona on November 4, 1994 entitled Chalker
v. Catz, No. D-103065.
2. On December 14, 1994, petitioner Catz filed an
Emergency Motion to Dismiss Petition for Dissolution of
Marriage in the Pima County Superior Court of the State
of Arizona.
3. On December 19, 1994, petitioner Catz removed
the case to this Honorable Court.
4. Respondent Chalker filed a Motion to Remand
the instant action to the Pima County Superior Court of
the State of Arizona on December 28, 1994.
5. On January 12, 1995, this Honorable Court
granted respondent's motion, and the case was remanded
App. 22
to the Pima County Superior Court of the State of Ari-
zona, on the grounds that respondent had not challenged
the constitutional validity of a prior judgment of divorce
entered by the state of Ohio.
6. On February 14, 1995, counsel for petitioner dis-
covered that on December 30, 1994 - some ten days after
the instant action was removed from state court, and on
the same day that respondent filed her Motion to Remand
~ respondent filed an Opposition to Catz’s Motion to
Dismiss Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the Pima
Court Superior Court of the State of Arizona.
7. Respondent Chalker, in her Opposition to Catz’s
Motion to Dismiss Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
filed on December 30, 1994, in the Pima County Superior
Court of the State of Arizona, challenges the constitu-
tional validity of the prior judgment of divorce entered
by the State of Ohio by arguing, inter alia, that the Ohio
Court did not possess subject matter jurisdiction; the
Ohio Court lacked personal jurisdiction over Chalker;
and, the Ohio judgment was obtained by fraudulent rep-
resentations. See Exhibit 1 (pp. 3-6).
8. On December 30, 1994, respondent and her coun-
sel knew that the instant case was pending in federal
court; that the Pima County Superior Court of the State of
Arizona did not have jurisdiction over the case; that all
pleadings were properly to be filed in the United States
District Court for the District of Arizona; and, that the
undersigned counsel was attorney of record to accept
service of all pleadings in the instant action.
App. 23
9. At no time did counsel for respondent serve a
copy of the Opposition to Catz’s Motion to Dismiss Peti-
tion for Dissolution of Marriage on the undersigned
counsel for petitioner, nor was a copy of the Opposition
filed with the Office of the Clerk of Court at the U.S.
District Court in Tucson.
10. Respondent Chalker and her counsel committed
a fraud and gross misrepresentation upon this Honorable
Court by attempting to hide the federal question until
after this Court ruled on respondent Chalker’s then-
pending Motion to Remand through challenging the con-
stitutional validity of the prior judgment of divorce enter-
ing by the State of Ohio in a pleading filed in a state court
which respondent and her counsel knew did not have
jurisdiction over the case.
11. This Court has original jurisdiction in the
instant matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 1343, and
this case may be removed to this Court by Petition pur-
suant to 28 U.S.C. § 1441(b), 1443, and 1446(b), in that
respondent Chalker collaterally attacks on equal protec-
tion and due process grounds the constitutional validity
of an Ohio state court judgment entered on April 10, 1989
in Catz v. Chalker, No. D191073 (Cuyahoga County Court
of Common Pleas, Filed December 12, 1988).
12. A second removal following remand to state
court is proper upon pleading of a federal question. See
Dodd v. Fawcett Publs., Inc., 329 F.2d 82, 85 (10th Cir. 1964)
(fraudulent joinder in diversity action served to frustrate
federal jurisdiction and removal was proper following
remand); Kulbeth v. Woolnought, 324 F. Supp. 908, 910 (S.D.
Tex. 1971) (A second removal petition may be filed if
App. 24
subsequent pleadings or conduct of the parties make
removable a case not previously removable).
WHEREFORE, Petitioner prays that the above action
now pending against him in the Superior Court of Ari-
zona of and for the County of Pima be removed to this
Court.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Philip Matthew Stinson
Philip Matthew Stinson, Jr.
P. O. Box 809
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0809
(610) 525-5040
Attorney for Petitioner Catz
App. 25
APPENDIX 8
Annette Everlove, Esq.
BUTLER & STEIN, P.C.
110 South Church Ave.
Suite 9300
Tucson, Arizona 85701
(602) 628-1618
Pima County Computer No. 17238
and
Leonard Karp, Esq.
KARP & WEISS, P.C.
33 N. Stone Ave.
Suite 1800
Tucson, Arizona 85701
(602) 882-9705
Pima County Computer No. 30244
Co-Counsel for Petitioner
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE
STATE OF ARIZONA
IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF PIMA
In re the Marriage of: y
SUSAN RUTH CHALKER, . NO. D-103065
a DECREE OF
Petitioner, . DISSOLUTION OF
and ) MARRIAGE
ROBERT STEVEN CATZ, ) (Filed Mar. 14, 1995)
Respondent, ‘ Assigned to: Judge
Additional Parties. ) McDonald
)
This matter coming on regularly to be heard before
the Court on March 14, 1995, and Petitioner being present
in person and through her attorneys, Annette Everlove
and Leonard Karp; the Respondent not appearing; this
App. 26
Court having acquired jurisdiction over the Respondent
on December 14, 1994 by personal service upon him of
the Amended Petition for Dissolution, Summons, Prelimi-
nary Injunction, and other pleadings, all as set forth in
that certain Affidavit of Return of Service dated Decem-
ber 15, 1994; Respondent not having responded to Peti-
tioner’s Request for Production of Documents served
upon him on December 14, 1994; Respondent not having
answered Uniform Domestic Relations Interrogatories
served upon him on December 14, 1994; Respondent fail-
ing to attend his deposition duces tacum scheduled for
February 9, 1995; Respondent failing to obey this Court's
Minute Entry Order dated February 6, 1995, and having
been found in contempt of Court, all as set forth in this
Court’s Minute Entry Order dated March 2, 1995, and
default against Respondent having been entered and evi-
dence having been presented and considered, the Court
finds as follows:
1. Petitioner and Respondent were domiciled in the
State of Arizona for at least ninety days prior to the filing
of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
2. Any judgment on the divorce purportedly here-
tofore obtained by Respondent against Petitioner in the
State of Ohio, County of Cuyahoga, is null and void
having been fraudulently obtained and further this Court
shall not give full faith and credit to said judgment.
3. The conciliation provisions of A.R.S. § 25-381, as
amended, either do not apply or have been met.
4. The marriage of the parties is irretrievably bro-
ken with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.
App. 27
5. There is one minor child the issue of this mar-
riage, to wit: Aaron Michael Catz, date of birth October
15, 1980.
6. To the extent it has jurisdiction to do so, this
Court has considered, approved and made provision for
the custody and support of the parties’ minor child,
maintenance and support of the parties, division of com-
munity and other joint or common debts, obligations and
property of the parties.
7. Petitioner shall have sole legal and physical cus-
tody of the parties’ minor child with such visitation in
Respondent as Petitioner, in her sole discretion, deems
appropriate.
8. Respondent has been employed as a professor of
law from 1979 until approximately 1993, first at Cleve-
land Marshall School of Law and later at District of
Columbia School of Law, and the Court attributes income
to him based upon income earnings ability of $73,000.00
per annum.
9. Petitioner shall be entitled to an award of child
support pursuant to Arizona Child Support Guidelines as
set forth in the Child Support Order and Order of Assign-
ment submitted herewith and signed by the Court this
date. Said child support award shall be effective January
1, 1995 with no offset in Respondent for any sums paid to
date.
10. Petitioner satisfies the statutory requirements of
A.R.S. § 25-319(A) and is in need of, and entitled to, an
award of spousal maintenance, in that Petitioner lacks
sufficient property, including property awarded herein, to
App. 28
provide for her reasonable needs and has, at Respon-
dent’s urging, become a contract elementary school
teacher with no tenure, nor tenure possibility with her
present employer.
11. During the pendency of these proceedings, Peti-
tioner sustained an insurable loss on her automobile in
the sum of $4,800.00 which Respondent’s conduct has
precluded Petitioner from collecting.
12. Respondent has secreted, dissipated and /or oth-
erwise failed to account for substantial community funds
and assets.
13. The terms of this Decree are fair and equitable
given the Court’s finding of Respondent's dissipation,
secreting and/or failure to account for marital assets.
NOW THEREFORE IT IS ORDERED, ADJUDGED
AND DECREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. The marriage previously existing between the
parties is dissolved.
2. Petitioner shall have sole legal and physical cus-
tody of the parties’ minor child, Aaron Michael Catz,
with such visitation in Respondent as Petitioner, in her
sole discretion deems appropriate.
3. Respondent shall pay to Petitioner as and for
child support the sum of $700.00 per month commencing
January 1, 1995 pursuant to the Child Support Order
signed this date.
4. Petitioner shall be entitled to claim Aaron as a
dependent for income tax purposes for tax year 1994 and
all years subsequent thereto.
App. 29
5. Respondent shall pay to Petitioner as and for
spousal maintenance the sum of $1,000.00 per month
commencing January 1, 1995.
6. Petitioner is awarded as her sole and separate
property all right, title and interest in and to the follow-
ing investments, bank and/or retirement accounts:
A. Fidelity Latin American Fund (7,926.390
shares valued at $92,659.49 as of January 17, 1995);
B. Fidelity Southeast Asia Fund (15,644.564
shares valued at $186,639.64 as of January 17, 1995);
C. Fidelity U.S. Government Reserves (balance
unknown);
D. Waterhouse Securities, Inc., account no.
301-10632 (approximate value as of February 22, 1995 -
$120.00);
E. Waterhouse Securities, Inc., IRA-SEP account
No. 301-10633 (approximate value as of February 22, 1995
— $1,410.00);
F. Waterhouse Securities, Inc., IRA account no.
301-10634 (approximate value as of February 22, 1995 -
$13,529.00);
G. CREF Retirement Annuity, Certificate
number ©8%66023-8, Global Equities Account (approxi-
mate value $10,116.71);
H. CREF Supplemental Requirement Annuities,
certificate no. J091114-7, Global Equities Account
(approximate value $424,055.24);
App. 30
I. TIAA Transfer Payout Annuity, contract no.
1E42653-2 (approximate value $36,654.54);
J. Petitioner’s State of Arizona Retirement
(approximate value $ 230.00);
K. Petitioner’s automobile 1989 Honda Accord;
L. All personal property in Petitioner’s posses-
sion;
M. All bank accounts standing in Petitioner’s
name;
N. All bank accounts standing in Aaron’s name.
7. As to those items set forth in { 6 (G), (H) and (I)
above, all right, title and interest shall be transferred to
Petitioner by a Qualified Domestic Relations Order. The
Court retains jurisdiction to enter such other QDRO’s or
other orders as are necessary to assure transfer to Peti-
tioner of the property awarded to her hereunder.
8. Respondent is awarded all right, title and interest
in and to his pension and/or retirement plan through the
State of Ohio, current balance unknown.
9. The Court retains jurisdiction pursuant to A.R.S.
§ 25-318(B) to divide additional marital property which
remains unknown by Petitioner and undisclosed by
Respondent.
10. Respondent shall pay and hold Petitioner harm-
less from all debts of any kind or nature incurred by the
parties during marriage, including all tax liability,
whether incurred in his name, Petitioner’s name or both
names except for the following:
Res 4
App. 31
A. loan from Bernice Mennis to Susan Chalker
in the principal sum of $7,300.00:
B. those certain credit card debts set forth in
Petitioner’s spousal affidavit dated Novem-
ber 4, 1994.
11. Judgment is entered in favor of Petitioner and
against the Respondent in the sum of $4,800.00 as and for
the insurable loss on her automobile, which Respendent’s
conduct has precluded her from collecting.
12. Judgment is hereby entered in favor of Peti-
tioner and against the Respondent for child support and
spousal maintenance accrued from January 1 to March 1,
1995 in the sum of $3,000.00.
13. Petitioner is entitled to payment of her attor-
neys’ fees and costs incurred in this matter and judgment
thereon shall be entered by this Court by separate judg-
ment or order upon filing by counsel for Petitioner of
appropriate affidavits pursuant to China Doll Restaurant
Inc. v. Schweiger.
14. Interest shall run on all monies adjudged to be
owing Petitioner from Respondent at the legal rate of
interest from entry of judgment until paid in full.
DONE IN OPEN COURT this 14 day of March, 1995,
at 10 AM.
/s/ J. R. McDonald
Honorable
Joseph R. McDonald
Pima County Superior Court
App. 32
APPENDIX 9
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA
ROBERT S. CATZ,
— No. CIV 94-872 TUC
‘ ACM
vs.
SUSAN RUTH CHALKER, ORDER
Respondent. (Filed Mar. 31, 1995)
ee ee ee ee
I. Facts:
Respondent Susan Ruth Chalker (“Chalker”) filed a
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the Pima County
Superior Court of the State of Arizona on November 4,
1994 entitled Chalker v. Catz, No. d-103065 (“State Case”).
On December 14, 1994, Catz filed an Emergency Motion
to Dismiss Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the
State Case. On December 19, 1994, Petitioner Robert S.
Catz (“Catz”), Removed the State Case to the United
States District Court for the District of Arizona. On
December 28, 1994, Chalker filed a Motion to Remand
this case to the Pima County Superior Court of the State
of Arizona. On January 12, 1995, this Court granted
Chalker’s Motion, and the case was remanded to the
Pima County Superior Court. On December 30, 1994,
Chalker filed her Opposition to Catz’s Motion to Dismiss
in the State Case. A default judgment was entered against
Catz on March 14, 1995 at approximately 10 a.m.
App. 33
On March 14, 1995, Catz filed a Second Petition and
Notice of Removal of the State Case to this Court. On
March 28, 1995, Chalker filed a second Motion to @“.>~ad
to state court.
II. DISCUSSION:
Catz argues that a second removal following remand
to state court is proper upon pleading a federal question.
Catz contends that Chalker asserts constitutional argu-
ments in her opposition to Catz’s Motion to Dismiss
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the State Court
case.
According to Evak Native Village v. Exxon Corp., 25
F.3d 773 (9th Cir. 1994),
If the case stated by the initial pleading is not
removable, a notice of removal may be filed
within thirty days after receipt by the defender,
through service or otherwise, of a copy of an
amended pleading, motion, order or other paper
from which it may first be ascertained that the
case is one which is or has become remov-
able. ...
Id. at 779 (quoting 28 U.S.C. § 1446(b)). Although it is not
clear from the pleadings, apparently, Catz argues that the
Opposition filed by Chalker in the state case constitutes
the “other paper” justifying the removal. This Court does
not agree.
In Chalker’s Opposition, she claims that the Ohio
Court did not possess subject matter jurisdiction because
She was not served with the papers indicating that a
divorce proceeding had been commenced against her.
App. 34
Chalker also asserts that the Ohio Court lacked personal
jurisdiction over her because she never resided in Ohio.
In addition, Chalker argues that the Ohio judgment was
obtained by fraudulent representations. The aforemen-
tioned arguments are the same arguments which Chalker
made prior to the first Notice of Removal. In order to
permit granting of a second petition for removal, there
must be both an amended pleading or paper and a
ground for asserting removability that exists for the first
time. O’Bryan v. Chandler, C.A.10 (OKL.) 1974, 496 F.2d
403, certiorari denied 95 S.Ct. 245, 419 U.S. 986, 42
L.Ed.2d 194, rehearing denied 95 S.Ct. 838, 420 U.S. 913,
42 L.Ed.2d 845. This Court finds that Chalker’s Opposi-
tion to Catz’s Motion to Dismiss in the State Case does
not present a federal question, therefore, the State Case is
not removable.
In addition, upon a valid removal, the federal court
takes the case as it finds it. Butner v. Neustader, 324 F.2d
783 (9th Cir. 1963). On March 14, 1995, a Decree of Disso-
lution of Marriage was entered in the State Case. Judge
McDonald in the Superior Court of the State of Arizona
in and for the County of Pima determined the issues
which Catz believed were appropriate for this Court's
determination.
For the same reasons stated herein, Catz’s most
recent motion filed March 30, 1995, asking this Court to
vacate the January 12, 1995 Order remanding this case
back to the state courts is without merit.
App. 35
Ill. CONCLUSION:
Accordingly,
IT IS ORDERED that Respondent’s Second Motion to
Remand is GRANTED.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Petitioner’s Motion
for Relief from Judgment filed March 30, 1995, is
DENIED.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of the
Court is to accept no further pleadings in this matter
without permission from this Court.
Dated this 31st day of March, 1995.
/s/ Alfredo C. Marquez
ALFREDO C. MARQUEZ
Senior Judge
App. 36
APPENDIX 10
[p. 1] UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
EASTERN DIVISION
ROBERT KATZ, Case No. 1:95CV1652
Cleveland, Ohio
slamresinss SEPTEMBER 29, 1995
VS. 2:00 P.M.
SUSAN CHALKER, et al.,
Defendants.
TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS
BEFORE THE HONORABLE JOHN M. MANOS
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
APPEARANCES:
For the Plaintiff: REGINALD MAXTON, ESQ.,
JAMES TANNER, ESQ.,
For the Defendant: MARK COHN, ESQ.,
RICHARD RABB, ESQ.,
McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Hei-
man, Co. L.P.A.
1800 Midland Building
101 Prospect Avenue, West
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 696-1422
For the Defendant,
Fidelity Service Co.: JORDAN BERNS, ESQ.,
Court Reporter: Shirle M. Perkins
201 Superior Avenue, Room 539
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1201
(216) 241-5622
App. 37
Proceedings recorded by mechanical stenography, tran-
script produced by computer-aided transcription.
[p. 2] FRIDAY SESSION, SEPTEMBER 29, 1995,
at 2:00 P.M.
THE COURT: You want to identify yourselves
for the record.
MR. MAXTON: I’m Reginald Maxton, attorney-
at-law.
THE COURT: You represent who?
MR. MAXTON: Representing the Plaintiff,
Robert Katz.
THE COURT: Speak louder because I can’t hear
you.
MR. MAXTON: Representing the Plaintiff,
Robert Katz.
THE COURT: Is he here?
MR. MAXTON No, he’s not.
MR. TANNER: I’m James Tanner, also repre-
senting Robert Katz. Mr. Katz is available by telephone
from his home in Tennessee.
THE COURT: Is he domiciled in Southington,
Ohio?
MR. TANNER: I’m sorry?
THE COURT: Is he domiciled in Southington,
Ohio.
App. 38
MR. TANNER: At the present time, he’s down
in Tennessee.
THE COURT: The answer is he’s not domiciled
in Ohio?
MR. TANNER: That’s correct, sir, yes.
THE COURT: OKAY.
You want to identify yourself?
[p. 3] MR. COHN: Yes. My name is Mark Cohn,
C-o-h-n, with the firm of McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal, and
Haiman. I’ve been retained this morning, and I’m here
this afternoon on behalf of Susan Chalker, Annette
Everlove, and Leonard Karp.
And if I may, to my right is Richard Rabb, an associ-
ate with my firm. He’s also going to be working with me.
MR. BERNS: My name is Jordan Berns, B-e-r-n-s,
and I’m here on behalf of Fidelity Service Company.
THE COURT: You’re not here on behalf of the
Arizona court?
MR. BERNS: No. I don’t think they managed to
get somebody out here quick enough.
THE COURT: Okay.
MR. MAXTON: Judge, there’s one preliminary
matter.
Mr. Tanner is not licensed in the federal bar at the
time, and I’d like to make a motion that he be admitted
pro hoc vice for this proceeding.
App. 39
THE COURT: I can’t admit him if he’s - if he
isn’t a member of the bar here, never applied for it, I can’t
admit him.
MR. MAXTON: All right.
THE COURT: I can’t make him a member of the
bar, but I'll let him participate.
[p. 4] MR. MAXTON: Thank you, your Honor.
MR. TANNER: If I may clarify, I was admitted
to the practice of law in the State of Ohio before -
THE COURT: I don’t care.
MR. TANNER: - before the Ohio Supreme
Court.
THE COURT: You have to also apply for the
Federal Court. If you haven’t appi:ed, you’re - off the
record.
THE COURT: You want to be heard?
MR. TANNER: Thank you, your Honor. Today,
Mr. Katz seeks temporary restraining order enjoining the
dissipation of funds that are filed by defendants, Fidelity
Investments, Inc., Waterhouse Securities, and TIAA/
CREF.
Essentially, the basis of a request is that there are at
this time two conflicting state court decisions as to who
those funds belong to.
In 1989, Mr. Katz secured a divorce from Ms. Chalker
in the Ohio State Court. Subsequent thereto, in 1994, Ms.
Chalker filed for a dissolution in the state of Arizona and
App. 40
subsequently was given a default dissolution in Arizona,
in which she was awarded essentially all of Mr. Katz’s
assets, which accumulated substantially subsequent to
the divorce in Ohio.
There’s questions as to —
THE COURT: Let me ask this question.
[p. 5] He was in Ohio, and he was teaching at Cleve-
land Marshal Law School?
MR. TANNER: That’s correct, sir.
THE COURT: And he filed for a divorce. His
wife was living in Florida?
MR. TANNER: That’s correct.
THE COURT: With their son? And on weekends
or on days of holidays, he would go to Florida to be with
his wife? Yeah?
MR. TANNER: Your Honor, as to the weekends -
THE COURT: Yes or no?
MR. TANNER: No, that’s not correct.
THE COURT: He didn’t go to -
MR. TURNER: He went to Florida but not to
visit his wife.
THE COURT: He went to Florida, but not to
visit his wife?
MR. TANNER: That’s correct.
THE COURT: And he didn’t visit his wife?
App. 41
MR. TANNER: He may have visited her. On
some occasions, they may have seen each other during
that period of time, correct.
THE COURT: All right.
It came to pass that he left the City of Cleveland and
went, I think, to Washington, taught as some law school
[p. 6] there.
MR. TANNER: District of Columbia School of
Law.
THE COURT: District of Columbia Law School.
At some point in time, terminated that relationship.
He went to Florida, and with his wife and child he
traveled to Arizona where they set up a home where they
set — they made a home for themselves, and he wanted to
operate a bar, and his wife wanted to teach school, both
of whom were lawyers but neither of whom wished to
pursue practice of law, and I think they were together for
about a year, after which they separated again, and she
filed for dissolution of the divorce, right? Is that right so
far?
MR. TANNER: Essentially, that’s correct.
THE COURT: Essentially, that’s correct?
MR. TANNER: There was an attempt at a recon-
ciliation between the two of them, which was around the
time.
THE COURT: I said they lived together for
about a year, didn’t I?
MR. TANNER: That’s correct.
App. 42
THE COURT: And that is correct, isn’t it?
MR. TANNER: Yes.
THE COURT: after which, he left the house?
MR. TANNER: That's correct.
THE COURT: And following the departure of
[p. 7] Mr. Katz, she filed for dissolution —
MR. TURNER: That’s correct, sir.
THE COURT: - of the divorce.
At some point in time, he left to go to Tennessee,
where he lived with his son from another marriage, right?
MR. TANNER: That’s correct.
THE COURT: Okay.
And there was some problems in connection with
notice of a divorce that was filed for by the wife, prob-
lems about pending hearings, to which he never got
notice, but he availed himself of the jurisdiction of that
court by filing motion inside that court, did he not?
MR. TANNER: That’s correct.
THE COURT: He filed any number of motions,
right?
MR. TANNER: That's correct.
THE COURT: Okay.
And ultimately, he filed a motion removing the case
from the Arizona divorce court to the Federal Court,
which court remanded it back to the Arizona court
because it had no jurisdiction?
App. 43
MR. TANNER: That’s correct, sir.
THE COURT: He then filed an action in the
Federal Court in Arizona, charging his wife’s lawyers and
his wife with a 1983 violation of abridgement of constitu-
tional right [p. 8] under color of state law, right?
MR. TANNER: That’s correct, sir.
THE COURT: And as well, a declaratory judg-
ment seeking that court to recognize the Ohio divorce
and to declare any action taken by the Arizona court to be
null and void?
MR. TANNER: Yes, sir.
THE COURT: Is that essentially correct?
MR. TANNER: That's essentially correct, sir.
THE COURT: Jordan; is that correct?
MR. BERNS: My understanding is that that is
correct.
THE COURT: I didn’t ask about your under-
standing. I asked you whether it’s correct?
MR. BERNS: It is.
THE COURT: You externed here for a summer,
and you were brilliant, and you were taught not to think,
to say, “I think,” right?
MR. BERNS: I was taught that and_more.
THE COURT: In 1983, action was dismissed
with prejudice by the Federal Court, right, insofar as the
wife was concerned, and the declaratory judgment action
App. 44
was dismissed with prejudice, the action against the law-
yers was withdrawn without prejudice, right?
MR. TANNER: That’s essentially correct, sir.
[p. 9] THE COURT: What you mean essentially?
I don’t like the word essentially.
MR. TANNER: That’s correct, your Honor.
THE COURT: Aren’t you teaching him right,
Chris? You’re Russell?
MR. MAXTON: Reginald.
THE COURT: It says here Reginald. Are you
Reginald or Russell?
MR. TANNER: Reginald.
THE COURT: Reginald? I’m calling you
Reginald. All right?
Well, that Court knocked out the declaratory judg-
ment action with prejudice, knocked out the case against
the wife for 1983 violation of abridgement of constitu-
tional right under color of state law, and the lawsuit
against the lawyers was withdrawn without prejudice,
right?
MR. TANNER: That’s correct.
THE COURT: Okay. Now, he’s in Tennessee,
right?
MR. TANNER: That’s correct.
THE COURT: And now, he seeks to avail juris-
diction of this Court by filing a TRO, in which he alleges
App. 45
a violation of his constitutional rights under color of state
law 1983 action as against his wife, and then as against
her lawyer, right?
MR. TANNER: That’s correct, you Honor.
[p. 10] THE COURT: And he asks for a declara-
tory judgment, doesn’t he, Reginald?
MR. MAXTON: That’s correct.
THE COURT: And he wants this Court to
decide that it is the Ohio Court, and the divorce obtained
there, that if the court in which the relationship between
his wife and him is determined, and that the Arizona
court has done a futile thing in not recognizing the decree
of that position by the Ohio State court, right?
MR. TANNER: That’s correct, sir.
THE COURT: All right.
Now, if I were to ask Jordan what the standards are
for TRO, he would tell me, “Judge, the first point is there
is a likelihood of success on the merits, and it’s a stan-
dard. Secondly, the judge must look at departure facing
the parties seeking the-temporary restraining order for
which there is no adequate remedy at law prior to the
party against which the TRO was directed and the public
interest. Those are the standards.”
Now, how do I have jurisdiction over a person -
jurisdiction over the wife, the lawyers who she retained
in Arizona, and over the Arizona court?
Now, I’m sure that you’re probably saying that I have
jurisdiction because there’s diversity, but I don’t have
anyone domiciled here, do I, Mark?
App. 46
[p.11] MR. COHN: No, you don’t.
THE COURT: No one domiciled here, in per-
sona jurisdiction. And you heard what I said about 1983
action, which is an abridgement of one’s constitutional
rights under color of state law. His wife is not a state
actor. The lawyers representing her aren’t state actors.
1983 action is out, can’t be considered. It’s something that
can’t be before this Court unless you look — off the record.
(Discussion had off the record.)
THE COURT: Now, you heard what the stan-
dards are. Tell me what the likelihood of success is on the
merits.
MR. TANNER: Your Honor, the —- as to the
diversity action?
THE COURT: You’re not here on diversity?
MR. TANNER: I’m sorry.
THE COURT: You’re not here on diversity?
MR. TANNER: Yes, we are
THE COURT: You’re seeking jurisdiction
because of diversity, right?
MR. TANNER: That’s correct, sir.
THE COURT: You're saying a resident of this
state is suing a resident of another state?
MR. TANNER: What we’re saying, your Honor,
is =
App. 47
THE COURT: But, your man isn’t a resident of
this [p. 12] state, is he? Jordan, is he? He’s from Tennes-
see.
MR. BERNS: That’s correct.
THE COURT: Can somebody from Tennessee
file an action here saying there’s diversity?
MR. BERNS: I do not believe so.
THE COURT: What is the likelihood of success
on the merits? Tell me.
MR. TANNER: Your Honor, we feel the likeli-
hood of success on the merits is very good; particularly,
with respect to the diversity action as to —
THE COURT: Let’s assume that we’re here
because they’re citizens of two different states. Although,
you admit that he is not a — he’s not domiciled in Ohio;
he’s domiciled in Tennessee, Nashville, Tennessee.
Now, you're telling me I have diversity jurisdiction
and, Mark, I think, and Jordan are going to question that,
but forget the diversity.
How do I have in persona jurisdiction? How do I
have venue? He’s got to be a citizen of this state for me to
have venue. And where do you come from? Tell me.
MR. TANNER: The action that we were primar-
ily claiming is the attack on the state court judgment that
was entered into Ohio. And by virtue of that there —
THE COURT: Wait.
To attack anything — the way to attack anything is do
[p. 13] you have an adequate remedy at law? You have a
App. 48
hardship. Undoubtedly, all his funds were removed from
him, and perilously now, they’re headed for his wife. And
you want to put a stop to this.
When a court in Arizona makes a decision — and I
don’t know exactly what that - I think everything is in
default almost. I mean he never responded to anything,
either a hearing on the sanctions.
The appropriate remedy is to file a motion for recon-
sideration and appear before — off the record.
(Discussion off the record.)
THE COURT: You haven’t explained to me just
how his wife and her lawyers are state actors against
whom an action can be filed under 1983 abridgement of
constitutional right under color of state law. And the state
law that was abridged, if any, was Arizona.
MR. TANNER: The state action on the part of
the attorney/defendants stems from their being officers
of the court. The Court itself -
THE COURT: Sir, I’m telling you I’m the Judge
and you’re not. There’s no state action for which attor-
neys, who are licensed by the state to practice law, can be
brought under an abridgement for constitutional right
under 1983. Now, that’s the law, and that’s the same as to
his wife.
[p. 14] Anyway, as to the wife, we have a decision by
the District Court out there to which I look and say that’s
my brother court, and I accept that decision and that was
decided with prejudice; the other was dismissed volun-
tarily without prejudice.
App. 49
You’re here now, and I’m dismissing it with preju-
dice; one reason of which is I don’t have those people
before me on the basis of in persona. You can’t win that
action.
Now, so far as that the state decree is here, the Ohio
State decree issuing a divorce, we have an Arizona court,
which decided that action out there. We have a right to
appeal, we feel, a civil case. We have a right to delayed
appeal.
This request for temporary restraining order is
denied. The preliminary injunction hearing will not be set
down. The whole case is dismissed with prejudice for the
reason that this Court does not have in persona jurisdic-
tion. There’s a question as to venue and the allegations
made are not before this Court.
Anything further?
MR. COHN: Nothing.
THE COURT: Anything further?
MR. RABB: No.
MR. BERNS: Nothing, your Honor.
THE COURT: So ordered.
[p. 15] MR. MAXTON: Thank you, your Honor.
THE COURT: Call your client. It’s being dis-
missed.
MR. TANNER: Note Plaintiff’s exception, your
Honor.
THE COURT: What?
App. 50
MR. TANNER: Note Plaintiff's exception.
THE COURT: Note Reginald’s exception
because he can’t make it.
All right.
MR. TANNER: Thank you, your Honor.
(Proceedings adjourned.)
CERTIFICATE
I certify that the foregoing is a correct transcript from
the record of proceedings in the above-entitled matter.
/s/ Shirle M. Perkins
Shirle M. Perkins, RPR-CM
Official Court Reporter
App. 51
APPENDIX 11
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA
ROBERT S. CATZ, ) No. CIV 94-879-TUC ACM
Plaintiff,
vs. )
SUSAN R. CHALKER,
)
)
Defendant.
On April 13, 1995, Plaintiff Robert S. Catz, filed a
Motion for Voluntary Dismissal Without Prejudice. On
May 26, 1995, Defendant Susan Chalker filed a Response
to the Plaintiff’s Motion for Voluntary Dismissal.
For the reasons set forth in the Defendant’s
Response.
IT IS ORDERED that this case shall be DISMISSED
WITH PREJUDICE.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the hearing set for
June 12, 1995 is VACATED.
Dated this 8th day of June, 1995.
/s/ Alfredo C. Marquez
ALFREDO C. MARQUEZ
Senior Judge
Copies mailed this date to:
Mr. Philip Matthew Stinson, Sr.
P.O. Box 809
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0809
App. 52
KARP & WEISS, P.C.
Leonard Karp
2120 Bank of America Plaza
33 North Sone Ave.
Tucson, Arizona 85701-1415
Karp & Weiss, P.C.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
2120 BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
33 NORTH STONE AVENUE
TUCSON, ARIZONA 85701-1415
(520) 882-9705
LK:Ip
PCC NO. 30244
ATTORNEY For:
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA
ROBERT S. CATZ, ) NO. CV94-879 TUC ACM
Plaintiff, )
a ) DEFENDANT'S
) RESPONSE TO
SUSAN R. CHALKER, PLAINTIFF’S MOTION
FOR VOLUNTARY
Def t.
ee DISMISSAL
)
Defendant, Susan Chalker, by and through her attor-
neys undersigned, hereby responds to Plaintiff’s Motion
for Voluntary Dismissal and asks this court to dismiss
Plaintiff’s action with prejudice. This request is supported
App. 53
by the accompanying Memorandum of Points and
Authorities.
Respectfully submitted this 26th day of May, 1995.
KARP & WEISS, P.C.
AND
BUTLER & STEIN, P.C.
/s/ Leonard Karp
Leonard Karp
Attorneys for Defendant
App. 54
MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES
Plaintiff requests this Court issue an order of volun-
tary dismissal, without prejudice, because he improperly
anticipated that the Defendant would raise a federal
question in her state court pleadings thus enabling Plain-
tiff to bring an action against her pursuant to 42 U.S.C.
§ 1983. Defendant agrees that Plaintiff’s lawsuit should
be dismissed; however, the dismissal should be with prej-
udice.
Rule 41(a)(2), Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, pro-
vides that this court may dismiss Plaintiff’s action upon
such terms and conditions as it deems proper. Rule 1,
supra, as amended, requires federal courts to construe
and administer the rules to secure the just, speedy and
inexpensive determination of every action. Rule 41,
applied in conjunction with Rule 1, requires this court to
dismiss Plaintiff’s lawsuit with prejudice in order to halt
the Plaintiff’s abusive use of the federal legal system to
intimidate the Defendant, and to avoid further frivolous
filings by Plaintiff.
Plaintiff’s conduct illustrates that he is using both
federal and state court processes to abuse and harass the
Defendant rather than to secure the just determination of
any valid legal dispute. He has filed numerous lawsuits
and pleadings in this court, the Arizona and Ohio state
courts, and most recently the Ninth Circuit Court of
Appeals. Plaintiff has made himself unavailable, thereby
precluding Defendant’s attempt at discovery in the Ari-
zona state court action. He has changed his address sev-
eral times over the course of six months, requiring
Defendant to mail various pleadings to his numerous
App. 55
addresses in several states, and he has never appeared
personally, telephonically, or through counsel in any of
these court hearings.
As this court is well aware, Plaintiff has filed
numerous pleadings with this court not limited to this
§ 1983 complaint. He has also filed a companion § 1983
lawsuit against undersigned counsel; a motion to dismiss
or to transfer the state divorce action to the Ohio District
Court; two removal petitions of the Arizona divorce
action; and an appeal to the Ninth Circuit of this Court's
decision remanding the state divorce action back to the
Superior Court. All of Plaintiff’s pleadings, excluding the
companion lawsuit against Defendant's counsel, required
responsive pleadings and, finally, resulted in an order
from this Court directing the clerk of the court to not
accept further pleadings in case number CV-94-872-TUC-
ACM from Plaintiff without the Court’s express permis-
sion.
This § 1983 lawsuit, is further evidence of Plaintiff’s
attempts to harass and intimidate the Defendant, requir-
ing her to deplete her funds to hire counsel to defend her.
In Von Poppenheim v. Portland Boxing and Wrestling Com-
mission, 442 F.2d 1047 (9th Cir. 1971), the court, in dis-
missing a lawsuit pursuant to Rule 42(b), stated:
Somewhere along the line, the rights of the
defendant to be free from costly and harassing
litigation must be considered. So too must the
time and energies of our courts and the rights of
would-be litigants awaiting their turns to have
other matters resolved.
Id. at 1054. Here, Plaintiff has reached the end of the line.
His overzealous and aggressive litigation tactics need to
App. 56
be terminated by order of this court. His basis for the
original filing is facially frivolous. He filed in anticipation
that the Defendant would raise a federal claim in the
state court pleadings. The Plaintiff is a lawyer who
knows, inter alia, that one does not ethically file a lawsuit
in anticipation that he will have a cause of action. One
files a lawsuit if he has a cause of action. Moreover,
Plaintiff’s filing of the instant complaint is the exact type
of filing prohibited by Rule 11 and shall subject him to
monetary sanctions, including the costs and attorneys
fees Defendant exhausted in defending herself in this
meritless action. (A motion for sanctions under Rule 11
shall be filed under separate cover).
CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiff’s utter disregard
for the law must be halted and his complaint must be
dismissed with prejudice.
App. 57
APPENDIX 12
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
DIVISION OF DOMESTIC RELATIONS
CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OHIO
CASE NUMBER: D
191073
JUDGE STANLEY M.
FISHER
ROBERT S. CATZ,
Plaintiff,
vs.
SUSAN R. CATZ, aka
SUSAN R. CHALKER,
Defendani.
mee eee ee ee ee”
PLAINTIFF’S APPLICATION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL
RELIEF PURSUANT TO OHIO REV. CODE § 2721.09
TO ENFORCE AGAINST DEFENDANT A JUDGMENT
OF THIS COURT ENTERED ON APRIL 10, 1989
Plaintiff Robert S. Catz hereby makes application for
supplemental relief pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code § 2721.09
in the form of a declaratory judgment and permanent
injunction pursuant to Ohio R. Civ. P. 65 enjoining defen-
dant Catz aka Chalker from relitigating in this or any
other fora the issues and claims previously presented to
and adjudicated by this Court in its final judgment
entered on April 10, 1989. In support of this application,
plaintiff Catz avers as follows:
1. The parties were married on April 13, 1980, in
Washington, D.C.
2. On April 10, 1989, the Cuyahoga County Court of
Common Pleas, issued a final judgment in divorce, and
further provided as follows: (1) neither party is entitled
App. 58
to alimony; (2) that plaintiff Catz shall regain possession
of and have sole and exclusive rights of his personal
property located in the State of Ohio; (3) that defendant
Catz aka Chalker shall retain possession of and have sole
and exclusive rights of her personal property located in
the State of Florida.
3. On November 4, 1994, defendant Catz aka
Chalker filed a dissolution action in the Pima County
Superior Court, Tucson, Arizona, collaterally attacking
the final judgment of this Court. Chalker v. Catz, No.
D-103065.
4. On March 14, 1995, the Pima County Superior
Court, Tucson, Arizona, issued a final Decree of Dissolu-
tion by default in favor of defendant Catz aka Chalker,
and declined on grounds of fraud to give this Court’s
prior judgment full faith and credit under Article IV,
Section 1, United States Constitution. Said Arizona decree
purports to award defendant Catz aka Chaiker alimony
and transfers property rightfully belonging to plaintiff
Catz that this Court awarded him on April 10, 1989.
5. At no time since the April 10, 1989 decree of this
Court granting a divorce did the parties remarry.
6. The final judgment entered by the Arizona court
in Chalker v. Catz is invalid and unenforceable and not
entitled to be given the full faith and credit under Article
IV, Section 1, United States Constitution, by this or any
other court.
WHEREFORE, plaintiff prays that this Court issue a
declaratory judgment pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code
App. 59 -
§ 2721.09 finding that: (1) this Court has continuing sub-
ject matter jurisdiction in this case to enforce its prior
decree and judgment pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code
§ 3105.01; (2) when said judgment was entered on April
10, 1989, this Court had acquired in personam jurisdiction
over the defendant under International Shoe v. Washington,
326 U.S. 310 (1945); Pasqualne v. Pasqualne, 406 N.E.2d
1121, 1124-25 (Ohio 1980); Hofsteder v. Kennedy, 590
N.E.2d 793 (Ohio App. 1990); (3) when said judgment was
entered on April 10, 1989, this Court had acquired in rem
jurisdiction over all property belonging to the plaintiff in
the State of Ohio under Schaffer v. Heitner, 433 U.S. 186
(1977); (4) service of process on the defendant Catz aka
Chalker was effectuated pursuan: to Ohio R. Civ. P.
4.3(A)(8) and that said method of service satisfies due
process under Mullane v. Central Hanover Bank and Trust
Co., 339 U.S. 306 (1950); United Home Federal v. Rhinehart,
601 N.E.2d 138 (Ohio App. 1991); (5) defendant Catz aka
Chalker’s claim of fraud committed by plaintiff Catz
before this tribunal, and possibly by others is denied, and
is nonetheless barred by laches, claim/issue preclusion,
estoppel, waiver, and any fraud claim must have been
asserted by defendant Catz aka Chalker within one year
of its discovery and brought before this Court under Ohio
R. Civ. P. 60(b). See Karp & Karp, DOMESTIC TORTS
(1989) §§ 1.36-1.37; (6) under Article IV, Section 1, United
States Constitution, as interpreted by the Arizona courts
and others, defendant Catz aka Chalker may only attack
the Ohio judgment for fraud on jurisdictional facts, stated
with particularity, and only upon a finding of clear and
convincing evidence. None of these elernents form the
App. 60
basis of the Arizona court's arbitrary and capricious find-
ings of fact and conclusions of law, nor does the evidenti-
ary record support such findings, and is therefore clearly
erroneous. Accordingly, plaintiff Catz is entitled under
Ohio R. Civ. P. 65 to a final injunction permanently
enjoining the defendant Catz aka Chalkar from bringing
any further frivolous, vexatious, harassing litigation
regarding issues and claims presented and adjudicated by
this Court’s April 10, 1989 final judgment and arising
under these supplemental proceedings, in this or any
other fora.
Respectfully submitted,
By: /s/
Gerald R. Walton & Associates
Co. ECA.
(Bar No. 0003914)
2800 Euclid Avenue, Suite 500
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(216) 621-1230
Attorney for Plaintiff
App. 61
APPENDIX 13
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF ARIZONA
ROBERT S. CATZ, ESQUIRE
Petitioner,
Vs.
THE HONORABLE LEONARD I.
KARP, THE HONORABLE
MICHAEL ALFRED, THE
HONORABLE JOSEPH
MCDONALD, Judges of the
Superior Court in and for the
County of Pima,
THE HONORABLE JAMES N.
CORBETT, Clerk of the Superior
Court in and for the County of
Pima,
and,
SUSAN R. CHALKER, ESQUIRE
real party in interest,
Respondents.
tl tl i i ee ee ee a a oe
VERIFIED PETITION FOR SPECIAL ACTION
ROBERT S. CATZ
1402 17th Ave. South #B
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 780-3594
Petitioner In Propria Persona
* * *
App. 62
1871, 42 U.S.C. § 1983 as this action alleges multiple
unconstitutional acts committed under color of law. New
Times Inc. v. Arizona Board of Regents, 519 P.2d 169, 176
(Ariz.1974). See, generally, S. Steinglass, SECTION 1983
LITIGATION IN STATE COURTS (Shepherd/McGraw
Hill 1987). See also, Steinglass, The Emerging State Court
Section 1983 Action: A Procedural Review, 38 U.MIAMI
L.REV.381, 383-84 n.10 (1984).
STATEMENT OF THE ISSUES
PRESENTED FOR REVIEW
4. Whether judicial respondents’ standing orders
entered on November 4, 1994, December 1, 1994, March 2,
1995, and March 14, 1995 are arbitrary, capricious, and an
abuse of discretion and therefore contrary to required
law.
5. Whether the respondent judicial officers have
proceeded in excess of jurisdiction and without legal
authority.
PARTIES
6. Petitioner Robert S. Catz, Esquire, is the respon-
dent below, and a member in good standing of the bar of
the Supreme Court of Ohio and appears in these proceed-
ings in propria persona. From 1977 to 1989 petitioner was
domiciled in Cleveland, Ohio where he served as a pro-
fessor of law with tenure as a member of the faculty of
law of the College of Law, Cleveland State University,
Cleveland, Ohio and taught civil procedure,
App. 63
APPENDIX 14
SUPREME COURT OF ARIZONA
ROBERT S. CATZ,
Petitioner,
Supreme Court
vs. No. M-95-0026
THE HONORABLE LEONARD I.
KARP, THE HONORABLE ORDER
MICHAEL ALFRED, THE (Filed
HONORABLE JOSEPH
MCDONALD, JUDGES OF THE
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE
OF ARIZONA, in and for the
County of Pima,
JAMES N. CORBETT, CLERK OF
THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE
STATE OF ARIZONA, in and for
the County of Pima,
jun. 30, 1995)
and,
SUSAN R. CHALKER, ESQUIRE
real party in interest,
Respondents.
Ct Net et ee ee ed ee ed DD DD DD DD DD De ee
The duty justice has considered the verified petition
for special action, the documentary appendix in support
of special action, application for interlocutory order stay-
ing all further proceedings below, and other motions. The
duty justice has been unsuccessful in locating petitioner
by telephone or to have a phone conference with oppo-
sing counsel.
App. 64
The court declines to entertain the petition. The court
appeals appears to have jurisdiction to entertain the peti-
tion for special action or as an appeal. A.R.S. §12-120.21.
Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED transferring this cause to the Court
of Appeals, Division Two. A.R.S. §12-120.22(B). No action
is taken on the motion to waive fees.
DATED this 30th day of June, 1995.
/s/ Robert J. Corcoran
ROBERT J. CORCORAN
Duty Justice
TO:
Robert S. Catz, Petitioner
Hon. Leonard I. Karp, Pima County Superior Court
Hon. Michael Alfred, Pima County Superior Court
Hon. Joseph McDonald, Pima County Superior Court
- James Corbett, Clerk, Pima County Superior Court
Carl A. Piccarreta, Esq.
Joyce A. Goldsmith, Clerk, Court of Appeals Division
Two, Tucson
sb
App. 65
APPENDIX 15
Supreme Court of Arizona
ROBERT S. CATZ, ESQUIRE
Jeune Supreme Court
vs. No. M-95-0026
THE HONORABLE L. I. KARP,
THE HONORABLE M. ALFRED,
THE HONORABLE J.
MCDONALD, JUDGES OF THE
SUPERIOR COURT of Pima
County, and
SUSAN R. CHALKER, ESQUIRE
real party in interest,
as
+
*
~
7
*
4
*
*
«
*
a
*
*
*
Respondents.
EMERGENCY MOTION FOR REHEARING
BY THE FULL COURT EN BANC
Petitioner, Robert S. Catz, Esquire hereby moves the
full court en banc to reconsider the order entered by
Justice Corcoran on June 30, 1995 in which he declined to
exercise jurisdiction over the petition for special action
filed on June 29, 1995. (A copy of the order is attached
hereto) As grounds for reconsideration petitioner relies
on Rule 7(b) of the Rules for Special Action as this case is
properly before this Court and not the court of appeals in
the first instance and states as follows:
1. Whether this Court declines or accepts
to hear a petition for special action given the
omnibus allegations of aggregious misconduct
by three judicial officers of a lower court and
App. 66
instead transferring this case to the court of
appeals in the first instance is a matter to be
properly considered by each individual justice
and not by a single justice sitting to hear pro-
cedural motions as a duty justice.
2. This is precisely and uniquely the kind
of case that warrants the immediate intervention
of a court of last resort to exercise its super-
visory powers over lower court judges that have
committed clear and numerous violations of the
Code of Judicial Conduct and have acquiesced
to violations of the Code of Professional Con-
duct by respondent Chalkers’ counsel including
the fraudulent withholding of evidence, suborn-
ing perjury, and holding private and clandestine
conferences with respondent judges off the
record among others. The constitutional and
procedural irregularities that have occurred
below cannot be tolerated by this Court and
requires the immediate intervention by this
Court to insure that basic and fundamental
rights are protected and to safeguard that the
law of the land is faithfully executed by judicial
officers sworn to uphold the U.S. and Arizona
Constitutions. This Court has historically exer-
cised its supervisory powers in special actions
in matters concerning the efficient and just
administration of the Arizona judicial system, a
role properly exercised by the Supreme Court
and not a court of appeals, whenever the needs
[sic] arises as this case clearly demonstrates, for
the prompt and final resolution of far reaching
legal questions of state-wide import to avoid
unnecessary and protracted litigation which will
continue unabated in Arizona and in the Ohio
Courts unless this Court disciplines the judges
below, and to preserve collateral questions of
App. 67
law that might otherwise evade judicial review
thereby promoting statewide judicial efficiency
as this case clearly qualifies as the kind of spe-
cial action more properly before this court given
the unique posture of this case. See, Arizona’s
Special Action Practice, 1983 ARIZONA ST.L.J.
535, 553-54.
3. The serious allegations of judicial and
professional misconduct by respondents is not a
matter that should be properly heard and con-
sidered by Pima County appellate court judges
who live and reside in that community when the
allegations of misconduct that have occurred in
a locale where the violations as so pervasive and
reflect a local culture and bias against an out of
state litigant who is not a senior member of the
Pima County Bar and retains professional and
personal relationships with jurists of Pima
County that should be remedied by this Court
and not a court with relationships with judges
of the Superior Court of Pima County.
4. The serious, constitutional violations
which are clearly documented in the record
below as contained in the documentary appen-
dix require this Court to intervene and review a
jurisdictional dispute and conflict between the
Arizona and Ohio Courts regarding which of
two judgments is entitled to full faith and credit
under Article IV § 1 and 28 U.S.C. § 1738, a
unique role for a court of last resort regarding
the comity owed to the judgments of a sovereign
sister state and the applicable legal standard
that should be applied under 28 U.S.C. § 1738.
This Court has not spoken on this issue of state-
wide applicability since it rendered a decision in
Stephens v. Thomasson, 160 P.2d 238 (Ariz.
App. 68
1945), nor has it ever interpreted the reach of 28
-U.S.C. § 1738 under the Supremacy Clause of
the U.S. Constitution which was patently disre-
garded by the respondents below.
5. The final default judgment enter [sic] by
the court below on March 14, 1995 finds that
petitioner a member of the bar of the Supreme
Court of Ohio committed fraud upon an Ohio
court in 1988 and therefore the Ohio judgment
was not entitled to full faith and credit when no
such evidence exists nor was it established
below at a default evidentiary hearing. Unless
__amediate intervention and relief is granted by
this Court petitioner will be required as a mem-
ber in good standing of the bar of three separate
jurisdictions since 1970, to report the Arizona
state court finding of “fraud” to the Supreme
Court of Ohio, the District of Columbia Court of
Appeals and the Supreme Court of Nebraska
which ought to be a concern of this Court, and
would be wholly unnecessary and will simply
cause further waste of judicial resources by
other additional jurisdictions to determine
whether petitioner should be disciplined or dis-
barred for the commission of “fraud” by an
officer of the court, if the full Court declines to
promptly exercise its plenary and supervisory
powers over respondents through their acts of
misconduct as clearly present in the record
below rathering than transferring this case to
court of appeals which creates a totally unneces-
sary and additional sub-level of review thereby
prolonging a proceeding that this Court could
easily and finally adjudicate now given the
unique procedural posture of this special action
involving issues that a court of last resort
should and must consider without further delay.
App. 69
WHEREFOEE, petitioner prays that this Court reconsider
: and vacate the order entered by the duty justice and
4 exercise clear jurisdiction in this case forthwith.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Robert S. Catz.
ROBERT S. CATZ
1402 17th Ave. South #B
Nashvile [sic], TN 37212
(615) 780-3594
Petitioner In Propria Persona
App. 70
SUPREME COURT OF ARIZONA
ROBERT S. CATZ,
Petitioner,
Supreme Court
vs. No. M-95-0026
THE HONORABLE LEONARD I.
KARP, THE HONORABLE ORDER
MICHAEL ALFRED, THE (Filed
HONORABLE JOSEPH
MCDONALD, JUDGES OF THE
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE
OF ARIZONA, in and for the
County of Pima,
JAMES N. CORBETT, CLERK OF
THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE
STATE OF ARIZONA, in and for
the County of Pima,
June 30, 1995)
and
SUSAN R. CHALKER, ESQUIRE,
real party in interest,
Respondents.
meee eee eee ee
The duty justice has considered the verified petition
for special action, the documentary appendix in support
of special action, application for interlocutory order stay-
ing all further proceedings below, and other motions. The
duty justice has been unsuccessful in locating petitioner
by telephone or to have a phone conference with oppos-
ing counsel.
The court declines to entertain the petition. The court
of appeals appears to have jurisdiction to entertain the
App. 71
petition for special action or as an appeal. A.R.S.
§12-120.21. Therefore,
IT IS ORDERED transferring this cause to the Court
of Appeals, Division Two. A.R.S. §12-120.22(B). No action
is taken on the motion to waive fees.
DATED this 30th day of June, 1995.
/s/ Robert J. Corcoran
ROBERT J. CORCORAN
Duty Justice
TO:
Robert S. Catz, Petitioner
Hon. Leonard I. Karp, Pima County Superior Court
Hon. Michael Alfred, Pima County Superior Court
Hon. Joseph McDonald, Pima County Superior Court
James Corbett, Clerk, Pima County Superior Court
Carl A. Piccarreta, Esq.
Joyce A. Goldsmith, Clerk, Court of Appeals Division
Two, Tucson
sb
App. 72
APPENDIX 16
SUPREME COURT OF ARIZONA
ROBERT S. CATZ,
Petitioner,
Supreme Court
vs. No. M-95-0026
THE HONORABLE LEONARD I.
KARP, THE HONORABLE ORDER
MICHAEL ALFRED, THE (Filed
HONORABLE JOSEPH
MCDONALD, JUDGES OF THE
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE
OF ARIZONA, in and for the
County of Pima,
JAMES N. CORBETT, CLERK OF
THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE )
STATE OF ARIZONA, in and for
the County of Pima,
Jul. 14, 1995)
mee me eee eee eee ee
and,
)
)
)
SUSAN R. CHALKER, ESQUIRE
real party in interest, )
)
)
Respondents.
Upon reading the Motion for Rehearing by the Full
Court En Banc,
And it appearing that there are no grounds to recon-
sider the order of this Court in this cause entered on June
30, 1995,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the motion is DENIED.
TO:
sb
App. 73
DATED this 14 day of July, 1995.
/s/ Frederick J. Martone
FREDERICK J. MARTONE
Justice
Robert S. Catz, Petitioner
Hon. Leonard I. Karp, Pima County Superior Court
Hon. Michael Alfred, Pima County Superior Court
Hon. Joseph McDonald, Pima County Superior Court
James Corbett, Clerk, Pima County Superior Court
Carl A. Piccarreta, Esq.
Joyce A. Goldsmith, Clerk, Court of Appeals Division
Two, Tucson
cc: Herb P. 7/20/95
ee
App. 74
APPENDIX 17
ROBERT S. CATZ, ESQUIRE
1402-17th Avenue South #B
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
(615) 780-3594
July 13, 1995
Ms. Joyce A. Goldsmith, Clerk
Court of Appeals, Division Two
State Office Complex
400 West Congress
Tucson, Arizona 85701-1374
re: Supreme Court No.
M-95-0026
Catz v. Karp et al
Dear Ms. Goldsmith:
As per Mr. Dessaint’s direction and our telephone conver-
sation of yesterday I have enclosed a copy of my motion
for rehearing filed in the above-matter on July 6, 1995
asking the full Court to reconsider Justice Corcoran’s
| order transferring my Petition for Special Action to Divi-
sion Two. Since the Petition for Special Action is still
pending in the Arizona Supreme Court and the transfer
order is not yet final I ask you that you not file the
pleadings sent to you by Mr. Dessaint’s office until the
Supreme Court’s mandate issues.
I should also inform you that should the Supreme Court
of Arizona decline by final order to exercise discretionary
review on the Petition for Special Action it is my inten-
tion to file a petition for writ of certiorari to the Supreme
Court of the United States to review claims arising under
the full faith and credit clause and the due process clause
and seek a stay of the final judgment of the Pima County
App. 75
Superior Court entered on March 14, 1995 from Associate
Justice O’Connor sitting as Circuit Justice for the Ninth
Circuit.
Given the unreliability of the U.S. mails I ask that your
office confirm receipt of this letter.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Cordially,
/s/ Robert S. Catz
ROBERT S. CATZ
cc: James Leonard Karp; Judge Michael Alfred; Judge
Joseph McDonald; James Corbett, Clerk; Annette
Everlove, Esquire for Susan R. Chalker, Esquire real party
of interest; Noel K. Dessaint, Clerk; Carl Piccaretta,
Esquire.
Enclosure
App. 76
APPENDIX 18
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
EASTERN DIVISION
ROBERT S. CATZ,
1402 17th Avenue South #4B
Nashville, TN 37212,
PLAINTIFF,
vs.
SUSAN R. CHALKER,
6374 Vuelta Tajo
Tucson, AZ 85718
FIDELITY INVESTMENTS,
164 North Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02210
WATERHOUSE SECURITIES,
100 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
TEACHERS INSURANCE
ANNUITY
ASSOCIATION /COLLEGE
RETIREMENT EQUITY FUND,
730 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
OHIO STATE TEACHERS
RETIREMENT SYSTEM
275 Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
DEFENDANTS.
CA No. 1:95CV
1652
JUDGE MANOS
MAG. JUDGE
HEMANN
le i de ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee
App. 77
COMPLAINT FOR INJUNCTIVE AND
DECLARATORY RELIEF
I. INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT
1. This action arises under 28 U.S.C. §1738 seeking final
injunctive and declaratory relief as to which of two final
and conflicting state court judgments is entitled to full
faith and credit under Article IV §1 of the United States
Constitution.
Il. JURISDICTION
2. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction under 28
U.S.C. §1332 as there is complete diversity of citizenship
between the parties and the amount in controversy
exceeds $50,000 exclusive of interests and costs.
Ill. PARTIES
3. The plaintiff Robert S. Catz is an adult resident of the
State of Tennessee.
4. The defendant Susan R. Chalker is an aduit resident
of the State of Arizona.
5. The defendant Fidelity Investments of Massachusetts
is a financial services company authorized to sell securi-
ties and other investment instruments in the State of
Ohio.
6. The defendant Waterhouse Securities of New York is
a financial services company authorized to sell securities
and other investment instruments in the State of Ohio.
7. The defendant Teachers Insurance Annuity Associa-
tion/College Retirement Equity Fund of New York is a
App. 78
financial services company authorized to sell securities
and other investment instruments in the State of Ohio.
8. The defendant Ohio State Teachers Retirement System
of Columbus was created by the Ohio legislature to pro-
vide retirement and other related benefits and services to
Ohio’s public school and state university employees.
IV. FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
9. On April 13, 1980 the plaintiff Robert S. Catz and
defendant Susan R. Chalker were married in Washington,
ce.
10. On April 10, 1989 the plaintiff Robert S. Catz and
defendant Susan R. Chalker were divorced by final
decree entered by the Cuyahoga County Court of Com-
mon Pleas in Catz v. Catz, No. D 191073 a copy of said
final judgment is attached hereto.
11. On November 4, 1994 defendant Chalker filed a
petition for dissolution of marriage in the Pima County
Superior Court, Tucson, Arizona in Chalker v. Catz, No.
D103065 collaterally attacking the validity of 1989 Ohio
judgment.
12. On March 14, 1995 the Pima County Superior Court
entered a final judgment in Chalker v. Catz granting
defendant Chalker a dissolution of marriage by default
judgment on grounds that the 1989 Ohio judgment was
not entitled to full faith and credit under Article IV §1 of
the United States Constitution as it was procured by
fraud and ordered among other things the transfer of
property held in the name of plaintiff Robert S. Catz on
App. 79
account with defendants Fidelity Investments, Water-
house Securities, Teachers Insurance Annuity Associa-
tion/College Retirement Equity Fund and the Ohio State
Teachers Retirement System to defendant Chalker a copy
of which is attached hereto.
V. CLAIMS FOR RELIEF
13. The Arizona state court judgment was entered in
violation of 28 U.S.C. §1738 and Article IV §1 of the
United States Constitution and is therefore invalid.
14. The Arizona state court judgment was entered in
violation of the due process clause of the fourteenth
amendment of the United States Constitution as plaintiff
Catz was denied a full and fair opportunity to present his
claims before the Arizona state court in Chalker v. Catz
and is therefore invalid.
VI. PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, plaintiff prays that the Court grant the
following relief:
1. Issue a declaratory judgment that the Arizona state
court judgment is invalid under 28 U.S.C. §1738, Article
IV §1 and the fourteenth amendment of the United States
Constitution.
2. Issue a permanent injunction enjoining defendant
Chalker from initiating any further litigation collaterally
attacking the Ohio judgment on grounds that said judg-
ment is constitutionality [sic] valid and therefore entitled
to complete and full preclusive effect under Ohio law as
App. 80
to all issues and claims adjudicated by the Ohio court in
1989.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Robert S. Catz
ROBERT S. CATZ
1402 17th Avenue South # B
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
(615) 780-3594
PLAINTIFF APPEARING PRO SE
App. 81
APPENDIX 19
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
EASTERN DIVISION
ROBERT S. CATZ, ESQ.
1402 17TH AVE So. # B
Nashville, TN 37212,
Plaintiff,
vs.
SUSAN R. CHALKER, ESQ.
6374 Vuelta Tajo
Tucson, AZ 85718
ANNETTE EVERLOVE, ESQ.
BUTLER & STEIN, P.C.
110 Church Ave #9300
Tucson, Az 85701,
LEONARD I. KARP, ESQ.
KARP, HEURLIN & WEISS, P.C.
33 No. Stone Ave # 1800
Tucson, Az 85701,
FIDELITY INVESTMENTS, INC.
164 N. Northern Ave
Boston, MA 02210,
WATERHOUSE SECURITIES
100 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
TIAA/CREF
730 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017,
Defendants.
NO. 1:95 cv 1652
JUDGE MANOS
(Mag. Judge
Hemann)
ee ee ee a a ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee
App. 82
PLAINTIFF’S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
Now comes the plaintiff, Robert S. Catz and com-
plains as follows:
I. INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT
1. This action arises under the due process clause of the
fourteenth amendment of the U.S. Constitution and 42
U.S.C. §§ 1983, 1985 seeking permanent injunctive relief
enforcing a final Ohio state court judgment entered on
April 10, 1989, and a declaratory judgment pursuant to 28
U.S.C. § 2201 seeking a judicial determination from this
Court, which of two final and conflicting state court
judgments is entitled to full faith and credit under Article
IV, § 1 of the U.S. Constitution and 28 U.S.C. § 1738.
Plaintiff also seeks an award of damages for violation of
rights secured under the due process clause of the four-
teenth amendment of the U.S. Constitution, for violations
of the Electronic Communications Act of 1986, 18 U.S.C.
§ 2511, for common law fraud and deceit, for tortious
interference with plaintiff’s professional license and for
intentional infliction of emotional distress under Ohio
law.
II. JURISDICTION
2. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to
U.S. Constitution, under 28 U.S.C. § 1332 as there is
complete diversity of citizenship between the parties and
the amount in controversy exceeds $50,000 exclusive of
interests and costs, and under 28 U.S.C. § 1343(a)(3)(4) for
Le ee meee
App. 83
violations of plaintiff’s civil rights committed under color
of law.
3. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the defen-
dants pursuant to O.R.C. § 2307.382(A)(2)&(6), Ohio’s
long-arm statute.
III. THE PARTIES
4. The plaintiff, Robert S. Catz is an adult resident of the
State of Tennessee and an attorney admitted to the bar of
Ohio.
5. The defendant, Susan R. Chalker is an adult resident
of the State of Arizona and an attorney admitted to the
bar of Florida.
6. The defendant, Leonard I. Karp is an adult resident of
the State of Arizona and an attorney admitted to the bar
of Arizona.
7. The defendant, Annette Everlove is an adult resident
of the State of Arizona and an attorney admitted to the
bar of Arizona.
8. The defendant, Karp, Heurlin & Weiss, P.C., is a pro-
fessional association incorporated under the laws of the
State of Arizona for the purposes of providing legal ser-
vices and at all times alleged herein relied on the services
of attorney-defendant Karp.
9. The defendant Butler & Stein, P.C., is a professional
association incorporated under the laws of the State of
Arizona for the purposes of providing legal services and
at all times alleged herein relied on the services of attor-
ney-defendant Everlove.
App. 84
10. The defendant, Fidelity Investments of the State of
Massachusetts is a financial services company authorized
to to [sic] sell securities in the State of Ohio.
11. The defendant, Waterhouse Securities of the State of
New York is a financial services company authorized to
sell securities in the State of Ohio.
12. The defendant, Teachers Insurance Annuity Associa-
tion/College Retirement Equity Fund of the State of New
York is a financial services company authorized to sell
securities in the State of Ohio.
IV. FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
13. On April 13, 1980, the plaintiff Robert S. Catz and
defendant Susan R. Chalker were married in Washington,
D.C. The parties have a son, Aaron, age 14.
14. On April 10, 1989, the plaintiff Robert S. Catz and
defendant Susan R. Chalker were divorced by final
decree entered by the Cuyahoga County Court of Com-
mon Pleas, Cleveland, Ohio, in Catz v. Catz, No. D191073.
See Exhibit “A” attached hereto (Ohio divorce decree).
15. On November 4, 1994, defendant Chalker filed a
petition for dissolution of marriage in the Pima County
Superior Court, Tucson, Arizona in Chalker v. Catz, No.
D103065 collaterally attacking the validity of the Ohio
judgment.
16. On October 20, 1994, October 27, 1994, November 7,
1994, November 8, 1994 and November 14, 1994 defen-
dant Chalker acting in concert with defendants Everlove,
Karp and their respective law firms together conspired in
the unlawful electronic interception and surreptitious
App. 85
forced entry by aural acquisition of plaintiff’s personal
sole bank account operating in interstate commerce.
17. On March 14, 1995, the Pima County Superior Court
entered a final decree and judgment in Chalker v. Catz
granting defendant Chalker a dissolution of marriage by
default and invalidated the 1989 Ohio state court judg-
ment upon a finding by the Arizona court that it was not
entitled to full faith and credit under Article IV, § 1 of the
U.S. Constitution as plaintiff allegedly procured said final
decree of divorce by committing fraud upon the
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas while an offi-
cer of that court and admitted to practice before the bar
of the Supreme Court of Ohio. The Arizona decree fur-
ther ordered inter alia the transfer of all his separate
property awarded to him by the Ohio court and in the
custody of defendant financial institutions named herein.
See Exhibit “B” attached hereto (Arizona dissolution
decree).
18. The manner in which the Arizona state court pro-
ceeding were [sic] conducted, resulting in the coerced
and involuntary entry of the final decree of dissolution
by default deprived the plaintiff of a full and fair oppor-
tunity to be heard on all claims adjudicated on March 14,
1995 as well as denying the plaintiff to opportunity to
present his own claims and defenses before that tribunal;
that said decree was procured by defendant Chalker’s
knowing and intentional use of false testimony and affi-
davits; and through the fraudulent withholding of rele-
vant and material documentary evidence from the
Arizona court by her counsel, defendants Karp and
Everlove acting in concert with defendant Chalker and
their respective professional corporation/defendants and
App. 86
other yet unnamed defendants with the specific intent to
deceive, suborn perjury and obstruct by the unlawful
invalidation of the 1989 Ohio judgment. If said material
documentary evidence had not been concealed but forth-
rightly presented to the Arizona tribunal it would have
resulted in the summary dismissal of the dissolution pro-
ceedings.
19. On July 28, 1995 plaintiff attended a chambers con-
ference before the presiding judge of the Cuyahoga Court
of Common Pleas in Catz v. Catz, and pursuant to his
professional obligation as an officer of that court,
reported the Arizona state court finding that plaintiff had
committed fraud upon the Ohio court in securing the
1989 decree of divorce. At that conference, plaintiff
requested and the presiding judge agreed to refer the
Arizona court fraud finding to the Disciplinary Commit-
tee of the Cuyahoga Bar Association for investigation of
misconduct under DR 1-103(A) (reporting misconduct) of
violations of DR 1-102(A)(3) (criminal act), DR
1-102(4)(A) (fraud), and DR 1-101(A)(5) (conduct prejudi-
cial to the administration of justice) of the Ohio Supreme
Court Code of Professional Responsibility.
V. CLAIMS FOR RELIEF
Count One:
Declaratory Judgment 28 U.S.C. § 2201
(Catz v. all defendants)
20. The plaintiff hereby incorporates all paragraphs
herein as though fully set forth at length.
21. Plaintiff’s claims are controversies between the par-
ties over which this Court has jurisdiction.
App. 87
22. The controversies are actual because there are con-
flicting state court judgments; one judgment awarding all
of plaintiff’s property located in the State of Ohio to him,
and the other judgment all of plaintiff's property and
assets to defendant Chalker.
23. The Arizona state court default judgment was
entered in violation of the due process clause of the
fourteenth amendment of the U.S. Constitution and is
therefore invalid.
24. The Arizona state court default judgment was
entered in violation of Article IV § 1 of the U.S. Constitu-
tion and is therefore invalid.
25. The Arizona state court default judgment was
entered in violation of 28 U.S.C. § 1738 and is therefore
invalid.
Count Two:
Violations of 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983 and 1985
(Catz v. Chalker, Karp, Everlove, Karp, Heurlin & Weiss,
P.C. and Butler & Stein, P.C.)
26. The plaintiff hereby incorporates all paragraphs
herein as though fully set forth at length.
27. Defendants Chalker, Karp, Everlove, Karp, Huerlin
& Weiss, P.C. acting in concert with each and other yet
unnamed persons were state actors under the color of
Arizona law when they invoked the machinery of the
Arizona courts to improperly seize plaintiff’s property.
28. The fraudulent acts committed by defendants consti-
tute violations of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and a claim of conspir-
acy under 42 U.S.C. § 1985 to deprive the plaintiff of
App. 88
federally protected rights under the due process clause of
the fourteenth amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Count Three:
The Electronic Communications Act of 1986 (18 U.S.C.
§2511) (Catz v. Chalker, Karp, Everlove, Karp, Heurlin &
Weiss, P.C. and Butler & Stein, P.C.)
29. The plaintiff hereby incorporates all paragraphs
herein as though fully set forth at length.
30. The intentional electronic interception of plaintiff’s
personal and separate bank checking account by defen-
dants constitute a violation of the civil damage remedy
provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 2511
Count Four:
Fraud and Deceit
(Catz v. Chalker, Karp, Everlove, Karp, Heurlin & Weiss,
P.C. and Butler & Stein, P.C.)
31. The plaintiff hereby incorporates all paragraphs
herein as though fully set forth at length.
32. The intentional acts as alleged against the defen-
dants constitutes a claim for common law fraud and
deceit under Ohio law.
Count Five:
Tortious Interference with a Professional License
(Catz v. Chalker, Karp, Everlove, Karp, Heurlin & Weiss,
P.C. and Butler & Stein, P.C.)
33. The plaintiff hereby incorporates all paragraphs
herein as though fully set forth at length.
App. 89
34. The intentional acts alleged against the defendants
constitutes a claim for tortious interference with plain-
tiff’s professional license to practice law in Ohio.
Count Six:
Intentional and Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress
(Catz v. Chalker, Karp, Everlove, Karp, Heurlin & Weiss,
P.C., Butler & Stein, P.C.)
35. The plaintiff hereby incorporates all paragraphs
herein as though fully set forth at length.
36. The acts alleged against the defendants constitutes a
claim for intentional and negligent infliction of emotional
distress under Ohio law.
VI. PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, piaintiff Robert S. Catz prays that the
Court grant the following relief:
a. issue a declaratory judgment pursuant to 28
U.S.C. § 2201 that the Arizona state court judgment is
invalid under 28 U.S.C. § 1738, Article IV, § 1 of the U.S.
Constitution, and the due process clause of the fourteenth
amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and issue corre-
sponding permanent injunctive relief pursuant to Rule 65
of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure permanently
enjoining defendant Chalker from enforcing the Arizona
state court judgment and direct that defendant financial
institutions release plaintiff's assets forthwith;
b. award plaintiff actual, compensatory, consequen-
‘tial and punitive damages against defendants Chalker,
App. 90
Karp, Everlove, Karp, Heurlin & Weiss, P.C., and Butler &
Stein, P.C. in the amount of $10,000,000.
c. set this matter down for jury trial on the damage
claims.
d. award plaintiff reasonable attorneys’ fees pur-
suant to 42 U.S.C. § 1988 and 18 U.S.C. § 2511 and his
costs, fees and expenses incurred herein.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert S. Catz Reginald N. Maxton
1402 - 17th Ave. So. #B James R. Tanner, Jr
Nashville, TN 37212 1367 East 6th Street #400
(615) 780-3594 Cleveland, OH 44114
(615) 696-0066
Philip M. Stinson, Sr.
BOCHETTO & LENTZ, P.C.
Centre Square, East Tower
1500 Market Street, # 1460
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 735-3900
COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF
App. 91
APPENDIX 20
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
EASTERN DIVISION
ROBERT S. CATZ, ) CASE NO.
Plaintiff, : 1:95CV1652
Vv. , Judge John M. Manos
) MEMORANDUM OF
SUSAN R. CHALKER, et al., ) OPINION
Defendants. )
On July 27, 1995, Robert S. Catz, the plaintiff, filed
the above captioned case. On September 26, 1995, he filed
his first amended complaint against Susan R. Chalker,
Annette Everlove, Leonard Karp, Karp, Heurlin & Weiss,
P.C. (“KH&W”), Butler & Stein, P.C. (“B&S”), Fidelity
Investments (“Fidelity”), Waterhouse Securities (“Water-
house”), Teachers Insurance Annuity Association/Col-
lege Retirement Equity Fund (“TIAA/CREF”), the
defendants. Catz seeks a declaratory judgment regarding
the validity of a judgment of divorce entered by a state
court in Arizona. In addition, he alleges violations of his
civil rights under 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983, 1985, violations of the
Electronic Communications Act of 1986, 18 U.S.C. § 2511,
and common law fraud, tortious interference with busi-
ness relations, and intentional infliction of emotional dis-
tress. He asserts jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1332,
1343.
On September 26, 1995, Catz filed a motion for a
temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.
On September 29, 1995, a conference was held, and the
App. 92
court heard arguments of counsel. For the following rea-
sons, his motion for temporary restraining order and
preliminary injunction is denied, and his complaint is
dismissed with prejudice.
3
Catz is a former law professor and a licensed attor-
ney in Ohio. From 1980 until 1989, he taught at Cleveland
Marshall School of Law in Cleveland, Ohio. Between 1989
and 1992, he taught at the District of Columbia School of
Law in Washington, D.C. On April 13, 1980, he married
Chalker. They have one child from.
On April 10, 1989, a final decree of divorce was
entered by the Court of Common Pleas of Cuyahoga
County, Ohio (“the Ohio state case”). Catz v. Catz, Case
No. D191073, slip op. (C.P. Cuyahoga Cty. filed Apr. 10,
1989) (Pl.’s Am. Compl. Ex. A.). It ordered that:
Neither party is entitled to alimony;
[Catz] shall retain possession of . . . his personal
property located in the State of Ohio;
[Chalker] shall retain possession of .. . her
personal property which is presently in her pos-
session.
Id. at 3. It also determined that it did not retain jurisdic-
tion over their child and that “it was not the proper
forum to determine matters of child support” and visita-
tion. Id. at 2.
Chalker has testified that, when Catz was living with
her in Georgia, he sent service of the proceedings to his
posta’ b * 1 Miami, Florida, and it was accepted by his
App. 93
friend who signed for it as her agent. (Pl.’s Appendix at
203-07.) She also testified that she never knew about the
Ohio state case until November 1994. (Id.)
In 1993, Catz and Chalker moved to Arizona where
they lived together. (Id. at 200.) He worked as a club
owner, and she was a school teacher. In September 1994,
they separated, and on November 4, 1994, she filed a
petition for divorce in the Pima County Superior Court in
Tucson, Arizona (“the Arizona state case”). Chalker v.
Catz, Case No. D103065, slip op. (Sup. Ct. Pima Cty. filed
Mar. 15, 1995) (Pl.’s Am. Compl. Ex. B.) On December 1,
1994, the Arizona state court issued an ex parte order
which seized his assets, including those funds held in his
accounts with Fidelity, Waterhouse and TIAA/CREF
(“the financial institution defendants”).
On December 14, 1994, Catz was served with the
petition for divorce in the Arizona state case. Also on
December 14, 1994, he filed an emergency motion to
dismiss, arguing that the divorce granted in the Ohio
state case was entitled to full faith and credit. On Decem-
ber 19, 1994, he filed a notice of removal of the Arizona
state case to federal court. He also filed an action in
federal district court in Arizona (“the first Arizona fed-
eral case”) against Everlove, Karp, KH&W and B&S (“the
attorney defendants”).! He alleged a claim under 42
U.S.C. § 1983 that the attorney defendants “invok[ed] the
1 The complaint named Karp & Weiss, P.C. Subsequently,
Karp & Weiss, P.C. became Karp, Heurlin & Weiss, P.C. when
Heurlin joined the firm. The attorney defendants represented
Chalker in the Arizona state case.
App. 94
machinery of the State of Arizona to effect ex parte sei-
zure of [his] property after they were aware of the possi-
ble existence of a prior controlling state court
judgment. . . . ” Catz v. Everlove, Case No. CIV 94-873 TUC
ACM, Compl. { 20 (D. Ariz. filed Dec. 19, 1994).
On December 20, 1994, Catz filed an action in federal
district court in Arizona (“the second Arizona federal
case”) against Chalker. He sought a declaratory judgment
that “the manner in which [she] was served in [the Ohio
state case] is constitutional.” Catz v. Chalker, Case No. CIV
94-879 TUC ACM, Compl. { 10 (D. Ariz. filed Dec. 20,
1994). He also alleged the same claim under 42 USC.
§ 1983 that he had charged against the attorney defen-
dants. Id. { 11.
Thereafter, Catz moved from Arizona and eventually
became domiciled in Nashville, Tennessee, living with his
son from a prior marriage. On January 12, 1995, the
Arizona state case was remanded. Catz v. Chalker, Case
No. CIV 94-872 TUC ACM, Order (D. Ariz. filed Jan. 12,
1995). On January 27, 1995, he mailed a notice of his new
address to the Arizona state court and to the attorneys of
Chalker, but the court returned his notice. (Pl.’s Appen-
dix at 12-13.)
On February 6, 1995, a hearing was held in the Ari-
zona state case. Catz was not present. The court ordered
him to provide it with a single address and to participate
in discovery, including his deposition scheduled for Feb-
ruary 9, 1995. (Pl.’s Appendix at 24.) He asserts that he
received this order on February 11, 1995. (Pl.’s Aff. 1 16.)
OO B ALLER IER
App. 95
On March 2, 1995, another hearing was held in the
Arizona state case. Again, Catz was not present.2 The
court found that he did not participate in discovery, that
he violated the court’s order of February 6, 1995, that he
“engaged in unreasonable, groundless, abusive or
obstructionist conduct”, and that sanctions were appro-
priate. (Pl.’s Appendix at 29-32.) It struck his emergency
motion to dismiss and ordered that he not be permitted to
file an answer, oppose any claim, or introduce evidence.
It also entered default judgment in favor of Chalker. (Id.
at 32-33.)
On March 14, 1995, the Arizona state court held a
third hearing. Again, Catz was not present.3 The court
heard evidence from Chalker. It found that the divorce
obtained in the Ohio state case “is null and void having
been fraudulently obtained and [it] shall not [be] given
full faith and credit”, and that Catz “secreted, dissipated
and/or otherwise failed to account for substantial com-
munity funds and assets.” (Pl.’s Compl. Ex. B, at 2, 4.) It
ordered:
[Chalker] shall have sole legal . . . custody of the
parties’ minor child . . . with such visita-
tion . . . in her sole discretion. .
[Catz] shall pay to [Chalker] as and for child
support the sum of $700.00 per month...
? Catz asserts that he received notice of a hearing, but it did
not contain a time or date. (Pl.’s Appendix at 26-27.)
3 Catz asserts that, on March 14, 1995, he received notice of
the hearing. (Pl.’s Br. at 9.)
App. 96
[Catz] shall pay to [Chalker] as and for spousal
maintenance the sum of $1,000.00 per month. ...
[Chalker] is awarded as her sole and separate
property all right, title and interest in and to the
following investments, bank and/or retirement
accounts: [Fidelity, Waterhouse, CREF, and
TIAA].
(Id. at 4-5.)
Also on March 14, 1995, Catz filed a second notice of
removal. On remand, the federal court ordered the clerk
of the court not to accept further pleadings without its
express permission. Catz v. Chalker, Case No. CIV 94-872
TUC ACM, slip op. at 3 (D. Ariz. filed Mar. 31, 1995).
On March 29, 1995, Catz mailed a motion to vacate
the default judgment entered in the Arizona state case.
However, on April 11, 1995, it mailed his motion back. He
alleges that he received his motion on April 14, 1995, one
day after time to appeal had expired. (Pl.’s Aff. { 22-23.)
He did not file an appeal of the judgment of the Arizona
state case. (Id. ] 25.)
On April 13, 1995, Catz filed a notice of voluntary
dismissal in the first Arizona federal case. Also on April
13, 1995, he filed a motion for voluntary dismissal with-
out prejudice in the second Arizona federal case. On May
26, 1995, Chalker filed a brief in opposition. On June 9,
1995, his motion was denied, and his complaint was
App. 97
dismissed with prejudice. Catz v. Chalker, Case No. CIV
94-879 TUC ACM, Order (D. Ariz. filed Jun. 9, 1995).4
On July 27, 1995, Catz filed the above captioned case
against Chalker and the financial institution defendants.5
Also on July 27, 1995, he filed a notice of lis pendens
regarding the funds held by them.
On August 29, 1995, the Arizona state court issued an
order to the financial institution defendants to show
cause why they had not transferred to Chalker the assets
held by them. It also scheduled a hearing for October 16,
1995. (Pl.’s Br. at 3-4.)
On September 26, 1995, Catz filed his amended com-
plaint. To date, no service of process has been filed on
any defendant.
Il.
Under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6), a complaint does not
state a claim upon which relief can be granted if “it
appears beyond doubt that the plaintiff can prove no set
of facts in support of his claim which would entitled him
to relief.” Conley v. Gibson, 355 U.S. 41, 45-46 (1957). The
* The court adopted the reasoning of Chalker’s brief which
asserted that Catz “is using both federal and state court
processes to abuse and harass [her] rather than to secure the just
determination of any valid legal dispute.” Catz v. Chalker, Case
No. CIV 94-879 TUC ACM, Def.’s Br. at 3 (D. Ariz. filed May 26,
1995).
5 Catz also named the Ohio State Teachers Retirement
System. However, in his amended complaint, he did not name
this entity.
App. 98
complaint is to be construed in the light most favorable to
the plaintiff, and all factual allegations are to be consid-
ered as true. Scheuer v. Rhodes, 416 U.S. 232, 236 (1974).
A district court has inherent power to dismiss a
complaint on the merits. However, it must:
(1) allow service of the complaint upon the
defendant; (2) notify all parties of its intent to
dismiss the complaint; (3) give the plaintiff a
chance to either amend his complaint or
respond to the reasons stated by the district
court in its notice of intended sua sponte dis-
missal; (4) give the defendant a chance to
respond or file an answer or motions; and (5) if
the claim is dismissed, state its reasons for the
dismissal.
Tingler v. Marshall, 716 F.2d 1109, 1112 (6th Cir. 1983).
Ill.
Since July 27, 1995, Catz has had the op
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