Thomas F. Fidler v. Colleen J. Fidler

Summary

The court vacated a long-term domestic violence protective order, including interim custody provisions, because the trial court abused its discretion by proceeding with trial after Thomas was not adequately notified that the hearing had been reinstated and was unprepared to present his case. The court concluded that a short continuance was warranted given the resulting prejudice, and therefore did not reach the merits of the domestic violence findings or the separate due process argument.