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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 SHANNON MANO,}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par Plaintiff-Appellant, \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 v.}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 JOSEPH RYAN MANO,}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par Defendant-Appellee. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Supreme Court Case No.: CVA04-007 \par Superior Court Case No.: DM1110-03 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 OPINION}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Filed: January 24, 2005}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Cite as:}{\b\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 2005 Guam 2}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\ul\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam \par Argued and submitted on October 13, 2004 \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts11\trgaph120\trleft-120\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl120\trpaddr120\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrr \brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth5340\clshdrawnil \cellx5220\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4020\clshdrawnil \cellx9240\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\faauto\rin0\lin0\pararsid2502082 {\ul\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Appearing for Plaintiff-Appellant:}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par William L. Gavras, }{\i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Esq}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 . \par GORMAN & GAVRAS \par 2nd Floor, J&R Building \par Suite 208, Route 4 \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam 96910\cell }{\ul\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Appearing for Defendant-Appellee:}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par Jeffrey A. Cook, }{\i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Esq}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 . \par CUNLIFFE & COOK \par Suite 200 \par 210 Archbishop Flores Street \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam 96910\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts11\trgaph120\trleft-120\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl120\trpaddr120\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth5340\clshdrawnil \cellx5220\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4020\clshdrawnil \cellx9240\row }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par BEFORE: F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO, Chief Justice; FRANCES M. TYDINGCO-GATEWOOD, and ROBERT J. TORRES JR., Associate Justices. \par \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 TYDINGCO-GATEWOOD, J.:}{\b\insrsid14690116 \par }{\insrsid5573439\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [1]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab Plaintiff-Appellant Shannon Mano (}{\insrsid10105348 "}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Shannon}{\insrsid1262356 "}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 )}{ \cs15\super\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid14690116 \chftn }{\insrsid14690116 }{ \fs20\insrsid14690116 We refer to the parties by their first names rather than Husband or Wife, Defendant-Appellee, or Plaintiff-Appellant for ease of reference, to assist the reader and because such is the preferred practice in family law cases. }{ \i\fs20\insrsid14690116 See Courtright v. Courtright}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 , CVA03-028, Order, p. 1, note 1 (Feb. 12, 2004).}}}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 appeals from a Superior Court of Guam order which relinquished jurisdiction over this case for the custody and support of a minor child, Kyuss Mano, to the State of Washington after a request from the Commissioner of the Superior Court of Washington.}{ \insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Shannon argues that the trial court did not discuss the merits of its decision on whether or not to exercise jurisdiction and thus improperly relinquished jurisdiction.}{ \insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Defendant-Appellee Joseph Ryan Mano (}{\insrsid1262356 "}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Joseph}{\insrsid1262356 "}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 ) argues that the trial court}{ \insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s relinquishme}{\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 nt of jurisdiction was proper.}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }{\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [2]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab Relying on our decision in }{\i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Quitugua v. Flores}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 , 2004 Guam 19, we hold that the trial court did not analyze the merits of whether or not to exercise jurisdiction, and thus, improperly relinquished jurisdiction over this case.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 We remand the case to the trial court to determine its powers to exercise or decline jurisdiction based on the merits. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 I.}{\b\insrsid14690116 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10105348 {\insrsid10105348\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [3]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab Shannon and Joseph are married with two minor children: a daughter, Athena Mano, and a son, Kyuss Mano.}{ \insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Two dissolution of marriage actions were filed but subsequently dismissed in Washington.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 The parties separated in July 2002, and later Joseph filed the third and current petition for dissolution of marriage in Washington.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 During the se proceedings, the Washington court awarded temporary custody of their daughter to Jose}{\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 ph.}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }{\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [4]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab While both parties resided in Washington and while the current dissolution of marriage action was pending, the parties conceived the minor child that is the su bject of this action.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Shannon subsequently left Washington and moved to Guam, where she gave birth to Kyuss on March 4, 2003.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{ \insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Since his birth, Kyuss has always resided on Guam with Shannon, who has been his sole caretaker.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Since the date Kyuss was conceived, Joseph has con}{ \insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 tinued to reside in Washington.}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }{\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [5]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab On October 13, 2003, Joseph filed a motion for custody of Kyuss in the Superior Court of Washington, Case No. 02-3-00338-1, In re: Parentage of Kyuss Meshack Mano, Child.}{ \insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 A hearing was scheduled to take place in Centralia, Washington, on November 21, 2003.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Joseph also requested and the Superior Court of Washington granted temporary orders that Kyu}{\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 ss be returned to Washington.}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }{\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [6]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab On November 20, 2003, Shannon filed a complaint in the Guam Superior Court (}{\insrsid1262356 "}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Guam court}{\insrsid1262356 "}{ \insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 ) for exclusive custody and control of Kyuss.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 At an ex parte hearing that same day, Shannon requested an order pendente lite for sole custody of Kyuss until otherwise ordered by the court.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 At this time, Shannon submitted a memorandum of law urging the Guam court to exercise its jurisdiction over the custody of Kyuss citing the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act of 1980 codified as 28 U.S.C. }{ \insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 1738A, and a Washington State case.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{ \insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 The Guam court granted the request and }{\insrsid1262356 "}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 assert[ed] jurisdiction in this matter and order[ed] the child be placed in the temporary legal and physical custody of the mother.}{\insrsid1262356 "}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Transcript (}{\insrsid1262356 "}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 TR} {\insrsid1262356 "}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 ), Part I, p. 9 (Ex Parte Application, Nov. 20, 2003). \par }{\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [7]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab Commissioner Tracy L. Mitchell of the Superior Court of Washington asked the Guam court to relinquish its jurisdiction regarding Kyuss}{\insrsid1262356 '}{ \insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 custody to the Washington court.}{\cs15\super\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid14690116 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid2565246 }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 In her order, the trial judge states that the Commissioner asked the Guam court to relinquish jurisdiction, but it is unclear from the record on appeal how this request was transmitted.}}}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{ \insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 The Washington court had already granted a temporary order of custody to Joseph, pursuant to Joseph}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s October 13, 2003 motion.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{ \insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 At a hearing on January 13, 2004, the Guam court informed Shannon of the Washington court}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s request to relinquish jurisdiction.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{ \insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Shannon indicated her opposition to the request.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 The Guam court then o rdered both parties to submit a memorandum of points and authorities addressing the issue as to which court, Guam or Washington, has jurisdiction over the custody of Kyuss.}{\cs15\super\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid14690116 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid2565246 }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 Again, the trial judge states in her order that she communicated to the parties both the Washington court}{\fs20\insrsid1262356 '}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 s request to relinquish jurisdiction as well as the order to submit a memorandum, but this was not in the record on appeal.}}}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 The memoranda were due 14 days prior to the telephonic conference hearing on March 9, 2004.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Joseph e-mailed his memorandum to the Guam court on March 4, 2004, but Shannon}{ \insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s attorney did not submit a memorandum.}{\cs15\super\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid14690116 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid2565246 }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 Neither a request nor a grant for e-filing as an acceptable medium for filing a motion was included as part of the record on appeal.}{\insrsid14690116 }}}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [8]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab On March 9, 2004, the Guam court conducted a telephonic hearing, at which Commissioner Mitchell, Joseph, and Joseph}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s attorney were present.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Shannon was also present, but Shannon}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s attorney was not.}{\cs15\super\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid14690116 \chftn }{\insrsid2565246 }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 Shannon}{\fs20\insrsid1262356 '}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 s attorney had mistakenly believed the hearing was set for the next day.}{\fs20\insrsid2565246 }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 He also wrongly assumed that the memorandum of law he had filed in November for the ex parte hearing was sufficient. }}}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 At the telephonic hearing, the Guam court relinquished jurisdiction to the Washington court without any discussion of the merits. \par }{\b\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [9]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab The Guam court then entered the order relinquishing jurisdiction on March 10, 2004.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Shannon appealed.}{ \insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 On March 12, 2004, Shannon filed an emergency motion for stay pending appeal from the order, and the}{\insrsid1262356 stay was issued by this Court.}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 II.}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\b\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [10]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab We have jurisdiction to hear appeals of a final order of the Superior Court.}{\cs15\super\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid14690116 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid2565246 }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 We recognize that }{\i\fs20\insrsid14690116 Merchant v. Nanyo Realty, Inc.}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 , 1997 Guam 16, }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 3 stated that final orders are appealable pursuant to section 3107(b), but noted that }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 [sections] 3108(a) and (b) additionally require, between them, either a final judgment or the satisfaction of criteria justifying interlocutory consideration.}{\fs20\insrsid1262356 "}{\fs20\insrsid2565246 }{\i\fs20\insrsid14690116 See also A.B. Won Pat Guam Int}{\i\fs20\insrsid1262356 '}{\i\fs20\insrsid14690116 l Airport Auth. v. Moylan}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 , 2004 Guam}{\fs20\insrsid2565246 }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 1, }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 9 (stating that }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 to appeal an order which has the effect of disposing of the case, the order must be reduced to a }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 final judgment,}{ \fs20\insrsid1262356 '}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 or must be an order which is subject to immediate appellate review }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 as provided by law,}{\fs20\insrsid1262356 '}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 or in accordance with this court}{\fs20\insrsid1262356 '}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 s discretionary jurisdiction over interlocutory appeals.) \par Although no final judgment has been entered, Section 3108(b) provides that we may exercise our jurisdiction when doing so would }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{ \fs20\insrsid14690116 [c]larify issues of general importance in the administration of justice.}{\fs20\insrsid1262356 "}{\fs20\insrsid2565246 }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 Title 7 GCA }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 3108 (b)(3)(2004).}{\fs20\insrsid2565246 }{\fs20\insrsid14690116 In the case at bar, the determination of which court, Guam or Washington, has proper jurisdiction, is }{ \fs20\insrsid14690116 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 of general importance to the administration of justice}{\fs20\insrsid1262356 "}{\fs20\insrsid14690116 and thus, we may exercise our discretion and assert jurisdiction.}{\fs20\insrsid2565246 }{\insrsid14690116 \par }}}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Title 7 GCA }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 3107(b) and 3108(b) (2004); 48 U.S.C. }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 1424-1(a)(2).}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 See also People v. Perez}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 , 2004 Guam 4, }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 3-4 (exercising jurisdiction over an appeal from a final order which granted }{\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 dismissal of a criminal case).}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }{\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 III.}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\b\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [11]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab We will review the trial court}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s order for an abuse of discretion. }{\i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Quitugua}{ \insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 , 2004 Guam 19, }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 12.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{ \insrsid1262356 "}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 A trial court abuses its discretion when its decision is based on an erroneous conclusion of law or where the record contains no evidence on which the judge could have rationally based the decision.}{ \insrsid1262356 "}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Id}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 .}{\i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 at }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 12 (quoting }{\i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Town House Dep}{\i\insrsid1262356 '}{\i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 t Stores, Inc., v. Hi Sup Ahn}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 , 2003 Guam 6, }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 27.) \par }{\b\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [12]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab Shannon argues that the trial court improperly relinquished jurisdiction because it did not consider the merits of whether or not to exercise jurisdiction.}{ \insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Joseph argues that the Guam court}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s decision to relinquish jurisdiction was based on sound reasoning and a review of the facts and the law and not to sanction Shannon for her attorney}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s failure to appear at the hearing or file a written opposition.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Joseph cites to the Guam court}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s Order Relinquishing Jurisdiction wherein the Guam court acknowledges the documents received from the Washington court, that court}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s extensive hearings regarding custody of the parties}{ \insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 other children and the Washington court}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s order with respect to Kyuss}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 custody. \par }{\b\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [13]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab Pursuant to Local Rule 5B of the Rules of Superior Court, when a non-moving party fails to file a written opposition fourteen days before the hearing, this has the same effect, absent good cause, as fili}{\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 ng a notice of non-opposition.}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [14]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab In }{\i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Quitugua}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 , 2004 Guam 19 at }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 24, the respondent failed to respond to a motion to dismiss and the trial court treated his failure to file a written opposition as required by Rule 5B as a motion unopposed and granted the motion to dismiss.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Our ruling in }{ \i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Quitugua }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 establishes how courts should treat a party}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s}{\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 failure to file an opposition:}{ \insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }{\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [We] emphasize that the failure to file a written opposition to a motion, the filing of a notice of non-opposition to a motion, or the disregard of untimely filed}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 papers, }{ \i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 does not require [the] court to automatically grant the motion and is not dispositive of the motion itself.}{\i\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 The court has a duty to analyze the merits of the motion before rendering its decision}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 (emphasis added). \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2502082 {\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \par }{\i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Id.}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 at }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 28. \par }{\b\insrsid2502082\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [15]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab Shannon failed to file a written opposition to the motion dealing with whether jurisdiction of the case should be relinquished to Washington or remain with Guam.}{ \insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 At the March 9, 2004 telephonic hearing, the Guam court stated:}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid1262356 "}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Based on the Counsel}{ \insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s failure to file any memorandum and failure to appear, then I would at this time order that the case be heard in the Superior Court of Washington and relinquish jurisdiction.}{\insrsid1262356 "}{ \insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Tr., Part II, pp. 2-3 (Hearing re: Jurisdiction, Mar. 9, 2004).}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Nothing else was stated by the Guam court.}{ \insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 There was no discussion of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act of 1980, Guam law or Washington State law and how these laws might impact on whether jurisdiction properly lies with Guam or Washington. In addition, there was no discussion of whether Shannon}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s failure to file the opposition constituted }{\insrsid1262356 "}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 good cause}{\insrsid1262356 "}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 as referred to in Rule 5B. \par }{\b\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [16]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab While the Guam court references the Washington documents, its hearings and custody order, the Guam court}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s relinquishment of its jurisdiction was not based on any discussion of the merits of Joseph}{\insrsid1262356 '}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 s motion and was inapposite to what the Guam court had previously found in its ex parte order dated November 20, 2003 wherein the Guam court asserted its jurisdiction. \par }{\b\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 \par }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 [17]}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 \tab In light of these facts and in accordance with our }{\i\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Quitugua}{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 decision, the Guam court abused its discretion in failing to analyze the merits of a motion before rendering its decision.}{\insrsid2565246\charrsid5573439 }{\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 Therefore, we }{\b\insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 REMAND }{ \insrsid14690116\charrsid5573439 the matter to the Guam court to analyze the merits of its powers to reexamine jurisdiction. \par }}