The trial court erred in granting the respondent a directed verdict during a child protective proceeding bench trial because the court rules limit directed verdicts to jury trials

The Michigan Court of Appeals has denied a mother’s request for appointed counsel in her child-custody case.

The trial court in this child-protective proceeding correctly placed the mother’s children under its jurisdiction because “some efforts” were made by DHHS to prevent removal of the children.

The trial court improperly dismissed an authorized petition to terminate the respondent’s parental rights because it did not issue a decision on the merits of the case.

In this child protective proceeding, the trial court wrongly held there was insufficient evidence to exercise jurisdiction over the respondent-father’s children.