Child-Protective Case Remanded For ‘Appropriate Findings Of Fact’ & Missing ‘Jurisdictional Analysis’
The trial court in this child-protective proceeding did not “articulate an adequate basis or make sufficient factual findings to justify its denial of jurisdiction” over the minor child, the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled.
Trial Court Improperly Excluded Recorded Interviews With Children
The trial court erroneously refused to view and admit video-recorded forensic interviews with the children, who were allegedly abused by their father, the Michigan COA has ruled.
Mother’s Visitation Cannot Be Suspended Solely On Failed Drug Screen
The trial court improperly conditioned a mother’s ability to visit her child on her testing negative for marijuana, the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled for the first time.
Adult Sibling May File Child-Protective Petition Against Parents
An adult sibling has standing to initiate child-protective proceedings against his parents over the care of his minor sister.
Insufficient Evidence For DHHS To Take Jurisdiction Over Child
The trial court properly denied DHHS’ petition to take jurisdiction over the respondent’s child because the statutory grounds for doing so were not established.
Appeals Court Tosses Claims Filed By Attorney Who Represented Moms In Child-Protective Cases
A trial court properly dismissed defamation and tortious interference claims brought by an attorney who had represented indigent mothers in child-protective proceedings.
Stick to the Rules in Child Protective Proceedings
The Court of Appeals recently reversed a trial court’s decision terminating parental rights based on the lack of jurisdiction and inadmissible evidence during the child protective proceedings.
DHHS and Courts Must Actively Assist Intellectually, Cognitively or Developmentally Impaired Parents
The COA vacated a trial court’s order terminating the parental rights of a cognitively impaired young woman due to the repeated failure of DHHS.
Father ‘Effectively Denied’ Adjudication Trial: Termination of Parental Rights Order Vacated
The Michigan COA has vacated an order terminating a father’s parental rights because the trial court effectively deprived him of an adjudication trial.
Michigan Supreme Court Vacates Order Terminating Mother’s Parental Rights
The Michigan Supreme Court has peremptorily vacated the termination of a mother’s parental rights, as well as the Michigan Court of Appeals decision upholding that termination.
Mother Who Didn’t Get 14-Day Notice Granted New Termination Hearing
A recent Michigan COA ruling in a child-protection case is a reminder of just how important it is for parties, agencies, and the trial courts to be diligent about locating parents.