February 2019 Archive | Court of Appeals Court Opinions

            Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Mary Jane Sokolovske, Judge.  AFFIRMED.  Considered by Potterfield, P.J., and Tabor and Bower, JJ.  Opinion by Potterfield, P.J.  (7 pages)

            The mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her four children, who at the time the termination order issued ranged in ages from six years old to two years.  The mother’s parental rights were terminated pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(f), (h), and (l) (2018).  On appeal, she purports to challenge the statutory grounds, argues the children could be returned to her care in a reasonable time, and maintains termination of her rights is not in the children’s best interests.  OPINION HOLDS: The mother failed to challenge any of the elements of section 232.116(1)(f) and (h) and therefore has waived any alleged error committed by the juvenile court.  Because we cannot say she would be able to care for the children after a short extension of time, and because termination is in the best interests of the children, we affirm.

            Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jones County, Deborah Farmer Minot, District Associate Judge.  AFFIRMED.  Considered by Vogel, C.J., and Vaitheswaran and Bower, JJ.  Opinion by Vaitheswaran, J.  (3 pages)

            A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her child, born in 2013.  She contends the record lacks clear and convincing evidence to support the grounds for termination cited by the district court and termination is not in the child’s best interests.  OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights to the child.

            Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Webster County, Angela L. Doyle, District Associate Judge.  AFFIRMED.  Considered by Vogel, C.J., and Vaitheswaran and McDonald, JJ.   Opinion by Vaitheswaran, J.  (4 pages)

            A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her minor child arguing the State failed to prove the grounds for termination cited by the district court and termination was not in the child’s best interest.  OPINION HOLDS: On our de novo review, we conclude the State proved by clear and convincing evidence that termination was warranted.  We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights to the child.

            Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, William Owens, Associate Juvenile Judge.  AFFIRMED.  Considered by Vogel, C.J., and Vaitheswaran and McDonald, JJ.  Opinion by McDonald, J.  (6 pages)

            Nicole appeals the termination of her parental rights in her children.  OPINION HOLDS: Termination of parental rights is in the best interest of the children.  The district court did not err in denying Nicole an additional six months to work toward reunification.