For summaries from opinions prior to August, 2018, view PDF versions here.
In the Interest of C.K. and M.K., Minor Children
R.K., Mother-Appellant
Attorney for Appellant Mother
Martha L. Cox
Attorney for Appellee State
Ellen Ramsey-Kacena, Assistant Attorney General
Guardian ad Litem
Rebecca C. Sharpe
Court of Appeals
Court of Appeals Opinion
Opinion Number:
Date Published:
Summary
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Korie Shippee, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and May and Greer, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (7 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to two minor children under Iowa Code chapter 232 (2019). She does not contest the grounds for termination but claims two exceptions to termination apply: (1) the children are placed with relatives and (2) termination would harm the children based on their closeness with the mother. The mother requests a guardianship instead of termination. OPINION HOLDS: We decline to apply the permissive exceptions to termination, reject the mother’s request for a guardianship, and affirm the termination order.