Skip to main content
Iowa Judicial Branch
Main Content

Case No. 20-1107

For summaries from opinions prior to August, 2018, view PDF versions here

In the Interest of R.H., Minor Child

M.M., Mother-Appellant

L.R., Father-Appellant

Attorney for Appellant Mother

Deborah M. Skelton

Attorney for Appellant Father

Landon S. Small

Attorney for Appellee State

Ellen Ramsey-Kacena, Assistant Attorney General

Guardian ad Litem

Geneva Williams

Court of Appeals

Court of Appeals Opinion

Opinion Number:
20-1107
Date Published:
Nov 04, 2020
Summary

            Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Tama County, Casey D. Jones, District Associate Judge.  AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS.  Considered by Mullins, P.J., May, J., and Vogel, S.J.  Opinion by Vogel, S.J.  (9 pages)

            The mother and father of R.H. separately appeal the termination of their parental rights.  OPINION HOLDS: Because the father has had no contact with R.H. since just after birth and failed to participate in reunification services, we affirm the termination of his parental rights.  Regarding the mother, we find clear and convincing evidence supports the statutory grounds for termination, termination of her parental rights is in the child’s best interests, and a guardianship is not an appropriate alternative to termination.

© 2024 Iowa Judicial Branch. All Rights Reserved.