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Case No. 22-1034

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

In the Interest of A.C., Minor Child

J.C., Father-Appellant

Attorney for Appellant Father

Alexandra M. Nelissen

Attorney for Appellee State

Ellen Ramsey-Kacena, Assistant Attorney General

Attorney for Appellee Mother

Todd E. Babich

Guardian ad Litem

Richelle Mahaffey

Court of Appeals

Court of Appeals Opinion

Opinion Number:
22-1034
Date Published:
Sep 21, 2022
Summary

            Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brent Pattison, District Associate Judge.  AFFIRMED.  Considered by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Chicchelly, JJ.  Opinion by Tabor, J.  (11 pages)

            A father appeals the termination of his parental rights.  He contends the State failed to present clear and convincing evidence of the statutory grounds for termination, it is not in A.C.’s best interests to terminate his rights, and the juvenile court should have determined the statutory permissive factors precluded termination.  OPINION HOLDS: We agree with the findings of the juvenile court.  Because A.C.’s therapist discourages any contact with her father until he acknowledges he sexually abused her, we find the statutory grounds were satisfied.  It is in A.C.’s best interests to terminate her parental relationship with Joshua.  And no permissive factor prevents termination.  So we affirm.

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