For summaries from opinions prior to August, 2018, view PDF versions here.
In the Interest of B.L., Minor Child
J.W., Mother-Appellant
Attorney for Appellant Mother
Lisa K. Pendroy
Attorney for Appellee State
Mackenzie Moran, Assistant Attorney General
Guardian ad Litem
Nancy L. Pietz
Court of Appeals
Court of Appeals Opinion
Opinion Number:
Date Published:
Summary
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Lynn Poschner, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (6 pages)
The juvenile court terminated the mother’s parental rights to B.L., born in 2020, pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(e), (g), and (h) (2024). The mother appeals, purporting to challenge two of the three statutory grounds, arguing the loss of her rights is not in B.L.’s best interests, and claiming an additional six months would remedy the need for removal. In the alternative, the mother maintains the juvenile court should have resolved the child-in-need-of-assistance case via a bridge order transferring jurisdiction to the district court, which could then enter a custody order, thereby avoiding termination. OPINION HOLDS: After considering the mother’s arguments and reviewing the record, we affirm the termination of her parental rights.
