In the Interest of J.V., Minor Child
The mother of a minor child seeks further review after the court of appeals reversed the district court’s denial of the guardians’ petition to terminate the mother’s parental rights under Iowa Code chapter 600A. The mother argues the district court’s ruling should be affirmed because the guardians prevented contact between her and the child and refused her attempts to provide financial support.
D.B. and M.B., Guardians-Petitioners-Resisters
J.V., Mother-Respondent-Applicant
Attorney for Resisters
Mark R. Hinshaw
Attorney for Applicant
Cathleen J. Siebrecht
Supreme Court
Oral Argument Schedule
Non-Oral
Sep 12, 2024 1:30 PM
Briefs
Supreme Court Opinion
Opinion Number:
Date Published:
Date Amended:
Court of Appeals
Court of Appeals Opinion
Opinion Number:
Date Published:
Summary
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Samantha Gronewald, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. Dissent by Langholz, J. (21 pages)
Guardians appeal the district court’s denial of their petition to terminate a mother’s parental rights to her child under Iowa Code chapter 600A (2020). OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we reverse and remand with instructions to enter an order terminating the parental rights of the mother. DISSENT ASSERTS: I am compelled to conclude—like the district court—that the guardians have not met their heavy burden to prove abandonment, mainly because of their prevention of contact between the mother and child and their refusal of financial support from the mother. Thus, I would affirm the dismissal of this termination petition.