Termination of Parental Rights

82.03 Appointment of Counsel 7B-1106(b), 7B-1106.1(b), 7B-1109(b)

In Re J.S.L., COA04-1475, Lisa S. Lefler for appellant-father
The trial court erred by failing to conduct a meaningful inquiry into the reasons behind the father's request for substitute counsel and by refusing to allow the father to present any evidence on the motion.
COA Opinion

In Re D.K., COA04-1583, Peter Wood for appellant-father
If an individual is dissatisfied with court appointed counsel and requests substitute counsel the trial court has a duty to conduct an inquiry to determine the basis for the request and if new counsel is necessary.
COA Opinion

In Re K.N., COA06-1288, Thomas B. Kakassy for appellant-mother
The TPR notice of hearing sent to an attorney was not sufficient as the attorney was only appointed to the underlying matter and not the termination of parental rights proceeding.
COA Opinion

In Re J.L.A., COA08-220, K. Edward Greene, Tobias Hampson for appellant-mother
The trial court erred in denying trial counsel's motion to withdraw. Given the mother's lack of contact with trial counsel, trial counsel was unable to determine his client's position and so could not effectively represent the mother.
COA Docket