IN RE LILA F. - Articles

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IN RE LILA F.

Posted by: Karen Belcher on Apr 5, 2024

Court: TN Court of Appeals

Attorneys 1: Erin McArdle, Johnson City, Tennessee, for the appellant, Jessica F.

Attorneys 2: Jonathan Skrmetti, Attorney General and Reporter, Andrée Sophia Blumstein, Solicitor General, and Amber L. Barker, Senior Assistant Attorney General, for the appellee, Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.

Judge(s): MCBRAYER

A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to one of her children. On the day of trial, her appointed counsel orally moved for leave to withdraw. The court granted the motion, and the trial proceeded with the mother representing herself. Ultimately, the court found clear and convincing evidence of six grounds for termination and that termination of the mother’s parental rights was in the child’s best interest. The mother argues on appeal that the trial court erred in permitting her appointed counsel to withdraw. Because we agree, we vacate the judgment terminating her parental rights and remand for further proceedings.

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