holding that the magistrate court’s findings were sufficient and amply supported by the record even if additional details would have been helpful
How later courts described this case
- holding that the magistrate court’s findings were sufficient and amply supported by the record even if additional details would have been helpful
- explaining “Doe was sentenced to probation for felony domestic battery”
- providing “[e]ach statutory ground is an independent basis for termination”
- addressing only one statutory ground
Written by the judges who cited it.
The opinion
Justice EISMANN,
specially concurring.
I concur in the majority opinion, but I also agree with the dissent that the trial court’s findings of fact are woefully inadequate. I also agree that the trial court erred in holding against Doe the fact that the woman he chose to marry would later prove inadequate as a parent. The trial court’s conclusory findings, however, are supported by uncontradicted evidence. Had the evidence been disputed, I would vote to vacate the judgment and remand for further findings.
As the majority opinion states, “Doe spent only six weeks with Jane, out of a possible two years where he was free from incarceration and the very act of absconding intentionally cut off all contact with Jane.” Prior to his incarceration, Doe had ample opportunity to demonstrate, by his conduct, that he could be a parent to Jane. He did not do so. After he was placed on probation, he chose to abscond and flee to Seattle. During the approximate year he was on the run, he did not provide Jane with anything. His decision to abscond also resulted in his current incarceration.
Once he was incarcerated, Doe decided that he would like to make an effort to have some relationship with Jane. It is simply too little too late. The uncontradicted evidence shows that he neglected Jane and that such neglect justifies terminating his parental rights.