03-0114, 03-0115, 03-0116, 03-0117 In Re the Termination of Parental Rights to Takeiah J., Debreill J., DeaJane J., Deveon J.: State v. Latasha J.

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Latasha J. appeals from an order terminating her parental rights to Takeiah J., Debreill J., DeaJane J., and Deveon J. She also appeals from an order denying her post-termination motion seeking to vacate the default entered against her. Latasha claims that the trial court erred when it granted the State’s motion for default and entered judgment terminating her parental rights based on her failure to appear for scheduled court dates. She presents two bases for her argument: (1) the default judgment violated her due process rights because she did not receive proper notice of the motion for default and did not receive a fair explanation necessary to understand the consequences of failing to appear in court; and (2) her failure to appear in court was not egregious and therefore did not warrant granting the default judgment terminating her parental rights. This court concludes that the trial court did not err in granting the State’s motion for default because Latasha’s due process rights were not violated, and because her conduct satisfied the egregious standard.

Accordingly, this court affirms.

This opinion will not be published.

Dist I, Milwaukee County, Foley, J., Wedemeyer, P.J.

Attorneys:

For Appellant: Andrea Taylor Cornwall, Milwaukee

For Respondent: Mary M. Sowinski, Milwaukee