By: WISCONSIN LAW JOURNAL STAFF//February 13, 2014//
Wisconsin Court of Appeals
Civil
Juveniles – TPR — new trials — harmless error
This is a termination of parental rights (TPR) proceeding involving two children. Nancy M. appeals a decision of the circuit court denying her motion for a new trial in the grounds phase of the proceedings. She argues that the circuit court erred in allowing testimony during the grounds phase bench trial on the topic of her alleged failure to bond with her children, even though the court stated that it would not consider this testimony during the grounds phase. She contends that this error warrants a new trial. I conclude that, assuming without deciding that the circuit court erred in conditionally admitting this testimony, any error was harmless. Accordingly, I affirm the decision of the circuit court denying Nancy M.’s motion for a new trial. This opinion will not be published.
2013AP1886, 2013AP1887 In re the termination of parental rights to Christopher M., et al.
Dist IV, Dane County, Anderson, J., Blanchard, P.J.
Attorneys: For Appellant: Zaleski, Steven, Madison; For Respondent: Talis, John C., Madison