Termination of Parental Rights

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WI Court of Appeals – District I

Case Name: State of Wisconsin v. M.M.

Case No.: 2023AP002093

Officials: Geenen, J.

Focus: Termination of Parental Rights

Melissa appeals from circuit court orders terminating her parental rights to her children: James, Joseph, Violet, Lucy, Molly, Timothy, Matthew, and Zoey. Melissa argues that the circuit court erroneously exercised its discretion when it determined that the termination of Melissa’s parental rights was in the best interests of the children. Specifically, Melissa argues that the circuit court should have placed the children with their maternal grandmother, Yvonne, in light of testimony indicating that Yvonne was able to accommodate all eight children, evidence of substantial relationships between Melissa and her children, and a lack of evidence of the children’s wishes. The circuit court recognized that the children had relationships with Melissa; however, it did not find that they were substantial relationships. The circuit court also noted that any possible repercussions from severing the children’s legal relationships to Melissa could be mitigated with continued visitations Ultimately, there is sufficient evidence in the record to support the circuit court’s finding that the children do not have substantial relationships with Melissa. Affirmed.

Decided 02/20/24

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