Sufficiency of Evidence

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WI Court of Appeals – District III

Case Name: Life Navigators, Inc. v. Margaret Bach

Case No.: 2022AP000919

Officials: Stark, P.J., Hruz and Gill, JJ.

Focus: Sufficiency of Evidence

Margaret Bach, pro se, appeals from an injunction issued against her pursuant to WIS. STAT. § 813.123 (2021-22),1 prohibiting her from interfering with the delivery of protective services to her adult son, Aaron, and from contacting Aaron without the consent of his guardian, Life Navigators, Inc. Bach contends that: (1) the statutory requirements for the injunction were not met; (2) she was denied due process during the injunction hearing; (3) the circuit court was biased against her throughout the proceedings in this case; and (4) Aaron’s interests were not adequately represented at the hearing, and he is being deprived of his rights.

The appeals court supported the lower court’s findings that Bach’s unauthorized interactions with Aaron negatively impacted his mental and physical health, resulting in regression and behavioral issues. Furthermore, it emphasized that Aaron’s guardian ad litem properly represented his interests during the proceedings, including waiving his presence at the hearing to protect his health, following the requirements of Wisconsin Statute § 55.10(2).

The decision affirms the circuit court’s exercise of discretion in issuing the injunction to protect Aaron’s well-being and to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of protective services to him.

Affirmed.

Decided 03/12/24

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