Termination of Parental Rights

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WI Court of Appeals – District III

Case Name: Brown County Health and Human Services v. R. U.

Case No.: 2024AP000045

Officials: Stark, P.J.

Focus: Termination of Parental Rights

Ralph appeals from orders terminating his parental rights to his son, Neil, and to his daughter, Peggy.3 Ralph argues that the circuit court erred by granting partial summary judgment in the grounds phase of the termination of parental rights (TPR) proceedings because a genuine issue of material fact exists. Ralph also argues that the court erroneously exercised its discretion when it found that terminating Ralph’s parental rights was in Neil’s and Peggy’s best interests.

The appeals court concludes that Ralph raised no genuine issue of material fact preventing the circuit court from granting partial summary judgment in the grounds phase of the proceedings. The court also concludes that the court considered and weighed all of the required statutory factors set forth in WIS. STAT. § 48.426(3), and that the record supports the court’s exercise of discretion in finding that termination of Ralph’s parental rights was in Neil’s and Peggy’s best interests.

Affirmed.

Decided 04/16/24

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