Jane Doe I v. John Doe (2017-31)

John Doe (Father) appealed a decision to terminate his parental rights to his minor child Jane Doe II (Child). The magistrate court terminated Father’s parental rights on a petition from Child’s Stepfather and Mother, Jane Doe I (Mother), after finding that Father had abandoned Child and termination was in Child’s best interest. On appeal, Father argued that the magistrate court’s findings are not supported by substantial and competent evidence. Father testified that he was incarcerated for having sex with three girls that were underage. Father also testified that he may not be released from prison for an additional thirteen years. Father testified that Child may not even remember or recognize him. Father further testified about the satisfactory nature of Child’s care with Mother. With this evidence in the record, the magistrate court’s finding that termination was in the best interest of Child is supported by substantial and competent evidence of Father’s conduct, both before and after incarceration. Further, the magistrate’s legal conclusion to terminate Father’s parental rights follows from its factual findings. Finding no abuse of discretion or reversible error, the Idaho Supreme Court affirmed termination. View "Jane Doe I v. John Doe (2017-31)" on Justia Law