X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
Argued May 27, 2010

Before THOMPSON and OBERLY, Associate Judges, and BELSON, Senior Judge.

Appellant L.M.F., the grandmother of minor child L.S., appeals from a final decree of the Family Court of the Superior Court denying her petition to adopt L.S. and granting the competing adoption petition of C.A.B. and H.N.B., the child’s foster parents. In the same proceeding, the court terminated the parental rights of S.S., the child’s natural mother, and also the parental rights of the child’s natural father, Lo.S., who did not seek review of the magistrate judge’s order to that effect. The mother had consented to the grandmother’s adoption petition and withheld her consent from the foster parents’ petition. The grandmother, L.M.F., argues that the trial court applied an incorrect standard, preponderance of the evidence, when evaluating the merits of the competing petitions. Appellee foster parents oppose this argument on the ground that the finder of fact, the magistrate judge, specifically made the necessary finding by clear and convincing evidence. Appellee Guardian ad Litem (GAL) of the child makes the same argument. Appellee the District of Columbia argues similarly that the magistrate judge’s finding under the preponderance standard was harmless error, as she found against appellant under the clear and convincing standard as well. Appellees also argue that we should dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction, for lack of standing, or because this court cannot afford an adequate remedy. While we disagree with appellees’ justiciability arguments, we agree with appellees that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in its evaluation of the competing petitions. Accordingly, and for the reasons stated herein, we affirm.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

Premium Subscription

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now

Team Accounts

Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now

Bundle Subscriptions

Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now

The British Legal Awards (BLA) 2023

November 29, 2023
London

Celebrating achievement, excellence, and innovation in the legal profession in the UK.


Learn More

GlobeSt. Healthcare Real Estate 2023

December 11, 2023 - December 12, 2023
Scottsdale, AZ

Join the industry's top owners, investors, developers, brokers and financiers for the real estate healthcare event of the year!


Learn More

Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards 2024

January 29, 2024
New York, NY

Recognizing innovation in the legal technology sector for working on precedent-setting, game-changing projects and initiatives.


Learn More

Health Law Associate CT


Health Law Associate CT Shipman is seeking an associate to join our national longstanding health law practice. Candidates must have t...


Apply Now ›

Labor & Employment Associate Hartford Office


Shipman is seeking an associate to join our Labor & Employment practice in our Hartford office. Candidates should have two to seven yea...


Apply Now ›

Labor and Employment Junior Associate


Duane Morris LLP seeks a highly motivated junior associate to join its dynamic and growing Labor and Employment Class Action group in Chicag...


Apply Now ›

Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel, & Di Iorio, LLP

11/20/2023
New Jersey Law Journal

ShapiroCroland Attorneys at Law Take Pleasure in Announcing that VALERIE A. VLADYKA HAS JOINED THE FIRM AS COUNSEL Valerie concentrates her practice in Insurance coverage, Commercial Litigation and Probate Matters 411 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 Telephone: (201) 488-3900 | Telecopier: (201) 488-9481 |www.shapiro-croland.com November 2023


View Announcement ›

Rottenstreich Farley Bronstein Fisher Potter Hodas LLP

11/13/2023
Daily Business Review

Congratulations to our Partner Richard Segal on becoming Chairman of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce


View Announcement ›

Krupnick Campbell Malone, et al, P.A.

11/06/2023
Daily Business Review

WE'RE MOVING! November 30, 2023


View Announcement ›