In re L.M.B., 284 N.C. App. 41 (2022)

Held: 
Affirmed
  • Facts: The juvenile was adjudicated neglected in 2019 and was placed with relatives. After the primary permanent plan was changed to adoption, DSS filed a TPR motion in 2021, which was granted. The dispositional portion of the TPR order was signed by the chief district court judge for the judge who presided over the hearing. The parents appeal challenging the grounds and the validity of the order. Father also challenges the best interests determination.
  • The “trial judge determines the weight to be given the testimony and the reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom. If a different inference may be drawn from the evidence, the trial judge alone determines the credibility of the witnesses and which inferences to draw and which to reject.” 284 N.C. App. at 51 (citation omitted). The court did not abuse its discretion in determining the TPR was in the child’s best interests. The court considered all the factors in G.S. 7B-1110(a) and made findings addressing the relevant factors. The findings were supported by competent evidence.
Category:
Termination of Parental Rights
Stage:
Disposition
Topic:
Best Interests Findings
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