When can appellate courts overturn termination of parental rights decisions?
Appellate courts must defer to juvenile courts’ best interest determinations in termination cases unless they are against the clear weight of evidence.
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DCFS and Child Welfare
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Can expert testimony about transracial adoption prevent termination of parental rights?
The Court of Appeals affirmed termination of parental rights despite expert testimony about transracial adoption concerns, emphasizing that courts may weigh expert testimony against other evidence in making individualized best interest determinations.
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Can Utah courts consider case-specific stability needs when deciding termination petitions?
This case clarifies that juvenile courts may consider case-specific stability and permanency concerns when comparing adoption to permanent guardianship in termination proceedings.
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Does failing to challenge ICPC procedures constitute ineffective assistance of counsel?
The Utah Supreme Court clarified that even when legal issues remain unsettled, counsel’s performance is measured by objective reasonableness under the circumstances rather than categorical rules.
Does Lotus Appellate Law handle appeals and appellate work in my Utah county or city?
we service every county in utah
Lotus Appellate Law handles appeals throughout Utah, serving clients in all counties and courts across the state including:
- Salt Lake County: Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan
- Utah County: Provo, Orem, Lehi, Spanish Fork
- Davis County: Layton, Bountiful, Kaysville, Clearfield
- Weber County: Ogden, Roy, North Ogden, South Ogden
- Washington County: St. George, Hurricane, Washington, Ivins