J.B.P.F. v. Department of Children & Families
J.B.P.F. v. Department of Children & Families
Opinion of the Court
The mother, J.B.P.F.,
We reject the mother’s claim that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to proceed with the adjudicatory hearing on the termination of parental rights case while an appeal of the underlying dependency action was pending. While it may be prudent in a given case for the trial court to await the outcome of an appeal of the underlying dependency action prior to continuing with a termination case, the decision to stay the termination case in such an instance is a matter of judicial discretion, and not jurisdiction. See Dep’t of Children & Families v. L.D., 840 So.2d
We have examined the other issues raised on appeal and find no error. Accordingly, the orders of dependency and termination of parental rights in the instant case are AFFIRMED.
. The mother is listed as J.B.P. in case number 4D03-4113.
. Of course, as the trial judge recognized, it was possible that the ruling on the appeal of the dependency order could have had an effect on the termination proceedings.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.