In re Tasha R.
In re Tasha R.
Opinion of the Court
[¶ 1] Tasha R. appeals from a judgment of the District Court (Bangor, Jordan, J. ) terminating her parental rights to two of her children pursuant to 22 M.R.S. § 4055(1)(A)(1)(a) and (B)(2)(a), (b)(i)-(ii), (iv) (2017). Contrary to the mother's contention, the court did not abuse its discretion in proceeding with the termination hearing notwithstanding her request to replace her court-appointed counsel. The mother does not challenge the court's findings by clear and convincing evidence of parental unfitness and that termination is in the children's best interests. See In re Zarianna C. ,
*46[¶ 2] The mother failed to appear for the September 26, 2017, hearing on the Department of Health and Human Services' petition to terminate her parental rights. Her court-appointed counsel was present and represented her interests. Earlier, on September 15, acting pro se, the mother filed two handwritten letters with the court raising numerous issues. Relevant to the sole issue she raises on appeal, in one of the letters the mother alleged that her attorney had failed to adequately communicate with and otherwise represent her, and she named another attorney that she wished to have appointed to her case.
[¶ 3] Although the mother has a due process right to appointed counsel in this child protection proceeding, In re T.B. ,
The entry is:
Judgment affirmed.
In addition to representing the absent mother at the hearing, counsel filed a notice of appeal and appellant's brief on her behalf. There is no indication in the record that the prospective substitute attorney named in the mother's letter was even aware of her request.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.