Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl
Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl
Opinion of the Court
On July 22, 2013, Birth Father and the Cherokee Nation filed petitions for rehearing requesting that this Court reconsider its order dated July 17, 2013. Additionally, on July 22, 2013, Birth Father filed a petition for supersedeas, which the Cherokee Nation joins by way of return. All petitions are denied.
The Adoptive Couple has throughout this litigation confirmed their intent to rear Baby Girl in a manner that maintains a meaningful connectedness to her Native American heritage. Consistent with their commitment to serve Baby Girl’s best interests, and in recognition that the return of Baby Girl to them must be accomplished with her best interest as the controlling consideration, the Adoptive Couple has commendably proposed a thoughtful transition plan. We leave it to the family court to determine whether to adopt the Adoptive Couple’s proposed transition plan or another plan. Nevertheless, our order of July 17, 2013, stands.
We reiterate that, aside from the narrow issue of whether a transition plan is in Baby Girl’s best interest, the orders of this Court following remand from the USSC leave nothing further to be decided by the family court. Accordingly, the
It is our fervent hope that the parties will work together in good faith and place the best interest and welfare of Baby Girl above their own desires. This emotionally charged case was fully litigated in the South Carolina courts and the United States Supreme Court. This case has reached finality, in this unchallenged forum and jurisdiction. That finality should be honored.
We would grant the petitions for rehearing, vacate the Court’s earlier order, and remand this matter to the family court for further proceedings. Since the majority of the Court has decided to deny rehearing, we would grant the request for a stay.
. It has come to our attention that on July 23, 2013, Birth Father filed a motion in the Charleston County Family Court requesting a de novo hearing. We reiterate that such a hearing is unavailable in light of this Court’s order dated July 17, 2013.
. On this point, the respective majority and dissenting opinions from our original decision are in accord.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- ADOPTIVE COUPLE v. BABY GIRL, a minor child under the age of fourteen years, Birth Father, and the Cherokee Nation
- Cited By
- 5 cases
- Status
- Published