In re A.L., 245 N.C. App. 55 (2016)
Held:
Affirmed
- By operation of law (G.S. 48-3-703), the department acquired custody of the child upon the mother’s executed relinquishment to the department. As a result, the child is placed in the custody of a county department of social services. One ground to terminate parental rights is based on a parent’s failure to pay a reasonable portion of the cost of care for a juvenile placed in the custody of a county department when the parent is physically and financially able to do so. G.S. 7B-1111(a)(3).
- The evidence supports the court’s findings that the father had an ability to pay a reasonable amount of child support and that he failed to do so. There was a child support order. He signed a memorandum of agreement that he had an ability to pay. There was evidence he was employed as a mechanic and a truck driver. He only made two payments in three years and they were made in connection with contempt proceedings brought against him.
Category:
Termination of Parental RightsStage:
AdjudicationTopic:
Failure to Pay Reasonable Cost of Care