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Date: 01-06-2022
Case Style:
Case Number: 1D21-865
Judge: Per Curiam
Court: First District Court of Appeals - State of Florida
Plaintiff's Attorney:
Defendant's Attorney:
Description: Jacksonville, Florida family law lawyers represented Plaintiff and Defendant is a child custody dispute.
Appellant, the father of two minor children, challenges the final order terminating his parental rights on two grounds. We affirm.
Our review shows that competent, substantial evidence supports the trial court’s finding by clear and convincing evidence that the Department proved at least one statutory ground, thereby complying with section 39.802(4)(a), Fla. Stat. (2020). The ground proven was Appellant “engaged in conduct towards the child or children that demonstrates that the continuing involvement of the parent or parents in the parent-child relationship threatens the life, safety, well-being, or physical, mental, or emotional health of the child, irrespective of the provision of services.” § 39.806(1)(c), Fla. Stat. (2020).
Since the Department needed to prove only one ground for termination, we need not decide whether the trial court correctly determined that Appellant’s alcohol abuse satisfied section 39.806(1)(j), Florida Statutes, as an alternative ground. See § 39.802(4)(a); R.V. v. Dep’t of Child. & Fams., 301 So. 3d 392 (Fla. 5th DCA 2020). Further, we affirm the trial court’s finding that termination is in the best interest of the children and was the least restrictive means of protecting the children. See J.P. v. Fla. Dep’t of Child. and Fams., 183 So. 3d 1198 (Fla. 1st DCA 2016).
Outcome: AFFIRMED.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments: