Opinion ID: 2212288
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Best Interests of M.D.O.

Text: The best interests of the child is a paramount consideration and our ultimate focus remains on the best interests of the child balanced against the parental rights. In re Welfare of J.W., 391 N.W.2d 791, 794-95 (Minn.1986); In re Welfare of J.J.B., 390 N.W.2d 274, 279 (Minn.1986); see Minn.Stat. § 260.221, subd. 4 (1988). The facts presented in this case were described in long and often contradictory testimony. After listening to the conflicting evidence, the trial court found it is in M.D. O.'s best interests to maintain and strengthen the relationship with Ostlund. The trial court articulated the basis for the best interests determination as well as specific findings on Ostlund's interaction with the child. In reaching that determination the trial court considered the likelihood of adoption, the effect termination would have on the child, the potential danger to the child if returned to parental custody, the length of time in foster care, and the bond forged between the parent and child. M.D.O. is now over four years old, and Ostlund has been afforded periodic visitation while incarcerated at the Shakopee correctional facility. Foster care placement is also no longer a consideration because M.D.O. is now residing with the biological father, subject to Ostlund's periodic visitations. Welfare of M.D.O., 450 N.W.2d at 656. The trial court expressed its opinion as to those witnesses it found to be credible and those that were not. These findings are supported by the evidence. There is no similarity to the findings criticized by this court in In re Welfare of M.M., 452 N.W.2d 236, 239 (Minn.1990).
Ostlund argues the failure of a court of appeals judge to recuse himself sua sponte as a member of the panel in this matter constituted prejudicial error because he was also a member of the panel that reviewed Ostlund's criminal appeal. This argument is meritless, unpersuasive, and was never preserved as an issue below. Apart from speculation and conjecture, nothing indicates the court of appeals panel based its decision on matters other than the evidence presented. United States v. Grinnell Corp., 384 U.S. 563, 583, 86 S.Ct. 1698, 1710, 16 L.Ed.2d 778 (1966); Moore v. McGraw Edison Co., 804 F.2d 1026, 1032 (8th Cir.1986). Ostlund waived the issue by never alerting the court of appeals to the issue. See Minn.Ct.App.Int.R. 6.2, 6.3; see also State ex rel. Wild v. Otis, 257 N.W.2d 361, 363-64 (Minn.1977) (recusal of an appellate judge is a decision for the individual judge to make). The failure to raise and preserve an issue before the court of appeals constitutes a waiver in a subsequent appeal to this court. See L & H Transport, Inc. v. Drew Agency, Inc., 403 N.W.2d 223, 226 (Minn.1987). More importantly, the issue is so frivolous and so lacking in merit, it should never have been raised before us as it was under the circumstances here. The judge questioned by Ostlund is an able, ethical and honorable jurist. Raising the issue, without offering the barest spark of supporting evidence, is an unfair and highly improper criticism of a well-respected appellate judge.
Janet Ostlund may not be the picture of a model parent. Yet, few children would be reared by natural parents if model parents were the standard. In re Welfare of D.C., 415 N.W.2d 915, 919 (Minn. App.1987) (Huspeni, J. dissenting). The best interests of the child is a paramount consideration and our ultimate focus remains on the best interests of the child balanced against the parental rights. Here, the best interests of M.D.O. are in maintaining a nurturing relationship and bonding with the natural mother, Janet Ostlund. The court of appeals panel erred when it exceeded the appropriate standard of review, ignored the trial court's specific findings of fact, and substituted its judgment regarding the best interests of the child. Reversed.