Opinion ID: 1655438
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: the trial court erred when it failed to make any findings of fact concerning the issue of durable custody as to the mother?

Text: ¶ 32. At the conclusion on the hearing on the termination of the parents' rights, the trial court sua sponte raised the issue of the possibility of terminating only J.R.'s rights but not S.R.B.R.'s, thus making possible durable legal custody for the mother, as an alternative to be considered under Miss.Code Ann. § 93-15-103(4). The guardian ad litem had recommended that the court grant the petition to terminate parental rights, but stated that he would not be against durable custody to the mother. He did, however, voice concern about the financial impact on the relatives who had been caring for the children in Chicago for more than a year, if S.R.B.R.'s rights were not terminated, and thus the relatives could not adopt even though the children would continue living with them. The judge certainly implied that this option would be considered as he took the entire case under advisement, and it is clear that he was well aware of the alternatives and conditions under § 93-15-103(4). Although there are no separate and specific findings of fact in the record on this issue, this Court finds that the trial court, having considered the clear and convincing evidence before it, reasoned well that durable legal custody with continued parental contact was not in the best interest of the children. Neither parent requested a findings of fact or conclusions of law pursuant to M.R.C.P. 52. This issue is without merit.