Opinion ID: 2050771
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: [¶ 19] Pursuant to 18-A M.R.S.A. § 5-204(c), absent the consent of a parent or legal custodian to the guardianship appointment, the Probate Court must find by clear and convincing evidence that a living situation has been created that is at least temporarily intolerable for the child even though the living situation does not rise to the level of jeopardy required for the final termination of parental rights, and that the proposed guardian will provide a living situation that is in the best interest of the child. Neither the child protective statute, 22 M.R.S.A. §§ 4001-4091 (1992 & Supp. 2000), nor the protection from abuse statute, 19-A M.R.S.A. §§ 4001-4014 (1998 & Supp.2000), prohibits the Probate Court from appointing emergency guardians for minors, absent parental consent, when the requisite findings are made. [¶ 20] On a direct appeal from the Probate Court, we review the court's findings for clear error. See Conservatorship of Justin R., 662 A.2d 232, 234 (Me.1995) (citing Estate of Paine, 609 A.2d 1150, 1152 (Me.1992)). In its guardianship order, the court found that the testimony established a history of abuse, neglect and mistreatment of Amberley by her mother. Among the evidence cited by the court was the unstable living arrangement involving multiple moves, and Amberley's fear for her own safety. The court further cited the testimony that Joann used alcohol and marijuana and provided them to Amberley, and that she engaged in sexual activity in Amberley's presence. In addition, the court cited Joann's apparent disregard for Amberley's well-being in taking a vacation when she was missing. The court determined that Diana and Richard B., with whom Amberley had spent considerable time during her life, offer her a stable, loving home and have met her physical, educational, emotional, and social needs. [¶ 21] The evidence is sufficient to support the court's findings that a living situation was created that was at least temporarily intolerable for Amberley and that Diana and Richard B. provide a living situation in her best interests. Joann claims that the testimony presented at the hearing was self-interested and conflicting. However, it is the factfinder's responsibility to assess the credibility of witnesses and the weight and significance of the evidence. Guardianship of Boyle, 674 A.2d 912, 913 (Me.1996) (citation omitted). Absent clear error, we defer to that assessment. Id. [¶ 22] Amberley's age and her participation in the proceedings further supports the court's best interest determination. Amberley was fifteen at the time the petition was filed and granted, and the record indicates she nominated Diana and Richard B. to be her guardians pursuant to 18-A M.R.S.A. § 5-206 (1998). [7] Minors who are older are permitted, under certain circumstances, to exercise a greater degree of choice. See, e.g., 15 M.R.S.A. § 3506-A (Supp.2000) (allowing sixteen-year-olds to seek emancipation). The court did not err in appointing guardians based on this evidence.