Opinion ID: 2570470
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The record is unclear whether terminating A.B.'s parental rights is in the best interests of S.B.

Text: Alaska Statute 47.10.088(c) provides that [i]n a proceeding under this chapter involving termination of [parental rights], the court shall consider the best interests of the child. We have stated that in a termination trial, the best interests of the child, not those of the parents, are paramount. [25] Here, the superior court determined that terminating A.B.'s parental rights is in S.B.'s best interests. In doing so, the superior court suggested that terminating A.B.'s parental rights would help give S.B. the best opportunity for life in a stable and nurturing home. In light of DFYS's efforts to unite S.B. and R.H., however, we are not persuaded that the superior court's best interests determination is supported under the unusual facts of this case. [26] As A.B. argues, termination of her parental rights has, in effect, left S.B. half-orphaned. If R.H. turns out to be a satisfactory parent for S.B., it is difficult for us to see how severing all ties with A.B. is in S.B.'s best interests. [27] If A.B.'s parental rights are terminated, S.B. would lose her rights of inheritance from A.B. and her right to support from her biological mother. With her biological father as her custodian, losing these important rights for her other natural parent would not appear to be in S.B.'s best interests. In light of DFYS's attempt to unite S.B. and her biological father, the superior court on remand should first determine the status of that effort, and then determine whether the termination of A.B.'s parental rights is for the purpose of facilitating S.B.'s adoption or other permanent placement. If the court determines that terminating A.B.'s parental rights is for that purpose, the court should then determine whether, in light of its other findings, such a termination is in S.B.'s best interests.