Opinion ID: 852888
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Instant Claim Fails

Text: Applying the standard to the present case, we find that Mother and Father's claim is untenable. Their joint representation did not result in a conflict of interest, which might well produce a procedurally unfair setting. Mother and Father preserved the same interests, namely maintaining parental rights over D.C. As the Court of Appeals stated, there was no solid evidence showing that their interests were adverse and hostile. 533 N.E.2d at 1200. Strodtman appropriately questioned and cross-examined witnesses on behalf of both parents and he also cross-examined both Mother and Father when they were called to testify. (Appellee Br. at 7; T.R. at 19, 70, 138, 154, 163.) Strodtman's prediction that Mother and Father did not have adverse interests and were not presenting evidence against one another proved correct. At no time did they blame each other for the allegations made by the OFC. (Appellee Br. at 10.) Moreover, the record does not suggest that either parent stood to gain significantly by separate representation. Both parents were individually and independently required to complete certain treatments and services to regain custody of D.C. Each of them was responsible for his or her own services and neither could gain from the other's participation or lack thereof. (Appellee Br. at 9.) The record does support, alternatively, that both parents neglected to complete the treatments and services required of them after being afforded ample opportunities. In fact, both parents admitted that they could not be good parents to D.C. at that time. Father testified: Q: ... What have you done to prepare for [D.C.] coming to live with you? A: I just told you. I am staying from here to there. I'm getting ready to go in-patient. Now I can't prepare her no place right now... Q: So it's fair to say that you couldn't have [D.C.] returned to you right now, isn't that true? A: She can still stay in foster care with my mother. But I can't have her returned to me right now. (T.R. at 66.) Mother said: I can't help nobody right now. I'm trying to help myself ... I can't be that parent to [D.C.] right now until I get help for me. (T.R. at 132.) There is nothing to suggest that representation by a single lawyer led to a fundamentally unfair hearing.