Opinion ID: 886951
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: ¶11 In a termination of parental rights case, the Department has the burden of proving the criteria for termination are met by clear and convincing evidence. In re J.H. (1992), 252 Mont. 31, 34, 825 P.2d 1222, 1224; § 41-3-609, MCA. We review the decision of a trial court to terminate parental rights for abuse of discretion. In re T.C., 2001 MT 264, ¶ 13, 307 Mont. 244, ¶ 13, 37 P.3d 70, ¶ 13. We review the findings of fact underlying a decision to 4 terminate to assess whether the findings are clearly erroneous. T.C., ¶ 13. Our review of a district court's conclusions of law determines whether the conclusions are correct. T.C., ¶ 13.