Opinion ID: 1911343
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: determination of unfitness

Text: The county court, in holding that there was clear and convincing evidence that the children's best interests would not be served by placing them with Gomez, stated: The evidence shows a pattern on the part of [Gomez] of taking no responsibility for the children or only taking responsibility when it suited him or under his terms emotionally and financially.... The evidence shows a clear pattern of substance abuse, both legal and illegal, which [Gomez] has not addressed in a manner to satisfy this Court of his good intentions to refrain from the use of intoxicants or illegal substances. At trial, Gomez admitted that he did not pay any of the financial costs for the births of the three children he fathered with Bechtold. Gomez testified that from the time he and Bechtold separated in August 1990 until he learned of Bechtold's relinquishment in November 1991, he provided only approximately $500 in financial support and visited with the children approximately once a month. The record reflects that Gomez earned between $4,500 and $7,500 in 1991. Additionally, Gomez admitted that when he and Bechtold separated for approximately 4 months sometime after Kassandra's birth but prior to Nicholas' birth, he went to Kansas, provided no financial support, and never visited his children. Gomez attempted to refute this evidence of neglect by testifying that he provided the children with clothing, toys, food, and school supplies when they visited him. Gomez testified that he took the children on family trips to the park and the zoo. He also testified that he provided the children with emotional support by telling the children they could always talk to him. Gomez stated that he did not give more money to Bechtold because he did not trust her. Gomez admitted that he smoked marijuana in the past, but claimed that he had not done so since 1987. However, his oldest daughter testified that as recently as July 1993, she observed marijuana in Gomez' residence and saw Gomez smoking marijuana. Gomez also admitted that he had a problem with alcohol, though he had never sought any help for his drinking problem. Gomez thought he would be able to handle the problem without assistance. In January 1992, Gomez was twice arrested and pled guilty to two charges of driving while under the influence. Previously, in 1988 or 1989, Gomez was convicted of felony criminal mischief for stealing a car stereo and served a 30-day prison sentence. On another occasion, Gomez was ticketed after trying to kick out a door at the Omaha police station while under the influence of alcohol. As noted above, our inquiry in the instant appeal is whether the county court's decision conforms to the law, is supported by competent evidence, and is neither arbitrary, capricious, nor unreasonable. In summary, Gomez admitted to a problem with alcohol abuse and testified that he still uses alcohol. The record reflects that Gomez has at least four criminal convictions, including one felony conviction for which he served jail time and two convictions of driving while under the influence. Gomez has consistently failed to provide Kassandra and Nicholas with more than de minimis amounts of financial and emotional support. I would hold that the county court properly found Gomez unfit.