Court Opinion

ID: 9701759
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-25 22:36:42.171744+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:21:28.886989
License: Public Domain

PRICE, Judge,
dissenting:
I cannot agree with the majority that the record is sufficiently complete and clear, without the benefit of further explanation, so that a remand is unnecessary. My review of the record convinces me that this test is not met and, therefore, I would remand for a full hearing, and by so doing, would also require that the judge provide us with a full and complete explanation of the reasons underlying the decision. This seems to me to be mandated particularly by the fact, as the majority acknowledges, that the decision rendered in the present case was insufficiently complete and, indeed, was rendered before the psychiatric evaluations were filed, and I believe that at the very least that would be a necessary step to the completion of the record.
I am also not satisfied with the efforts to develop the testimony of Susan as to the reasons behind her stated preference.
*206In any event, based upon this record I am not willing to speculate as to which course of action would be in the best interest of the child and of this family unit.
I would reverse and remand for a new hearing and opinion.
HOFFMAN, J., joins in this dissenting opinion.