Smith v. Smith

OPINION

Appellant Marvin Stephen Smith challenges the district court’s order terminating his parental rights. Marvin contends that the district court lacked the requisite jurisdictional and dispositional grounds to terminate his parental rights. We agree and reverse.

Appellant and respondent Danielle R. Smith were divorced in September, 1978. They had one child, Erica Jane Smith, who was five months old at the time of the divorce. The court awarded Danielle the care, custody and control of Erica. The decree gave Marvin limited visitation rights and ordered him to pay monthly child support…