Reist v. Bay Circuit Judge

On a finding of neglect, 1 the probate court terminated Carol Reist’s parental rights to her 2-1/2 year old son, Richard. Her one-year old son, Robert, was made a temporary ward of the court and termination proceedings were set to begin in six months absent a showing of fitness by Reist.

Reist, who is indigent, was appointed counsel pursuant to a court rulé 2 for the probate court proceedings. She requested appointment of counsel for her appeal as of right to circuit court 3 and asked that a transcript of the probate court proceedings be provided at public expense. Both the probate and circuit…