Seilkop v. Barker

Mariah Seilkop appeals an order denying her petition to terminate Barbara and Richard Barker’s temporary custody of her minor child. Ms. Seilkop argues that the trial court erred because the evidence introduced at the hearing on the petition does not support a finding that she is an unfit parent. We agree and reverse.

In January 2012, Ms. Seilkop, who was 18 years old at the time, asked the Barkers to take custody of her eight-month old son so that she could enroll in college and get on her feet financially. The Barkers are the child’s paternal great aunt and uncle, and without objection,1…