Department of Human Services v. K. M. P.

The juvenile court terminated mother’s parental rights in her 20-month-old son after the state made a prima facie showing at a pretrial conference at which mother failed to appear. Mother subsequently filed a motion to set aside the termination judgment because her nonappearance was the result of excusable neglect. The court summarily denied her motion. Mother appeals, contending that her nonappearance was due to excusable neglect and that the juvenile court abused its discretion in denying her motion to set aside the termination judgment. We agree. We therefore reverse and remand.

In April…