Legal Opinion
In re S.M.
District of Columbia Court of Appeals
Decided December 10, 2009No. Nos. 08-FS-1093, 08-FS-1130 to 08-FS-1133 and 08-FS-1151PublishedCited by 14 opinions
1Opinion of the Court
STEADMAN, Senior Judge:
Before us is an appeal from two adoption decrees that terminated the rights of a father with respect to his twin boys. Because, as the District itself now acknowledges, the adoption proceedings did not sufficiently take into account the preference applicable to a fit father, we vacate the adoption decrees and remand the case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
I. Factual Background1
This case first came to court on a neglect complaint filed by the District of Columbia on December 22, 2003, against K.D. (mother)2 and H.O. (father, appellant) with respect…
2Cases cited22 opinions
- Santosky v. KramerSupreme Court of the United States · 1982
- Stanley v. IllinoisSupreme Court of the United States · 1972
- Troxel v. GranvilleSupreme Court of the United States · 2000
- Smith v. Organization of Foster Families for Equality & ReformSupreme Court of the United States · 1977
- M. L. B. v. S. L. J.Supreme Court of the United States · 1996
17 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.
3Cited by14 opinions
- In re: Petition of S.L.G. & S.E.G. D.A.District of Columbia Court of Appeals · 2015
- In re D.S.District of Columbia Court of Appeals · 2012
- In re C.A.B.District of Columbia Court of Appeals · 2010
- In re C.L.O.District of Columbia Court of Appeals · 2012
- IN RE: PETITION OF G.A.P.R.S.,Appellant.District of Columbia Court of Appeals · 2016
9 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.