In Re Jaime S.

Opinion

In 2007, the petitioner mother initiated proceedings to terminate the parental rights of the respondent father with respect to the parties’ minor child. In January, 2009, a two day hearing was held, which the respondent was not able to attend in person due to his detention by immigration authorities in New Mexico. The respondent was represented at the hearing by counsel and participated on the first day of the hearing via telephone. On the second day, the immigration authorities prevented him from participating. The trial court denied the request of the respondent’s counsel to continue…