In re L.E.M.

DAVIS, Justice.

**397 In this case we consider whether Rule 3.1 of the North Carolina Rules of Appellate Procedure requires our appellate courts to independently review the issues presented in a "no-merit" brief filed in an appeal from an order terminating a respondent's parental rights. Based on our determination that Rule 3.1 mandates an independent review on appeal of the issues contained in a no-merit brief, we vacate the decision of the Court of Appeals.

Factual and Procedural Background

In September 2015, the Gaston County Department of Social Services (DSS) became involved with…