In re D.A.W.

HUNTER, JR., Robert N., Judge.

Respondent appeals from an order terminating his parental rights as to his minor child, D.A.W. ("Tina").1 We vacate the order and remand for further proceedings.

I. Factual and Procedural Background

Petitioner and Respondent married in Pender County, North Carolina on 11 November 2010. Petitioner bore Tina on 24 October 2011. In 2012, Petitioner and Respondent separated. Following the parties' separation, Tina resided with Petitioner.

On 16 April 2012, Petitioner obtained a domestic violence protective order ("DVPO") against Respondent. The DVPO barred Respondent…