D.D.F. v. North Dakota Department of Human Services

MARING, Justice.

[¶ 1] G.V.D. (“Greg”) 1 appeals from the district court’s order terminating his parental rights to J.D.F. (“Jack”) and granting the adoption of Jack to Jack’s stepfather, D.D.F. (“Doug”). We conclude the district court erred by not informing Greg of his right to court-appointed counsel and by not deciding whether Greg qualified for court-appointed counsel. We reverse the district court’s order terminating Greg’s parental rights and remand for a new trial. If Greg establishes he is indigent and requests counsel, the district court must appoint counsel to represent him.

I

[¶2]…