Hames v. Roberts

¶ 1 I concur with the majority opinion that the trial court’s failure to appoint independent counsel for this child during the adoption proceedings brought under 10 O.S.1991, § 60.6, was fundamental error. Even in the absence of a request of the trial court, the failure requires reversing this matter and remanding it to the trial court. Matter of Guardianship of S.A.W., 856 P.2d 286 (Okl. 1993), and Matter of Adoption of B.R.B., 905 P.2d 807 (Okl.1995).

¶2 I write separately to point out that today’s decision leaves no room to argue that Merrell v. Merrell, 712 P.2d 35 (Okl.1985), is still…