Siufanua v. Fuga

¶1 Before a trial on the merits of a nonparental custody petition, the petitioner must satisfy a threshold requirement of “adequate cause” by showing that the biological parent is either unfit or that placing the child in the parent’s custody would result in actual detriment to the child’s growth and development. RCW 26.10.032(2). This standard protects biological parents’ constitutional rights to raise their children. Here, Faualuga and Billie Siufanua (the grandparents) sought custody of L.M.S., their granddaughter. The grandparents contend that placing L.M.S. with Tony Fuga, her biological…