In re S.D.A.

WYNN, Judge.

It is axiomatic that a trial court must have subject matter jurisdiction over a case to act in that case. In re N.R.M., T.F.M., 165 N.C.App. 294, 598 S.E.2d 147 (2004). Here, S.D.A., R.G.A., and the Covingtons contend that because the Lincoln County Department of Social Services (DSS) found no evidence of abuse and neglect, Rutherford County DSS, which referred the matter to the Lincoln County DSS for investigation due to a conflict, lacked the power to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court under sections 7B-302(c) and (d) of the North Carolina General Statutes. We agree and…