M.E. v. Florida Department of Children & Family Services

M.E. appeals an order terminating her parental rights with respect to three of her minor children, P.E., C.E., and S.E.1 We affirm.

Counsel was appointed to represent the mother, M.E., in this termination of parental rights (“TPR”) proceeding. The case was scheduled for calendar call on June 24, 1996, and thereafter proceeded to trial in July.

Prior to the start of 'trial, the mother’s counsel informed the court that she had experienced difficulty in contacting the mother and was not sure whether the mother knew of the actual trial date. Counsel explained that the mother wanted to defend…