Gatlin v. Thompson

Nichols, Chief Justice.

Gatlin sought habeas corpus to recover custody of his children from Thompson. Gatlin’s former wife had custody of the children. She married Thompson. She died. Thompson kept the children. Thompson filed in the juvenile court an action against Gatlin to terminate Gatlin’s parental rights. Gatlin prevailed, and the time for appeal had not expired when the present action was filed. The superior court denied Gatlin’s petition and granted custody to Thompson on Thompson’s counterclaim, finding that Gatlin had forfeited his parental rights. This court reverses.

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