In Re Karen R.

The issue before the court is whether the time within which to bring an appeal may be extended by the filing of a motion to open a judgment, filed after the expiration of the appeal period.

On December 2, 1997, this court issued a decision terminating the parental rights of the biological parents of Karen R. Pursuant to Practice Book § 4009 (a), the appeal period expired on December 22, 1997. On January 8, 1998, the respondent mother, Carmen M. R. (respondent), filed a “motion to Re-open Judgment,” 1 that was denied by this court, ex parte, on January 9, 1998.

On January 13,1998, twenty-two…