Department of Human Services v. Morgan

I concur in the Court’s order affirming the judgment of the Court of Appeals. I write separately to address the due process problems that pervaded these proceedings because the trial court did not advise respondent of the consequences of her plea of admission, contrary to MCR 3.971(B)(4). Also contrary to MCL 712A.17c, the court did not appoint counsel at respondent’s first appearance. Instead, the court waited until two weeks before the termination of parental rights trial to appoint counsel. Without counsel to assist her, respondent never offered evidence in her own behalf during 10…