E.J.S. v. State, Department of Health & Social Services

OPINION

E.J.S. appeals from the termination of his parental rights to his daughter, L.M.S.

I

L.M.S. was born on July 13, 1978 in Washington State. Her natural parents are L.B. and E.J.S. In 1979, L.B. left E.J.S., taking L.M.S. with her. With the exception of a four hour visit occurring in 1984 in Everett, Washington at the initiation of L.B., E.J.S. did not see L.M.S. between 1979 and the time of the termination hearing in May, 1987.

After obtaining a divorce from E.J.S., L.B. married J.M. The two had a daughter, A.T.M., in 1982. The four lived as a family and L.M.S. considered her stepfather as…