Pendleton v. Leverock

LAMAR, Justice,

for the Court.

¶ 1. Zachary Tyler Leverock (Zach) was born to Deanna Hamby and James Anthony Leverock (Tony). Upon the couple’s separation, Deanna and Zach moved in with her foster parents, the Pendletons. For the following two and a half years, Zach lived with the Pendletons with no contact from Tony. Deanna died in a car accident, and at her funeral, Tony told the Pendletons that he eventually wanted to take Zach back to Florida with him. The Pendletons filed a complaint for emergency temporary custody, termination of parental rights, and for custody. A trial was held, and…