In re A.J.C.

ARROWOOD, Judge.

*477*804Respondent-father appeals from an order terminating his parental rights in the minor child "Alex."1 Because the trial court lacked personal jurisdiction over respondent-father, we vacate the order.

I. Background

In March 2016, New Hanover County Department of Social Services ("DSS") obtained non-secure custody of three-year-old Alex and filed a *805juvenile petition alleging he was neglected and dependent. At the time the petition was filed, Alex was living with respondent-father and his girlfriend, Ms. H. Respondent-mother had not been in contact with Alex for two years, and…