What happens if parents don't show up at TPR trial?

March 22, 2011

It means nothing, right? They still proceed with all the evidence?

I would assume that if there was a possibility of the case NOT being granted TPR, then a no-show would be really bad. But, if it looks like TPR will be granted, them not showing does not carry too much weight.

Also - if the parents have an attorney, but have not spoken to him in months, I am assuming he does not have too much of a defense.

In your case, did the parents show up at TPR trial?

MassachusettsMom

March 22, 2011

We are not in your state, but in the case of our don, the BPs didn't show and the TPR trial took all of 15 minutes.

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jmd5294

March 22, 2011

We are in your neighboring state, and bps didn't show to my TPR trials for my son. It meant that their lawyer didn't ask any questions on their behalf, so it went VERY quickly. Basically, a summary of evidence was presented by caseworker(s), and the judge ruled right then and there from the bench.

Cw told me it meant "automatic TPR" if bps didn't show, but I don't think that is the case-- the judge still wanted to hear the evidence.

MamaS

March 22, 2011

BPs did not show up at Karate Kid's TPR hearing. Their (court-appointed) attorneys did show, but said they had heard nothing from the parents and had no instructions about whether to consent or oppose. So, judge granted TPR anyway.

mommytoEli

March 22, 2011

MyColony

Also - if the parents have an attorney, but have not spoken to him in months, I am assuming he does not have too much of a defense.

In your case, did the parents show up at TPR trial?

in one of our cases this is exactly what happened....parents did not show. we were there, but outside of the court room...our worker came out and filled us in and said the atty asked for a continuance in order to attempt to locate his clients again. judge said no way...called us into the court room and said he figured we'd want to hear the next part. he terminated parents' rights, and checked with us that we wanted to adopt our now son. we said yes, and he recommended that be the new plan. he smiled and said congratulations. it was bittersweet. a sad day for them/my son.....wonderful day for me. :cheer:

mykids1027

March 23, 2011

Our trial was last week and no parents showed, but their attorneys did. Trial went forward and we are still waiting for the judges decision. Once we get that, we still have to wait the 45 day appeal period (since the attorneys for the partents showed), then we can schedule adoption date. The attorneys for the parents also haven't had contact with bio's, so from what I heard, they didn't have much to say at the trial. They were in and out in 4 hrs.