IN THE MATTER OF J.S., JR.

Citations

• 2026 OK CIV APP 4

Syllabus

¶1 In this deprived child proceeding, Appellant, Asheley Teague, the biological mother of J.S., JR. (JSJ), the minor child, appeals from the district court's order terminating her parental rights. The State of Oklahoma (State) moved to terminate Mother's parental rights, Mother waived a jury trial, and then Mother failed to appear at two subsequent scheduled hearings which were noticed by announcements memorialized in minute orders. The court minute order dated May 30, 2025, stated Mother failed to appear, but quantified \default under advisement pending best interest.\ Mother appeared at the best interest trial set on June 2, 2025. State's witness was sworn and examined and testified as to the child's best interest. After the best interest trial, the district court found reasonable efforts were made, Mother failed to make the corrections and termination was in the child's best interest. On appeal, Mother claims the district court erred in terminating her parental rights because the notices of May 30, 2025, hearing, i.e. the non-jury trial date, and June 2, 2025, best interest hearing were legally insufficient under 10A O.S. 2021 §1-4-905 . Mother also asserts the district court erred in finding termination was in the minor child's best interest. This Court holds the petition to terminate provided Mother with the notice required in §1-4-905(A)(1) and (2) and Mother was properly provided notice of subsequent hearings. This Court also holds State met its burden of showing it was in the child's best interest to terminate Mother's parental rights. The order terminating Mother's parental rights is affirmed.