H.F., MOTHER OF L.J., H.J., A.J., L.J., MINOR CHILDREN
v.
DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Fla. 1st DCA | 2025-04-16
No. 2024-3021
2025 FL 3147 Florida District Court of Appeal, First District (2025)

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Synopsis

A mother's appeal of a termination of parental rights was dismissed because she failed to timely file her own brief in support of the appeal after her counsel withdrew. The dismissal was authorized by N.S.H. v. Department of Children and Family Services, which established this procedure for handling such situations.


Holding

The appeal was dismissed pursuant to the established procedure set forth in N.S.H. v. Department of Children and Family Services, which approves dismissal when counsel withdraws and the appellant fails to timely file a brief in support of an appeal challenging termination of parental rights.


Key Quotes

“N.S.H. v. Dep't of Child. & Fam. Servs., 843 So. 2d 898 (Fla. 2003) (approving procedure that includes dismissal when, after counsel withdraws, the appellant fails to timely file his or her own brief in support of appeal of termination of parental rights).”

Establishes the legal authority and procedure under which the court dismissed this appeal

Facts & Procedural History

H.F. was the mother of four minor children (L.J., H.J., A.J., and L.J.) who were involved in a Department of Children and Families proceeding regardin…

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Per_curiam
Per Curiam

FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL STATE OF FLORIDA

No. 1D2024-3021

H.F., Mother of L.J., H.J., A.J., L.J., Minor Children,

Appellant,

v. DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES,

Appellee.

On appeal from the Circuit Court for Bay County. Dustin Stephenson, Judge.

April 16, 2025

PER CURIAM.

DISMISSED. N.S.H. v. Dep't of Child. & Fam. Servs., 843 So. 2d 898 (Fla. 2003) (approving procedure that includes dismissal when, after counsel withdraws, the appellant fails to timely file his or her own brief in support of appeal of termination of parental rights).

OSTERHAUS, C.J., and ROBERTS and BILBREY, JJ., concur. Not final until disposition of any timely and authorized motion under Fla. R. App. P. 9.330 or 9.331.

H.F., pro se, Appellant.

Sarah J. Rumph, Children's Legal Services, Tallahassee, Sara Elizabeth Goldfarb, Statewide Director of Appeals, and Laura J. Lee, Assistant Director of Appeals, Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office, Tallahassee, for Statewide Guardian ad Litem.


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