IN RE FIELDS MINORS

Court of Appeals, State of Michigan
ORDER
IN RE FIELDS MINORS
Docket No. 370646
LC No. 2023-000855-NA
Kristina Robinson Garrett
Presiding Judge
Michelle M. Rick
Kathleen A. Feeney
Judges
This Court’s August 29, 2025 opinion and order vacated the order denying termination of
respondent-father’s parental rights and remanded this case, while retaining jurisdiction, to the trial court
to determine whether the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) established grounds for
termination under MCL 712A.19b(3). If the trial court found that the DHHS established grounds for
termination, the trial court was to state its findings of fact and conclusions of law on the record or in
writing pursuant to MCR 3.977(I)(1) and then determine whether termination was in the children’s best
interests. On remand, in an October 22, 2025 opinion and order, the trial court found that the DHHS
established by clear and convincing evidence the statutory ground for termination under MCL
712A.19b(3)(j) (reasonable likelihood the child will be harmed if returned to the parent). See In re Ellis,
294 Mich App 30, 32; 817 NW2d 111 (2011). The trial court then held a hearing to determine whether
termination was in the minor children’s best interests. On January 21, 2026, the trial court entered an
order finding that termination was in the children’s best interests and terminated respondent’s parental
rights. Respondent subsequently claimed an appeal from the termination order.
Because the trial court entered an order terminating respondent’s parental rights, we
VACATE the portion of the August 29, 2025 remand order directing the parties to challenge the trial
court’s decisions on remand within this appeal, prohibiting the parties from initiating a new appeal from
orders entered on remand, and directing the Clerk to reject new appeals from such orders. Respondent’s
claim of appeal from the termination order shall proceed in this Court. Further, because the remand
proceedings have rendered moot any remaining appellate issues in this appeal, this appeal is DISMISSED.
MCR 7.211(C)(2); MCR 7.216(A)(7). We do not retain jurisdiction.
_______________________________
Presiding Judge
A true copy entered and certified by Jerome W. Zimmer Jr., Chief Clerk, on
Date
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