Supreme Court
Family Case Summaries 2016
2016-87 In re Adele B. (full briefing)
The respondent appeals from a decree terminating her parental rights to her daughter. The respondent contends that the Family Court judge erred in finding her an unfit parent and in finding that the termination of parental rights would be in the best interests of her daughter. The respondent also contends that the Family Court judge should have recused herself from the proceedings because of bias shown by her directing DCYF to file a termination petition when DCYF had not yet decided to do so and because of her frequent critical comments and interjections into cross-examination of the wit < p>
2016-322 In re B.H. (show cause)
The respondent challenges an order to register as a sex offender under § 11-37.1-4(j) following an adjudication of delinquency based on second-degree child molestation sexual assault. On appeal, respondent argues the trial judge erred in deciding that she did not have discretion to limit or waive registration in this case.
2016-334 Angela Luis v. Kevin Gaugler (show cause)
The defendant appeals from a Family Court decision pending entry of final judgment granting the plaintiff a divorce upon her claim that she and the defendant were in a common-law marriage. The defendant argues evidence was misconceived when the trial judge found that the parties had a present and mutual intent to be husband and wife and that the reputation of the parties as married was general and uniform in the community.
2016-310 Jamie Souza v. Michael Souza (full briefing)
The defendant appeals from the Family Court's denial of his request to modify placement of his children. The couple had joint custody of the children. The defendant wanted his children to be placed solely with him. The defendant argues that the Family Court judge misconceived the evidence and overlooked key evidence in the case.
2016-349 In re Madlyn B. (full briefing)
2016-354
The respondent-mother appeals from a Family Court decree that she abused and neglected her children. The respondent asserts that the Family Court judge's findings were not supported by clear and convincing evidence. She states that the evidence did not establish a precise timeline for her child's injuries.
2016-9 Lauren Daley Ainsworth v. John Ainsworth (show cause)
The plaintiff appeals from an order denying her motion to relocate to Australia with her children. The plaintiff contends that the trial justice overlooked and misconceived evidence by giving too much weight to defendant’s testimony and too little weight to his previous misdeeds. She also claims that the trial justice failed to give adequate weight to the economic benefits of relocation.
