Supreme Court

Family Case Summaries 2014

2014-307 In re Kyle A. (show cause)

The respondent, a juvenile, appeals from an adjudication that he was delinquent for committing second-degree child molestation sexual assault in violation of Rhode Island General Laws § 11-37-8.3. On appeal the respondent argues there was insufficient evidence to support the trial judge’s finding that he touched the victim for sexual gratification.

2015-143 John Hall Lahound v. Alicia E. Carvalho (show cause)

The plaintiff appeals pro se from an order adjudicating his child support arrearage. He alleges that the Family Court erroneously refused to acknowledge an order issued by a Costa Rican court establishing that he owned no child support as of April 8, 2013, and that he only owes child support from that date forward.

2014-113 In re Jake G. (show cause)

The respondent-father appeals from the termination of his parental rights to his two children. On appeal, he claims that the trial judge violated his due process rights by issuing a bench decision when his attorney was not present. He also asserts that DCYF failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that he was an unfit parent.

2014-255 Valerie (McAndrew) Hogan v. Philip McAndrew (full briefing)

Defendant appeals from a Family Court order that determined Rhode Island was an inconvenient forum and Ireland was a more appropriate forum, and declined to exercise discretionary jurisdiction under RIGL 15-14.1-19 to hear defendant’s post-judgment motions related to modification of child custody and placement.

2012-237 Valerie Bremer v. William Bremer (show cause)
2012-239
2014-254

Plaintiff appeals from several Family Court orders, including one that assigned defendant’s motion for clarification of the final judgment to a judge of the Family Court; one that clarifies the judgment of divorce; and one that found her in contempt.

2014-206 In Re Kristopher J. (show cause)

The respondent-father appeals from the termination of his parental rights to his son. Respondent argues that the evidence he inflicted fatal, non-accidental injuries to the child’s five-week old sister was neither clear nor convincing and therefore the trial judge erred in terminating his parental rights.

2014-312 In Re Max M. (show cause)

The respondent-father appeals from a decree terminating his parental rights to his son, pursuant to § 15-7-7(a)(3). Respondent challenges the determination that there was clear and convincing evidence of unfitness and that DCYF made reasonable efforts to reunify.