In the Interest of E.T., a Child v. the State of Texas

Summary

The Texas Court of Appeals for the Second District at Fort Worth reviewed the termination of a father's parental rights to E.T. The court held that the evidence was legally and factually sufficient to support termination based on endangering conduct and the child's best interest, and it affirmed the trial court's order. The court did not reach the father's challenge to the criminal-conduct termination ground.

Holdings

1. The evidence was legally and factually sufficient to support the finding that Father engaged in a voluntary, deliberate, and conscious course of conduct that endangered E.T.'s physical or emotional well-being.
2. The evidence was legally and factually sufficient to support the finding that termination of Father's parental rights was in E.T.'s best interest.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the evidence was legally and factually sufficient to support termination under Texas Family Code section 161.001(b)(1)(E) based on endangering conduct.
2. Whether the evidence was legally and factually sufficient to support termination under Texas Family Code section 161.001(b)(2) based on E.T.'s best interest.
3. Whether the evidence was legally and factually sufficient to support termination under Texas Family Code section 161.001(b)(1)(P) based on Father's criminal conduct, conviction, imprisonment, and inability to care for E.T.

Disposition

affirmed