A.G. Missouri Cases

Mother appealed the trial court's judgment terminating her parental rights to Child. She argued the trial court erred by failing to consider and make specific findings regarding factors outlined in section 211.443 RSMo when determining the child's best interest. The appellate court affirmed the judgment, holding that section 211.443 RSMo does not mandate written findings but instead serves to guide statutory interpretation of related provisions.

A.G., a third-party petitioner, appealed the trial court's judgment awarding sole custody of the minor child, K.T.L., to her biological father, K.L., following the mother's death. A.G. claimed the child's welfare required an award of third-party custody. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision, concluding that A.G. failed to meet her burden to rebut the natural-parent presumption under the "welfare" prong of § 452.375.5(5)(a), particularly due to her conduct in discouraging the child's relationship with the father.