The North Carolina Court of Appeals has affirmed the termination of a father's parental rights to his child, V.A.C., due to neglect and failure to provide support. The ruling, filed on October 21, 2026, affects the child's future and highlights the court's commitment to ensuring the welfare of minors in custody disputes.
The case originated in Pitt County District Court, where the father, referred to as "Father," appealed the decision made by Judge Sonya Davis on November 14, 2025. The court's decision to terminate Father's parental rights was based on several factors, including his history of neglect and criminal behavior, which the court deemed detrimental to the child's welfare.
Background
The case revolves around the child, V.A.C. (referred to as "Vera"), who was born in May 2020. Initially, Vera lived with her mother, her maternal grandmother, and Father. However, after less than a year, Father moved out to live with his mother. The situation escalated when Vera was found unattended and ingesting her mother’s prescribed medication, leading to intervention by the Richmond County Department of Social Services (DSS).
Tragically, Vera's mother passed away from a Fentanyl overdose in March 2022. Following this event, Vera lived with her maternal grandmother and great-grandparents before being placed in kinship care with her maternal grandfather and step-grandmother in April 2022. The court ordered Father to pay child support, but he failed to comply consistently.
In June 2023, Father consented to the petitioners receiving full legal and physical custody of Vera. However, he was only allowed supervised visitation, which he frequently missed. On April 23, 2025, the petitioners filed a request to terminate Father's parental rights, citing his lack of engagement and support for Vera.
The Ruling
The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Julee Flood, ruled that the trial court correctly found grounds to terminate Father's parental rights under North Carolina General Statutes (N.C.G.S.) § 7B-1111(a)(1). The court stated, "[A]n adjudication of any single ground in N.C.G.S. § 7B-1111(a) is sufficient to support a termination of parental rights." This means that even if one ground for termination is established, the court does not need to consider the others.
Judge Flood noted that the trial court's findings were supported by clear and convincing evidence. The court highlighted that Father had not only neglected Vera but had also created an environment that was injurious to her welfare. The ruling emphasized that Father’s ongoing substance abuse issues and criminal history contributed to the decision to terminate his rights.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for child welfare cases in North Carolina. It reinforces the court's stance on prioritizing the safety and well-being of children over parental rights when neglect is evident. The decision serves as a reminder for parents to maintain active involvement and support for their children, especially in cases where they have been granted visitation rights.
The ruling may also set a precedent for future cases involving parental rights termination, particularly those involving substance abuse and neglect. By affirming the trial court's decision, the Court of Appeals underscores the importance of parental responsibility and the consequences of failing to fulfill that role.
What's Next
Father has the option to appeal the decision to the North Carolina Supreme Court, although it is unclear if he will pursue this route. There are no related cases pending that could affect this ruling. The focus now shifts to Vera's future, as she will continue to live with her maternal grandparents, who have been awarded full custody.