In re J.C. CA4/1

INTRODUCTION

J.C. (Father) appeals from juvenile court orders terminating dependency jurisdiction over his child, J.C., and awarding joint legal custody to Father and B.E. (Mother) and primary physical custody to Father. Father does not challenge the termination of dependency jurisdiction or the order of primary physical custody. His sole contention on appeal is that the juvenile court abused its discretion by awarding joint legal custody to Father and Mother rather than sole legal custody to Father, as he requested. Finding no

abuse of discretion, we affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

I. Initiation of Dependency Proceedings and Detention Hearing Mother gave birth to J.C. in December 2021. At that time, Mother and J.C.’s umbilical cord tissue tested positive for methamphetamine, cocaine, and THC, and J.C. tested positive for cocaine. Hospital staff notified the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (Agency) of the positive

Mother filed a notice of appeal, followed by a single brief combining her opening brief with her respondent’s brief. In the opening brief portion, Mother did not raise any arguable issues for review but, instead, requested we…