In Re Damian
Opinion
Opinion
Howard M. Hoffman and Jeff Reich, under appointments by the Court of Appeal, for Objectors and Appellants.
Dennis L. Myers, County Counsel, and Allen R. Berrey, Deputy County Counsel, for Petitioner and Respondent.
John P. Hannon II, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Minors.
[Opinion certified for partial publication. [*] ]
OPINION
MARTIN, Acting P.J.
On August 26, 1986, a petition to declare minors Damian V. and Andrew V., Jr., free from parental custody and control was filed in Merced County by the Merced County Department of Human Resources pursuant to Civil Code section 232. [1]
On November 14, 1986, Temporary Judge Milbourne Gwin granted the petition as to the mother, Maria V., who failed to appear. Andrew V., Sr., the father, appeared and objected to the petition and the matter was set for hearing.
On January 9, 1987, Maria V. filed a timely notice of appeal from the judgment freeing her minor children from her care, custody and control.
On February 2, 1987, the hearing on the petition as to the father, Andrew V., Sr., commenced before Merced County Superior Court Judge George C. Barrett. After receiving testimony the matter was continued until February…