Adoption of Jacob C.

In these consolidated appeals, Susan C. and movants Nancy B. and Aleda D., appeal from a final judgment granting the petitions of respondent Paula C. for termination of Susan’s parental rights and for a stepparent adoption, and denying the motion of movants to intervene. Susan also appeals from an earlier order barring her participation in the hearing on the petitions. Because we have concluded that the trial court erred in not appointing counsel for the minors, Jacob C. and Ada C., and in failing to conduct an in-chambers interview with Jacob to determine his feelings and thoughts, we reverse the judgment and remand the action to the trial court with directions to appoint counsel for the minors and to conduct a new hearing, including an in-chambers interview with Jacob. The order barring Susan’s participation in the hearing on the petitions is affirmed. In the unpublished portion of this opinion we affirm the order denying the motion of movants for leave to intervene.

I

Factual and Procedural Background

Appellant Susan C. and James C. were married in November 1977 and separated in October 1983. Their son, Jacob, was born on January 6, 1981. On February 21, 1984, four…