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Court grants default in father's absence; adoption hearing scheduled after finding of abandonment
Summary
After testimony and lack of an answer by the biological father, the court granted a default and found clear-and-convincing evidence of abandonment, then scheduled a final adoption hearing in 30 days with a final hearing on Dec. 5.
The court granted a motion for default in a termination and adoption matter after the biological father, Brandon Clausen, failed to appear or file an answer. Witnesses, including Sarah and Mikayla Jackson, testified that the child (born May 28, 2021) had not had contact with Clausen since a separation in March 2022 and that the child does not recognize him.
The judge noted that no answer had been filed and entered default. After hearing testimony and considering service by publication, the court found clear and convincing evidence of abandonment and granted the motion for default on the termination claim. The court bifurcated the proceedings to afford the father 30 days to appeal the default; the parties agreed to set a final adoption hearing on Dec. 5, 2025.
The court explained the legal effect of a parental termination and adoption to the proposed step-parent, clarifying the permanent rights and obligations of parenthood before confirming the December date. The court directed counsel to prepare the order documenting the findings and the schedule for the adoption.
