Ex Parte Morris

Summary

The court held that a nonrelative custodian with a real, material, or substantial interest in a child's long-term custody and potential adoption has standing to participate in a family court proceeding. It also held that, when a party requests one, the family court must conduct an evidentiary hearing before issuing a permanency planning order based on contested material facts. Although the family court erred by denying the requested hearing, the court affirmed in result because the custodian did not appeal the separate ruling dismissing her from the case.