State v. James P.
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2005 WI 80 SUPREME COURT CASE NO.: COMPLETE TITLE: OF WISCONSIN 2004AP723 In re the Termination of Parental Rights to Chezron M., a Person Under the Age of 18: State of Wisconsin, Petitioner-Respondent, v. James P., Respondent-Appellant-Petitioner. REVIEW OF A DECISION OF THE COURT OF APPEALS 2004 WI App 124 Reported at: 274 Wis. 2d 494, 684 N.W.2d 164 (Ct. App. 2004-Published) OPINION FILED: SUBMITTED ON BRIEFS: ORAL ARGUMENT: March 2, 2005 SOURCE OF APPEAL: COURT: COUNTY: JUDGE: Circuit Milwaukee Joseph R. Wall June 17, 2005 JUSTICES: CONCURRED: DISSENTED: NOT PARTICIPATING: ATTORNEYS: For the respondent-appellant-petitioner there were briefs by Carl W. Chesshir, Milwaukee, and oral argument by Carl W. Chesshir. For the petitioner-respondent the cause was argued by Thomas C. Binger, assistant district attorney, with whom on the brief was E. Michael McCann, district attorney. A guardian ad litem brief was filed by Shelia R. HillRoberts and Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee, Inc., Milwaukee, and there was oral argument by Shelia R. Hill-Roberts. An amicus curiae brief was filed by Scott A. Sussman, Madison, on behalf of the Center for Family Policy and Practice. 2005 WI 80 NOTICE This opinion is subject to further editing and modification. The final version will appear in the bound volume of the official reports. No. 2004AP723 (L.C. No. 02 TP 350) STATE OF WISCONSIN : IN SUPREME COURT In re the Termination of Parental Rights to Chezron M., a Person Under the Age of 18: FILED State of Wisconsin, JUN 17, 2005 Petitioner-Respondent, v. Cornelia G. Clark Clerk of Supreme Court James P., Respondent-Appellant-Petitioner. REVIEW of a decision of the Court of Appeals. ¶1 JON P. WILCOX, J. Affirmed. This is a review of a published court of appeals decision, State v. James P., 2004 WI App 124, 274 Wis. 2d 494, Milwaukee County 684 N.W.2d 164, Circuit Court, affirming Joseph R. an order Wall, of Judge, the that terminated James P.'s parental rights to Chezron M. ¶2 terminate James his P. argues parental that rights grounds to did not Chezron exist M. to under No. 2004AP723 Wis. Stat. § 48.415(1)(a)3. (2001-02)1 because he had not been adjudicated the biological father of Chezron M. prior to the alleged periods of abandonment and thus was not her "parent," as defined in occurred. Wis. Stat. § 48.02(13), the abandonment We disagree and affirm. I. ¶3 when FACTUAL BACKGROUND The following facts were found by the circuit court and are undisputed on appeal. Judy M. on April 25, 1995. Chezron M. (Chezron) was born to Judy M. was unmarried but was having relations with James P. at the time she conceived. Judy M. told James P. that the child could be his or that of another man.2 James P. was present at the hospital when Chezron was born. His insurance her paid the costs of Chezron's birth, as he had listed on his medical insurance policy as his daughter. ¶4 "James P. cared for Chezron and treated her as his biological daughter." as his daughter. He added her to his life insurance policy Chezron called James P. "'dad,' and he considered Chezron 'family.'" ¶5 In March of 1998, Chezron was found to be in need of protection and services due to Judy M.'s parental failings. In all court records, James P. was listed as the alleged father of Chezron. James P. attended no less than three Children in Need 1 All references to the Wisconsin Statutes are to the 200102 version unless otherwise noted. 2 There was evidence presented at trial that Judy M. never suggested to third parties that anyone other than James P. was the father of Chezron. 2 No. 2004AP723 of Protective Service (CHIPS) hearings between 1998 and 2001 that were held for Chezron. ¶6 The last time informal visit in 1999. James P. saw Chezron was during an On two occasions between 2000 and 2001, James P. sent presents to Chezron via a case manager from the Milwaukee Child Welfare Bureau. During this period, James P. did not visit Chezron or otherwise contact her. not attempt to remove attorney to do so. Chezron from foster James P. did care or hire an He did not attempt to contact Chezron, the social workers, or her foster parents, and he failed to respond to inquiries made by Chezron's case manager. James P. made no attempt to be legally acknowledged as Chezron's father.3 II. ¶7 On terminate May the 16, PROCEDURAL POSTURE 2002, parental the rights State of filed James P. to a petition Chezron. to The petition listed James P. as the "alleged father" of Chezron. As grounds for to assume parental the termination, the responsibility petition under listed failure Wis. Stat. § 48.415(6). Sometime thereafter in early 2002, James P. was adjudicated the father of Chezron as a result of DNA testing.4 The State 3 Despite his involvement in these legal proceedings concerning Chezron, James P. did nothing to officially acknowledge his fatherhood because in his view, "the children belonged with the mother." 4 James P. stated at trial that the only reason he became adjudicated the father of Chezron was so that her mother, who voluntarily consented to have her parental rights terminated, could still see Chezron. 3 No. subsequently amended the petition on June 13, 2002, James P. as the "adjudicated father" of Chezron. 2002, the State abandonment under filed another amended 2004AP723 to list On October 7, petition, adding § 48.415(1)(a)3. as a ground for termination of James P.'s parental rights. The State subsequently moved to dismiss parental the failure to assume responsibility ground against James P., and the court granted the motion. ¶8 The case was tried to the circuit court, and James P. admitted that he had no contact with Chezron between April 25, 2000, and December 25, 2000, and between April 25, 2001, and December 25, 2001. One of James P.'s defenses was that he did not know Chezron was his child until he was adjudicated her father. The circuit court specifically found that James P. was not credible and his assertion that he did not know he was Chezron's father was not believable. ¶9 At the close of the evidence, James P. moved to dismiss the petition on the basis that the ground of abandonment in § 48.415(1)(a)3. does not apply to someone who is merely an "alleged father," that is, someone who may be the parent of a nonmarital child during the periods of alleged abandonment but has not officially been adjudicated as the child's father. The circuit "[A] man been the court adjudicated as denied the the motion, biological reasoning: father has always biological father and, therefore, that man has always been a 'parent' under § 48.02(13)." The court concluded that "James P. was always the father of Chezron." 4 The court also found that No. James P. had failed to establish the affirmative 2004AP723 defense of "good cause for failing to communicate with [Chezron]."5 ¶10 As such, the court found the State met its burden of proving the ground of abandonment under § 48.415(1)(a)3. court therefore found Wis. Stat. § 48.424(4). James P. unfit pursuant The to At the dispositional hearing, the court found that it was in the best interest of Chezron that James P.'s parental rights Wis. Stat. § 48.427(3). be terminated pursuant to On December 9, 2003, the circuit court entered an order terminating James P.'s parental rights, which order James P. subsequently appealed. ¶11 At the court of appeals, James P. again argued that § 48.415(1)(a)3. does not apply to him because he was not a "parent," as defined under § 48.02(13), until he was adjudicated Chezron's biological father. The court of appeals noted that among the definitions of "parent" found in § 48.02(13), two were applicable: "a biological parent" and person . . . adjudicated to be the biological father." P., 274 Wis. 2d 494, ¶¶4-5. "a James The court of appeals rejected James P.'s argument, reasoning that under the first definition, the fact of biological parenthood did not depend on official state 5 The statutory ground for abandonment contains a "good cause" affirmative defense that may be established upon proof that the parent had good cause for failing to visit the child, or had good cause for failing to communicate with the child and, if the child is an infant, that the parent communicated about the child with the person having custody of the child or had good cause for failing to communicate about the child with the person having custody of the child. Wis. Stat. § 48.415(1)(c). 5 No. recognition. Id., ¶4. 2004AP723 The court of appeals further reasoned that although the law can terminate the parental relationship, it does not "create biological parenthood." ¶12 Id., ¶6. The court of appeals specifically cautioned that it was not addressing "whether an adjudication subsequent to acts that comprise grounds for the termination of a person's parental rights subjects the adjudicated person to the termination of parental rights based on those acts[.]" court of appeals held that Id., ¶5. the first Rather, the definition of "parent" applied to James P. because he "was always Chezron's biological father, even before he was formally adjudicated as such." Id. The court of appeals stated that James P. "was in fact Chezron's biological parent when she was born and he has never denied that." Id., ¶6. ¶13 The court of appeals was not persuaded by James P.'s argument that the first definition applied only to children born to parents who were married because the first definition was not "in haec verba, limited to children of a solemnized marriage." Id. The court of appeals stated that James P.'s arguments were merely "an attempt to eschew legal responsibility for periods during which he had no contact with Chezron[.]" ¶6. Relying on this court's decision in Wisconsin the Id., Citizens Concerned for Cranes and Doves v. DNR, 2004 WI 40, ¶¶19-24, 270 Wis. 2d 318, 677 N.W.2d 612, the court of appeals stated that the fact that individuals falling under the first definition of "parent" may also be included under the last definition of "parent" does not narrow the scope or application of the first 6 No. definition. James P., 274 Wis. 2d 494, ¶6. 2004AP723 Therefore, the court of appeals affirmed the circuit court order terminating James P.'s parental rights to Chezron. III. ISSUE ¶14 The narrow question we address on appeal is whether an individual who is in fact the biological parent of a nonmarital child may have his parental based on conduct that rights occurred to that before child terminated was officially he adjudicated the biological father based on DNA evidence. In other words, we must determine whether an individual who is in fact the biological parent of a nonmarital child meets the definition of "parent" under § 48.02(13) at a time when he has yet to be officially adjudicated as the biological father. We emphasize that we, like the court of appeals, do not address "whether grounds an for adjudication the subsequent termination of a to acts person's that comprise parental rights subjects the adjudicated person to the termination of parental rights based on those acts[.]" James P., 274 Wis. 2d 494, ¶5. That is, we do not decide whether an individual who is legally adjudicated to be the biological parent of a nonmarital child, but is not in fact the biological father, may have his parental rights terminated based on conduct that occurred prior to the adjudication. ¶15 We hold that an individual who is in fact the biological father of a nonmarital child satisfies the definition of "parent" in § 48.02(13), as he is a "biological parent," notwithstanding that he has not officially been adjudicated as 7 No. the child's biological father. Because such an 2004AP723 individual satisfies the definition of "parent," he may have his parental rights terminated based on periods of abandonment that occurred prior to his official adjudication as the child's biological father, assuming he has failed to establish a "good cause" affirmative defense to the ground of abandonment. IV. ¶16 This § 48.02(13). case The STANDARD OF REVIEW concerns the interpretation meaning of a of "parent" statute under and its application to a set of facts are issues of law reviewed de novo by this court. Columbus Park Hous. Corp. v. City of Kenosha, 2003 WI 143, ¶9, 267 Wis. 2d 59, 671 N.W.2d 633. The rules governing statutory interpretation are well settled: When interpreting statutes, our goal is to give effect to the language in the statute. State ex rel. Kalal v. Circuit Court for Dane County, 2004 WI 58, ¶43, 271 Wis. 2d 633, 681 N.W.2d 110. We begin by looking to the language of the statute because we "assume that the legislature's intent is expressed in the statutory language." Id., ¶44. Technical terms or legal terms of art appearing in the statute are given their accepted technical or legal definitions while nontechnical words and phrases are given their common, everyday meaning. Wis. Stat. § 990.01(1). Terms that are specifically defined in a statute are accorded the definition the legislature provided. Wisconsin Citizens Concerned for Cranes and Doves, 270 Wis. 2d 318, ¶6. In addition, we read the language of a specific statutory section in the context of the entire statute. Id. Thus, we interpret a statute in light of its textually manifest scope, context, and purpose. Kalal, 271 Wis. 2d 633, ¶48 & n.8. Bosco v. LIRC, 2004 WI 77, ¶23, 272 Wis. 2d 586, 681 N.W.2d 157. Therefore, extrinsic sources, such as legislative history, are 8 No. not consulted unless Wis. 2d 633, ¶46. the statute is ambiguous. Kalal, 271 A statute is ambiguous if it is susceptible to more than one reasonable understanding. V. ¶17 2004AP723 Id., ¶47. ANALYSIS Section 48.415(1)(a)3. provides that grounds exist to terminate an individual's parental rights if "[t]he child has been left by the parent with any person, the parent knows or could discover the whereabouts of the child and the parent has failed to visit or communicate with the child for a period of 6 months or longer." that he did (Emphasis added.) not visit or otherwise James P. does not contest communicate with Chezron during the alleged periods of abandonment. In addition, he does not that contest the circuit court's ruling he failed to establish "good cause" for failing to visit or communicate with Chezron during asserts that he the was periods not in the question. "parent" of Rather, Chezron James during P. the periods of alleged abandonment. ¶18 Section 48.02(13) defines "parent" as follows: "Parent" means either a biological parent, a husband who has consented to the artificial insemination of his wife under s. 891.40, or a parent by adoption. If the child is a nonmarital child who is not adopted or whose parents do not subsequently intermarry under s. 767.60, "parent" includes a person acknowledged under s. 767.62(1) or a substantially similar law of another state or adjudicated to be the biological father. "Parent" does not include any person whose parental rights have been terminated. ¶19 James P. does not dispute that he is the biological father of Chezron. Thus, presumably, he would qualify as a 9 No. "parent" under the first sentence of the 2004AP723 definition as a "biological parent." ¶20 However, according to James P., the phrase "biological parent" in the first sentence is inapplicable to him because it applies only to children who are born of solemnized marriages. Relying on the argues that legislative the first history of sentence § 48.02(13), of § 48.02(13) James P. applies exclusively to married individuals, whereas the second sentence is the exclusive mechanism by which an individual may qualify as a "parent" of a nonmarital child. As Chezron is a nonmarital child and James P. never legally acknowledged that he was the father, the only means by which he can satisfy the definition of "parent" under the person . . . adjudicated Wis. Stat. § 48.02(13). second to be sentence the is biological as "a father." James P. contends that because he was not adjudicated the biological father of Chezron until after the periods of alleged abandonment occurred, he was not her "parent" during this time frame and thus, he had no parental rights to terminate. ¶21 "parent" In contrast, the State argues that the definition of in § 48.02(13) is clear and unambiguous and that therefore it is unnecessary to resort to legislative history. The State agrees with the court of appeals that James P. clearly satisfies the definition of "parent" set forth in the first sentence of § 48.02(13), which, on its face, is not limited to married individuals. Further, the State argues that James P.'s interpretation of the statute would render it absurd and would 10 No. 2004AP723 discourage fathers of nonmarital children from coming forward and having courts recognize them as parents. ¶22 must, We agree with the State. by examining Wis. 2d 633, ¶45. the text of We begin our analysis, as we § 48.02(13). Kalal, 271 James P.'s argument is based on the premise that the first sentence in the definition of "parent" applies exclusively to children born of legal marriages, whereas an individual may qualify as a "parent" of a nonmarital child only under the second sentence in the definition. However, the text of the statute does not support this assertion. ¶23 The first sentence of § 48.02(13) provides: "'Parent' means either a biological parent, a husband who has consented to the artificial insemination of his wife under s. 891.40, or a parent by adoption." (Emphasis added.) On its face, the first sentence is not limited to children born of legal marriages. ¶24 The second sentence of § 48.02(13) provides: "If the child is a nonmarital child who is not adopted or whose parents do not includes subsequently a person intermarry under s. 767.60, 'parent' acknowledged under s. 767.62(1) or a substantially similar law of another state or adjudicated to be the biological father." (Emphasis added.) Clearly, this sentence applies only if the child in question is a nonmarital child. However, while this sentence is limited in its application to nonmarital children, it does not, on its face, state that it is the exclusive means by which an individual may qualify as the "parent" of a nonmarital child. 11 No. ¶25 2004AP723 Furthermore, it is significant that the first sentence of the definition of "parent" utilizes the word "means," whereas the second sentence utilizes the word "includes." Kalal, 271 Wis. 2d 633, ¶46 ("[S]tatutory language is interpreted in the context in which it is used[.]"). When utilized in statutory definitions, indicating "means" is a term limitation or completeness, whereas "includes" is a term indicating partiality and expansiveness. See Stephen R. Miller, Legislative Reference Bureau, Wisconsin Bill Drafting Manual 2.01(1)(i)(2005-06). ¶26 Thus, "[g]enerally, the word 'includes' is to be given an expansive meaning, indicating that which follows is but a part of the whole." Wisconsin Citizens Concerned for Cranes and Doves, 270 Wis. 2d 318, ¶17 n.11 (citing Milwaukee Gas & Light Co. v. Dept. of Taxation, N.W.2d 64 (1964)). 23 Wis. 2d 195, 203 & n.2, 127 While courts may sometimes read the word "includes" as a term of limitation or enumeration under the doctrine of expressio unius est exclusio alterius, there must be some textual evidence doctrine to apply. ¶27 that the legislature intended this Id. Here, the text of § 48.02(13) contains no indication that the legislature intended the word "includes" in the second sentence to be read as a term of limitation. indicates the opposite. appears in the Indeed, the text First and foremost, the word "includes" sentence immediately following the general definition of "parent," in which the word "means" is utilized. If the legislature had intended 12 the second sentence of No. 2004AP723 § 48.02(13) to be one of limitation or exclusivity, it would have used the word "means," as it did in the first sentence. ¶28 Moreover, the fact that the first sentence of § 48.02(13) provides a general definition of "parent" that is followed by a sentence listing additional circumstances under which an individual qualifies as a "parent" indicates that the second sentence exclusivity. should not be read as one of limitation or Cf. Wisconsin Citizens Concerned for Cranes and Doves, 270 Wis. 2d 318, ¶17 n.11 ("[M]any of the terms contained in Wis. Stat. § 29.001 are not defined by a general definition, but rather are defined by the use of the word 'includes' followed by a list of certain species."). ¶29 be Furthermore, James P.'s interpretation simply cannot squared with the remaining language in § 48.02(13). For instance, if James P. is correct that the second sentence lists the exclusive means by which an individual qualifies as a "parent" of a nonmarital child, then an individual who is not married and who adopts a child would not meet the definition of "parent." The first sentence of § 48.02(13), which, according to James P., applies only to married individuals, states that "'[p]arent' means . . . a parent by adoption." the second sentence of § 48.02(13) states: In contrast, "If the child is a nonmarital child who is not adopted or whose parents do not subsequently person intermarry acknowledged under under s. s. 767.60, 767.62(1) 'parent' or a includes a substantially similar law of another state or adjudicated to be the biological father." (Emphasis added.) Notably, 13 the second sentence, No. 2004AP723 although referring to adopted children, does not list "a parent by adoption" after the word "includes." If "includes" is to be given P. a restrictive meaning, second sentence specifically as James precludes suggests, an then individual the from becoming the "parent" of a nonmarital child through adoption. ¶30 While James P. asserts that an individual may be the "parent" of a nonmarital child through adoption, the statutory language and his interpretation of the word "includes" cannot support such a conclusion. limits the applicability The plain language in the statute of those items following the word "includes" to circumstances where "the child is a nonmarital child who is not adopted." The same illogical result occurs under James P.'s interpretation for unmarried individuals who produce children and subsequently intermarry. ¶31 In contrast, reading the word "includes" in the second sentence as a term of expansion produces results consistent with all the statutory language and common sense. Under this reading, the first sentence of § 48.02(13) provides a general definition of "parent" that applies to married and unmarried individuals. The second sentence merely provides additional circumstances under which an individual qualifies as a "parent" of "a nonmarital child who is not adopted or whose parents do not subsequently intermarry." ¶32 Wis. Stat. § 48.02(13). This interpretation of § 48.02(13) recognizes that an individual who adopts a nonmarital child qualifies as a "parent by adoption" under the general definition of "parent" in the first sentence. Likewise, two unmarried individuals who produce 14 No. a child parents and subsequently under the intermarry definition first appropriately as 2004AP723 qualify "biological as parents." Furthermore, an unmarried individual, like James P., who fathers a nonmarital child, qualifies as a "parent" under the first we adopt this sentence as a "biological parent." ¶33 However, James P. argues that if interpretation, part of the second sentence will be rendered superfluous. Specifically, he suggests that under our interpretation, the final statutory definition of "parent" "a person . . . adjudicated always be parent." subsumed to in be the the first biological father[]" will definition "a biological We disagree that the final definition of "parent" will always be subsumed within the first definition because the final definition covers an biological father," individual and is thus "adjudicated broader to than be the the first definition, which applies only to "a biological parent." ¶34 As discussed extensively during oral argument, an adjudication of biological fatherhood is a legal determination, and an individual may be "adjudicated father" of a child by default. to be the biological In contrast, as the court of appeals correctly recognized through its colorful, metaphysical discussion, the phrase "a biological parent" in the first sentence of § 48.02(13) refers to the actual biological parent of a child: [T]he fact of biological parenthood does not turn on whether it is recognized, found, or adjudicated, any more than the fact that a tree has fallen in the forest depends on someone's perception of the crashing 15 No. sound, or, in another depended on Sir Isaac principles. context, Newton's 2004AP723 gravity's existence formulation of its . . . . . . . Although the law can terminate a parent-child relationship . . . only a power much much higher than law, lawyers, judges, states or nations can, as the State points out, create biological parenthood. James P., 274 Wis. 2d 494, ¶¶4, 6. ¶35 In other words, the phrase "adjudicated to be the biological father" in the second sentence of § 48.02(13) refers to someone who is legally determined to be a biological father, who may or may not be an actual biological parent a de jure biological father. In contrast, the phrase "biological parent" in the first sentence refers to a person who actually is a biological parent a de facto biological parent. While an individual who is "a biological parent" will always be capable of being "adjudicated to be the biological father[,]" an individual who is "adjudicated to be the biological father" is not necessarily "a biological parent." ¶36 As such, the second sentence of § 48.02(13) is not superfluous because although an individual may qualify as a "parent" under both the definition in the first sentence and the definition in the second sentence, the definition in the second sentence is broader than the first, as it applies to a factual scenario father to by which the default. first As sentence the court does not a biological of appeals correctly recognized, the fact that a given item may fall within a narrow definition and also qualify under a broader definition does not 16 No. narrow the scope of the broader definition. Wisconsin Citizens Concerned for 2004AP723 Id., ¶6 (citing Cranes and Doves, 270 Wis. 2d 318, ¶¶19-24). ¶37 Therefore, we conclude that the only reasonable reading of the text of § 48.02(13) is that the first sentence provides a general definition of "parent" that is applicable to both married and unmarried individuals. The second sentence supplies additional means by which an individual may qualify as the "parent" of "a nonmarital child who is not adopted or whose parents do not subsequently intermarry." The fact that the second sentence supplies additional means by which an individual may qualify as the "parent" of a nonmarital child in certain circumstances in no way means that an individual may not also qualify as the "parent" of a nonmarital child under the general definition provided in the first sentence. Thus, the plain language of § 48.02(13) does not support James P.'s contention that the first sentence of the statute applies exclusively to married individuals and that individuals may qualify as parents of nonmarital children only under the circumstances set forth in the second sentence. ¶38 As we conclude there is but one reasonable reading of the plain text of the statute, there is no need to consult the legislative history of § 48.02(13). Kalal, 271 Wis. 2d 633, ¶46. However, we do note that our interpretation is consistent with the legislative purposes of the Children's explicitly set forth in the text of the Code. 17 Code, as See id., ¶49 No. 2004AP723 (noting that the plain meaning of a statute should comport with any textually manifest statutory purpose). ¶39 Wisconsin Stat. § 48.01(1) provides, in pertinent part: In construing this chapter, the best interests of the child or unborn child shall always be of paramount consideration. This chapter shall be liberally construed to effectuate the following express legislative purposes: (a) While recognizing that the paramount goal of this chapter is to protect children and unborn children, to preserve the unity of the family, whenever appropriate, by strengthening family life through assisting parents and the expectant mothers of unborn children, whenever appropriate, in fulfilling their responsibilities as parents or expectant mothers. . . . The courts and agencies responsible for child welfare should also recognize that instability and impermanence in family relationships are contrary to the welfare of children and should therefore recognize the importance of eliminating the need for children to wait unreasonable periods of time for their parents to correct the conditions that prevent their safe return to the family. . . . . (gr) To allow for the termination of parental rights at the earliest possible time after rehabilitation and reunification efforts are discontinued in accordance with this chapter and termination of parental rights is in the best interest of the child. ¶40 Under James P.'s interpretation of § 48.02(13), an individual who fathers a nonmarital child is not legally the "parent" of that child (and thus cannot have his parental rights terminated) unless and until he either acknowledges that he is the father of the child or is adjudicated to be the father of 18 No. the child. This interpretation, legislative purpose behind the in contrast Children's to 2004AP723 the Code, express encourages individuals like James P. to wait until the last possible moment to acknowledge their fatherhood or have a court adjudicate their parenthood, in order to avoid having their rights terminated. Thus, James P.'s interpretation provides an incentive for putative fathers to avoid taking legal responsibility for their children and does nothing to preserve family unity and stability. ¶41 allows In addition, James P.'s interpretation of § 48.02(13) an individual establish a who relationship has fathered with a that nonmarital child, child disappear to for unreasonable periods of time, and then seek to have his parental rights validated when it is most convenient for him. This type of ephemeral parenting is precisely the type of "instability and impermanence in family relationships" that the Code seeks to avoid. ¶42 Wis. Stat. § 48.01(1)(a). In contrast, our interpretation which recognizes that an individual who is, in fact, the biological father of a child has always been the child's biological parent encourages putative fathers to acknowledge their fatherhood or have a court determine their parenthood as soon as possible, encourages such individuals to fulfill their responsibilities as parents, and holds such individuals accountable when they fail to do so. someone who is the actual biological father of a If nonmarital child establishes a substantial relationship with that child and thereafter refuses to fulfill 19 his legal duties and No. responsibilities protects the father's by child abandoning the allowing "at rights by the child, the our State earliest 2004AP723 interpretation to terminate possible the time." Wis. Stat. § 48.01(1)(gr). ¶43 James P.'s interpretation, on the other hand, would not only lead to results contrary to the stated purposes of the Children's Code, his interpretation would lead to results that are patently absurd and that endanger child safety. P.'s interpretation, an individual who is, in Under James fact, the biological father of a nonmarital child cannot have his parental rights terminated unless and until he is legally adjudicated the child's biological father or acknowledges his fatherhood. An individual who never formally acknowledges his fatherhood and does not seek a legal determination of his parenthood until long after his child has been removed from his home is therefore free to engage in a variety of reprehensible conduct while living with the child and avoid being subject to a termination of his rights based on such conduct. ¶44 For instance, someone like James P. could murder the mother of his child and yet avoid having his parental rights terminated under Wis. Stat. § 48.415(8) because he was not the "parent" of the child (as he had yet to be adjudicated the biological father) when the murder took place. could abuse the child and avoid having his An individual parental rights terminated under Wis. Stat. § 48.415(5) because he had yet to be adjudicated the biological father at the time of abuse. In addition, as in the present case, an individual could begin to 20 No. 2004AP723 raise and care for his child and then abandon his child yet avoid having his rights terminated under Wis. Stat. § 48.415(1) because he was not adjudicated the biological father when the periods of abandonment occurred. ¶45 Therefore, we can find no support in the statute for James P.'s assertion that the parental rights of an individual who fathers a child outside a marriage attach and can be terminated only after the State officially recognizes him as the father. Here, it is uncontested that James P. is the biological father of Chezron. As such, he meets the definition of "parent" in the first sentence of § 48.02(13) as he is, and always was, Chezron's biological parent. ¶46 James P.'s final argument is that our interpretation raises due process concerns. Although he is not specific, he alludes to the fact that an individual who is the biological parent of a nonmarital child may not be aware of this fact until he is adjudicated as such, and therefore may not be aware of his legal obligations towards the child. However, this argument is a red herring in this case because § 48.415(1)(c) specifically provides an affirmative defense to the abandonment ground if an individual can establish "good cause" why he did not visit or have contact with the child. ¶47 Here, the circuit court specifically found, and James P. has not challenged on appeal, that he failed to establish a good cause defense. The circuit court explicitly rejected James P.'s contention that he was unaware that Chezron was his child. The circuit court set forth the following factual findings: 21 No. 2004AP723 James P. was at the hospital when Chezron was born. His insurance paid the costs of her birth and he listed her on his medical insurance policy as his daughter. He also added Chezron to his life insurance policy as his daughter. James P. cared for Chezron and treated her as his biological daughter. Chezron called him "dad," and he considered Chezron "family." Additionally, the circuit court highlighted that James P.'s testimony had been impeached on a number of issues and that he was not a credible witness. It noted that the testimony at trial contradicted James P.'s assertion that Chezron's mother told him the child was not his. As he does not contest any of these findings on appeal, James P. is in no position to now suggest that he was unaware that Chezron was his child. ¶48 Because we have concluded that James P. meets the definition of "parent" in § 48.02(13), as he is and always was Chezron's "biological parent," and the circuit court concluded that he failed to establish a good cause defense to abandonment under 48.415(1)(c), appeals, which we affirmed affirm the decision the circuit James P.'s parental rights to Chezron. court of the order court of terminating We emphasize that we do not hold, as did the circuit court, that "a man adjudicated as the biological father has always been the biological father and, therefore, that § 48.02(13)." definition of man We has merely "parent" in always hold that the first been James a 'parent' P. sentence under satisfies of the § 48.02(13) because he is and always was, in fact, Chezron's "biological parent." 22 No. VI. ¶49 We hold that an 2004AP723 CONCLUSION. individual who is in fact the biological father of a nonmarital child satisfies the definition of "parent" in § 48.02(13), as he is a "biological parent," notwithstanding that he has not officially been adjudicated as the child's biological father. Because such an individual satisfies the definition of "parent," he may have his parental rights terminated based on periods of abandonment that occurred prior to his official adjudication as the child's biological father, assuming he has failed to establish a "good cause" affirmative defense to the ground of abandonment. By the Court. The decision affirmed. 23 of the court of appeals is No. 1 2004AP723
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