X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

This appeal arises from a child custody action involving the competing interests of a child’s grandmothers. Juanita Barfield, the paternal grandmother, moved to dismiss the petition for custody Dana Butterworth, the child’s maternal grandmother, filed in the Superior Court of Baldwin County, arguing that the superior court lacked subject matter jurisdiction to dissolve letters of temporary guardianship over the child she obtained from the Probate Court of Putnam County after Butterworth commenced this action. The trial court denied Barfield’s motion and issued a certificate of immediate review. This Court granted Barfield’s application for interlocutory appeal, and Barfield now appeals, arguing that the probate court has exclusive jurisdiction over the appointment and removal of guardians. Concluding that Barfield’s temporary guardianship does not deprive the superior court of subject matter jurisdiction to determine whether permanent custody should be awarded to Butterworth, we affirm.

The superior court’s decision regarding its subject matter jurisdiction was based on an application of law to undisputed facts, and we therefore apply a de novo standard of review. Snyder v. Carter, 276 Ga. App. 426 623 SE2d 241 2005.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
May 01, 2025
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
March 24, 2025
New York, NY

Recognizing innovation in the legal technology sector for working on precedent-setting, game-changing projects and initiatives.


Learn More

SALARY: $8,000.69 Biweekly$17,334.83 Monthly$208,017.95 AnnuallyOPENING DATE: 01/29/2025CLOSING DATE: 02/27/2025 11:59 PM PacificDEFINITION/...


Apply Now ›

Our client is seeking to hire a supervisory attorney for their growing Alabama team. Qualified candidates will have 8+ years of litigation...


Apply Now ›

Our client , is seeking to hire a mid-senior attorney for their growing Alabama team. Qualified candidates will have 4+ years of litigatio...


Apply Now ›