In a case of first impression in Maryland, the Court of Special Appeals has affirmed a judge who found that exceptional circumstances justified the termination of a mother’s parental rights, without also deciding whether she was an unfit parent.

Adoption/Guardianship: Termination of paternal rights: Exceptional circumstances CSA No. 0790, Sept. Term 2013. Unreported. Opinion by Berger, J. Filed: April 9, 2014. Appeal from Baltimore County. Affirmed.