K.S. v. Department of Children and Families — Fifth District affirms lower court decision in dependency matter

Case
K.S., Mother of M.T., a Child v. Department of Children and Families
Court
Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal
Date Decided
July 9, 2026
Docket No.
5D2026-0503
Topics
Child Welfare, Dependency, Appellate Review
Source
Read the full opinion

Background

K.S., the mother of a child (M.T.), appealed a decision by the Department of Children and Families in a dependency matter. The case originated in Lake County Circuit Court before Judge Jason J. Nimeth. A Guardian ad Litem was appointed to represent the child’s interests throughout the proceedings.

The Court’s Holding

The Fifth District Court of Appeal affirmed the circuit court’s decision in its entirety. The per curiam order contains no written explanation of the court’s reasoning or the specific issues on appeal.

Key Takeaways

  • The appellate court upheld the lower court’s determination in the dependency case
  • This is a per curiam affirmance with no appellate opinion addressing the merits
  • The decision is not final pending disposition of any timely motion under Florida Appellate Rules 9.330 or 9.331

Why It Matters

While this order affirms the circuit court’s action, the lack of a written opinion limits guidance on the specific legal or factual issues involved. Practitioners should review the circuit court record and any prior rulings for the reasoning underlying this appellate affirmance in this dependency matter.

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