context: P28 Thus, we follow suit and hold that, under A.R.S. SS 8-535(F), the essential question in deciding if reasonable grounds exist to believe a parent is mentally incompetent is whether the parent is unable to understand the nature and object of the proceedings or assist in his or her defense.
citation_a.signal: no signal
citation_a.identifier: 613 A.2d 784, 784
citation_a.parenthetical: "By definition, a mentally incompetent person is one who is unable to understand the nature of the termination proceeding and unable to assist in the presentation of his or her case."
citation_a.sentence: Alexander V., 613 A.2d at 784 (“By definition, a mentally incompetent person is one who is unable to understand the nature of the termination proceeding and unable to assist in the presentation of his or her case.”); Adoption of Kirk, 35 Mass.App.Ct. 533, 623 N.E.2d 492, 495 (1993) (same); see also Sherry S. Zimmerman, Annotation, Parents’ Mental Illness or Mental Deficiency as Ground for Termination of Parental Rights—Issues Concerning Guardian Ad Litem and Counsel, 118 A.L.R. 5th 561 (2004) (whether “parents are capable of understanding the nature of proceedings dealing with the issue of termination of their parental rights and are able to help their attorneys prepare a defense on their behalf’).
citation_b.signal: see also
citation_b.parenthetical: whether "parents are capable of understanding the nature of proceedings dealing with the issue of termination of their parental rights and are able to help their attorneys prepare a defense on their behalf'
citation_b.sentence: Alexander V., 613 A.2d at 784 (“By definition, a mentally incompetent person is one who is unable to understand the nature of the termination proceeding and unable to assist in the presentation of his or her case.”); Adoption of Kirk, 35 Mass.App.Ct. 533, 623 N.E.2d 492, 495 (1993) (same); see also Sherry S. Zimmerman, Annotation, Parents’ Mental Illness or Mental Deficiency as Ground for Termination of Parental Rights—Issues Concerning Guardian Ad Litem and Counsel, 118 A.L.R. 5th 561 (2004) (whether “parents are capable of understanding the nature of proceedings dealing with the issue of termination of their parental rights and are able to help their attorneys prepare a defense on their behalf’).