OF FAYETTE COUNTY,
WEST VIRGINIA
Juvenile Abuse Neglect No.
26-JA-3
Judge Thomas K. Fast
IN THE INTEREST OF:
M.S. 01/06/2026
Adult Respondents:
Santana Sofil
Unknown father of M.S.
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
To Whom It May Concern:
The purpose of this action is to protect the child respondent, M.S., from abuse and neglect. The Petitioner, the West Virginia Department of Human Services, is seeking legal and physical custody of said child respondent, M.S. Further, the Petitioner is seeking to locate any man claiming to be the biological father of Child Respondent M.S. Santana Sofil is the biological mother of Child Respondent M.S., who was born on January 6, 2026.
Counsel for the Petitioner, the West Virginia Department of Human Services, is William C. Burdick, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, 108 East Maple Avenue, Fayetteville, West Virginia, 25840.
It appearing that the whereabouts of any man claiming to be the biological father of Child Respondent M.S. are presently unknown at this time, it is Ordered that any man claiming to be the biological father of Child Respondent M.S. obtain from the Fayette County Circuit Clerk at the Fayette County Courthouse, Fayetteville, West Virginia, the Petition filed in this matter. Any man claiming to be the biological father of Child Respondent M.S., must appear and defend on or before Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in the Courtroom of the Honorable Thomas K. Fast, Fayette County Courthouse, Fayetteville, West Virginia, at which time an adjudicatory hearing will be held. Failure to answer and defend could result in a default judgment, and loss of parental rights.
Further, it is hereby Ordered that any man claiming to be the biological father of Child Respondent M.S. be advised of their right to have counsel at every stage of these proceedings. Any man claiming to be the biological father of Child Respondent M.S. are further advised that such proceedings may result in the severance of parental rights and the transfer of custody of said child unto the Petitioner.
The child respondent, M.S. shall be represented by counsel at every stage of these proceedings. The Guardian ad Litem appointed for said child is Evan Dove, P.O. Box 746, Fayetteville, WV, 25840; 304.574.2182.
ENTERED by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Fayette County this 3rd day of April 2026.
/s/William C. Burdick
WILLIAM C. BURDICK
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney