OF FAYETTE COUNTY,
WEST VIRGINIA
Juvenile Abuse Neglect Nos.
26-JA-48
Judge Thomas K. Fast
IN THE INTEREST OF:
C.U.09/03/2025
Adult Respondents:
Gabriella Prather
Joshua Underwood or
unknown father of C.U.
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
To Whom It May Concern:
The purpose of this action is to protect the child respondent, C.U., from abuse and neglect. The Petitioner, the West Virginia Department of Human Services, is seeking legal and physical custody of said child respondent, C.U. Further, the Petitioner is seeking to locate Joshua Underwood or any man claiming to be the biological father of C.U. Gabriella Prather is the biological mother of C.U., who was born on September 3, 2025.
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 Joshua Underwood or any man claiming to be the biological father of C.U., are presently unknown at this time, it is Ordered that Joshua Underwood or any man claiming to be the biological father of C.U., obtain from the Fayette County Circuit Clerk at the Fayette County Courthouse, Fayetteville, West Virginia, the Petition filed in this matter. Joshua Underwood or any man claiming to be the biological father of C.U., must appear and defend on or before Monday, July 27, 2026, at 3:45 p.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 Joshua Underwood or any man claiming to be the biological father of C.U., be advised of their right to have counsel at every stage of these proceedings. Joshua Underwood or any man claiming to be the biological father of C.U., 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, C.U., shall be represented by counsel at every stage of these proceedings. The Guardian ad Litem appointed for said child is Elizabeth Campbell, 103 Fayette Avenue, Fayetteville, WV, 25840; 304.574.0222.
ENTERED by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Fayette County this 22nd day of June 2026.
/s/WILLIAM C. BURDICK
William C. Burdick
(WV Bar #12965)
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney