Legal Notices

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF FAYETTE COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA IN THE INTEREST OF: M.L. 04/15/2021 Juvenile Abuse Neglect No. 21-JA-97 M.L. 04/04/2016 Juvenile Abuse Neglect No. 21-JA-98 M.L. 05/30/2009 Juvenile Abuse Neglect No. 21-JA-99 Judge Thomas H. Ewing Adult Respondents: Britney Gates Corey Lanham ORDER OF PUBLICATION To Whom It May Concern: The purpose of this action is to protect the child respondents, M.L., M.L., and M.L., from abuse and neglect. The Petitioner, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, is seeking legal and physical custody of said child respondents, M.L., M.L., and M.L. Further, the Petitioner is seeking to locate Britney Gates and Corey Lanham, their whereabouts are unknown. Britney Gates is the biological mother of M.L., who was born on April 15, 2021, M.L., who was born on April 4, 2015, and M.L., who was born on May 30, 2009. Counsel for the Petitioner, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, is William C. Burdick, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, 108 East Maple Avenue, Fayetteville, West Virginia, 25840. It appearing that the whereabouts of Britney Gates and Corey Lanham are presently unknown at this time, it is Ordered that Britney Gates and Corey Lanham obtain from the Fayette County Circuit Clerk at the Fayette County Courthouse, Fayetteville, West Virginia, the Petition filed in this matter. Britney Gates and Corey Lanham must appear and defend on or before Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., in the Courtroom of the Honorable Thomas H. Ewing, Fayette County Courthouse Judicial Annex, Fayetteville, West Virginia, at which time a preliminary 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 Britney Gates and Corey Lanham be advised of their right to have counsel at every stage of these proceedings. Britney Gates and Corey Lanham 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 respondents, M.L., M.L., and M.L., shall be represented by counsel at every stage of these proceedings. The Guardian ad Litem appointed for said children is Jamison Conrad, P.O. Drawer 958, Fayetteville, WV, 25840; 304.574.2800. Adult Respondent Britney Gates shall be represented by Nancy Fraley, 102 Fayette Avenue, Fayetteville, WV 25840; 304-574-2583; and Adult Respondent Corey Lanham shall be represented by Evan Dove, P.O. Box 746, Fayetteville, WV 25840; 304-574-2182. ENTERED by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Fayette County this 26th day of August, 2021. WILLIAM C. BURDICK Assistant Prosecuting Attorney DEBORAH B. HENDRICK, CLERK Fayette County Circuit Court Fayette County, West Virginia LC-115845 09-02,09;2021