IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PUTNAM COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA Civil Action No. 26-JA-17 State of West Virginia, West Virginia Department of Human Services, Petitioner, V. Christopher McClure Stephenson, Respondent. LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT The object of the Petition filed in this matter is to provide protection to the infant child, L.M., whose date of birth is 08/21/2016. To the above-named Respondent: Please take notice that you have been named as the purported father to the above-named child. This matter will come on for an adjudicatory hearing or any other appropriate relief before the Honorable Derek C. Swope, Judge of the Circuit Court of Putnam County, West Virginia, on the 30th day of June, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., at which time and place you may be present to protect your interests, if you so desire. You are further advised that the infant child and respondents in this proceeding shall have the right to counsel at this hearing and every stage of the proceedings; that if you cannot pay for the services of counsel, the Court shall appoint counsel for you; and that said proceeding could result in the permanent termination of your parental rights. You are further advised that if an answer or appearance is not made by you at said hearing, thereafter, judgment upon proper hearing and trial may be taken against you for the relief demanded in the petition. An original and copies of the petition have been filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk of Putnam County, West Virginia, at the Putnam County Judicial Building, 12093 Winfield Road, Winfield, West Virginia, 25213, and a copy of said petition is available for each respondent at said office upon request. STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA By Counsel, Paige Hoffman Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Putnam County, West Virginia DATE: MAY 22, 2026 LC-465378 06-5,12;2026