In re K.C.
In this matter we have reviewed the petition and offered real parties in interest the opportunity to respond; no response has been filed by any real party. We have determined that resolution of the matter involves the application of settled principles of law, and that issuance of a peremptory writ in the first instance is therefore appropriate. (Palma v. U.S. Industrial Fasteners, Inc. (1984) 36 Cal.3d 171, 178.)
At the stage governed by Welfare and Institutions Code section 366.26, if a child is adoptable, the court must terminate the parents’ rights except in sharply limited situations. The only one relevant here applies when the “parents have maintained regular visitation and contact with the child and the child would benefit from continuing the relationship.†(Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.26, subd. (c)(1)(B)(i).) The parent bears the burden of showing that the exception applies. (In re Mary G. (2007) 151 Cal.App.4th 184, 207.) More is required than affectionate or pleasant conduct and visits; there must be a “significant, positive, emotional attachment.†(In re Autumn H. (1994) 27 Cal.App.4th 567, 575.) The parent must show that the child would suffer substantial harm from the termination of the relationship. (See In re C.F. (2011) 193 Cal.App.4th 549, 555.)
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