Brooke County Court Orders Hearing for Parental Rights Termination

Evidentiary hearing scheduled for March 19 regarding two children, B.M. and B.-J.M.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Circuit Court of Brooke County, West Virginia has scheduled an evidentiary hearing on March 19, 2026 regarding the termination of parental rights for John Machen, the biological father of children B.M. and B.-J.M. The court alleges that Machen has failed to correct conditions of neglect or abuse, putting the health and welfare of the children at risk.

Why it matters

The termination of parental rights is a serious legal matter that can have significant long-term impacts on families. This case highlights the challenges courts face in balancing the rights of parents with the need to protect the wellbeing of children in cases of alleged neglect or abuse.

The details

The court order states that an evidentiary hearing will be held on March 19, 2026 to determine whether Machen's parental rights should be terminated regarding his two children, B.M. and B.-J.M. The petitioner alleges that Machen has failed to correct conditions of neglect or abuse, putting the children's health and welfare at risk. Machen is required to appear at the hearing to object or raise any defenses, or else risk having his parental rights terminated.

  • The evidentiary hearing is scheduled for March 19, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

The players

John Machen

The biological father of children B.M. and B.-J.M., who is facing potential termination of his parental rights.

B.M.

One of the two children whose father, John Machen, is facing potential termination of parental rights.

B.-J.M.

One of the two children whose father, John Machen, is facing potential termination of parental rights.

Jason A. Cuomo

The judge presiding over the evidentiary hearing regarding the termination of John Machen's parental rights.

Glenda Brooks

The clerk of the Circuit Court of Brooke County, West Virginia.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 19, 2026 whether to terminate John Machen's parental rights regarding his two children, B.M. and B.-J.M.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and sensitive nature of parental rights termination proceedings, where courts must balance the rights of parents with the need to protect the wellbeing of children. The outcome of this hearing could have significant long-term impacts on the Machen family.