Raymond Edwards and Patricia Edwards, Appellants v. Arkansas Department of Human Services, Appell — Goodson, J…

Summary

The dissent would permit the Edwardses to appeal the circuit court's order denying their request for permanent custody and dismissing them from the dependency-neglect proceeding without requiring a Rule 54(b) certificate. It reasons that permanent custody orders are final and appealable under Rule 2(d), regardless of whether custody was granted or denied, and that the majority's contrary approach creates an illogical disparity among litigants. Justice Hart, dissenting separately, likewise would allow the appeal, reasoning that the order was final as to the Edwardses and that the Rule 54(b) certificate was substantively sufficient.