What is the deadline to respond to this notice?

You must answer within 40 days of the first publication on May 20, 2026, which means by June 29, 2026.

What happens if I do not answer the petition?

If you fail to answer by the deadline, the court may terminate your parental rights to the child.

Who filed the petition to terminate parental rights?

The Wilkes County Department of Social Services is the petitioner in this action.

Who should I contact for legal help about this notice?

Contact your court-appointed counsel, Coy Curry, at 336-818-9399, or the Law Office of Partin & Cheek at (336) 835-0100.

Court Notice — 210 West Main Street, Elkin, NC (26JT000026-960)

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Termination of parental rights

Affects:DefendantsGovernment AgenciesHeirs

Wilkes County Department of Social Services filed a petition to terminate the parental rights of Joey Lynn Carico to a child born January 26, 2010. The respondent must file a written answer within 40 days of May 20, 2026 or risk losing parental rights.

Key Takeaways

Petition seeks termination of parental rights
Answer required within 40 days of May 20, 2026
Failure to answer will terminate parental rights
Petitioner: Wilkes County Department of Social Services
Contact court-appointed counsel Coy Curry at 336-818-9399

Deadline · Response Deadline

June 29, 4040

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Published: May 20, 2026 · yesterday
Category: Court Notice
City: Elkin
Address: 210 West Main Street, Elkin, NC
Case #: 26JT000026-960

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If you don't respond

If no answer is filed by 40 days after May 20, 2026 (deadline: June 29, 2026), the respondent's parental rights to the juvenile will be terminated.

What to do next

1
Contact appointed counsel
Call Coy Curry at 336-818-9399 immediately to discuss the petition and representation.
2
File a written answer
Prepare and file an answer with the District Court no later than 40 days after May 20, 2026 (by June 29, 2026).
3
Consult with an attorney
If not satisfied with appointed counsel, consult private counsel or contact the Law Office of Partin & Cheek at (336) 835-0100 for information.

Frequently asked questions

What is the deadline to respond to this notice?: You must answer within 40 days of the first publication on May 20, 2026, which means by June 29, 2026.
What happens if I do not answer the petition?: If you fail to answer by the deadline, the court may terminate your parental rights to the child.
Who filed the petition to terminate parental rights?: The Wilkes County Department of Social Services is the petitioner in this action.
Who should I contact for legal help about this notice?: Contact your court-appointed counsel, Coy Curry, at 336-818-9399, or the Law Office of Partin & Cheek at (336) 835-0100.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Termination of parental rights: A court order permanently ends a parent's legal rights and responsibilities to a child.
Petitioner: The party who files the legal action seeking relief from the court.
Respondent: The person the petition is filed against who must answer the court action.

Full Notice Text

NOTICE OF SERVICE
OF PROCESS
BY PUBLICATION
IN THE GENERAL COURT
OF JUSTICE
DISTRICT COURT DIVISION
FILE NO.
26JT000026-960
STATE OF
NORTH CAROLINA
WILKES COUNTY
 
IN RE:
CHURCH, A.A.; Female
Born: January 26, 2010
in Wilkes County, NC
 
TO: JOEY LYNN CARICO,
Respondent-Father,
of Wilkes County, NC
 
Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-titled actions, In Re: Church – 26JT000026-960. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows:
 
TERMINATION OF 
PARENTAL RIGHTS.
 
You are required to answer such Petition no later than forty (40) days from the first publication of this notice on May 20, 2026. Your parental rights to the juvenile will be terminated upon failure to answer the Petition within the time prescribed.
 
The biological mother to the child is Amanda Dawn Dancy Carico. The Petitioner seeking relief in the above-entitled action is the Wilkes County Department of Social Services. Contact your court-appointed counsel, Coy Curry, at 336-818-9399 regarding this matter.
 
R. Blake Cheek
Law Office of
Partin & Cheek
Attorney for
Wilkes County DSS
210 West Main Street,
Elkin, NC 28621
Telephone: 
(336) 835-0100
 
May 20, & 27, 2026 &
June 3, 2026