Dispositional findings not challenged by respondents are binding on appeal. In re Z.L.W. , 372 N.C. 432, 437, 831 S.E.2d 62, 65 (2019) (citations omitted). The sole finding challenged on appeal is finding of fact 38(e).
We view the statement challenged as more properly classified as a finding of fact. SeeIn re Z.L.W. , 372 N.C. 432, 437, 831 S.E.2d 62 (2019) ("The trial court also found ... that the [parent-child] bond had diminished over the long time that [the juveniles] had spent in foster care."). Though included in Conclusion of Law #5, subparts (a)โ(e) serve to provide the factual bases for the trial court's conclusion that termination of respondent's parental rights is in Adam's best interests, in accordance with the criteria listed in N.C.G.S. ยง 7B-1110(a).
See In re Z.L.W., 372 N.C. 432, 437, 831 S.E.2d 62, 65 (2019).
Unchallenged findings are deemed to be supported by the evidence and are binding on appeal. In re Z.L.W. , 372 N.C. 432, 437, 831 S.E.2d 62 (2019) (citing Koufman v. Koufman , 330 N.C. 93, 97, 408 S.E.2d 729 (1991) ). "The trial court's conclusions of law are reviewable de novo on appeal."
In re Z.L.W., 372 N.C. 432, 437, 831 S.E.2d 62, 65 (2019) (citation omitted). A trial court's best interests determination "is reviewed solely for abuse of discretion."
"Abuse of discretion results when the court's ruling is manifestly unsupported by reason or is so arbitrary that it could not have been the result of a reasoned decision." In re Z.L.W. , 372 N.C. 432, 435, 831 S.E.2d 62 (2019). III.
Because respondents do not challenge these dispositional findings, they are binding on appeal. In re Z.L.W. , 372 N.C. 432, 437, 831 S.E.2d 62 (2019). Respondent-father argues that it was not in Riley's and Amy's best interests that his parental rights be terminated without first considering the results of an ICPC home study previously ordered by the court at the 23 August 2018 permanency planning review hearing. Respondent-father further claims that it was not in Charley's best interests to terminate his parental rights given the strong bond between himself and Charley.
The trial court's assessment of a juvenile's best interest at the dispositional stage is reviewed only for abuse of discretion." In re Z.L.W. , 372 N.C. 432, 435, 831 S.E.2d 62, 64 (2019) (citing In re D.L.W. , 368 N.C. 835, 842, 788 S.E.2d 162, 167 (2016) ). We now turn to respondent-father's arguments.
Unchallenged findings are deemed to be supported by the evidence and are binding on appeal. In re Z.L.W. , 372 N.C. 432, 437, 831 S.E.2d 62 (2019). "The trial court's conclusions of law are reviewable de novo on appeal."
Respondents also testified to this effect at the termination-of-parental-rights hearing. Unchallenged findings are deemed to be supported by the evidence and are binding on appeal. SeeIn re Z.L.W. , 372 N.C. 432, 437, 831 S.E.2d 62 (2019). Thus, this appeal does not involve a dispute concerning whether petitioners are in fact persons "with whom the juvenile has resided for a continuous period of two years or more next preceding the filing of the petition or motion."