A.R., In re (2021) S260928 S260928; filed April 5, 2021. ![[Files/CaseFiles/S260928.PDF]] [Opinion PDF](https://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/archive/S260928.PDF) ## Rule excerpts Supreme Court opinion: relief from an untimely appeal of termination of parental rights caused by counsel’s failure to follow instructions. Printed page 1 (PDF page 2). > When an attorney fails to file a timely appeal in accordance with a client’s instructions, the parent may seek relief based on the attorney’s failure to provide competent representation. Because time is of the essence in matters affecting children’s long-term placement, whether relief is granted will depend on the parent’s promptness and diligence in pursuing the appeal. — A.R., In re (2021) S260928, slip op., p. 1.