NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER IN THE DISTRICT COURT JUVENILE SESSION FILE NO. 26JT000017-640 IN THE MATTER OF: A.F.P. (DOB: 10/02/2015) TO: RESPONDENTS: KELLY DONATHAN - MOTHER, MICHAEL “BRIAN” PICARELLA -PUTATIVE FATHER, AND ANY UNKNOWN FATHER OF THE ABOVE CAPTIONED CHILD BORN IN WILMINGTON, NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA Take notice that a Petition seeking to terminate your parental rights has been filed against you in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Termination of all parental rights you have to the above-captioned minor child(ren). Any unknown Father, you are required to make defense to such pleading within thirty (30) days following February 27, 2026, which date is the date of first publication of this Notice. Mother and Putative-Father, you are required to make defense to such pleading within forty (40) days following February 27, 2026, which date is the date of first publication of this Notice. Upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. You have the right to attend this hearing and you have the right to be represented by counsel and can apply for court appointed counsel. Your parental rights to the above-referenced child will be terminated upon failure to answer the Petition within the time prescribed. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT A HEARING ON THE PETITION TO TERMINATE YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS IS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 20, 2026 AT 9:30 A.M. or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, at the Office of Juvenile Clerks, 138 North 4th Street, Courtroom A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401. This the 23rd day of February, 2026. /s/Mona E. Leipold Mona E. Leipold, Staff Attorney NHC Health and Human Services 1650 Greenfield Street Wilmington, NC 28401 (910) 798-3512 2/27, 3/6, 3/13/2026