STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF BUNCOMBE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION JUVENILE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26JA000049-100   IN THE MATTER OF:   Z.J., Minor Child.   TO: LILLIE JENKINS, RESPONDENT MOTHER and ERIC SAMS, RESPONDENT PUTATIVE FATHER of one African-American female child, born February 23, 2026, in Buncombe County, North Carolina.   TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-captioned action. The nature of the relief sought is as follows: Adjudication of neglect of Z.J., minor child, pursuant to North Carolina General Statute, 7B-101(15).   You are required to make defense to such proceedings no later than June 16, 2026, said date being forty (40) days from the first publication of this notice, and upon your failure to do so, the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services, Petitioner, will apply to the Court for the relief sought.   If you are indigent, you are entitled to appointed counsel. You may contact the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court, Juvenile Division, District Court 4C, 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801 at (828) 259-3400 immediately to request counsel.   THIS, the 28TH day of April, 2026. PARKER SMITH, ESQ. BCDHHS PO BOX 7408 ASHEVILLE, NC 28802 828-250-5500 May 7, 2026 May 14, 2026 May 21, 2026   #12290943