In re Adoption of G.L.V. and M.J.V.

The father of twins G.L.V. and M.J.V. moved away shortly after their birth and had not seen them for roughly nine years by the time their mother's new husband, the stepfather (plaintiff), petitioned to adopt them without his consent; although the father initially paid child support inconsistently, his wages were eventually garnished and he began paying in full, and his own parents and extended family had maintained ongoing contact with the twins throughout, with the father testifying he wanted that family connection to continue. The lower courts denied the stepfather's petition, and he appealed.