In re Adoption of Gort

PAT CANNON, Circuit Judge.

A petition for adoption of a male infant Gort was filed by the petitioners James and Betty Smith on June 12, 1953. Attached to the petition was a consent to adoption signed by the natural mother, and witnessed and acknowledged in accordance with statutory requirements. This court, upon a favorable recommendation being made by the welfare board, entered an interlocutory decree of adoption on August 14,1953. Thereafter, on December 15, 1953 a cross-petition was filed by the natural mother, Helen Gort, which petition alleged that the consent to adoption had not been…