In re AJR

This case requires us to interpret the stepparent adoption statute, MCL 710.51(6), which allows the spouse of “the parent having legal custody of the child” to petition to adopt that child as long as the court orders the termination of the other parent’s parental rights in a manner consistent with the criteria provided in MCL 710.51(6)(a) and (b). Applying the stepparent adoption statute to the instant case, the circuit court terminated respondent-father’s parental rights to the minor child and also allowed petitioner-stepfather — who is married to petitioner-mother — to adopt the minor…