In Re Adoption of Karns

This case involves the validity of a decree of adoption to which the child’s father did not consent and of which he had no notice.

Plaintiff, Louis Earns, married Norma Einkead on April 26, 1940. They lived together until about September 1st of that year, when plaintiff brought suit for divorce upon grounds which are not disclosed. The wife did not contest the divorce and it was granted on October 1, 1940. On March 1, 1941, the divorced wife gave birth to Janet Sue Earns, whose adoption is now in question. The divorce decree makes no reference to the unborn child, to any right of custody, or…