Walls v. Walls

I agree that the trial court erred in dismissing the motion to intervene filed by Mr. and Mrs. Walls (Grandparents) in John Conner’s divorce action, and in setting aside the award to them of temporary custody of his child. I do not, however, agree with the rationale used by the majority to arrive at that result.

Resolution of this case is controlled by OCGA § 19-8-19 (a) (1), which provides, in relevant part, that

a decree of adoption terminates all legal relationships between the adopted individual and his relatives, including his parent, so that the adopted individual thereafter is a stranger…