B. W. v. E. B.

Coleman, J. C. C.

This matter came before the court as an adoption proceeding initiated by B.’s maternal grandparents, E. and R., on January 28, 1977. A cross-petition for custody, originally filed by B.’s natural father on December 12, 1976 in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court was consolidated by the court on April 18, 1977 for hear*548ing with the petition for adoption. A guardian ad litem for B. was appointed on June 9, 1977. R. 4:26-2(b),(4).

B.’s mother, the daughter of E. and N., died in New York City on or about November 2, 1976. Although E. and E. were divorced in September, 1969,…