Matter of Adoption of Samant

David Newbern, Justice.

Appellant Annette Rose Samant petitioned to adopt Samantha Tara Samant, the biological daughter of Ms. Samant’s husband, Dr. Sushil Raghunata Samant, and a surrogate mother, Rebekkah Ann Nelson. The Chancellor denied the petition because Ms. Samant and Samantha were only temporarily present in Arkansas to effect the adoption with, as the Chancellor put it, “no pretense of residency or domicile.” We reverse and remand because Ark. Code Ann. § 9-9-205 (Repl. 1993), which establishes jurisdiction for adoption, poses no permanent residency or domicile requirement.

Ms. Nelson…