Carlson v. Oberling

This proceeding was instituted by the filing of a petition for adoption by a mother and stepfather to adopt the mother’s four-year-old daughter by a prior marriage. The father, who had also remarried subsequent to the divorce, was a defendant below but filed no appearance in this court.

In cases where the appellee files no brief or appearance in this court, the prayer of the appellants that the judgment below be reversed could be allowed. In this case we have determined that, in order to do substantial justice, the matter must be considered on the record and brief of the appellant. See…