Matter of Burney

McCORMICK, Justice.

This is a child custody dispute. Steven Franklin Burney, born out of wedlock to 17-year-old Robin M. Burney of Des Moines on December 12, 1974, was placed by the mother in the home of Mildred and Clifford Haines four days after his birth. Mildred Haines was the sister of a woman with whom Robin had resided. Upon Robin’s petition Mildred was appointed guardian of Steven in May 1975. In early 1977 Robin asked that Steven be returned to her. When the Haines refused, Robin commenced this action seeking termination of the guardianship, after which the Haines separately…