In Re Adoption of D___ R___ E___

PREWITT, Chief Judge.

Appellant is the father of a female child, nine years of age, sought to be adopted by respondent. The marriage of appellant and the child’s mother was terminated by a decree of dissolution and the mother received custody. Nearly seven years later appellant filed a motion to modify the dissolution decree, seeking custody of the child. Two weeks later respondent, the stepmother of appellant’s ex-wife, filed a petition to adopt the child under chapter 453, RSMo 1978. The mother consented to the adoption. Appellant did not.

The petition and motion were consolidated by…