In Re the Adoption of J. Q. P.

[¶1.] Mother and Stepfather (Petitioners) petitioned to have Stepfather adopt Mother’s child without the biological father’s consent. The circuit court denied the petition, ’ concluding Petitioners failed to show that the biological father had abandoned the child. We affirm.

Facts and Procedural History

[¶2.] G.L.P. (Father) and K.H. (Mother) are the biological parents of J.Q.P. Mother became pregnant with J.Q.P. in December' 2007, three months after Mother and Father began dating. Both parents were living and working in Spearfish at the time, and Father moved in with Mother in 2008.

[¶3.] On…