In Re the Adoption of B.B.M.

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Beier, J.:

On this petition for review, adoptive parents challenge a Court of Appeals majority opinion overturning termination of a natural fathers parental rights as to B.B.M., a minor child. We address the allocation of the burden of proof, application of the law to the facts of record, and the propriety of consideration of the best interests of the child.

In August 2006, natural mother (Mother) separated from her husband and began a relationship with natural father (Father). Mother and Father lived together from August to November 2006. They realized…