Roe v. Doe

SHARP, Chief Judge.

The Roes, natural parents of the infant, John Doe, appeal from a judgment of adoption establishing parental rights in the Does to the child. The Roes argue that the natural mother’s consent to the adoption was obtained under duress and should be invalidated. We affirm the trial court's conclusion that the natural mother is bound by her consent. However, the Roes also argue the adoption is invalid because the natural father’s consent to the adoption was not obtained. The trial court found his lack of consent should be excused because of certain irresponsible actions on his…