In re Adoption of C.L.

The opinion of the court was delivered by Biles, J.:

When a natural father assumes his parental responsibilities, the right to raise his child is entitled to constitutional protection. In re Adoption of G.L.V. , 286 Kan. 1034 , 1057, 190 P.3d 245 (2008). Underlying this doctrine is the common sense understanding that the natural father must have had a real-world opportunity to take on his obligation under the circumstances presented. See In re Adoption of Baby Girl P. , 291 Kan. 424 , 433, 242 P.3d 1168 (2010) ("The preservation of a father's relationship with his child is the starting point…