In re the Adoption of Children by G.P.B.

The opinion of the court was delivered by

CUFF, J.A.D.

This is a contested adoption of two boys, now aged ten and eight, by their stepfather. The boys’ birth father, M.M., appeals from an order terminating his parental rights and allowing the adoption by the stepfather. In this case, we must determine whether the facts as found by the trial judge satisfy the statutory criteria of N.J.S.A 9:3-46, which governs adoption over the objection of the birth parent. We reverse.

M.M. and A.B. married in 1981. Several months after their marriage, A.B. realized that M.M.’s alcohol consumption was excessive.…