In re the Adoption of Elizabeth

OPINION OF THE COURT

Marianne O. Mizel, J.

Peter C. was married to Catherine C., the mother of Mary Elizabeth and Tara, from 1975 to 1989. During this period, Mary Elizabeth aged from 8 to 22 years old and Tara aged from 11 to 25. Peter C., the former stepfather of these children, now seeks to adopt them. Mr. C. states in his affidavit in support of the adoption petitions that discussion of his adoption of the children of Catherine C. continued even after the parties were divorced. Catherine C.’s affidavit in support of the adop*514tion also states that adoption of the children was discussed during…