Hensley v. Wist

Marian F. Penix, Judge.

Three children were born to Catherine and Arthur Hensley. The Hensleys divorced in 1976. Catherine was awarded custody of Thomas, Lori Ann and Carmen. Catherine married Jack Wist in 1977. On November 3, 1978, Arthur Hensley, the natural father of the three children, was killed. The paternal grandparents, Porter and Aleñe Hensley, petitioned the Chancery Court for visitation pursuant to Ark. Stat. Ann. § 57-135 on November 8, 1979- No summons was issued and no other pleadings were filed.

On February 14, 1980, Jack Wist petitioned the Probate Court, to adopt Catherine’s…