In Re Adoption of F.A.R.

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Holmes, J.:

Wayne E. Leikam appeals from an order of the Reno County District Court denying his petition to adopt his two minor stepchildren for lack of consent by the children’s natural father. The court found that appellant failed to meet his burden of proof that consent was not required on the ground that the natural father had “failed or refused to assume the duties of a parent for two consecutive years.” K.S.A. 1986 Supp. 59-2102(a)(3).

The children involved, F.A.R. born July 23, 1977, and D.M.R. born March 8, 1979, are both boys born in lawful…