Joshua D.R. and Sherie L.R. v. David A.M.

This is an appeal from an order of the Circuit Court of Marion County entered September 2, 2011, denying the petition for adoption filed by Joshua D.R. and his wife, Sherrie L.R. wherein Joshua sought to adopt the minor child of Sherrie and her former husband. On appeal, the petitioners argue that the circuit court committed error. Based upon the record, the parties’ briefs and the arguments presented, this Court finds that the circuit court erred and abused its discretion in finding that the biological father had not abandoned the child and in denying the adoption.

I. Factual and Procedural…