N.D.W. & J.K.W. v. R.M.B.

CRIST, Judge.

Adoption proceeding.

The trial court found evidence of statutory neglect on the part of respondent father sufficient to support an order of adoption without his consent under § 453.040(4), RSMo.1978. The trial court withheld approval of the adoption because it was found not to be in the best interest of the 12 year old child as is required under § 453.030.1, RSMo.1978. Mother and step-father appeal. We affirm.

A son was born in lawful wedlock to mother and father on February 3, 1969. Mother was awarded custody, and father was ordered to pay $20 per week child support upon their…