In re the Adoption of a Child by Jacques

Mariano, J. S. C.

Plaintiffs seek to adopt Bobert Bichard Dickinson, a minor above the age of 14, to change Ms name to Bobert Bichard Jacques. Defendant, natural father of the infant, opposes the application and has not executed a written consent thereto.

Upon complaint and answer a full hearing was held during which all the parties in interest, including the infant, testified.

*526At the outset, iu view of the absence of the written consent of the father, a question of jurisdiction arises.

N. J. S. A. 9:3 — 20 (L. 1953, c. 264, sec. 4, p. 1770, effective January 1, 1954) states the court in which an…