In re the Adoption of Mullet

Foth, C.J.:

The trial court denied the petitioner-stepfather’s petition for the adoption of Jason Lee Mullet, holding that the consent of Jason’s natural father was required. Petitioner appeals.

Jason was born on January 9, 1975. His parents were divorced on November 14, 1978, and his mother later married Donald Casey, who now seeks to adopt the child.

The stepfather sought to show that the natural father had failed to assume the duties of a parent for two consecutive years and that therefore his consent to the adoption was not necessary. In support of his position, the stepfather pointed out…