In re Anonymous

Edgar F. Hazleton, S.

This proceeding concerns the adoption of a child by its mother and stepfather. There has been a divorce. The first husband, who is the natural father of the child, objects. The child is five years old. The petitioners pray that the adoption be granted because the father of the little girl has abandoned her, and that is the sole question this court has to consider. Of course, what constitutes abandonment of a child by the father fortunately has been laid down by our appellate courts in unmistakable language. The burden of proof rests upon the party claiming abandonment and…