In re J.W.

HICKS and BASSETT, JJ., dissenting.

Because we would interpret our adoption statutes to allow the contemplated adoption in this case to take place, we respectfully dissent. Like the State, we believe "that a liberal construction of the adoption statute" allows petitioner C.N. to adopt J.W., the minor son of her domestic partner, petitioner M.F., "without requiring [M.F.] to surrender his parental rights over J.W., so long as both [M.F.] and C.N. consent to the adoption arrangement and the trial court finds that the adoption is in J.W.'s best interests."

The petitioners are unmarried, domestic…