In re Adoption of Morton

By JUDGE WILLIAM H. LEDBETTER, JR.

This is an adoption proceeding instituted by paternal grandparents who have had custody of the children for eight years. The father has consented in writing; the mother, Shermone A. Richmond, objects to the adoption.

The petitioners, William Joseph Morton and Myra S. Morton, live in Spotsylvania County. The children, Stephen John Morton, Jr., age 11, and Shavone Arsheen Morton, age 10, have lived with Mr. and Mrs. Morton since 1982, when their father was incarcerated for attempting to murder their mother and the mother was unable to provide for them.

After the…