Holmes v. Wilhelm

In this stepparent adoption case, appellant Greg Holmes appeals a final decree from the Benton County Circuit Court granting an adoption petition filed by appellees Erin and Michael Wilhelm. Holmes argues five points, but his primary contention is that the circuit court erred by finding that his consent was not necessary and that the adoption was in the child's best interest. We affirm.

We review adoption proceedings de novo. We will not, however, reverse the circuit court's decision unless it is clearly erroneous or against a preponderance of the evidence, after giving due regard to its…