In re the Adoption of Mary R.

OPINION OF THE COURT

Herbert B. Ray, J.

The petitioners have sought to be certified as qualified adoptive parents by order of this court as the first step toward the private-placement adoption of Mary R. born August 22, 1988 (Domestic Relations Law § 115 [1] [b]). Petitioners alleged in their petition verified December 4, 1991 and filed with the court on December 11, 1991 that they were married on February 16, 1980 and that they have one daughter, Ruth R., who *1010resides in Alabama. Petitioners also alleged that Ruth R. is the mother of the adoptive child, but that they have custody of the child…