In Re the Adoption of Swanson

MOORE, Justice.

Richard Sorrels appeals the denial of his petition in the Family Court to adopt James A. Swanson, 1 a consenting adult. 2 We confront an issue of first impression: Is a preexisting parent-child relationship required under our adult adoption statutes, 13 Del.C. §§ 951-56, in order for one adult to adopt another? Although the statutes do not contain that requirement, the Family Court implied such a condition in our law, and denied the adoption petition. Based on principles of statutory construction, and in the absence of any countervailing public policy, we conclude that it was…