In the Matter of the Guardianship of C

Kentz, J. J. & D. R. C.

This is an application filed by the New Jersey Bureau of Children’s Services, Department of Institutions and Agencies (hereinafter referred to as the Bureau), pursuant to N. J. S. A. 30:4C-15(c) for guardianship of an illegitimate child born November 30, 1966. The mother of the child has consented to the Bureau’s petition by executing a surrender of custody certificate. The putative father, however, has objected and himself seeks the custody of the child.

The questions raised in this proceeding are whether the putative father of an illegitimate child has standing to…