In Re Samantha M.

This is an appeal by Steven S. from a decision of the Circuit Court of Wood County awarding custody of his natural child, Samantha M., to David M. and Diana M., the child’s maternal grandparents. On appeal, Steven S. claims that the circuit court erred in awarding the M.’s custody of Samantha, even though he was Samantha’s natural father, and even though no allegation of abuse or neglect had ever been formally asserted or proven against him.

I

Factual Background

Samantha M., the child whose custody is in issue in this case, was born on June 21, 1995, and for the first two years of her lifé she…