Matter of K.L.J.

OPINION

RABINOWITZ, Chief Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

William Edgar Johnson wanted to adopt “K.L.J.,” the daughter of his wife, Hei Suk Johnson (formerly Miller). The girl’s biological father, Ronald Miller, sought to contest the termination of his parental rights, yet indigency prevented him from hiring an attorney to represent him. The superior court denied Ronald’s request to appoint an attorney. The superior court then entered a decree under which William adopted K.LJ. and Ronald was divested of parental rights. Ronald appeals, contending that the denial of his request for court appointed…