H.F. v. T.F.

The issue in this case is whether a trial court can award visitation rights to grandparents under sec. 880.155, Stats., notwithstanding the child's adoption by a stepparent.1 The circuit court for Sauk county, Honorable James Evenson, judge, concluded that it was in the best interest of the minor child to have visitation with her paternal grandparents. The court included a provision, however, which stated that the order would have no force or effect in the event the child's stepfather adopted her.

Following the adoption of the child, the grandparents appealed the contingent termination…