Stewart v. Stewart

Miller, Justice:

In this certified case, we are asked to consider whether a decree by a Virginia court that permitted a second husband to adopt his wife’s child over the objection of her former husband, the natural father, is entitled to full faith and credit in this State. The adoption occurred under a Virginia statute which permits the court to grant such an adoption if it finds the adoption to be in the best interest of the child.

It is not denied that the natural father had notice of the proposed adoption and appeared in the Virginia court and objected to the proceeding. No appeal was taken…