In Re Elizabeth F.

The instant proceeding involves the grandparent preference for adoptive placement recognized by the Legislature in W. Va.Code § 49-3-l(a)(3) (2001) (Repl.Vol.2009) 1 and reiterated by this Court in Syllabus points 4 and 5 of Napoleon S. v. Walker, 217 W.Va. 254, 617 S.E.2d 801 (2005). 2 By order entered October 9, 2009, the Circuit Court of Nicholas County concluded that the grandparent preference mandated that the permanent placement of the four minor children at issue herein be with their maternal grandparents. On appeal to this Court, the guardians ad litem for the children and the West…