Adoption of Stroope

Bernard R. Pratz filed a petition to adopt his wife Mildred’s natural daughter, Aleta Angel Stroope, a minor. Mildred and Aleta joined in the action and sought a declaration that appellant Harold D. Stroope, Mildred’s former husband, was not the father of Aleta, and praying that Mildred be granted sole custody of Aleta. The trial court granted the relief prayed for and enjoined appellant Harold D. Stroope from asserting parental rights over Aleta.

There was evidence that appellant Harold and respondent Mildred were married on February 14, 1947. A son, Harold Dean, was bom to them on November…