In re Adoption of a Child by J.D.S.

This appeal involves the privately initiated adoption of a minor over the objection of an indigent natural parent. Following a hearing, the trial court ordered the termination of the indigent mother’s parental rights and entered a judgment of adoption in favor of plaintiffs, the child’s paternal grandparents. The sole question to be addressed is who should be responsible for the cost of providing a transcript to enable an indigent parent in these circumstances to pursue her right to appellate review.

The facts supporting the termination of M.J.’s parental rights concerning her daughter,…