In Re Shanee Carol B.

MAYNARD, Justice:

This is a disputed adoption case. The Circuit Court of Nicholas County awarded the infant, Shanee Carol B., 1 to her paternal aunt and uncle, Ralph and Patricia B., the appellees. The infant’s maternal aunt and uncle, Richard and Valerie A., now appeal this ruling. For the reasons stated below, we reverse.

I

FACTS

In September, 2000, Eric and Krissa B., the biological parents of Shanee Carol B. (“Shanee”), born on July 16, 1998, relinquished their parental rights to Shanee after a finding of neglect. Subsequently, Ralph and Patricia B. (“the Bs”), the paternal aunt and uncle of…