In re Adoption of S. E. F.

MAUS, Chief Justice.

This case involves an adoption by a stepfather. The mother and natural father *266were married in 1974. The child whose adoption is sought was born to them on May 8, 1975. The marriage was dissolved on September 13, 1976. Custody of the child was awarded to the mother. The parties were reconciled in June of 1977. After that date they lived together, without benefit of marriage, with the child until August or September, 1979. The mother then left with the child. She said she did so because the father had bruised the child by a spanking. She married the co-petitioner step-father…