In re Adoption of Kate S.

Summary

The Nebraska Supreme Court affirmed the denial of a stepparent adoption petition because the petitioners did not prove by clear and convincing evidence that the child's biological father had abandoned her. Although the father failed to maintain contact during the relevant six-month period and stopped child support, competent evidence showed that the mother had impeded his efforts to maintain a relationship and that he had not formed a settled purpose to relinquish his parental responsibilities. The court also held that the county court's reference to unresolved district court proceedings did not constitute reversible error.