Opinion ID: 1288098
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: conclusion

Text: 1. The Court CONCLUDES that the intervenors can not adopt this child as a couple because of statute. The intervenors argue that they are the only proper parties to be considered for the adoption of [B.G.C.]; however, under West Virginia law § 48-22-201, only married couples, married persons with consent of their spouse, or single persons may petition to adopt a child. For this reason, the Court CONCLUDES that the intervenors cannot lawfully petition together to adopt B.G.C., only one of the two intervenors may petition for adoption. 2. The Court CONCLUDES that the DHHR's request for removal based upon the fact that the intervenors' home is overcapacity should be GRANTED as it is in the child's best interest. Further considering the well-being of the child, the Court CONCLUDES and ORDERS that the child be removed from the intervenors' home by 12:00 noon November 22, 2008. (Emphasis in original). Before the written order was issued, Petitioners acted on the pronouncement of the lower court at the November 21 hearing by again seeking an emergency stay by this Court of the removal order. We granted the stay requested on November 26, 2008. [13] Thereafter, on December 9, 2008, this Court granted Petitioners leave to amend their previously filed petition for a writ of prohibition which is now under consideration.