Opinion ID: 1711854
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: county court judgment

Text: First, I disagree with the majority's representation of the county court's order denying the petition for adoption. The majority states that Luke was not eligible for adoption, the county court determined that his adoption by A.E. was precluded on this basis, and we affirm on this basis. The majority further states, [t]he county court also concluded that a single adult person could adopt only when the child had been relinquished and that therefore, since B.P. had not relinquished Luke, A.E. could not adopt Luke because he was not eligible for adoption. The majority indicates that the county court denied the adoption petition on two alternative bases: (1) Luke was a child ineligible for adoption because B.P.'s relinquishment of Luke was ineffective and (2) two nonmarried persons are not permitted to adopt under Nebraska law. The county court's order, however, states the following: It is this Judge's opinion that everyone with the potential to successfully parent a child in foster care or adoption should be entitled to a fair and equal consideration regardless of sexual orientation or differing lifestyle. The statutes in effect in Nebraska say different. I believe the statues [sic] permit a single adult person to adopt a child after all necessary consents and relinquishments have been filed; and in such cases the consent acts also as a relinquishment, or a spouse may adopt upon consent of the other spouse. There is no provision in Nebraska law that allow [sic] two non-married persons to adopt a minor child, no matter how qualified they are to be an adoptive parent. The petition for adoption is denied. I cannot read the county court's order to support the construction placed upon it by the majority. The county court simply did not make a determination regarding B.P.'s relinquishment of Luke, or lack thereof. The sole basis stated for the county court's denial of the petition was the county court's conclusion that an unmarried couple cannot adopt under Nebraska law.