In re the Adoption of H.C.H.
297 Kan. 819
Kan.2013Background
- Child born in Mississippi in 1997; custody order awarded to Mother in Mississippi; child moved to Kansas in 2002; Stepfather filed stepparent adoption petition in Saline County in 2011; district court dismissed adoption for lack of Kansas jurisdiction and Mississippi forum predominance; Court of Appeals affirmed dismissal, applying UCCJEA precedents over KARA; Kansas Supreme Court reverses, holds K.S.A. 59-2127 controls and remands.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether Kansas has jurisdiction to hear the stepparent adoption. | Stepfather argues 59-2127 authorizes Kansas to determine Mississippi’s continuing jurisdiction. | Father/Mississippi contends UCCJEA governs and Mississippi retains exclusive jurisdiction. | 59-2127 governs, allowing Kansas to determine Mississippi's status. |
| How to reconcile K.S.A. 59-2127 with UCCJEA in adoption proceedings. | Stepfather asserts 59-2127 applies despite UCCJEA; UCCJEA incorporated only as needed. | Mississippi argues UCCJEA controls due to conflicts with KARA. | K.S.A. 59-2127 controls where applicable; UCCJEA only to extent incorporated. |
| Whether Mississippi has continuing jurisdiction or Kansas is appropriate forum. | Court should determine Mississippi’s continuing jurisdiction under 59-2127(b)(1)(A). | Mississippi may retain jurisdiction; district court erred in declaring Mississippi more convenient. | Remand required to determine Mississippi’s continuing jurisdiction and appropriate forum. |
Key Cases Cited
- In re Adoption of J.M.D., 293 Kan. 153 (2011) (undisputed jurisdiction rules governing adoptions in Kansas)
- In re Adoption of Baby Girl B., 19 Kan. App. 2d 283 (1994) (UCCJA used to determine adoption jurisdiction where KARA lacked provisions)
- In re Adoption of I.M., 48 Kan. App. 2d 343 (2012) (subject matter jurisdiction over adoption proceedings; statutory interpretation)