In Re Amy A.
Amy A. v. Quentin A.
Opinion
Opinion
Irion, J.
Quentin A., the biological father of Amy A., appeals from a judgment terminating his parental rights on the basis of abandonment under Family Code section 7822 so that Amy can be adopted by her stepfather, petitioner Dale A. Quentin contends that he did not, as required for a finding of abandonment under section 7822, “leave” Amy in the care and custody of another person and did not intend to abandon her. We reject Quentin’s arguments and affirm the judgment terminating his parental rights.
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
Amy A., who is currently seven years old, is the child of Sarah A. and Quentin A. Sarah and Quentin were married in February 1997, and Amy was bom in January 1998. In March 1998 when Quentin was discharged from the Marine Corps, Sarah, Quentin and Amy moved from California to Quentin’s hometown in Indiana, and took up residence in the home of Quentin’s parents.
Within months, Quentin and Sarah began having marital problems, and Sarah requested that they attend counseling. Quentin stated that he did not want to be married anymore. He suggested that Sarah move out of his parents’ house and take Amy with her back to California. In April 1999 Sarah and…