In re Adoption of Bovett

HERBERT R. BROWN, J. This case calls upon us to again interpret and refine the application of R.C. 3107.07 (A). That section provides that the
consent of a natural parent for the adoption of his or her minor child is not required "when it is alleged in the adoption
petition and the court finds after proper service of notice and hearing, that the parent has failed without justifiable cause
* * * to provide for the maintenance and support of the minor as required by law or judicial decree for a period of at least
one year immediately preceding * * * the filing of the adoption petition * * *." (Emphasis added.) For the following reasons,
we reverse the judgment of the court of appeals and reinstate the judgment of the probate court.