In the Matter of the Adoption of O.r., N.r., Appellant (plaintiff Below) v. K.g. and C.g., Appellees (defendants Below)

Summary

The court held that an untimely notice of appeal forfeits the party's appellate right but does not deprive the appellate courts of subject-matter or personal jurisdiction. Applying its procedural-rule authority and considering the fundamental interests involved in the parent-child relationship, the court restored the forfeited appeal and reached the merits. It affirmed the adoption because clear and convincing evidence showed that the father's consent was unnecessary and that the adoption served the child's best interests.