Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.

This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

Sorrels sought to adopt his companion of 17 years, Swanson. Sorrels was 66 and Swanson was 51. They wanted to formalize their close emotional relationship and to facilitate estate planning. The family court denied the petition as there was no existing parent child relationship between them. This was appeal resulted.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

The court's holding and decision will be displayed here.