Fargo Couple’s Adoption Journey Hits Legal Snag
FARGO – A recent ruling by Cass County Judge Cherie Clark has prevented a Fargo couple, Matt Johnson and his partner, from adopting three children they had fostered since 2022. The denial stemmed from North Dakota law, which specifies that only legally married couples can jointly adopt, despite Clark acknowledging that both the Cass County Human Service Zone and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services deemed the couple suitable parents.
The couple’s attorney, William Harrie, argued that the law’s wording is vague and inconsistent, allowing single adults to adopt but restricting unmarried couples. Johnson, who is the head women’s golf coach at North Dakota State University, expressed frustration at the unexpected ruling.
Although the North Dakota Supreme Court declined to intervene after the couple dismissed the case, they managed to secure approval for adoption from another judge in a follow-up hearing. Johnson described the approval as a relief and expressed hope that future changes to the law could prevent others from facing similar circumstances. The couple, who have been together for ten years, are eager to formalize their family unit with the three children, emphasizing the emotional toll of the legal proceedings on the kids involved.
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