Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District / Apr 2, 2019
Bryan Keith Martin and Mary Elizabeth Martin vs. Carolyn Summers, et al
Bryan and Mary Martin appealed the dismissal of their petition for declaratory judgment and wrongful death claims concerning Carl Lee DeBrodie. The Martins, who had previously served as DeBrodie's legal guardians and unsuccessfully sought to legally adopt him, argued they were equitable adoptive parents with standing to sue for wrongful death. The appellate court affirmed the dismissal, holding that the doctrine of equitable adoption in Missouri is solely for the benefit of the child and does not confer standing upon alleged equitable parents to bring a wrongful death action.