825 N.W.2d 832
N.D.2012Background
- S.B. is an orphan with no surviving parent custody claims.
- K.F. and M.F. currently house the child as private foster parents but have no clear legal authority.
- J.H., not related, asserts possible temporary or guardian status; record shows no formal guardianship.
- D.E. seeks to establish paternity and names K.F. and M.F. as defendants because they possess the child.
- The district court dismissed D.E.’s paternity action as time-barred under N.D.C.C. § 14-20-42(1) and found a presumed father.
- The Supreme Court reverses; remands to appoint a guardian ad litem and address standing/representation for the child.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the two-year limit bars the paternity action | D.E. argues §14-20-42(2) allows a late challenge | K.F. and M.F. contend §14-20-42(1) bars the action | No, the defense cannot be raised by non-intended beneficiaries; remand for guardian ad litem |
| Who has standing to raise the limitations defense | D.E. has standing under §14-20-37; others lack standing | K.F. and M.F. assert they can raise the defense | K.F. and M.F. are not the intended beneficiaries; standing not established; remand |
| Whether N.D.C.C. ch.14-20 applies to these circumstances | Statute governs parentage determinations | Statute may be inapplicable given unusual facts | Statute applies; focus on representation and standing on remand |
| Whether a guardian ad litem should represent the child | Child’s interests were not adequately represented | Not addressed in final order | Guardian ad litem must be appointed on remand to protect child’s interests |
Key Cases Cited
- P.E. v. W.C., 552 N.W.2d 375 (ND 1996) (reaffirming standing limitations and litigation scope for presumptive fathers)
- R.F. v. M.M., 2010 ND 195, 789 N.W.2d 723 (ND 2010) (standing and interpretation of parentage procedures)
- Interest of K.B., 490 N.W.2d 715 (ND 1992) (limitations defense and standing in parentage actions)
- B.H. v. K.D., 506 N.W.2d 368 (ND 1993) (reliance on limitations in parentage context)
- In re J.H., 264 S.W.3d 919 (Tex.Ct.App.2008) (guardian ad litem considerations in parentage)
- Interest of S.L.W., 2010 ND 172, 788 N.W.2d 828 (ND 2010) (standing and timely challenge in paternity matters)
- Schirado v. Foote, 2010 ND 136, 785 N.W.2d 235 (ND 2010) (statutory framework for parentage adjudication)
- RF v. M.M., 2010 ND 195 (ND 2010) (standing and representation under 14-20)