Opinion ID: 1911343
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: lack of dss certificate

Text: The majority also argues that because Gomez did not timely file under § 43-104.02, the Savages were required to obtain a certificate from DSS stating that the biological father did not file a notice of intent to claim paternity. The problem with this analysis is that it incorrectly assumes Gomez was subject to the 5-day filing requirement in § 43-104.02(1). Section 43-104.04 states: If a notice of paternity is not filed within five days, the mother of a child born out of wedlock or an agent specifically designated in writing by the mother may request, and the Department of Social Services shall supply, a certificate that no notice of intent to claim paternity has been filed with the department.... (Emphasis supplied.) Gomez was not required to file a notice of intent to claim paternity within 5 days of the children's respective births because he had formed a familial relationship, however superficial, with the children. Because Gomez was not required to timely file notice under § 43-104.02, it makes no sense to dismiss the instant action based on § 43-104.04, which directed Bechtold to file a certificate from the DSS stating that Gomez had not complied with § 43-104.02. The requirements of § 43-104.06(2), not § 43-104.04, are applicable to this case.