Opinion ID: 1187866
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: State-child privity

Text: ¶ 13 We start by examining the interests of the child. The [e]stablishment of the parent-child relationship is the most fundamental right a child possesses to be equated in importance with ... the most basic constitutional rights. Johnson, 447 N.W.2d at 876 (quoting Ruddock v. Ohls, 91 Cal.App.3d 271, 154 Cal.Rptr. 87, 91 (1979)). While the child has an interest in support during minority, there are other important rights to be considered. See Phinisee, 582 N.W.2d at 854 n. 6. The child's interests are broader than all others and include claims to inheritance, medical support, and other matters. Johnson, 447 N.W.2d at 875 (also listing personal cause of action, workers' compensation dependent's allowance, and veteran's educational benefits); see Marsh v. Rodgers, 659 N.E.2d 171, 173 (Ind.App. 1995) (interest in accurate family medical history). Additionally, an accurate determination of paternity results in intangible psychological and emotional benefits for the child, including establishing familial bonds and learning of cultural heritage. See, e.g., Hall, 191 Ariz. at 107-08, 952 P.2d at 751-52; Minnesota ex rel. Kremin v. Graham, 318 N.W.2d 853, 855 n. 4 (Minn.1982). We agree with Division Two and these well-reasoned decisions that a child's interest in determining his or her father is fundamental, unique, and broader than the interests of all others. ¶ 14 Of the many parties wanting to establish Stanley's paternity, the interests of the state are the most simple to define. In general, the state pursues a child's paternity not only because it desires to see that `justice is done,' ... [but] also... to reduce the number of individuals forced to enter the welfare rolls. Mills v. Habluetzel, 456 U.S. 91, 103, 102 S.Ct. 1549, 1557, 71 L.Ed.2d 770 (1982) (O'Connor, J. concurring, four justices joining). The state initiated the 1979 action against Lalli for purely economic reasonsto establish his fiscal responsibility and terminate Joan's reliance on AFDC. Hall, 191 Ariz. at 107, 952 P.2d at 751. Thus, Stanley and the state shared that one important, overlapping interest. Sixteen years later, however, Stanley brought this action to establish his familial status, apparently for reasons other than support. Id. Regardless of any common financial interest, Stanley has other significant interests that prevent finding a commonality of interests between him and the state. Thus, a finding of privity is precluded.