Opinion ID: 1348951
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Statute of Limitations or Laches

Text: Ellison also contends that the trial court erred by failing to dismiss the paternity/support action as barred by the statute of limitations contained in Wyo.Stat. § 14-2-104(a)(ii) (Supp.1991). Specifically, Ellison asserts that [t]his Court has made a big mistake as W.S. 14-2-104 states that action must be brought within a reasonable time after obtaining knowledge but no later than five (5) years after the birth of said child. We disagree. Section 14-2-104(a)(ii) provides, and has provided at all times relevant to this paternity/support action, as follows: (a) A child, his natural mother or a man presumed to be his father    may bring action: (ii) For the purpose of declaring the nonexistence of a father and child relationship presumed under W.S. 14-2-102(a)(i), (ii), or (iii) only if the action is brought within a reasonable time after obtaining knowledge of relevant facts, but in no event later than five (5) years after the child's birth. Section 14-2-104(a)(ii) is not applicable to the facts of this case. It applies to bar only actions to establish the nonexistence of paternity where there is a presumed father under the provisions of § 14-2-102(a)(i), (ii), or (iii). Ellison is not a presumed father under § 14-2-102(a)(i), (ii), or (iii), nor was the paternity/support action initiated to establish the nonexistence of paternity. Rather, this case was brought by North Dakota on behalf of Rachele to establish paternity for the purpose of obtaining a support order. The facts of this case are governed by § 14-2-104(c), which gives a state standing to bring a paternity/support action on behalf of a child with no presumed father within the time frame set forth in § 14-2-105(a). Section 14-2-105(a) provides, and has provided at all times relevant to this paternity/support action, that such actions must be initiated within three years after the child reaches the age of majority. [1] The present proceedings, which were initiated when Rachele was nine years old, fall well within the time frame established by § 14-2-105(a). Ellison contends alternatively that the district court erred by not employing the equitable doctrine of laches to bar the paternity/support action. Ellison asserts that the nine-year delay between Rachele's birth and the initiation of these proceedings prejudiced his defense of sterility. Specifically, Ellison claims that he could not obtain records to verify the date of his vasectomy because they were destroyed after five years according to hospital policy. We find no merit to Ellison's laches argument. Nothing in the record substantiates Ellison's assertion that hospital policy is to destroy vasectomy records after five years or that Ellison's records were in fact destroyed. Moreover, evidence of paternity contained in the record contradicts Ellison's sterility claim. Particularly noteworthy is Ellison's own handwritten letter in which it is stated when you told me about the baby I felt bad. So bad I had an operation to make me impotent, called it visectomy [sic].