Opinion ID: 1852011
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: paternity, custody, visitation, and child support

Text: The only assignment of error directed toward the determination of paternity and the award of custody and child support is James' assertion that these claims are barred by the statute of limitations. The procedure for obtaining a judicial determination of paternity is set forth in Neb.Rev.Stat. §§ 43-1401 to 43-1418 (Reissue 1998 & Cum.Supp.2000). Section 43-1411 provides that a paternity action may be instituted by (1) the mother or the alleged father of such child, either during pregnancy or within four years after the child's birth ... or (2) the guardian or next friend of such child or the state, either during pregnancy or within eighteen years after the child's birth. James argues that the paternity action was initiated by the mother more than 4 years after the child's birth and is now time barred. The statute of limitations is an affirmative defense which is waived if not asserted by demurrer or answer. Welsch v. Graves, 255 Neb. 62, 582 N.W.2d 312 (1998). In his answer, James alleged generally that the Plaintiff's Petition fails to state facts upon which a cause of action may be maintained by her and, further, that any action otherwise maintainable by her is barred by the Statute of Limitations. However, this assertion was preceded in the answer by a specific affirmative allegation that James has always acknowledged [the minor child] to be his son and has supported him since the date of his birth. James' general statute of limitations allegation is inconsistent with his specific allegation that he has always acknowledged paternity and his obligation to support the minor child. Where both general and specific allegations are made in a pleading with respect to the same matter, the latter controls. Sickler v. City of Broken Bow, 143 Neb. 542, 10 N.W.2d 462 (1943). Moreover, James' affirmative allegation that he had acknowledged paternity and the corresponding obligation of parental support prior to the filing of this action is a judicial admission which constitutes a waiver of all controversy with respect to those issues. Radecki v. Mutual of Omaha Ins. Co., 255 Neb. 224, 583 N.W.2d 320 (1998). Accordingly, there is no merit to James' contention that the district court erred in not determining these claims to be time barred.