Court Opinion

ID: 5153496
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-01-02 02:07:11.786337+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:53:45.616883
License: Public Domain

Plaintiff filed this action seeking modification of a judgment for child support. Upon hearing, the court increased the amount from $50 to $75 per month. Defendant appeals. We affirm.
In March 1967, defendant was ordered, pursuant to a bastardy proceeding, to pay child support. In November 1975, plaintiff filed a complaint and contemporaneously *Page 1386 
therewith had an order to show cause issued, seeking an order increasing child support payments to $100. Upon hearing, the court issued an order granting a $25 increase. Plaintiff asserted as a ground for the increment a material change in circumstances, viz., a significant increase in her expenses and defendant's income.
On appeal, defendant contends plaintiff is precluded from seeking a modification thereof under a civil action, because she initially proceeded by criminal process.
Defendant's assertion is without merit. A proceeding under the Bastardy Act is civil in nature, its purpose is to compel the father of a child to support it during its tender years.1
Furthermore, in Sec. 77-60-7, U.C.A. 1953, of the Bastardy Act, there is a specific provision for the order made herein, ". . . Such subsequent changes or new orders may be made by the court for the support, maintenance and education of said child as shall be reasonable and proper. . . ."
Defendant further contends there was insufficient evidence to warrant a modification of the support order. Plaintiff presented evidence showing the child's current monthly expenses were $170.50. Included in this amount was the sum of $40 for child care. The child was supervised after school, enabling plaintiff to work. A review of the incomes and expenses of both parties discloses nothing inequitable in the order of the court, apportioning to each a reasonable and proper share of the child's expenses.
ELLETT, C.J., and CROCKETT, WILKINS and HALL, JJ., concur.
1 State v. Judd, 27 Utah 2d 79, 81, 493 P.2d 604 (1972).