Court Opinion

ID: 9654391
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 18:18:00.736651+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:13:08.757395
License: Public Domain

DONNELLY, Chief Justice
(dissenting).
In an opinion written by Chief Judge Titus, before transfer to this Court, the essential position of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Springfield District, was expressed as follows:
“In our view, the mother of an infant daughter born during coverture, who is asserting a personal claim for a money judgment which is wholly dependent upon having the child declared a bastard, cannot be *496said to be a person having nonconflicting interests with those of the child. Irrespective of the fact that it may ultimately develop that Plaintiff L is defendant’s illegitimate daughter, the infant was entitled to a fair hearing represented by a next friend who was not firmly resolved to bastardize her in all events.” (Emphasis mine.)
I recognize that there may be no general rule which will do equity in all cases brought under R-v. R-, 431 S.W.2d 152 (Mo.1968). However, in a case involving a child born during coverture, and where, as here, the mother’s husband and alleged paramour are both potential sources of assistance to the child, I would insist on the appointment of a next friend other than the mother. I would reverse and remand for new trial after the appointment of a next friend other than Plaintiff B.
I respectfully dissent.