Establishing paternity is a critical legal process that can impact a child’s life in many ways. In New York, paternity can be established voluntarily or involuntarily through a court proceeding. Establishing paternity can have important legal and emotional implications for parents and children, including child support, custody, and visitation rights. In the case of Matter of Martin B. v. Eden E. the New York courts dealt with the issue of the equitable estoppel defense in paternity cases.
Factual Background
Martin B. and Eden E. were in a committed same-sex relationship for several years, during which time they decided to have a child together. They both agreed that Martin B. would be the biological father, and they sought the assistance of a fertility clinic to conceive a child using Eden E.’s eggs and Martin B.’s sperm. The child was born in 2009, and the couple raised her together as equal parents for several years.