Wright v. Newman
Georgia Supreme Court
266 Ga. 519, 467 S.E. 533 (1996)
- Written by Sarah Larkin, JD
Facts
Newman (plaintiff) has two children, a son and a daughter. Wright (defendant) is the natural father of Newman’s daughter, but is not the natural or adoptive father of Newman’s son. However, Wright is listed on the son’s birth certificate as the natural father, and the child was given Wright’s last name. Wright always knew that he was not the child’s natural father, but Newman contends that Wright assumed the responsibilities of a father for 10 years. Wright contends that he has not provided financial support for the child for the past seven years, that for five years of the child’s life he did not have contact with him, and that only in the last two years has he visited with the child. Newman never attempted to identify her son’s natural father and never sought support from him. Wright and Newman split. Wright refused to provide support for the children. Newman filed suit, seeking support for both children. Wright admitted paternity only as to Newman’s daughter. The trial court, however, ordered Wright to pay child support for both children. Wright appealed to the Georgia Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Carley, J.)
Concurrence (Sears, J.)
Dissent (Benham, C.J.)
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