New York Court of Appeals
In the Matter of Shondel J., Respondent v. Mark D., Appellant
July 6, 20067 N.Y.3d 320
Summary
The New York Court of Appeals affirmed that Mark D. is estopped from denying paternity and must pay child support because he represented himself as the child's father, the child justifiably relied on that representation, and it is in the child's best interests. The Court rejected the appellant's due‑process claim and noted that the statutory framework for paternity by estoppel remains valid. Justice G.B. Smith dissented, arguing that the elements of equitable estoppel were not satisfied.