Petition of Ash

LAVORATO, Justice.

In this paternity proceeding, the district court determined that James Michael Ash was the “equitable parent” of a child born to Andrea Lynn Kotecki. The district court reached this decision on the basis that such a determination was in the best interests of the child. The district court determined that James was the equitable parent of the child despite the fact that James was not the biological parent. Nor was James ever married to Andrea. James’ relationship with the child stems from the mother’s cohabitation with him several months before and twelve months after the…