State, Department of Revenue, Child Support Enforcement Division Ex Rel. Hawthorne v. Rios

OPINION

RABINOWITZ, Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

The primary question raised in this appeal is, from what date does a child’s biological father have a duty to support his child?

II. FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

Chadaye Hawthorne was born on February 9, 1986, to Lachelle Hawthorne. Cha-daye’s birth certificate did not name Alfredo Rios as the father. The State of Alaska has paid public assistance to Lachelle on behalf of Chadaye since 1989.

In December 1991 Lachelle signed a paternity affidavit naming Rios as Chadaye’s father. In July 1992 the Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED) filed a complaint against…