Hartman v. Smith

Appellant, the father of a minor child, seeks reversal of a trial court order compelling him to pay his former wife $22,555.74 in past due child support. We find that principles of equitable estoppel apply to bar respondent's claim to the past due support.

In May 1973, appellant and respondent were divorced. Respondent mother was awarded custody of their only child, Jayme. Appellant was ordered to pay $150 per month in child support, to maintain medical insurance for the child and to pay all medical and dental expenses not covered by his insurance. Both parties subsequently remarried.

Jayme's…