Department of Public Aid Ex Rel. Cox v. Miller

The Illinois Department of Public Aid (Department) brought a paternity action in the circuit court of Tazewell County on behalf of Monica Cox (petitioner), a minor. The Department sought a determination that William Miller, Jr. (respondent), is the father of Monica Cox, requested reimbursement for public aid already provided to Monica and her mother, and asked for future support for the child. Miller filed a motion to dismiss based on a 1978 settlement agreement between him and the child’s mother, wherein he agreed to pay the mother $5,000 and she agreed to dismiss the paternity action she…