State Ex Rel. Coats v. Means

In this original proceeding in mandamus, the relator, Joan M. Coats, seeks to compel the respondent, Robert K. Means, a family law master, to issue a recommended order in a paternity case. We conclude that the respondent had a mandatory, nondiscretion-ary duty to issue such recommended order within ten days after the conclusion of the evidence in the hearings below, and we grant the writ of mandamus prayed for.

The facts, as stated in the petition and the exhibits filed with this Court by the relator, are undisputed. 1 In June of 1989, the relator instituted an action in the Circuit Court of…