State Ex Rel. Utah State Department of Social Services v. Ruscetta

DAVIDSON, Judge:

The State of Utah appeals from a paternity action brought for reimbursement of money provided for the benefit of a child allegedly fathered by defendant. The district court found that the State was barred from asserting its claim by the doctrine of res judicata because of a prior default entered against the child’s mother and that the State failed to establish a cause of action. The court awarded costs to defendant. Appellant seeks reversal and remand of the case with instructions as to the unavailability of the mother. We affirm in part, and reverse in part.

Laura Featherstone…