In Re the Marriage of Harvey

HARRIS, Justice.

We agree with the district court and the court of appeals that, under these special circumstances, the doctrine of equitable es-toppel bars a mother from recovering for past child support.

The marriage of petitioner-appellant Barbara Harvey and respondent-appellee' Charles Harvey was dissolved in 1986. The dissolution decree awarded the parties joint legal custody of their minor son, Jonathan. Barbara was to have primary physical care. Charles was ordered to pay child support.

Later Barbara remarried. Jonathan did not get along with his stepfather and asked Charles if he could…