Commonwealth v. Gruttner

These cases come before us, via different avenues, for resolution of two related issues arising in the context of criminal actions for the alleged failure of putative fathers to support their children. G. L. c. 273, § 15, as amended through St. 1979, c. 621, § 2. 2 We are asked to determine first what, if any, statute of limitations applies to adjudications of paternity made during § 15 proceedings. Also before us is the question of the appropriate limitation period for the bringing of the nonsupport action itself.

We conclude that no time bar blocks the bringing of an action to adjudicate the…