Millson v. Manfredo
This paternity proceeding challenges the constitutionality of Family Court Act § 517(a), which sets a five-year Statute of Limitations for mothers to commence such proceedings, arguing it violates equal protection. The respondent moved to dismiss because the petition was filed over five years after the child's birth. The court examined whether the statute impermissibly differentiates between male and female petitioners and between legitimate and illegitimate children. It concluded that the differing limitation periods for mothers and fathers are unjustified, as their rights are now identical. Furthermore, the court found that the five-year statute is not substantially related to preventing stale or fraudulent claims, especially when considering the longer periods for public welfare officials and advancements in blood testing. Consequently, the court determined the petitioner's claim, filed approximately 6.5 years post-birth, to be timely, and denied the respondent's motion to dismiss.