Straub v. B.M.T. Ex Rel. Todd

626 N.E.2d 848, 1993 Ind. App. LEXIS 1710, 1993 WL 541412

• Court: Indiana Court of Appeals
• Decided: December 30, 1993
• Docket: 10A04-9302-JV-53
• Status: Published

Opinions

MILLER, Judge.

On December 15, 1986, Edward Straub, 58, agreed to have intercourse with Francine Todd, 33, so long as she signed an agreement that would hold Straub harmless for emotional and financial support of a child which might result from their sexual relationship. After Todd signed a handwritten note that Straub felt satisfied his conditions, the couple began engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse which resulted in the birth of B.M.T. on November 27, 1987.

After three years of raising B.M.T. without any support from Straub, on January 7, 1991, Todd filed suit as B.M.T.’s best friend to establish paternity and obtain child support and medical expenses.¹ In spite of the agreement, the court ordered Straub to pay the sum of $130.00 per week child support and awarded Todd $1005.00 in medical costs relating to the birth of the child. Straub now claims that: 1) the trial court committed reversible error by holding that the agreement was void as a matter of public policy; and 2) that the agreement should serve to indemnify him against the support claim brought by Todd.²

We affirm.

FACTS

Straub and Todd began dating in 1985 when both were teachers at the same elementary school. In late 1986, Todd discussed her desire to have a child with Straub after her doctor informed her that artificial insemination would not work. Straub told Todd that he did not want the responsibility of another family due to his age and the fact that he already had children from a previous marriage. However, when Todd threatened to end their relationship, he agreed to try to impregnate her providing she would sign a “hold harmless” agreement. On December 15, 1986, Straub presented Todd with a holographic agreement purporting to hold Straub harmless from financial and emotional support of a child which might result from the couple’s sexual relations. Todd signed the agreement and nature took its course. Their relationship continued for three years after B.M.T.’s birth and only ended when Todd decided to bring suit to establish paternity, even though Straub had married someone else.

The trial court entered findings of fact and conclusions of law that found in pertinent part:

Findings of Fact

8. Francine considered ending her relationship with Edward [Straub] and attempting to become pregnant through another man. Edward [Straub] did not want to end the relationship and agreed to attempt to impregnate Francine after she agreed to sign a document which he drafted in his own hand.

That document, Petitioner’s Exhibit # 8, reads in its entirety as follows:

“To Whom it may concern

I Francine Todd in sound mind & fore thought have decided not to marry, but would like to have a baby of my own. To support financially & emotionally, I have approached several men who will not be held responsible financially or emotionally who’s [sic] names will be kept secret for life.

Signed Francine Todd

Dec. 15, 1986”

9. Following the execution [of the agreement] Francine [Todd] and Edward [Straub] began to have unprotected sex and in March of 1987 Francine became pregnant. During this period Francine testified that she was not sexually active with any other man. Edward generally acknowledged such.

10. During Francine’s pregnancy she and Edward were sexually active.

* * * * * *

12. Edward continued to have sexual relations with Francine after the child’s birth but did not establish a relationship with the child. He stopped seeing Francine after she filed this action....

Conclusions of Law

3. The respondent, Edward Straub, is the natural biological father of B.M.T.

4. Edward has a common-law, statutory, moral, and societal obligation to support his minor daughter.

5. Francine cannot contract away the rights of the child, B.M.T.

6. The right of an illegitimate child to support and the right to have a trial court determine the best interest of that child cannot be contracted away.

7. The State of Indiana has a compelling interest in assuming that the primary obligation for support of illegitimate children falls on both natural parents and not on the taxpayers of the State.

8. The purported agreement between Francine and Edward as it pertains to the support of B.M.T. is void as a matter of public policy.

Supp.R. 2-5.

Straub then filed a motion to correct error in which he raised three issues claiming: (1) the court erred by failing to distinguish between the pre-conception and post-conception rights of minor children; (2) the parties’ agreement is a valid and enforceable indemnification agreement; and (3) the court’s finding of paternity was not supported by probative evidence. R. 3-6. The trial court denied his motion.

To this court, Straub now raises two issues: (1) whether the trial court committed reversible error in holding that the parties’ voluntary agreement was void as against public policy; and (2) whether the parties’ agreement is an enforceable indemnification agreement by and between Edward Straub and Francine Todd. Straub’s Brief at 1.

DECISION

I. IS THE AGREEMENT AGAINST INDIANA’S PUBLIC POLICY?

Straub argues the trial court committed reversible error by finding the agreement void and unenforceable as a matter of public policy, i.e., as a matter of law. Here, the facts are not in dispute and we are faced with a pure question of law. We will affirm findings and conclusions of the trial court unless they are clearly erroneous. Williams v. City of Indianapolis Dept. of Public Works (1990), Ind.App., 558 N.E.2d 884, trans. denied; Ind.Trial Rule 52(A).

Indiana has long recognized the obligation of both parents to support their children. Elbert v. Elbert (1991), Ind.App., 579 N.E.2d 102. In Matter of M.D.H. (1982), Ind.App., 437 N.E.2d 119, 126, the court noted that current statutory provisions relating to support orders for legitimate and illegitimate children are virtually identical.³ The court stated, “[A] parent’s obligation to support his minor child, legitimate or illegitimate, is a basic tenet recognized in this state by statutes that provide civil and criminal sanctions against parents who neglect such duty ...” Id. at 127 (emphasis added).⁴ In addition, there is a well-established common-law duty and obligation of a father to assist in the support of his children. Holderness v. Holderness (1984), Ind.App., 471 N.E.2d 1157, 1160, citing, Taylor v. Taylor (1982), Ind., 436 N.E.2d 56; Bill v. Bill (1972), 155 Ind.App. 65, 290 N.E.2d 749; Crowe v. Crowe (1965), 247 Ind. 51, 211 N.E.2d 164; McCormick v. Collard (1937), 105 Ind.App. 92, 10 N.E.2d 742.

As this court has noted, the interests of children are not necessarily the same as those of their mother. Kieler v. C.A.T. by Trammel (1993), Ind.App., 616 N.E.2d 34, 38. Although securing support and education expenses for children is the primary purpose of a paternity action, the interests of the children are not limited to child support. J.E. v. N.W.S., by S.L.S. (1991), Ind.App., 582 N.E.2d 829, 831. J.E. involved a question of res judicata in a paternity action brought on behalf of the child. In finding that the child’s interests were separate from the parents, Judge Rucker explained:

A child born out of wedlock who establishes paternity in a timely fashion has certain rights to inherit from the father, Ind.Code 29-l-2-7(b), as well as certain rights to claim other economic benefits upon the death of the father. S. V. v. The Estate of James A. Bellamy (1991), Ind.App., 579 N.E.2d 144. These rights, in addition to the right to receive child support, are of constitutional dimensions and are entitled to protection under the equal protection clause of the United States Constitution. Mills v. Habluetzel (1982), 456 U.S. 91 [102 S.Ct. 1549, 71 L.Ed.2d 770].

In light of the interests involved and the manifest purpose of the statutory scheme to promote the welfare of the child ... [in an action where a child may be barred from establishing its rights on res judicata ground] ... we hold [that] this result [the loss of the child’s rights] can only be justified where the Child was clearly named as a party in the prior proceeding.

Id. at 831-832 (emphasis added).

In addition, the court noted in Matter of S.L. (1992), Ind.App., 599 N.E.2d 227, that the legislature also has recognized, in adoption and termination of parental rights proceedings, that the interests of the State and the interests of the child are not necessarily identical. Id. at 230 n. 3. Thus, the legislature “enacted several statutes which direct or permit the court to appoint a representative for the children involved in such proceedings. See Ind.Code 31-6-4-10(g) [1980], Ind.Code 31-6-4-13.6(c)(l) and (2) [1991], and Ind.Code 31-6-5-4(d) [1989].” Id.

It is apparent that our legislature has created a strong current public policy (and not merely maintained an ancient one) with the object of protecting the rights of children from the whims of their parents and the power of the state.⁵ As noted by our supreme court, “[t]he making and changing of public policy, no matter how well intentioned, is primarily a legislative, not a judicial function.” Matter of Boles (1990), Ind., 555 N.E.2d 1284, 1289. “The obligation of a judicial officer is to uphold and apply the laws, not to defy them, and not to enact them.” Id.6

Straub first claims that “fundamental contract principles” allow him to contract around his statutory and common-law duty to provide support to his daughter. He ignores other rights, such as inheritance. See J.E. v. N.W.S., by S.L.S., supra. However, this argument fails because it amounts to the contracting away of his daughter’s right to support. It is well settled that a parent cannot, by his own contract, relieve himself of the legal obligation to support his minor children. Brokaw v. Brokaw (1980), Ind.App., 398 N.E.2d 1385. In Ort v. Schage (1991), Ind.App., 580 N.E.2d 335, we held that an agreement to forego court ordered child support even in exchange for a benefit (social security payments) to the child is unenforceable because a parent has no right to contract away a child’s support benefits. Id. at 336-337; See also, Pickett v. Pickett (1984), Ind.App., 470 N.E.2d 751, 754. Although both Ort and Pickett involved legitimate children in divorce actions, there is no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children in regard to their right to child support.

Although the primary goal of a paternity action is to secure support and education for illegitimate children, “a legitimate subsidiary goal of this same action, however, is ‘to protect the public interest by preventing the illegitimate child from becoming a ward of the state.’ ” Matter of M.D.H., supra, citing, J.E.G. v. C.J.E. (1977), Ind.App., 360 N.E.2d 1030. Public policy considerations mandate that the state take an active interest in providing for the welfare of illegitimate children in order to avoid placing an undue financial burden on its taxpayers.

“The duty of parents to provide necessary support, care, and maintenance for their children, although arising out of the fact of their relationship, may be rested upon the interest of the state as parens patriae of children and of the community at large in preventing them from becoming a public burden, and is, therefore, a duty not only to themselves, but to the public as well. This duty is at the same time a legal and natural obligation, the consistent enforcement of which is equally essential to the well-being of the state, the morals of the community, and the development of the individual.’’ 59 Am.Jur.2d Parent and Child § 51 (emphasis added).

Straub contends that the doctrines of laches and equitable estoppel also preclude Todd’s claim for support. However, as stated in Pickett, supra, an estoppel defense will not bar a party from asserting a claim for child support.

“Even if it could be said that (a party) should be estopped from denying the existence of an agreement, such an agreement is unenforceable. It has been held that the parent having custody in such a proceeding as this is merely a trustee of the support payments, and therefore, would have no right to contract away the benefits of the trust.’’ Pickett, citing, Reffeitt v. Reffeitt (1981), Ind.App., 419 N.E.2d 999, 1003, quoting, Grace v. Quigg (1971), 150 Ind.App. 371, 276 N.E.2d 594, 599. (emphasis in original).

Thus, a private agreement, such as the one before us, relieving a parent of either gender of the duty to provide child support is unenforceable, and consequently, an estop-pel defense would not preclude an award of child support. Regarding his laches argument, we note Ind.Code 31-6-6.1-6 allows a child to bring such an action “at any time before he reaches twenty (20) years of age.” Todd, as the child’s guardian and trustee for the child’s support, brought this action on behalf of B.M.T. in a timely manner.

Finally, Straub argues that the agreement signed by Todd should be enforced because he was acting merely as a “sperm donor.” He argues that we should follow cases from other jurisdictions which look to the pre-conception intent of the parties involved in deciding whether to enforce their agreement. Straub’s Brief at 25-27 citing Davis v. Davis (1993), Tenn., 842 S.W.2d 588, cert. denied sub nom. (1993), — U.S. -, 113 S.Ct. 1259, 122 L.Ed.2d 657; In re Interest of R.C. (1989), Colo., 775 P.2d 27; McIntyre v. Crouch (1989), 98 Or.App. 462, 780 P.2d 239, review denied, cert. denied (1990), 495 U.S. 905, 110 S.Ct. 1924, 109 L.Ed.2d 288.⁷ We are not persuaded.

We first note, of course, arguing that Straub’s and Todd’s relationship was that of a sperm donor and donee ignores the facts. It is undisputed that Straub and Todd had an ongoing affair, one which began before Todd decided to become pregnant and only ended three years after B.M.T.’s birth when she decided to have a second child by Straub — after Straub had married someone else. Secondly, both parties testified, and the trial court found, that Straub and Todd continued to have intercourse after Todd became pregnant with B.M.T. and their relationship continued for a number of years after B.M.T.’s birth. We know of no medical requirements — or of any sperm donor program — that continues to give insemination injections after the donee becomes pregnant.

Finally, in this action we are not concerned with any alleged contractual rights of the parents — paternity actions in Indiana are only concerned with establishing paternity and with the rights of the child. Indiana’s public policy, as created by our legislature, is clear. The trial court did not err in finding Straub’s and Todd’s agreement was void because it is against Indiana’s public policy.

II. INDEMNIFICATION

Straub argues that he should be indemnified against any support claims because: 1) Todd is capable of supporting the child on her own; and 2) the “economic injury” to Straub due to her “breach of contract” would exceed $100,000.00. Because this argument merely seeks to circumvent public policy, it too must fail. First, because the agreement between the parties is void, there is no enforceable contract to breach. Second, Todd’s present ability to care for the child on her own and the cost of the support to Straub do not change the law— Straub must provide his share of his daughter’s support as determined by the trial court under the Guidelines, which take into account both parent’s incomes.⁸ Third, the agreement itself is clearly not an indemnification agreement — it is barely coherent. Finally, Todd kept her part of the bargain — she did not bring an action in her name in a timely manner to establish paternity — the action before us is in the name of B.M.T.

The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

CHEZEM, J., concurring in result with separate opinion. CONOVER, J., dissenting with separate opinion.

1 . Ind.Code 31-6-6.1-2 provides in pertinent part:

(a) A paternity action may be filed by the following persons:

(1) The mother, or expectant mother.

(2) A man alleging that he is the child’s biological father, or that he is the expectant father of an unborn child.

(3) The mother and a man alleging that he is her child’s biological father, or by the expectant mother and a man alleging that he is the biological father of her unborn child, filing jointly.

(4) A child.

A person under the age of eighteen (18) may file a petition if he is competent except for his age. A person who is otherwise incompetent may file a petition through his guardian, guardian ad litem, or next friend.

******

(c) In every case, the child, the child’s mother, and any person alleged to be the father are necessary parties to the action. (Emphasis added).

We also note that the statute of limitations, Ind.Code 31-6-6.1-6, provides different time periods for parents and children. Subsection (a) states that the mother (or father) has two years after the child is born to file an action. The child “may file a petition at any time before he reaches twenty (20) years of age. If the child is incompetent on his eighteenth birthday, he may file a petition within two years after he becomes competent." Subsection (b). In the instant case, Todd could not bring an action in her name because more than two years had passed from the date of B.M.T.’s birth.

2 . Straub did not raise as error either the trial court’s custody award of B.M.T. to Todd, or the lack of a visitation order for Straub. However, because the trial court has continuing jurisdiction over this case, Straub could raise these issues later.

3 . Ind.Code 31-1-11.5-12 (Dissolution of Marriage); Ind.Code 31-6-6.1-13 (Paternity).

4 . Ind.Code 35-46-l-5(a) provides:

A person who knowingly or intentionally fails to provide support to his dependent child commits nonsupport of a child, a Class D felony.

5 . Additionally, this policy is gender-neutral and should apply whenever two people have sexual intercourse with a view toward either parent having sole custody of the resulting child to the physical and financial exclusion of the other.

6 . It is, therefore, not the place of this court to abandon that long-standing policy in this situation by acting as a barometer of public opinion, as Judge Conover’s dissent would urge us to do.

7 . If we were to accept Straub’s argument, this type of contract would arguably be binding in a variety of situations. For example, a couple desirous of having a child, but for some reason — religious or otherwise — feels the child should be born in wedlock, could enter into a valid and binding antenuptial agreement absolving one of the parents from the duty to support the child after divorce. Similarly, an agreement made after marriage (and in contemplation of divorce) would also be binding.

8 . We must be ever mindful of the best interests of this child. Thus, B.M.T. has a right to more than the basic necessities of life. Specifically, she has a right to the lifestyle that her parent's combined income will furnish. This right may not be contracted away by her parents, and to do so is a violation of public policy. However, while we are not able to address every factual possibility, we recognize an exception may lie where the custodial parent is so affluent as to render the contribution of the non-custodial parent’s income irrelevant to the child’s lifestyle. In that case, the child’s lifestyle may not be an issue, and it might be argued that the parents would not be contracting away the best interests of the child. Here, however, because Todd's only apparent income is her salary for teaching school, this appears to be a typical case wherein the child is entitled to the lifestyle that the combination of her parent’s incomes will afford.