M.H.B. v. H.T.B

In M.H.B. v. H.T.B., 100 N.J. 567, 498 A.2d 775 (1985), the parties involved had two children together, while the third child was conceived by the natural mother and another man. Id. at 569, 498 A.2d 775. The stepfather in M.H.B., even after learning that the third child was not his own, continued to maintain a bond with all of the children after the separation and during a short-lived attempt at reconciliation. Ibid. The couple signed a separation agreement followed by a final decree of divorce whereby all three children were considered born of the marriage and all three children were to receive child support from the stepfather. Id. at 570, 498 A.2d 775. The Court held that the stepfather was equitably estopped from denying his duty to provide child support for the child that was not naturally his. Id. at 578-79, 498 A.2d 775. The Court concluded that the stepfather's actions amounted to "a voluntary and knowing course of conduct with respect to the child, which constituted in its purpose and effect an affirmative representation that he was her natural father." Id. at 576, 498 A.2d 775. The Court continued finding that the child's reliance was detrimental due to the financial harm she would suffer if her stepfather were allowed to "evade the responsibilities he had assumed." Id. at 577, 498 A.2d 775.