Katrina M. Welch v. Naomi R. Chavaree

Summary

The court vacated the dismissal of Welch’s de facto parentage complaint because the competing affidavits presented disputed facts material to whether Chavaree fostered or supported Welch’s relationship with the child and accepted Welch in a parental role. Because resolving those disputes could require credibility determinations, the court held that the trial court abused its discretion by denying Welch’s express request for a standing hearing. The matter was remanded for further proceedings consistent with that ruling.