Caldwell, J. v. Jaurigue, P., Aplt.

Summary

The Court held that a nonbiological adult who has in loco parentis standing and extensive partial physical custody, but no legal custody, is not a parent obligated to pay child support under the governing statute. The Court reasoned that the support obligation may extend beyond biological and adoptive parents only when the person has substantially assumed the rights and responsibilities of parenthood, including authority over major decisions affecting the child. The Court reversed the Superior Court and remanded for entry of an order consistent with its opinion.