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December 3, 2009

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Court: Woman took too long to sue

Wednesday, June 26, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A woman who waited 10 years before bringing a claim for child support against the suspected father has lost her appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.

The court ruled against Sherri Strickland, who sought to prove that Jerry Hafen of Clark County was the father and owed child support for a 10-year-old daughter.

The decision upholds Clark County Family Court Judge Terrance Marren's ruling, which said Strickland waited too long before asserting her right to child support.

The Supreme Court ruled that those "who slumber on their rights" are barred from prosecuting a claim.

"Strickland waited over 10 years to seek a judicial determination that Hafen, who has never admitted paternity, is in fact (the girl's) father.

"This delay has prejudiced Hafen by substantially denying him the opportunity to play a meaningful role in this child's upbringing."

Strickland brought the action in Oklahoma against Hafen, but the case was heard in Clark County Family Court.

Marren refused to order a genetic test on Hafen to determine if he was the father. He ruled that even if Hafen was found to be the biological father, there would not be any support due because of the lapse of time.

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