McKenna v. Miller

The McKenna v. Miller case involves all the issues we've been discussing:

1. fathers' rights vs. mothers' rights
2. the duty to pay child support--does it make any difference that women can choose abortion? (more about that below....if we have time)
3. custody decisions -- standards we discussed Wednesday are below

• fitness standard
• best interests of child
• maternal autonomy
• Shanley's mixed model, which includes idea that prenatal involvement matters

Timeline (based on this New York Times article plus this Slate article plus this NBC news article)

April 2012 Miller and McKenna briefly date

May 2012 McKenna gets pregnant

June 2012 Miller marries another woman

June 2012 Miller does not attend ultrasound, texting "U made this choice against my wish"

Fall 2012 Miller files declaration of paternity and interest in custody in California

December 2012 McKenna moves to New York to attend Columbia on full scholarship

December 2012 Miller complains in New York court, judge agrees


January 2013 McKenna gives birth to boy

May 2013 McKenna files for custody in New York court, judge refuses to grant

Sept 2013 California court grants custody to Miller; baby taken to California by Miller and wife

November 2013 New York appeals court reverses California decision because jurisdiction is New York, where baby was born; McKenna regains temporary custody

December 2013 Miller and McKenna agree to share custody for four months

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*** Child support and abortion