Greg is the three-year-old son of Alice. Greg's father disappeared shortly after he was born. Alice's mother, Doreen, helps out a great deal with child care and expenses. Chuck, Alice's boyfriend, does so as well. He has lived with Alice for three years and has helped her raise Greg. Chuck treats Greg like a son. Alice asks Chuck to adopt Greg. Chuck says he will, so long as he does not have to support him beyond the occasional assistance that he now gives Alice. She agrees. Before Greg starts the adoption procedure, however, he becomes ill and dies. A few years later, Alice marries Frank, a wealthy salesman. Frank adopts Greg. The marriage, however, lasts only two years. After a bitter argument, Frank left their home. When Greg is 16 years old, he develops a serious illness. He can still attend high school and do his school work, but the doctors have said that he should not work until he has recovered, which is expected to take about 10 years.

1. If Doreen, Greg's grandmother, stops helping Alice with child expenses, can the state require Doreen to pay child support?

2. Did Chuck have a duty to support Greg before Chuck died?

3. Assume that Chuck does adopt Greg, either by traditional adoption or by equitable adoption. What is the legal effect of the agreement between Alice and Chuck that he would not have to support Greg if he adopted him?

4. Frank did adopt Greg after Chuck died. Does Frank have a duty to support Greg?

5. Greg's illness is expected to last until he is about 26 years old. Do Alice and Frank have a duty to support him until then?

Case Study 2

Alex and Tessa are the married parents of Lena, who lives with Tessa. When Alex and Tessa lived together, they both worked and supported Lena. When Lena was 10 years old, they separated. Alex moved to another state. For the first few months while he was away, he sent Tessa support money. Then he stopped. Tessa has his address in the other state and has written to him asking for assistance. He has ignored her letters.

1. Can Tessa contact the IV-D agency in her state for assistance?

2. If Alex obtains a new job, is his employer obligated to do anything regarding his support?

3. Assume that Tessa goes to a court in her state and obtains a divorce and a child-support order against Alex. Alex knew about Tessa's suit but never appeared and was not served. What can the court do?

4. Can Tessa's state can use its long-arm statute?

5. Assume that a valid child-support order is obtained against Alex, but Alex does not obey it. What legal ramification could he face?