The doctrine of res judicata will not bar a claim for post judgment interest on a child support obligation when a parent was not a party in a prior proceeding or in privity with a party to a prior proceeding.

When a party neglects to assert a right or claim for an unreasonable and unexplained length of time and the lapse of time and other circumstances cause prejudice to the adverse party, relief is denied on the grounds of laches. The mere passage of time is not enough to invoke laches. The court must consider…

The doctrine of laches is applicable in child support cases.

Defendants in paternity support actions may not invoke the defense of laches as a bar to the enforcement of moral and legal obligations to their minor children.

A trial court’s application or denial of the doctrine of laches is reviewed for an abuse of discretion.