Section 12-15-9

Issuance of order to parents, etc., for payment for support, treatment,etc., of children in custody of persons other than parents generally; proceedingsupon failure of parents, etc., to pay amounts directed.

Whenever legal custody of a child is vested in someone other thanhis parents, after due notice to the parents or other persons legally obligatedto care for and support the child and after a hearing, the court may orderthat the parent or other legally obligated person shall pay in such manneras the court may direct a reasonable sum that will cover in whole or in partthe support and treatment of the child after the order is entered and includingsupport, treatment, costs and legal fees from the commencement of the proceeding.

If the parent or other legally obligated person willfully failsor refuses to pay such sum, the court may proceed against him for contempt or the ordermay be filed and shall constitute a civil judgment.

(Acts 1975, No. 1205, p. 2384, §5-140.)