If, after making a parent, or other person legally obligated to care for and support a child, a party to the action pursuant to this chapter and the Alabama Rules of Juvenile Procedure and after a hearing, the juvenile court finds that the parent or other person is financially able to pay all or part of the court costs, as provided by law, attorney fees, and expenses with respect to examination, treatment, care, detention, or support of the child incurred from the commencement of the proceeding in carrying out this chapter, the juvenile court shall order them to pay the same and may prescribe the manner of payment. Unless otherwise ordered, payment shall be made to the clerk of the juvenile court for remittance to those to whom compensation is due. If the child shall have an estate in the hands of a legal guardian, conservator, or trustee, the legal guardian, conservator, or trustee may be required to pay in a like manner. The juvenile court shall also order the parent or other person legally obligated to care for and support the child to apply for insurance and Medicaid. If the parent or other legally obligated person willfully fails or refuses to pay the sum, the juvenile court may proceed against him or her for civil or criminal contempt or both, and the order may be filed and shall constitute a civil judgment.
Last modified: May 3, 2021