American Samoa § 42.0421 - Failure or uselessness of action by obligee as prerequisite to demand.
Full text of American Samoa American Samoa Code Annotated § 42.0421 — Failure or uselessness of action by obligee as prerequisite to demand., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42.0421. Failure or uselessness of action by obligee as prerequisite to demand.
(a) Before making the demand on the governor of any state for the surrender of a person charged in this territory with the crime of failing to provide for the support of any person, the Governor of this territory may require the Attorney General of this territory, or his assistant, to satisfy him that at least 60 days prior thereto the obligee brought an action for the support under this chapter, or that the bringing of an action would be of no avail. (1) When, under this or a substantially similar law, a demand is made upon the Governor of this territory by the governor of a state for the surrender of a person charged in the state with the crime of failing to provide support, the Governor may require the Attorney General or his assistant to investigate or assist in investigating the demand, and to report to him whether any action for support has been brought under this chapter or would be effective. (c) If an action for support would be effective and no action has been brought, the Governor may delay honoring the demand for a reasonable time to permit prosecution of an action for support. (d) If an action for support has been brought and the person demanded has prevailed in that action, the Governor may decline to honor the demand. (e) If an action for support has been brought and pursuant thereto the person demanded is subject to a support order, the Governor may decline to honor the demand so long as the person demanded is complying with the support order.
Source: official American Samoa text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About American Samoa § 42.0421
What does American Samoa Code Annotated § 42.0421 cover?
Section 42.0421 ("Failure or uselessness of action by obligee as prerequisite to demand.") is part of the American Samoa Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of American Samoa. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite American Samoa § 42.0421?
A common citation format is "American Samoa Code Annotated § 42.0421" (American Samoa). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of American Samoa law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the American Samoa official source linked on this page or consult a licensed American Samoa attorney.
How does American Samoa § 42.0421 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in American Samoa can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in American Samoa.