American Samoa § 45.1505 - Orders.

§ 45.1505. Orders.

(a) If the Court finds the respondent is not the father of the child, it dismisses the petition. (b) If the Court finds the respondent is the father of the child, it makes an order declaring paternity. (c) (1) In a proceeding in which the Court has made an order declaring paternity, the Court may order the father to pay weekly or at other fixed periods, a fair and reasonable sum for the support and education of the child until the child is 18 years of age, or until the child is 21 years of age in the discretion of the Court, unless the support order is terminated sooner because the child becomes self-supporting or is legally emancipated. The Court takes into consideration other persons legally entitled to support by the father. (2) The Court may order a father to pay for the support of his child after the child is 21 years of age if the child is unable to care for himself by reason of mental or physical handicap or other reason justifiable in the opinion of the court. (3) The order declaring paternity may also direct the father to pay for support of the child prior to the order. (4) The order may direct the father to pay necessary expenses incurred by or for the mother in connection with her confinement and any expenses in connection with her pregnancy as the Court may find proper. (5) The Court may order payments made to the mother or to some other person or agency who shall administer them under the supervision of the Court. (d) The Court may require the father to enter a bond as surety that the order of support will be carried out. (e) The Court may modify an order of support upon proof of change in relevant circumstances. (f) The Court may assess the costs of the action as part of its order. Research Guide: CRS 19-6-108.