401.1 Definitions. Sec. 1. As used in this act: (a) “Poor person” means a person who does not have property, exempt or otherwise, and who is unable, because of physical or mental disability or age, to earn a livelihood, or a person who has some means but is eligible to receive relief or assistance granted […]
401.10-401.16 Repealed. 1957, Act 292, Eff. Sept. 27, 1957. Compiler’s Notes: The repealed sections authorized seizure of and collection of rents from or sale of property of father, mother, or husband who has abandoned his or her children or wife, provided for restoration of such property, and permitted sale of poor person’s personalty for support […]
401.17-401.21 Repealed. 1980, Act 313, Imd. Eff. Dec. 5, 1980. Compiler’s Notes: The repealed sections pertained to nonsupport of parent by adult resident of state.
401.2 Expired. 1980, Act 480, Eff. Jan. 1, 1982. Compiler’s Notes: The expired section pertained to relieving, maintaining, and supporting poor persons and dependent children.
401.3 Failure of relative to provide support; application for order to compel relief; notice. Sec. 3. Upon the failure of any relative of a poor person to relieve and maintain the poor person, the county department of social services in the county in which the poor person resides, shall apply with the advice and assistance […]
401.4 Failure of relatives to provide support; hearing, order. Sec. 4. The court to which such application may be made, shall proceed in a summary way to hear the proofs and allegations of the parties, and shall order such of the relatives aforesaid of such poor person, as appear to be of sufficient ability and […]
401.5 Court order to perform duty of support. Sec. 5. The court shall order the relative or relatives to perform the duty of support, in the following order: The husband or wife shall be first required to maintain the poor person, if of sufficient ability; if a husband or wife does not exist, or he […]
401.6 Direction of proportionate liability. Sec. 6. If it shall appear that any such relative is unable wholly to maintain such poor person, but is able to contribute towards his support, the court may, in its discretion, direct 2 or more relatives of different degrees to maintain such poor person, and shall prescribe the proportion […]
401.7 Duration of order; change in terms. Sec. 7. Such order may specify the time during which the relatives aforesaid shall maintain such poor person, or during which any of the said sums so directed by the court shall be paid, or it may be indefinite, or until the further order of the court; and […]
401.8 Cost of application; enforcement of orders. Sec. 8. The costs and expenses of any application under the provisions of this chapter, shall be ascertained by the court, and paid by the relatives against whom any order may be made, and the payment thereof, and obedience to the order of maintenance, and to any order […]
401.9 Failure to obey order; civil action by department of social welfare; contempt of court, penalty. Sec. 9. If any relative, who shall have been required by such order to relieve or maintain any poor person, shall neglect to do so, and shall neglect to pay the sum prescribed by the court for the support […]
