Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1981

Liability to maintain dependants.

[1975 SWA, s. 16]

214.—(1) For the purposes of this Chapter and without prejudice to any obligations imposed by law or otherwise, the following provisions shall have effect—

(a) every man shall be liable to maintain such of his legitimate children as are under the age of 16 years;

(b) every woman shall be liable to maintain such of her children as are under the age of 16 years;

(c) every married man shall be liable to maintain his wife and any child of his wife who was born before her marriage to him and is under the age of 16 years; and

(d) every married woman shall be liable to maintain her husband.

(2) Every reference in this Chapter to a person who is liable to maintain another person shall be construed as meaning a person who by virtue of subsection (1) is liable to maintain such other person.