CHAPTER 14. ACTIONS FOR SUPPORT OF DEPENDENTS BY DEPENDENT SPOUSE
IC 31-16-14
Chapter 14. Actions for Support of Dependents by Dependent
Spouse
IC 31-16-14-1
Grounds for bringing action
Sec. 1. (a) A dependent spouse may bring an action in a circuit or
superior court to obtain support from the other spouse for the benefit
of the dependent spouse and the dependent children in the custody of
the dependent spouse if:
(1) the other spouse has deserted the dependent spouse or
dependent children without cause and without sufficient
support;
(2) the other spouse has:
(A) been convicted of a felony;
(B) been imprisoned; and
(C) left the dependent spouse or dependent children without
sufficient support;
(3) the other spouse:
(A) becomes incapacitated; or
(B) neglects to provide support for the dependent spouse or
dependent children;
because the other spouse is a habitual drunkard;
(4) the other spouse:
(A) joins a sect or denomination that requires a renunciation
of the marriage or that forbids the spouses to cohabit as
husband and wife; and
(B) renounces the marriage or refuses to live with the
dependent spouse in a marital relationship; or
(5) the other spouse has been adjudged insane.
(b) A dependent spouse may join other persons as codefendants
in an action brought under subsection (a) if the other persons:
(1) are indebted to either spouse; or
(2) have rights, credits, or choses in action that belong to either
spouse and that are in the possession or control of the other
persons.
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
IC 31-16-14-2
Commencement of action; contents of complaint
Sec. 2. (a) A dependent spouse may bring an action under section
1 of this chapter by filing a complaint against the other spouse and
against other persons who may be joined as codefendants in the
action under section 1(b) of this chapter. The complaint must contain
the following:
(1) An allegation of the marriage of the dependent spouse and
the other spouse.
(2) The name and age of each dependent child living with or in
the custody of the dependent spouse.
(3) A statement that the dependent spouse may bring the action
for a reason described in section 1(a) of this chapter.
(4) The most specific possible description of the real and
personal property of the other spouse that is in Indiana.
(5) An allegation of the probable value of the real and personal
property of the other spouse that is in Indiana.
(6) The circumstances and mode of life of the dependent spouse
and other spouse.
(7) The amount necessary to support the dependent spouse and
dependent children.
(b) If other persons are joined as codefendants in the action under
section 1(b) of this chapter, the complaint described in subsection (a)
must also contain the following:
(1) An allegation that the other persons:
(A) are indebted to either spouse; or
(B) have rights, credits, or choses in action that belong to
either spouse and that are in the possession or control of the
other persons.
(2) An allegation of the amount of indebtedness under
subdivision (1)(A).
(3) An allegation of the value of the rights, credits, and choses
in action described in subdivision (1)(B).
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
IC 31-16-14-3
Process
Sec. 3. Process in actions brought under this chapter is the same
as in other civil actions.
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
IC 31-16-14-4
Hearing; determination; order to pay money; judicial sale or lease;
receivership
Sec. 4. The court shall hold a hearing on the complaint and make
a determination. If the court finds that the allegations in the
complaint are true, the court may do any of the following:
(1) Order the defendant spouse to pay an amount that is just,
equitable, and in the best interests of the dependent spouse and
dependent children.
(2) Order the defendant spouse's real or personal property, or
both, to be sold to the highest bidder on terms and upon notice
as directed by the court.
(3) Order:
(A) the defendant spouse's real property or a part of the
defendant spouse's real property to be leased; and
(B) the proceeds of the lease to be applied to the support of
the dependent spouse and dependent children.
(4) Appoint a receiver of the defendant spouse's estate, require
the receiver to take an oath and obtain a bond, and order the
receiver to:
(A) reduce the estate to possession;
(B) collect the defendant spouse's rights, credits, and choses
in action;
(C) manage, sell, mortgage, or lease the defendant spouse's
real property; and
(D) sell the defendant spouse's personal property.
(5) Order other parties who are joined in the action under
section 1(b) of this chapter to:
(A) pay indebtedness owed to the defendant spouse; or
(B) relinquish possession or control of the defendant
spouse's rights, credits, and choses in action or other
property;
to provide support for the dependent spouse and dependent
children.
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
IC 31-16-14-5
Dependent spouse's collection of other spouse's debts; lease or
mortgage of other spouse's real property; disposition of proceeds
Sec. 5. If the court orders support to be paid under this chapter,
the court may, without appointing a receiver, authorize the dependent
spouse to:
(1) collect debts owed to the other spouse; and
(2) lease or mortgage any part of the other spouse's real
property and apply the proceeds of the mortgage or lease to the
support of the dependent spouse and dependent children.
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
IC 31-16-14-6
Action to modify order made under this chapter
Sec. 6. An action to modify an order made under this chapter may
be initiated by filing a complaint and providing notice in accordance
with sections 2 and 3 of this chapter.
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
IC 31-16-14-7
Sales of real property
Sec. 7. If real property is sold under this chapter:
(1) the sale must be made by a receiver or commissioner
appointed by the court for that purpose;
(2) the sale must be of the entire fee;
(3) the court may confirm the sale;
(4) the court may order deeds;
(5) the court may require the purchaser to:
(A) obtain a mortgage; or
(B) provide security; and
(6) the purchaser's title may not be questioned collaterally if:
(A) the defendant spouse had personal service of process; or
(B) the defendant spouse:
(i) left Indiana or could not be found; and
(ii) received service of process by publication.
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.