§ 30-4-57 — Proof of Marriage and Parenthood; Communications Between Husband and Wife Not Privileged; Testimony of Husband and Wife; Evidence of Willful Abandonment or Desertion

Alabama § 30-4-57

• Jurisdiction: Alabama
• Title 30: Marital and Domestic Relations
• Ch. 4: Husband and Wife
• Art. 3: Criminal Desertion and Nonsupport Proceedings

Text

No other evidence shall be required to prove marriage of such husband and wife or that such person is the lawful father or mother of such child or children, than is or shall be required to prove such facts in a civil action. In all prosecutions under this article, any existing provisions of the law prohibiting the disclosure of confidential communication between husband and wife shall not apply, and both husband and wife shall be competent and compellable witnesses to testify to any and all relevant matters, including the fact of such marriage and the parentage of such child or children. Proof that a person has left his wife, child or children in destitute or necessitous circumstances, or has not contributed reasonably to their support for a period of 10 days after his departure, shall constitute prima facie evidence of willful intention to abandon or desert his said family.

Legislative History

(Acts 1919, No. 181, p. 176; Code 1923, §4494; Code 1940, T. 34, §104.)