Power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, compel witnesses and produce documents
When the government is working on a child support case or figuring out who a child's father is, the head of the support division has special powers. That person can make witnesses show up, make people swear to tell the truth, and demand that important papers and records be handed over. If someone refuses to follow one of these demands, a judge can order them to comply. If they still refuse, the judge can find them in trouble with the court, which is called contempt.
454.401. Power to , , witnesses and produce documents. — 1. In all actions relating to the of , or to the establishment, or of a instituted this chapter or upon request of a of another state, the of the shall have the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, compel witnesses and to require the production of books, accounts, documents and evidence.
2. If a person refuses to comply with a issued pursuant to 1 of this section, the director may request the to issue an requiring the person to appear before the director or the director's to produce such or give . The court may issue an order which justice requires to protect such a person from undue annoyance, embarrassment, expense or oppression. If such person fails to comply with such an order, the court may find such person to be in .
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Source & history notes
(L. 1997 S.B. 361) Effective 7-01-97
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