Separation or Desertion: Liability for Support of Family

(a)In any case of separation or desertion of a parent or parents from a child or children which results in public assistance being granted to that family, the non-custodial parent or parents shall be liable to the government of Guam for an amount equal to the following:

(1)The amount specified in an order for the support and maintenance of such family issued by a court of competent jurisdiction; or in the absence of such court order, the amount specified in Subsection (a)(2).

(2)The amount of support which would have been specified in an order for the support and maintenance of the family during the period of separation or desertion , provided that any such amount in excess of the public assistance paid to the family shall be disbursed to the family.

(3)The obligation shall be reduced by any amount actually paid by the non-custodial parent directly to the custodian of the child or to a government agency during the period of separation or desertion for the support and maintenance of the family.

(b)The amount of the obligation established under Subsection (a)(2) shall be determined by using the appropriate Child Support Guidelines currently in effect.