§ 15-8-18. Judgments. (a) The judgment or order of the court determining the existence or nonexistence of the parent and child relationship is determinative for all purposes.

(b) If the judgment or order of the court is at variance with the child's birth certificate, the court shall order that a new birth certificate be issued in accordance with § 15-8-23.

(c) The judgment or order may contain any other provision directed against the appropriate party to the proceeding, concerning the duty of support, the custody and guardianship of the child, visitation privileges with the child, or any other matter in the best interest of the child. The judgment or order may direct the father to pay the reasonable expenses of the mother's pregnancy and confinement.

(d) Support judgments or orders may be for periodic payments which may vary in amount. In determining the amount to be paid by a parent for support of the child and the period during which the duty of support is owed, the court shall consider all relevant facts, including:

(1) The needs of the child;

(2) The standard of living and circumstances of the parents;

(3) The relative financial means of the parents;

(4) The earning ability of the parents;

(5) The need and capacity of the child for education, including higher education;

(6) The age of the child;

(7) The financial resources and the earning ability of the child;

(8) The responsibility of the parents for the support of others; and

(9) The value of services contributed by the custodial parent.

History of Section. (P.L. 1979, ch. 185, § 2.)