Judgment

§ 16–2349. Judgment (a) Prenatal and Confinement Expenses; Maintenance. When the defendant in a proceeding pursuant to this subchapter, in open court acknowledges the paternity of a child born out of wedlock, or when at the trial the finding of the court or jury is against the defendant, the court, in rendering judgment, may enter an order for the payment of the prenatal medical care and costs of the mother’s confinement and expenses of childbirth in such amount or amounts as it deems reasonable, commensurate with defendant’s ability to pay. The court may also order payments for the maintenance and education of the , commensurate with defendant’s ability to pay, to be made at such periods or intervals as the court directs. The court may order payments to be made by the defendant at a precinct of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Payments shall continue until the child reaches the age of 16 years, unless, prior thereto, the child is legally adopted. (b) Petition for Modification of Judgment; Hearing. From time to time, the court, after a hearing, may change or modify its order directing the amount that defendant shall pay for the maintenance and support of the child. The hearing shall be held not less than ten days following notice in writing by the clerk of the court to the parties in interest, mailed to or left at their last known place of residence. (c) Death of Child. If a child dies before reaching the age of 16 years, the court upon proof thereof, may order the payment of reasonable funeral expenses, and shall terminate the order for maintenance. Arrears that may be owing at the time of death may be canceled,