(1) Where a benefit or allowance is paid to any recipient, every person who is liable to maintain that recipient or to maintain any child in respect of whom an increase in such benefit or allowance is granted, shall be liable to contribute to the competent authority such amount as that authority may determine to be appropriate towards such benefit or allowance.
(2) Where a person who is liable to contribute under subsection (1) (subsequently referred to in this Part as "the liable relative") fails or neglects to contribute, the competent authority may apply to the District Court for an order directing the liable relative to make such contribution towards the benefit or allowance.
(3) The competent authority, before making an application to the District Court under subsection (2), shall serve notice of the application on the liable relative.
(4) Where the District Court is satisfied that, at the time of the hearing of an application by the competent authority under subsection (2),