40-6-223. When parent may bring action for the exclusive control of children -- decree. Without application for divorce, the husband or wife may bring an action for the exclusive control of the children of the marriage, and the court or judge may, during the pendency of such action or at the final hearing thereof or afterwards, make such order or decree in regard to the support, care, custody, education, and control of the children of the marriage as may be just and in accordance with the natural rights of the parents and the best interests of the children and may at any time thereafter amend, vary, or modify such order or decree as the natural rights and the interests of the parties, including the children, may require.

     History: En. Sec. 286, Civ. C. 1895; re-en. Sec. 3744, Rev. C. 1907; re-en. Sec. 5836, R.C.M. 1921; Cal. Civ. C. Sec. 199; re-en. Sec. 5836, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 61-107.