No other evidence shall be required to prove marriage of such husband and wife or that such person is the lawful father or mother of such child or children, than is or shall be required to prove such facts in a civil action. In all prosecutions under this article, any existing provisions of the law prohibiting the disclosure of confidential communication between husband and wife shall not apply, and both husband and wife shall be competent and compellable witnesses to testify to any and all relevant matters, including the fact of such marriage and the parentage of such child or children. Proof that a person has left his wife, child or children in destitute or necessitous circumstances, or has not contributed reasonably to their support for a period of 10 days after his departure, shall constitute prima facie evidence of willful intention to abandon or desert his said family.
Ala. Code § 30-4-57 (1975)