What is the role of paternity in child support cases in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, paternity plays a crucial role in child support cases. Establishing paternity is necessary to determine the legal father of a child and to assign the responsibility of providing financial support for the child’s needs.
Once paternity is established, the court can order the father to pay child support based on various factors, such as:
- The income and financial resources of both parents
- The child’s standard of living before the legal separation or divorce
- The child’s specific needs, including healthcare, education, and childcare expenses
- The amount of time the child spends with each parent
Paternity can be established voluntarily when the father acknowledges paternity or through genetic testing if there is a dispute. In cases where the alleged father denies paternity, the court may order a DNA test to determine the biological father of the child.
Note that even if a father is not actively involved in the child’s life, he is still legally obligated to provide financial support once paternity is established. The court’s primary concern is ensuring that the child’s needs are met, and both parents are responsible for contributing to the child’s well-being.
Establishing paternity and pursuing child support can be a complex process. It is wise to seek the assistance of a skilled family law attorney experienced in child support cases who can guide you through these legal proceedings and help protect your rights and the best interests of your child.
October 15, 2024 – Eric Richardson
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