My ex-partner has acknowledged paternity, does that automatically make him the legal father?

In North Carolina, acknowledgment of paternity does not automatically make the partner the legal father. Under North Carolina law, paternity is established through an administrative or judicial process. If a partner acknowledges paternity, the Department of Social Services or the court must still enter an order to make the partner the legal father. An administrative process is initiated by filing an affidavit with the Department of Social Services. This is a form that both parents complete and sign, acknowledging the man is the child’s father. After reviewing the affidavit, the Department of Social Services will enter an order determining paternity. In contrast, a judicial process requires a court hearing. This is a more formal process in which the court can review evidence to determine paternity. The court may hear testimony or consider other evidence, like DNA testing, to determine the parentage of the child. In either case, filing the affidavit or appearing in court, the man’s acknowledgement of paternity is still just a piece of evidence. After a review of evidence, the Department of Social Services or the court will enter an order declaring the man as the legal father.

Related FAQs

How does paternity law address surrogacy and egg donation?
What is the process for establishing legal paternity?
What if the mother is not sure who the father is?
Does the law recognize the rights of grandparents in paternity cases?
How is paternity established when the father is in the military?
Are there any laws that protect the rights of a father?
If paternity is established, can the father request visitation rights?
How is paternity established if the father is not available to take a DNA test?
What are the rights of a father when paternity is established?
Can a man seek a paternity test after the mother refuses to cooperate?

My ex-partner has acknowledged paternity, does that automatically make him the legal father?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts