Is there a time limit for bringing a paternity suit?

Yes, there is a time limit for bringing a paternity suit in North Carolina. According to state laws, paternity must be established within three years of a child’s birth, or within three years of when the parent discovers or should have discovered that they are the child’s father. However, this time limit can be extended in special circumstances. For instance, if a parent acted to prevent the other parent from discovering their paternity or if the other parent was incorrectly identified or misidentified as the child’s father, the court may decide to extend the time period. Additionally, a court may extend the time limit if there are reasons not related to the parents that prevented the petition from being filed within the allotted time. Therefore, if you believe that you are the father of a child, it is important to act as soon as possible, since time is of the essence for filing a paternity suit. An attorney can assist you in understanding the complexities of North Carolina family law and help you decide if filing a paternity suit is in your best interest.

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