What if the father's identity is unknown?

If the father’s identity is unknown in North Carolina, there are a few avenues that can be taken to establish paternity. In some cases, such as when a mother is married or in a relationship with someone other than the biological father, it may be possible for the mother to sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP), which legally establishes the man as the father of the child. If this is not an option, the court will take other measures to establish paternity. In North Carolina, the court can order a paternity test to determine if the man in question is the child’s biological father. If the test results show that the man is the father, the court can issue a legal order of paternity. On the other hand, if the results show that he is not the father, the court will then seek out the biological father. If the biological father is still unknown, the court will provide the mother with the option to file a paternity action. This action is usually filed with the assistance of the county’s District Attorney. Once paternity is established, the father will be required to make child support payments in accordance with the court’s order. Furthermore, the father has the right to pursue visitation rights and to be involved in the child’s life. Moreover, it is important to note that paternity must be established before any child custody arrangements can be made. In summary, there are a few avenues that can be taken to establish paternity in North Carolina if the father’s identity is unknown. If a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity is not an option, the court can order a paternity test or the mother can file a paternity action through the District Attorney’s office. Once paternity is established, the father will be legally obligated to pay child support and may be able to pursue visitation rights and a role in the child’s life.

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What if the father's identity is unknown?

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