How can a father establish legal paternity if the mother is unwilling to cooperate?

In North Carolina, a father can establish legal paternity if the mother is unwilling to cooperate. This process must be initiated through the court system and will require the assistance of an experienced attorney. In North Carolina, the court can order a paternity test to be conducted at a local or state-run laboratory. The lab will compare the DNA of the alleged father to the DNA of the child. If the results confirm that the man is the biological father, the court may issue a legal order declaring him to be the child’s legal father. The court can also require the mother to appear for an in-court hearing and/or take a deposition. During that hearing, the court may ask the mother to provide certain documents, such as her medical records, birth certificate, and proof of residence. The court may also request her to testify under oath and provide certain information related to the paternity of the child. If the court is not able to obtain cooperation from the mother, it may still find that a father has legal paternity of the child. This can be done through an affidavit of acknowledgement of paternity or through a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity. In either situation, both the mother and alleged father must sign the appropriate forms in front of a notary. If the court or an administrative agency deems these documents valid, legal paternity for the father will be established.

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How can a father establish legal paternity if the mother is unwilling to cooperate?

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