Is a father legally obligated to pay child support if he is not named on the birth certificate?

In North Carolina, a father is not legally obligated to pay child support if his name is not on the birth certificate. This is because the name on the birth certificate is used as evidence of paternity; without tangible proof that the man is the father, the courts cannot require child support. However, if the father acknowledges paternity in any way, this can be used as proof of paternity. In North Carolina, if a father is not named on the birth certificate, there is a legal process available to establish paternity called Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP). The AOP is a form completed by both the father and mother that declares paternity and establishes the father’s legal rights. A father who signs an AOP is legally responsible for the financial support of his child, and has a legal right to custody and visitation rights. If an AOP is not signed, the mother or father can file a complaint for paternity with the court. If paternity is then established through DNA testing or other method, the father may be legally obligated to pay child support. In North Carolina, if a father is not named on the birth certificate, he may be able to avoid a court ordered child support obligation by not signing an AOP or acknowledging paternity.

Related FAQs

Are there any special considerations for unmarried fathers in establishing paternity?
Can a paternity test be performed after the mother has died?
Is marriage required for establishing paternity?
Are there any consequences for a father who fails to establish paternity?
My ex-partner has acknowledged paternity, does that automatically make him the legal father?
Is there a time limit for bringing a paternity suit?
Are there any standard visitation rights that arise from establishing paternity?
What are the benefits of establishing paternity?
What legal rights does a father have for a child born out of wedlock?
What if the mother refuses to cooperate with the court?

Is a father legally obligated to pay child support if he is not named on the birth certificate?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts