PUBLISHED

N.C.G.S. § 50-35

Authority and duties of a child support hearing officer.

Effective date: 2026-08-08
Last verified: 2026-08-09
Source: official source
Revision history: view all versions

A child support hearing officer who is properly qualified and designated under this Article has the following authority and responsibilities in all child support cases: (1) To conduct hearings and to ensure that the parties' due process rights are protected; (2) To take testimony and establish a record; (3) To evaluate evidence and make decisions regarding the establishment or enforcement of child support orders; (4) To accept and approve voluntary acknowledgements of support liability and stipulated agreements setting the amount of support obligations; (5) To accept and approve voluntary acknowledgements and affirmations of paternity; (6) Except as otherwise provided in this Article, to enter child support orders that have the same force and effect as orders entered by a district court judge; (7) To enter temporary child support orders pending the resolution of unusual or complicated issues by a district court judge; (8) To enter default orders; and (9) To subpoena witnesses and documents. (1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 993, s. 1.)