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MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE

Paternity And Legitimation Lawyers Serving Greenville And Across North Carolina

You know you are your child’s parent, but without legal standing, that truth means nothing in court. At Miller & Audino, LLP, we understand what you and your child need. Attorney Jay Audino is board-certified in family law by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. That credential means you work with a qualified attorney committed to your rights and your child’s future.

What Is Paternity In North Carolina?

Paternity is the legal recognition of a man as a child’s father. Establishing paternity in North Carolina creates a formal legal relationship between a biological father and a child born outside of marriage. Without it, a father has no legal right to custody or visitation. However, the state or the mother can initiate a court action to establish paternity in order to pursue and secure a child support order.

North Carolina offers two paths to establish paternity. The first is an Affidavit of Parentage that both parents sign voluntarily at the hospital or health department. The second involves a court action that may include a DNA test. If a paternity dispute arises, we can help you protect your rights.

What Is Legitimation In North Carolina?

Legitimation is a distinct court proceeding that establishes full legal equality for children whose parents were not married at the time of their birth. It goes beyond paternity and requires a separate court order in North Carolina. Legitimation creates important legal rights for both the father and the child, including:

  • Parental rights: The father can legally seek custody and visitation.
  • Inheritance rights: The child can inherit from the father without a will.
  • Name rights: The child may take the father’s last name.
  • Benefits eligibility: The child gains access to the father’s health insurance and benefits.

In North Carolina, a father legitimizes a child by filing a petition in the county where the child lives. The court may require a DNA test, and a judge will grant legitimation when it serves the child’s best interests. We can guide you through every step of this process.

Your Child’s Future Deserves A Proven Legal Team

You deserve clarity, not confusion, about your child’s future. Our attorneys bring over 50 years of combined experience in North Carolina family law to every case. Call our Greenville office at 252-493-6138 or reach out to us online.