Legitimation is the process of legalizing the status of a child born out of wedlock. This legal procedure places a child in a more
favorable position in the eyes of the law than mere establishment of paternity or establishment of a duty to support the child by a putative father*. A legitimized child becomes the legal offspring of a putative father and the natural mother for all purposes,
including inheritance.
A child in North Carolina can be legitimized by:
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Request of the Father
- The putative father can file a written petition with the Clerk of Superior Court, stating that he is the father of the child and asking that the
child be declared legitimate.
-
Subsequent Marriage
- The child is automatically given legitimate status when the mother and a putative father marry after the birth of the child. When this happens, a
new birth certificate for the child is issued.
Establishing Paternity by Civil Action
In a trial of any civil action to establish paternity, the court can order the mother, the child, and the putative father to submit to paternity tests,
such as DNA testing.
The results of the paternity test have the following effect:
-
If the probability of paternity of the alleged father is less than eighty-five percent (85%), the alleged father
is presumed not to be the father. It is still possible to argue the results in court, and it can be rebutted by clear and
convincing evidence;
-
If the tests show that the alleged father is not excluded and that the probability of paternity is between eighty-five percent (85%) and ninety-seven percent (97%), the results are admitted as evidence by the
court and are weighed with other competent evidence;
-
If the alleged father is not excluded and the probability of paternity is ninety-seven percent (97%) or higher,
the alleged father is presumed to be the father and the results are admitted as evidence by the court. This presumption can only be rebutted by
clear, and convincing evidence.
-
If more than one testing expert is involved and there is a disagreement as to the results of the tests, then the court weighs all the evidence in making a determination.
NOTE
: Establishing paternity does not have the effect of legitimization.
*A "putative father" is a man who may be a child's father, but who was not married to the child's mother before the child was born and has not
established the fact that he is the father in a court proceeding.
The effect of marriage of the mother at the time of conception or birth
-
If a mother is married at the time of either conception or birth, there is a presumption that her husband is the father of the
child. It is important to understand the effect of the mother's marital status when determining the legal paternity of the child, particularly for
purposes of obligation for child support and the determination of whose names will be on the child's birth certificate. Below are excerpts directly from the North Carolina General Statutes.
-
If the mother was married at the time of either conception or birth, or between conception and birth, the name of the husband
shall be entered on the certificate as the father of the child, and the surname of the child shall be the same as that of the husband, except
that upon agreement of the husband and mother, or upon agreement of the mother and father if paternity has been otherwise
determined, any surname may be chosen. The name of the putative father shall be entered on the certificate as the father of the child if
one of the following conditions exists:
- Paternity
has been otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, in which case the name of the father as determined by the court shall be
entered.
- The child's mother, mother's husband, and putative father complete an affidavit acknowledging paternity that contains all of the
following:
- A sworn statement by the mother consenting to the assertion of paternity by the putative father and declaring that the putative
father is the child's natural father.
- A sworn statement by the putative father declaring that he believes he is the natural father of the child.
- A sworn statement by the mother's husband consenting to the assertion of paternity by the putative father.
- Information explaining in plain language the effect of signing the affidavit, including a statement of parental rights and responsibilities and an
acknowledgment of the receipt of this information.
- The social security numbers of the putative father, mother, and mother's husband.
- The results of a DNA test that has confirmed the paternity of the putative father.
If the mother was unmarried at all times from date of conception through date of birth, the name of the father shall not be
entered on the certificate unless the child's mother and father complete an affidavit acknowledging paternity which contains the
following:
- A sworn statement by the mother consenting to the assertion of paternity by the father and declaring that the father is the
child's natural father and that the mother was unmarried at all times from the date of conception through the date of birth;
- A sworn statement by the father declaring that he believes he is the natural father of the child;
- Information explaining in plain language the effect of signing the affidavit, including a statement of parental rights and responsibilities and an
acknowledgment of the receipt of this information; and
- The social security numbers of both parents.
Legitimation and paternity are extremely sensitive and important issues for any family. The attorneys at Haas & Associates, P.A. will be happy to
assist you through the complex legal process. Commitment and responsiveness to our clients' needs are our top priorities. Please contact us at 1-866-783-9669, or via our online
contact form, to get more information and schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.