North Carolina Paternity & Parentage Lawyer

Your Paternity & Parentage Lawyer

Krispen Culbertson, North Carolina paternity and parentage attorney, practicing for 20+ years in District Courts statewide, including Guilford, Forsyth, Randolph, and Alamance. Focus on Affidavits of Parentage (AOP), genetic testing orders, custody and child support after paternity, and interstate UIFSA/UCCJEA issues.

Memberships: North Carolina State Bar; local family law sections. Courts: District Court calendars across NC with hearings in Greensboro and High Point regularly.

Fast answers

Helpful links: North Carolina Child Custody Lawyer • North Carolina Child Support Lawyer • UIFSA & UCCJEA • North Carolina Divorce

Establishing paternity and parentage in North Carolina

Legal paternity unlocks decision-making, a reliable child support record, benefits eligibility, and clean school/medical access. We help you choose the right path and avoid mistakes that are hard to undo.

Why hire a North Carolina paternity lawyer (and when DIY backfires)

• Clean, admissible DNA: we schedule accredited testing with chain of custody so results are court-ready the first time.
• Correct forms & filing: avoid delays on Affidavits of Parentage, service of process, and Vital Records updates.
• Protect your next steps: align paternity with custody, parenting time, and guideline child support—so schools and employers can follow the order.
• Time windows matter: rescission and challenges to an AOP are time-sensitive; we review your timeline before you act.
• Interstate & military: use UIFSA/UCCJEA correctly so orders register and enforce across state lines.

Path 1: Affidavit of Parentage (AOP)

• Voluntary form—often signed at birth or later—to legally identify the father.
• Lets the Department of Health & Human Services and Vital Records add the father to the birth certificate.
• After signing, child support and custody can be handled by agreement or court order.
• Learn more about AOP

Path 2: Court case (“Paternity Action”)

• Used when someone won’t sign an AOP or facts are in dispute.
• Court can order accredited DNA testing with chain of custody.
• Final order establishes legal paternity; custody and support can follow.
• See how a paternity action works

DNA testing that courts accept

• Accredited lab reports with chain of custody; results go straight to the court or agency.
• At-home kits usually aren’t accepted—great for curiosity, not for court.
• We coordinate testing so the report is admissible the first time.

Changing or challenging an AOP

North Carolina allows a short rescission window for an AOP. After that, challenges are limited and usually require proof such as fraud, duress, or material mistake plus a court order. We review your timeline and evidence before you file so you don’t lose your chance.

Unmarried parents: custody, parenting time, and support

• Custody (legal and physical) orders set decision-making, schedules, exchanges, holidays, and travel rules.
• Child support uses the NC Guidelines (worksheets A, B, or C) with income, overnights, insurance, and childcare inputs.
• We can move both issues forward right after paternity—often with consent orders that schools and employers can follow.
• NC Child Custody • NC Child Support • How to establish paternity

Birth certificate, name change, and records

Once paternity is set, Vital Records can add a father and update the child’s surname. We prepare the paperwork and coordinate with the registrar so schools, doctors, and insurers see the same information.

Retroactive (back) child support and credits

• Courts can address support back to the filing date and sometimes earlier with proper evidence.
• We present payment credits for documented direct support (rent, childcare, insurance) so your ledger is accurate.

Interstate, military, and special cases

• UIFSA to register and enforce out-of-state support; UCCJEA for custody jurisdiction and emergency orders.
• Service members: testing and hearings around training and deployment; remote options when allowed.
• When safety is a concern, we pair paternity with targeted temporary relief and safe exchange plans.

How much does a North Carolina paternity lawyer cost?

Costs depend on the path—AOP vs. court case, whether DNA testing is needed, and whether custody/support must be decided now or later. We quote a clear fee structure at your consult and match the scope to your goals. You’ll know the expected filing, testing, and service costs before you proceed.

How long does a paternity case take in North Carolina?

• AOP route: often the fastest—once signed and filed, records can be updated and custody/support can move forward.
• Court route: timing turns on service, lab scheduling, and the court calendar. We file promptly, set DNA quickly, and keep the case moving.

Common mistakes that slow paternity cases

• Using an at-home DNA kit and discovering the court won’t accept it.
• Signing forms without understanding how to rescind or how later challenges work.
• Filing in the wrong venue or without proper service—leading to re-starts.
• Forgetting to align paternity with custody/support, leaving schools and employers without a clear order to follow.

What to bring and your first 72 hours

Proof that helps your case

• Messages, photos, or timelines showing conception and contact
• Medical records tied to pregnancy/birth (where applicable)
• Any support payments, receipts, or bank records
• Prior AOPs, orders, or agency letters

Your first 72 hours with our team

Forms and practical workflows

• AOP package: notarization and Vital Records submission
• DNA orders: accredited lab scheduling and chain-of-custody instructions
• Court filings: paternity complaint, service, and hearing prep
• Consent orders: custody, parenting time, and child support
• Record updates: birth certificate amendment, school and insurance notices

FAQs

Why North Carolina families choose Culbertson & Associates

• 20+ years handling paternity, AOPs, DNA orders, and post-paternity custody/support
• District Court experience across NC; weekly calendars in Guilford County
• Clean, admissible testing and orders that agencies and schools can follow
• Interstate capability under UIFSA and UCCJEA
• Clear fees and timelines