Your Paternity & Parentage Attorney

Krispen Culbertson, Greensboro paternity and parentage lawyer, practicing in Guilford County District Court for 20+ years. Focus on acknowledgments of paternity, genetic testing orders, parentage adjudications, custody and child support, birth-certificate updates, and interstate UIFSA/UCCJEA.

Memberships: North Carolina State Bar; local family law section. Courts: Greensboro and High Point District Court calendars.

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Quick links: Greensboro Family Lawyer • Greensboro Child Custody Lawyer • Greensboro Child Support Lawyer • Greensboro Modification and Enforcement • Greensboro UIFSA and UCCJEA • Greensboro Appeals and Post-Judgment

Fast answers

What establishes parentage in North Carolina

Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP). A notarized acknowledgment creates a legal parent-child relationship for support and can support custody terms. It can be signed at the hospital or later through Vital Records or North Carolina Child Support Services.

Genetic testing. The court can order DNA testing. Results must come from a lab that follows chain-of-custody standards. Collection sites check ID, photograph the parties, and track samples from swab to report.

Court order. When parentage is disputed, the court can adjudicate parentage after service and a hearing. The order supports birth certificate changes and allows custody and support to be set.

Presumptions that may apply. Marriage to the mother at birth or during the conception window may create a presumption. If there is a dispute, the court decides based on testing and evidence.

Acknowledgment of Paternity in Greensboro

• Where it happens. At the hospital, through Vital Records, or with help from IV-D Child Support Services.
• Rescission window. There is a short period to rescind before the first related hearing. After that, a motion to set aside requires a legal ground such as fraud or mistake.
• Effect of a valid acknowledgment. It supports adding the father to the birth certificate and gives the court a foundation to enter custody and support orders.
• If you signed under pressure. Keep texts, emails, and witnesses. A set-aside may be possible if you act quickly.

DNA testing the court will accept

Chain of custody. Approved collection sites check photo ID, document the process, and ship sealed kits to an accredited lab. This helps the judge rely on the result.

Who gets tested. Child, mother, and the alleged father. In some cases, close relatives may be tested when a party is unavailable.

Refusal to test. The court can draw inferences from a refusal and may still order testing.

Out-of-state testing. Allowed if the lab and collection site meet chain-of-custody requirements.

Unmarried parents, custody, and decision-making

Once parentage is set, the court can enter a parenting plan that covers:

• Legal decision-making for school, medical care, travel, and activities
• Parenting time with exchange locations, holidays, and summer schedules
• Communication rules and first-refusal provisions when appropriate

Guilford County uses custody mediation before a trial in most cases. If one parent plans a move, the UCCJEA rules and your order’s travel terms control. Start with Greensboro Child Custody Lawyer.

Support, medical coverage, and past costs

Child support guidelines. Worksheets A, B, or C apply based on the schedule. We prepare accurate income numbers, health insurance credits, and child care costs.

Medical support. Orders often require coverage through an available plan and set rules for unreimbursed expenses.

Birth expenses and retroactive support. The court can address past costs and set arrears with a clear ledger.

Wage withholding. Starts after entry of a support order so payments are tracked correctly. See Greensboro Child Support Lawyer.

Legitimation, name changes, and vital records

Legitimation and adjudication. When parents are not married, a court order or valid acknowledgment can establish full legal status.

Birth certificate updates. After a valid acknowledgment or court order, Vital Records can add or correct the father’s name.

Child’s name. A name change request can be handled within the case when supported by parentage findings.

Special situations we handle

• Multiple possible fathers or a prior marital presumption
• Default parentage orders and set-aside motions
• Interstate parentage under UIFSA and custody jurisdiction under UCCJEA
• Military families: collection during deployment and remote participation when allowed
• Safety concerns: coordination with 50B or 50C orders when needed

Cross-links: UIFSA and UCCJEA • Military Divorce • 50B • 50C

Filing in Guilford County District Court

Where cases are heard. Greensboro and High Point.

Steps we manage. Filing the complaint or motion, service of process, DNA orders, temporary terms when needed, custody mediation, and final orders that agencies can follow.

IV-D vs private filings. Child Support Services can file to set support. Private cases often combine parentage, custody, and support in one path to avoid duplicate hearings.

Proof and documents checklist

• Photo ID for each party
• Any acknowledgment paperwork or letters from Vital Records
• Texts and messages about pregnancy, parenting time, or support
• Medical bills, insurance cards, and proof of coverage
• Pay stubs, tax returns, and child care receipts
• A simple parenting-time calendar for the last 60 to 90 days

Typical timeline and outcomes

FAQs

Why Greensboro families choose Culbertson & Associates

• 20+ years focused on North Carolina family law
• Weekly calendars in Guilford County District Court
• Tight filings that Vital Records, employers, and schools can follow
• Clear steps, timelines, and billing from day one