A child support order cannot be established for a child who is born to unmarried parents until:
The alleged father acknowledges paternity by signing the Affidavit of Parentage in the hospital, at the Child Support Agency, Vital Records, or at the Clerk of Court's Office.
Legal action is filed with the court when the alleged father does not voluntarily acknowledge paternity. A formal complaint is served on the alleged father. A court hearing is held, and the court makes a determination of paternity.
Genetic testing is recommended if there are any doubts about the paternity of a child. The alleged father may be tested to determine whether or not he is the biological father of the child. Genetic testing is highly accurate in determining the paternity of a child. A swab is taken from inside the cheek of the mother, alleged father and child, then sent to a laboratory for testing. The current cost of a genetic test conducted in the Wake County Child Support office, administered by LabCorp, is $28 per person tested.