North Carolina § 50-35 - Authority and duties of a child support hearing officer.

§ 50-35. Authority and duties of a child support hearing officer.

A child support hearing officer who is properly qualified and designated under this Article has the following authority and responsibilities in all child support cases: To conduct hearings and to ensure that the parties' due process rights are protected; To take testimony and establish a record; To evaluate evidence and make decisions regarding the establishment or enforcement of child support orders; To accept and approve voluntary acknowledgements of support liability and stipulated agreements setting the amount of support obligations; To accept and approve voluntary acknowledgements and affirmations of paternity; Except as otherwise provided in this Article, to enter child support orders that have the same force and effect as orders entered by a district court judge; To enter temporary child support orders pending the resolution of unusual or complicated issues by a district court judge; To enter default orders; and To subpoena witnesses and documents. History (1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 993, s. 1.)