§ 49-4. When prosecution may be commenced. - North Carolina Statutes

§49‑4.  When prosecution may be commenced.

The prosecution of the reputedfather of an illegitimate child may be instituted under this Chapter within anyof the following periods, and not thereafter:

(1)        Three years nextafter the birth of the child; or

(2)        Where the paternityof the child has been judicially determined within three years next after itsbirth, at any time before the child attains the age of 18 years; or

(3)        Where the reputedfather has acknowledged paternity of the child by payments for the supportthereof within three years next after the birth of such child, three years fromthe date of the last payment whether such last payment was made within threeyears of the birth of such child or thereafter: Provided, the action isinstituted before the child attains the age of 18 years.

The prosecution of the motherof an illegitimate child may be instituted under this Chapter at any timebefore the child attains the age of 18 years. (1933, c. 228, s. 3; 1939, c.217, s. 3; 1945, c. 1053; 1951, c. 154, s. 2.)