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

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

A child support hearingofficer who is properly qualified and designated under this Article has thefollowing authority and responsibilities in all child support cases:

(1)        To conduct hearingsand to ensure that the parties' due process rights are protected;

(2)        To take testimonyand establish a record;

(3)        To evaluate evidenceand make decisions regarding the establishment or enforcement of child supportorders;

(4)        To accept andapprove voluntary acknowledgements of support liability and stipulatedagreements setting the amount of support obligations;

(5)        To accept andapprove voluntary acknowledgements and affirmations of paternity;

(6)        Except as otherwiseprovided in this Article, to enter child  support orders that have the sameforce and effect as orders entered by a district court judge;

(7)        To enter temporarychild support orders pending the resolution of unusual or complicated issues bya district court judge;

(8)        To enter default orders;and

(9)        To subpoenawitnesses and documents. (1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 993, s. 1.)