§ 7B-3503. Hearing. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 7B‑3503.  Hearing.

The court, sitting without ajury, shall permit all parties to present evidence and to cross‑examinewitnesses. The petitioner has the burden of showing by a preponderance of theevidence that emancipation is in the petitioner's best interests. Upon findingthat reasonable cause exists, the court may order the juvenile to be examinedby a psychiatrist, a licensed clinical psychologist, a physician, or any otherexpert to evaluate the juvenile's mental or physical condition. The court maycontinue the hearing and order investigation by a juvenile court counselor orby the county department of social services to substantiate allegations of thepetitioner or respondents.

No husband‑wife orphysician‑patient privilege shall be grounds for excluding any evidencein the hearing. (1979,c. 815, s. 1; 1998‑202, s. 6; 2001‑490, s. 2.34.)