establish paternity

Establishing Paternity in North Carolina

Published on: August 6, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Establishing Paternity in North Carolina

Single mothers are more common today than ever before. Society is changing and is much more accepting of single parenthood. About 40% of births in the United States are to single mothers. For comparison, in the 1960s, only about 10% of births in the U.S. were to single mothers. When children are born to single mothers, it can make establishing paternity more complicated. When children are born to married parents, the husband is presumed to be the father. However, paternity must be established for children of unmarried parents.

Ways to Establish Paternity in North Carolina

Five Reasons Why You Should Establish Paternity as an Unmarried Father

Published on: April 14, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Can I keep my Kids from seeing the other parent?”

A child born during a marriage is automatically considered an heir to both parties of the marriage. However, when a child is born to unmarried parents, the father should establish paternity (the unmarried mother is legally considered the parent).

Termination of Parental Rights in North Carolina: How and When Does It Happen?

Published on: February 3, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What can I do to gain custody of my child in North Carolina?”