reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48 - Adoptions › Article 5 - Adoption of Adults. › § 48-5-102 - Consent to adoption.

§ 48-5-102. Consent to adoption.
(a) Consent to the adoption of an adult is required only of:
(1) The adult being adopted; and
(2) The spouse of the petitioner in an adoption by the adult's stepparent, unless the court waives this requirement for cause.
(b) The consent of the adult being adopted must:
(1) Be in writing and be signed and acknowledged before an individual authorized to administer oaths or take acknowledgments;
(2) State that the adult agrees to assume toward the adoptive parent the legal relation of parent and child and to have all of the rights and be subject to all of the duties of that relationship; and
(3) State that the adult understands the consequences the adoption may have for rights of inheritance, property, or support, including the loss of nonvested inheritance rights which existed prior to the adoption and the acquisition of new inheritance rights.
(c) The consent of the spouse of the petitioner in a stepparent adoption:
(1) Must be in writing and be signed and acknowledged before an individual authorized to administer oaths or take acknowledgments; and
(2) Must state that the spouse:
a. Consents to the proposed adoption;
b. Understands that the adoption may diminish the amount the spouse might take from the petitioner through intestate succession or by dissenting to the petitioner's will and may also diminish the amount of other entitlements that may become due the spouse and any other children of the petitioner through the petitioner; and
c. Believes the adoption will be in the best interest of the adult being adopted and the prospective adoptive parent.
(d) Anyone who gives a consent under this Article may revoke the consent at any time before the entry of the decree of adoption by delivering a written notice of revocation to the individual to whom the consent was given. If a petition to adopt has been filed, the notice of revocation shall also be filed with the clerk of court in the county where the petition is pending. (1967, c. 880, s. 3; 1969, c. 21, ss. 3-6; 1971, c. 1231, s. 1; 1973, c. 849, s. 3; 1975, c. 91; 1981, c. 657; 1989, c. 208; c. 727, s. 219(4); 1993, c. 553, s. 14; 1995, c. 457, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48 - Adoptions › Article 5 - Adoption of Adults. › § 48-5-103 - Adoption of incompetent adults.

§ 48-5-103. Adoption of incompetent adults.
(a) If an adult being adopted has been adjudicated incompetent, then that adult's guardian shall have authority to consent in place of that adult.
(b) The consent of the guardian must:
(1) Be in writing and signed and acknowledged before an individual authorized to administer oaths or take acknowledgments;
(2) State that the guardian understands that the adoption will terminate the legal relationship of parent and child between the adult being adopted and the adult's former parents, including all rights of the adult to inherit as a child from or through the former parents, unless the adoption is by a stepparent, in which case the adoption will terminate the legal relationship of parent and child between the adult and the parent who is not married to the stepparent but will have no effect on the relationship between the adult and the parent who is married to the stepparent;
(3) State that the guardian understands that the adoption will create the legal relationship of parent and child between the adult and the petitioner, including the right of inheritance by, from, and through each other;
(4) State that the guardian consents to the proposed adoption and believes the adoption will be in the best interest of the adult; and
(5) State that the guardian understands that the adoption will not terminate the guardian's rights, duties, and powers.
(c) In any adoption of an adult who has been adjudicated incompetent, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem other than the guardian to investigate and report to the court on the proposed adoption. (1995, c. 457, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48 - Adoptions › Article 6 - Adoption by a Former Parent. › § 48-6-101 - Readoption under other Articles.

§ 48-6-101. Readoption under other Articles.
A former parent may readopt a minor adoptee pursuant to Article 3 of this Chapter or, if applicable, Article 4 of this Chapter. A former parent may readopt an adult adoptee pursuant to Article 5 of this Chapter. (1995, c. 457, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48 - Adoptions › Article 6 - Adoption by a Former Parent. › § 48-6-102 - Readoption after a stepparent adoption.

§ 48-6-102. Readoption after a stepparent adoption.
(a) In addition to the methods set out in G.S. 48-6-101, a former parent may petition pursuant to this section to readopt an adoptee adopted by a stepparent.
(b) The petitioner's spouse shall not join the petition.
(c) Consent to the readoption must be executed by:
(1) The adoptee, if 12 or more years of age;
(2) The petitioner's spouse, if any;
(3) The adoptee's adoptive parent, if the adoptee is a minor;
(4) The adoptee's parent who is or was the spouse of the adoptive parent, if the adoptee is a minor; and
(5) Any guardian of the adoptee.
(d) The consent executed by the adoptee shall conform to the requirements of G.S. 48-4-103(e).
(e) The consent executed by the petitioner's spouse shall conform to the requirements of G.S. 48-5-102(c).
(f) The consent executed by the adoptive parent shall conform to the requirements of G.S. 48-4-103(b).
(g) The consent of the adoptee's parent who was the spouse of the adoptive parent shall conform to the requirements of G.S. 48-4-103(a) except for those required by G.S. 48-4-103(a)(2)b.
(h) A consent executed by the guardian of a minor adoptee shall conform to the requirements of G.S. 48-4-103(c).
(i) An adoption under this section does not affect the relationship between the adoptee and the parent who was married to the adoptive parent.
(j) An adoption under this section does not terminate or otherwise affect any existing order of custody. (1949, c. 300; 1983, c. 454, s. 6; 1995, c. 457, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48 - Adoptions › Article 9 - Confidentiality of Records and Disclosure of Information. › § 48-9-101 - Records defined.

§ 48-9-101. Records defined.
(a) For purposes of this Article, "records" means any petition, affidavit, consent or relinquishment, transcript or notes of testimony, deposition, power of attorney, report, decree, order, judgment, correspondence, document, invoice, receipt, certificate, or other printed, written, microfilmed or microfiched, video-taped or tape-recorded material or electronic data processing records regardless of physical form or characteristics pertaining to a proceeding for adoption under this Chapter.
(b) Repealed by Session Laws 2010-116, s. 2, effective October 1, 2010. (1995, c. 457, s. 2; 2007-262, s. 1; 2010-116, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48 - Adoptions › Article 9 - Confidentiality of Records and Disclosure of Information. › § 48-9-105 - Action for release of identifying and other nonidentifying information.

§ 48-9-105. Action for release of identifying and other nonidentifying information.
(a) Any information necessary for the protection of the adoptee or the public in or derived from the records, including medical information not otherwise obtainable, may be disclosed to an individual who files a written motion in the cause before the clerk of original jurisdiction. In hearing the petition, the court shall give primary consideration to the best interest of the adoptee, but shall also give due consideration to the interests of the members of the adoptee's original and adoptive family.
(b) The movant must serve a copy of the motion, with written proof of service, upon the Department and the agency that prepared the report for the court. The clerk shall give at least five days' notice to the Department and the agency of every hearing on this motion, whether the hearing is before the clerk or a judge of the district court; and the Department and the agency shall be entitled to appear and be heard in response to the motion.
(c) In determining whether cause exists for the release of the name or identity of an individual, the court shall consider:
(1) The reason the information is sought;
(2) Any procedure available for satisfying the petitioner's request without disclosing the name or identity of another individual, including having the court appoint a representative to contact the individual and request specific information;
(3) Whether the individual about whom identifying information is sought is alive;
(4) To the extent known, the preference of the adoptee, the adoptive parents, the adoptee's parents at birth, and other members of the adoptee's original and adoptive families, and the likely effect of disclosure on these individuals;
(5) The age, maturity, and expressed needs of the adoptee;
(6) The report or recommendation of any individual appointed by the court to assess the request for identifying information; and
(7) Any other factor relevant to an assessment of whether the benefit to the petitioner of releasing the information sought will be greater than the benefit to any other individual of not releasing the information.
(d) An individual who files a motion under this section may also ask the court to authorize the release by the State Registrar of a certified copy of the adoptee's original certificate of birth. (1949, c. 300; 1985, c. 448; 1995, c. 88, s. 6; 1995, c. 457, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48 - Adoptions › Article 9 - Confidentiality of Records and Disclosure of Information. › § 48-9-106 - Release of original certificate of birth.

§ 48-9-106. Release of original certificate of birth.
Upon receipt of a certified copy of a court order issued pursuant to G.S. 48-9-105 authorizing the release of an adoptee's original certificate of birth, the State Registrar shall give the individual who obtained the order a copy of the original certificate of birth with a certification that the copy is a true copy of a record that is no longer a valid certificate of birth. (1995, c. 457, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48 - Adoptions › Article 9 - Confidentiality of Records and Disclosure of Information. › § 48-9-108 - Restoration of original birth certificates if a decree of adoption is set aside.

§ 48-9-108. Restoration of original birth certificates if a decree of adoption is set aside.
If a final decree of adoption is set aside, the court shall send a certified copy of the order within 10 days after it becomes final to the State Registrar if the adoptee was born in this State or to the appropriate official responsible for issuing birth certificates or their equivalent if the adoptee was not born in this State. The court shall also send a copy to the Division. If the adoptee desires to have the adoptive name shown on the original birth certificate when it is restored, the order must include this directive. Upon receipt of such an order, the State Registrar shall seal the certificate issued under this section and restore the adoptee's original certificate of birth. This sealed file may subsequently be opened only by direction of a valid court order pursuant to G.S. 48-9-105 and G.S. 48-9-106. (1995, c. 457, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48 - Adoptions › Article 9 - Confidentiality of Records and Disclosure of Information. › § 48-9-109 - Certain disclosures authorized.

§ 48-9-109. Certain disclosures authorized.
Nothing in this Article shall be interpreted or construed to prevent:
(1) An employee of a court, agency, or any other person from:
a. Inspecting permanent, confidential, or sealed records, other than records maintained by the State Registrar, for the purpose of discharging any obligation under this Chapter.
b. Disclosing the name of the court where a proceeding for adoption occurred, or the name of an agency that placed an adoptee, to an individual described in G.S. 48-9-104(a) who can verify his or her identity.
c. Disclosing or using information contained in permanent and sealed records, other than records maintained by the State Registrar, for statistical or other research purposes as long as the disclosure will not result in identification of a person who is the subject of the information and subject to any further conditions the Department may reasonably impose.
d. Giving a file-stamped copy of a document to a person, or to the legal representative of a person, who has filed the document in an adoption proceeding.
(2) In agency placements, a parent or guardian placing a child for adoption and the adopting parents from authorizing an agency to release information or from releasing information to each other that could reasonably be expected to lead directly to the identity of an adoptee, an adoptive parent of an adoptee, or an adoptee's placing parent or guardian. The consent to the release of identifying information shall be in writing and signed prior to the adoption by any placing parent or guardian and the adopting parents and acknowledged under oath in the presence of an individual authorized to administer oaths or take acknowledgments. Any consent to release identifying information shall be filed under G.S. 48-2-305.
(3) The Division from sharing information from its records regarding the identity of birth parents with an agency acting as a confidential intermediary pursuant to G.S. 48-9-104(b), if the information is needed by the agency to carry out its duties as a confidential intermediary. Any information disclosed to the agency pursuant to this subdivision shall not be redisclosed by the agency except as allowed by G.S. 48-9-104(b). (1995, c. 457, s. 2; 2001-150, s. 13; 2007-262, s. 4; 2012-16, s. 9; 2019-172, s. 9.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48 - Adoptions › Article 10 - Prohibited Practices in Connection with Adoption. › § 48-10-101 - Prohibited activities in placement.

§ 48-10-101. Prohibited activities in placement.
(a) No one other than a person or entity specified in G.S. 48-3-201 may place a minor for adoption. No one other than a person or entity specified in G.S. 48-3-201, or an adoption facilitator, may solicit potential adoptive parents for children in need of adoption. No one other than an agency or an adoption facilitator, or an individual with a completed preplacement assessment that contains a finding that the individual is suitable to be an adoptive parent or that individual's immediate family, may solicit for adoption a potential adoptee.
(b) No one other than a county department of social services, an adoption facilitator, or an agency licensed by the Department in this State may advertise in any periodical or newspaper, or by radio, television, or other public medium, that any person or entity will place or accept a child for adoption. For purposes of this section, "other public medium" includes the use of any computerized system, including electronic mail, Internet site, Internet profile, or any similar medium of communication provided via the Internet.
(b1) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, this Article shall not prohibit a person from advertising that the person desires to adopt. This subsection shall apply only to a person with a current completed preplacement assessment finding that person suitable to be an adoptive parent. The advertisement may be published only in a periodical or newspaper or on radio, television, cable television, or the Internet. The advertisement shall include a statement that (i) the person has a completed preplacement assessment finding that person suitable to be an adoptive parent, (ii) identifies the name of the agency that completed the preplacement assessment, and (iii) identifies the date the preplacement assessment was completed. Any advertisement under this subsection may state whether the person is willing to provide lawful expenses as permitted by G.S. 48-10-103.
(c) A person who violates subsection (a), (b), or (b1) of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
(d) The district court may enjoin any person from violating this section. (1975, c. 335, s. 2; 1981, c. 275, s. 6; 1993, c. 539, s. 413; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1995, c. 457, s. 2; 2001-150, s. 14; 2016-115, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48 - Adoptions › Article 10 - Prohibited Practices in Connection with Adoption. › § 48-10-102 - Unlawful payments related to adoption.

§ 48-10-102. Unlawful payments related to adoption.
(a) Except as provided in G.S. 48-10-103, a person or entity may not pay or give, offer to pay or give, or request, receive or accept any money or anything of value, directly or indirectly, for:
(1) The placement of a minor for adoption;
(2) The consent of a parent, a guardian, or an agency to the adoption of a minor;
(3) The relinquishment of a minor to an agency for purposes of adoption; or
(4) Assisting a parent or guardian in locating or evaluating a potential adoptive parent or in transferring custody of a minor to the adoptive parent.
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. For each subsequent violation, a person is guilty of a Class H felony which may include a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
(c) The district court may enjoin any person or entity from violating this section. (1975, c. 335, s. 1; 1991, c. 335, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, ss. 412, 1264; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1995, c. 457, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48 - Adoptions › Article 10 - Prohibited Practices in Connection with Adoption. › § 48-10-103 - Lawful payments related to adoption.

§ 48-10-103. Lawful payments related to adoption.
(a) An adoptive parent, or another person acting on behalf of an adoptive parent, may pay the reasonable and actual fees and expenses for:
(1) Services of an agency in connection with an adoption;
(2) Medical, hospital, nursing, pharmaceutical, traveling, or other similar expenses incurred by a mother or her child incident to the pregnancy and birth or any illness of the adoptee;
(3) Counseling services for a parent or the adoptee that are directly related to the adoption and are provided by a licensed psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical mental health counselor, licensed or certified social worker, fee-based practicing pastoral counselor or other licensed clinical mental health counselor, or an employee of an agency;
(4) Ordinary living expenses of a mother during the pregnancy and for no more than six weeks after the birth;
(5) Expenses incurred in ascertaining the information required under G.S. 48-3-205 about an adoptee and the adoptee's biological family;
(6) Legal services, court costs, and traveling or other administrative expenses connected with an adoption, including any legal service connected with the adoption performed for a parent who consents to the adoption of a minor or relinquishes the minor to an agency; and
(7) Preparation of the preplacement assessment and the report to the court.
(b) A birth parent, or another person acting on the parent's behalf, may receive or accept payments authorized in subsection (a) of this section; or a provider of a service listed in subsection (a) of this section may receive or accept payments for that service.
(c) A payment authorized by subsection (a) of this section may not be made contingent on the placement of the minor for adoption, relinquishment of the minor, consent to the adoption, or cooperation in the completion of the adoption. Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, if the adoption is not completed, a person who has made payments authorized by subsection (a) of this section may not recover them; but neither is this person liable for any further payment unless the person has agreed in a signed writing with a provider of a service to make this payment regardless of the outcome of the proceeding for adoption.
(d) A prospective adoptive parent may seek to recover a payment if the parent or other person receives or accepts it with the fraudulent intent to prevent the proposed adoption from being completed.
(e) An agency may charge or accept a reasonable fee or other compensation from prospective adoptive parents. In assessing a fee or charge, the agency may take into account the income of adoptive parents and may use a sliding scale related to income in order to provide services to persons of all incomes. (1975, c. 335, s. 1; 1991, c. 335, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, ss. 412, 1264; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1995, c. 457, s. 2; 2001-487, s. 40(c); 2019-240, s. 3(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48 - Adoptions › Article 10 - Prohibited Practices in Connection with Adoption. › § 48-10-104 - Failure to disclose nonidentifying information.

§ 48-10-104. Failure to disclose nonidentifying information.
An adoptive parent, an adoptee, or any person who is the subject of any information required under G.S. 48-3-205 or authorized for release under Article 9 of this Chapter may bring a civil action for equitable or monetary relief or both against a person who fraudulently or intentionally misrepresents or fails to disclose information required under G.S. 48-3-205 or Article 9 of this Chapter. (1995, c. 457, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48 - Adoptions › Article 10 - Prohibited Practices in Connection with Adoption. › § 48-10-105 - Unauthorized disclosure of information.

§ 48-10-105. Unauthorized disclosure of information.
(a) Except as authorized in G.S. 48-3-205 or in Article 9 of this Chapter, no identifying or nonidentifying information contained in a report or records described therein may be disclosed by present or former employees or officials of the court, an agency, the State, a county, an attorney or other provider of professional services, or any person or entity who wrongfully obtains such a report or records.
(b) A person who knowingly makes an unauthorized disclosure of identifying information is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
(c) The district court may enjoin from further violations any person who makes an unauthorized disclosure.
(d) Notwithstanding the penalties provided in subsection (b) of this section, an individual who is the subject of any of this information may bring a civil action for equitable or monetary relief or both against any person or entity who makes an unauthorized disclosure of the information. (1949, c. 300; 1957, c. 778, s. 7; 1961, c. 186; 1969, c. 982; 1973, c. 476, s. 138; 1979, c. 739, ss. 1, 2; 1981, c. 924, ss. 2, 3; 1983, c. 454, s. 6; 1993, c. 539, s. 411; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1995, c. 457, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48A - Minors › Article 1 - Age of Majority. › § 48A-1 - Common-law definition of "minor" abrogated.

§ 48A-1. Common-law definition of "minor" abrogated.
The common-law definition of minor insofar as it pertains to the age of the minor is hereby repealed and abrogated. (1971, c. 585, s. 1; 2003-207, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48A - Minors › Article 1 - Age of Majority. › § 48A-3 - Statute of limitations; applicability.

§ 48A-3. Statute of limitations; applicability.
For purposes of determining the applicability of the statute of limitations which has been tolled because of minority or for purposes of determining the applicable period of time for disaffirmance of a contract of a minor upon reaching majority, because of a change in applicable law occasioned by enactment of this Chapter or Chapter 1231 of the 1971 Session Laws, the following rules shall apply:
(1) For those persons who were 21 on the effective date of applicable law, limitations shall apply as they would prior to amendment;
(2) For those persons 18 years of age but not 21 on the effective date of applicable law, any time periods for disaffirmance or application of the statute of limitations shall run from the effective date of this Chapter, to wit, July 5, 1971.
(3) For those persons not yet 18, any time periods for disaffirmance or application of the statute of limitations shall run from the person's reaching age 18. (1971, c. 1231, s. 3; 2003-207, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48A - Minors › Article 1 - Age of Majority. › § 48A-4 - Certain minors competent to contract.

§ 48A-4. Certain minors competent to contract.
A minor who is 16 years of age or older and who is in the legal custody of the county department of social services shall be qualified and competent to contract for the purchase of an automobile insurance policy with the consent of the court with continuing jurisdiction over the minor's placement under G.S. 7B-1000(b). The minor shall be responsible for paying the costs of the insurance premiums and shall be liable for damages caused by the minor's negligent operation of a motor vehicle. No State or local government agency, foster parent, or entity providing services to the minor under contract or at the direction of a State or local government agency shall be responsible for paying any insurance premiums or liable for damages of any kind as a result of the operation of a motor vehicle by the minor. (2015-135, s. 4.1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48A - Minors › Article 2 - Certain Contracts of Minors. › § 48A-11 - Applicability.

§ 48A-11. Applicability.
This Article applies to any of the following contracts entered into between an unemancipated minor and any third party or parties:
(1) A contract pursuant to which a person is employed or agrees to render artistic or creative services, either directly or through a third party, including, but not limited to, a personal services corporation or loan-out company. As used in this Article, the term "artistic or creative services" includes, but is not limited to, services as an actor, actress, dancer, musician, comedian, singer, stunt person, voice-over artist, or other performer or entertainer, or as a songwriter, musical producer or arranger, writer, director, producer, production executive, choreographer, composer, conductor, or designer.
(2) A contract pursuant to which a person agrees to purchase, or otherwise secure, sell, lease, license, or otherwise dispose of literary, musical, or dramatic properties, or use of a person's likeness, voice recording, performance, or story of or incidents in his or her life, either tangible or intangible, or any rights therein for use in motion pictures, television, the production of sound recordings in any format now known or hereafter devised, the legitimate or living stage, or otherwise in the entertainment field.
(3) A contract pursuant to which a person is employed or agrees to render services as a participant or player in a sport.
(4) Where a minor renders services as an extra, background performer, or in a similar capacity, through an agency or service that provides one or more performers for a fee, such as a casting agency, the agency or service shall be considered the minor's employer for the purposes of this Article. (2003-207, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48A - Minors › Article 2 - Certain Contracts of Minors. › § 48A-12 - No disaffirmance if approved by superior court.

§ 48A-12. No disaffirmance if approved by superior court.
(a) A contract, otherwise valid, of a type described in G.S. 48A-11, entered into during minority, cannot be disaffirmed on that ground either during the minority of the person entering into the contract, or at any time thereafter, if the contract has been approved by the superior court in any county in which the minor resides or is employed or in which any party to the contract has its principal office in this State for the transaction of business.
(b) Approval of the court may be given on petition of any party to the contract, after reasonable notice to all other parties to the contract as is fixed by the court, with opportunity to the other parties to appear and be heard.
(c) Approval of the court given under this section extends to the whole of the contract and all of its terms and provisions, including, but not limited to, any optional or conditional provisions contained in the contract for extension, prolongation, or termination of the term of the contract.
(d) For the purposes of any proceeding under this Article, a parent or legal guardian, as the case may be, entitled to the physical custody, care, and control of the minor at the time of the proceeding shall be considered the minor's guardian ad litem for the proceeding, unless the court shall determine that appointment of a different individual as guardian ad litem is required in the best interests of the minor. (2003-207, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48A - Minors › Article 2 - Certain Contracts of Minors. › § 48A-13 - Copies of certain documents to be provided.

§ 48A-13. Copies of certain documents to be provided.
A parent or guardian, as the case may be, entitled to the physical custody, care, and control of a minor, who enters into a contract of a type described in G.S. 48A-11 shall provide a certified copy of the minor's birth certificate indicating the minor's minority to the other party or parties to the contract and in addition, in the case of a guardian, a certified copy of the court document appointing the person as the minor's legal guardian. (2003-207, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48A - Minors › Article 2 - Certain Contracts of Minors. › § 48A-17 - Talent agency contracts.

§ 48A-17. Talent agency contracts.
(a) As used in this Article, the term "talent agency" means a person or corporation who engages in the occupation of procuring, offering, promising, or attempting to procure employment or engagements for an artist or artists. Talent agencies may, in addition, counsel or direct artists in the development of their professional careers.
(b) As used in this Article, the term "artists" means actors and actresses rendering services on the legitimate stage and in the production of motion pictures, radio artists, musical artists, musical organizations, directors of legitimate stage, motion picture and radio productions, musical directors, writers, cinematographers, composers, lyricists, arrangers, models, and other artists and persons rendering professional services in motion picture, theatrical, radio, television, and other entertainment enterprises. (2003-207, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 48A - Minors › Article 2 - Certain Contracts of Minors. › § 48A-18 - Disaffirmance of talent agency contracts.

§ 48A-18. Disaffirmance of talent agency contracts.
A minor cannot disaffirm a contract, otherwise valid, entered into during minority, either during the actual minority of the minor entering into the contract or at any time thereafter, with a talent agency as defined in G.S. 48A-17, to secure engagements to render artistic or creative services in motion pictures, television, the production of phonograph records, the legitimate or living stage, or otherwise in the entertainment field including, but without being limited to, services as an actor, actress, dancer, musician, comedian, singer, or other performer or entertainer, or as a writer, director, producer, production executive, choreographer, composer, conductor, or designer, where the contract has been approved by the superior court of the county where such minor resides or is employed. This approval may be given by the superior court on the petition of either party to the contract after reasonable notice to the other party thereto as may be fixed by said court, with opportunity to the other party to appear and be heard. (2003-207, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 49 - Children Born Out of Wedlock › Article 1 - Support of Children Born Out of Wedlock. › § 49-2 - Nonsupport of child born out of wedlock by parents made misdemeanor.

§ 49-2. Nonsupport of child born out of wedlock by parents made misdemeanor.
Any parent who willfully neglects or who refuses to provide adequate support and maintain his or her child born out of wedlock shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. A child within the meaning of this Article shall be any person less than 18 years of age and any person whom either parent might be required under the laws of North Carolina to support and maintain if the child were the legitimate child of the parent. (1933, c. 228, s. 1; 1937, c. 432, s. 1; 1939, c. 217, ss. 1, 2; 1951, c. 154, s. 1; 1977, c. 3, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 414; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2013-198, s. 17.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 49 - Children Born Out of Wedlock › Article 1 - Support of Children Born Out of Wedlock. › § 49-3 - Place of birth of child no consideration.

§ 49-3. Place of birth of child no consideration.
The provisions of this Article shall apply whether such child shall have been begotten or shall have been born within or without the State of North Carolina: Provided, that the child to be supported is a bona fide resident of this State at the time of the institution of any proceedings under this Article. (1933, c. 228, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 49 - Children Born Out of Wedlock › Article 1 - Support of Children Born Out of Wedlock. › § 49-4 - When prosecution may be commenced.

§ 49-4. When prosecution may be commenced.
The prosecution of the reputed father of a child born out of wedlock may be instituted under this Chapter within any of the following periods, and not thereafter:
(1) Three years next after the birth of the child; or
(2) Where the paternity of the child has been judicially determined within three years next after its birth, at any time before the child attains the age of 18 years; or
(3) Where the reputed father has acknowledged paternity of the child by payments for the support thereof within three years next after the birth of the child, three years from the date of the last payment whether the last payment was made within three years of the birth of the child or thereafter: Provided, the action is instituted before the child attains the age of 18 years.
The prosecution of the mother of a child born out of wedlock may be instituted under this Chapter at any time before 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; 2013-198, s. 18.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 49 - Children Born Out of Wedlock › Article 1 - Support of Children Born Out of Wedlock. › § 49-5 - Prosecution; death of mother no bar; determination of fatherhood.

§ 49-5. Prosecution; death of mother no bar; determination of fatherhood.
Proceedings under this Article may be brought by the mother or her personal representative or, if the child is likely to become a public charge, the director of social services or such person as by law performs the duties of such official in said county where the mother resides or the child is found. Proceedings under this Article may be brought in the county where the mother resides or is found, or in the county where the putative father resides or is found, or in the county where the child is found. The fact that the child was born outside of the State of North Carolina shall not be a bar to proceedings against the putative father in any county where he resides or is found, or in the county where the mother resides or the child is found. The death of the mother shall in no wise affect any proceedings under this Article. Preliminary proceedings under this Article to determine the paternity of the child may be instituted prior to the birth of the child but when the judge or court trying the issue of paternity deems it proper, he may continue the case until the woman is delivered of the child. When a continuance is granted, the courts shall recognize the person accused of being the father of the child with surety for his appearance, either at the next session of the court or at a time to be fixed by the judge or court granting a continuance, which shall be after the delivery of the child. (1933, c. 228, s. 4; 1961, c. 186; 1969, c. 982; 1971, c. 1185, s. 18; 1981, c. 599, s. 13.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 49 - Children Born Out of Wedlock › Article 1 - Support of Children Born Out of Wedlock. › § 49-6 - Mother not excused on ground of self-incrimination; not subject to penalty.

§ 49-6. Mother not excused on ground of self-incrimination; not subject to penalty.
No mother of a child born out of wedlock shall be excused, on the ground that it may tend to incriminate her or subject her to a penalty or a forfeiture, from attending and testifying, in obedience to a subpoena of any court, in any suit or proceeding based upon or growing out of the provisions of this Article, but no such mother shall be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing as to which, in obedience to a subpoena and under oath, she may so testify. (1933, c. 228, s. 5; 1939, c. 217, s. 5; 2013-198, s. 19.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 49 - Children Born Out of Wedlock › Article 1 - Support of Children Born Out of Wedlock. › § 49-7 - Issues and orders.

§ 49-7. Issues and orders.
The court before which the matter may be brought shall determine whether or not the defendant is a parent of the child on whose behalf the proceeding is instituted. After this matter has been determined in the affirmative, the court shall proceed to determine the issue as to whether or not the defendant has neglected or refused to provide adequate support and maintain the child who is the subject of the proceeding. After this matter has been determined in the affirmative, the court shall fix by order, subject to modification or increase from time to time, a specific sum of money necessary for the support and maintenance of the child, subject to the limitations of G.S. 50-13.10. The amount of child support shall be determined as provided in G.S. 50-13.4(c). The order fixing the sum shall require the defendant to pay it either as a lump sum or in periodic payments as the circumstances of the case may appear to the court. The social security number, if known, of the minor child's parents shall be placed in the record of the proceeding. Compliance by the defendant with any or all of the further provisions of this Article or the order or orders of the court requiring additional acts to be performed by the defendant shall not be construed to relieve the defendant of his or her responsibility to pay the sum fixed or any modification or increase thereof.
The court before whom the matter may be brought, on motion of the State or the defendant, shall order that the alleged-parent defendant, the known natural parent, and the child submit to any blood tests and comparisons which have been developed and adapted for purposes of establishing or disproving parentage and which are reasonably accessible to the alleged-parent defendant, the known natural parent, and the child. The results of those blood tests and comparisons, including the statistical likelihood of the alleged parent's parentage, if available, shall be admitted in evidence when offered by a duly qualified, licensed practicing physician, duly qualified immunologist, duly qualified geneticist or other duly qualified person. The evidentiary effect of those blood tests and comparisons and the manner in which the expenses therefor are to be taxed as costs shall be as prescribed in G.S. 8-50.1. In addition, if a jury tries the issue of parentage, they shall be instructed as set out in G.S. 8-50.1. From a finding on the issue of parentage against the alleged-parent defendant, the alleged-parent defendant has the same right of appeal as though he or she had been found guilty of the crime of willful failure to support a child born out of wedlock. (1933, c. 228, s. 6; 1937, c. 432, s. 2; 1939, c. 217, ss. 1, 4; 1944, c. 40; 1947, c. 1014; 1971, c. 1185, s. 19; 1975, c. 449, s. 3; 1977, c. 3, s. 2; 1979, c. 576, s. 2; 1987, c. 739, s. 1; 1989, c. 529, s. 6; 1997-433, s. 4.1; 1998-17, s. 1; 2013-198, s. 20.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 49 - Children Born Out of Wedlock › Article 1 - Support of Children Born Out of Wedlock. › § 49-8 - Power of court to modify orders, suspend sentence, etc.

§ 49-8. Power of court to modify orders, suspend sentence, etc.
Upon the determination of the issues set out in G.S. 49-7 and for the purpose of enforcing the payment of the sum fixed, the court is hereby given discretion, having regard for the circumstances of the case and the financial ability and earning capacity of the defendant and his or her willingness to cooperate, to make an order or orders upon the defendant and to modify such order or orders from time to time as the circumstances of the case may in the judgment of the court require subject to the limitations of G.S. 50-13.10. The order or orders made in this regard may include any or all of the following alternatives:
(1) Repealed By Session Laws 1994, Extra Session, c. 14, s. 35.
(2) Suspend sentence and continue the case from term to term;
(3) Release the defendant from custody on probation conditioned upon the defendant's compliance with the terms of the probation and the payment of the sum fixed for the support and maintenance of the child;
(4) Order the defendant to pay to the mother of the said child the necessary expenses of birth of the child and suitable medical attention for her;
(5) Require the defendant to sign a recognizance with good and sufficient security, for compliance with any order which the court may make in proceedings under this Article. (1933, c. 228, s. 7; 1939, c. 217, s. 6; 1987, c. 739, s. 2; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 14, s. 35.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 49 - Children Born Out of Wedlock › Article 1 - Support of Children Born Out of Wedlock. › § 49-9 - Bond for future appearance of defendant.

§ 49-9. Bond for future appearance of defendant.
At the preliminary hearing of any case arising under this Article it shall be the duty of the court, if it finds reasonable cause for holding the accused for a further hearing, to require a bond in the sum of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00), conditioned upon the reappearance of the accused at the further hearing under this Article. This bond and all other bonds provided for in this Article shall be justified before, and approved by, the court or the clerk thereof. (1933, c. 228, s. 8.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 49 - Children Born Out of Wedlock › Article 2 - Legitimation of Children Born Out of Wedlock. › § 49-10 - Legitimation.

§ 49-10. Legitimation.
The putative father of any child born out of wedlock, whether such father resides in North Carolina or not, may apply by a verified written petition, filed in a special proceeding in the superior court of the county in which the putative father resides or in the superior court of the county in which the child resides, praying that such child be declared legitimate. The mother, if living, and the child shall be necessary parties to the proceeding, and the full names of the father, mother and the child shall be set out in the petition. A certified copy of a certificate of birth of the child shall be attached to the petition. If it appears to the court that the petitioner is the father of the child, the court may thereupon declare and pronounce the child legitimated; and the full names of the father, mother and the child shall be set out in the court order decreeing legitimation of the child. The clerk of the court shall record the order in the record of orders and decrees and it shall be cross-indexed under the name of the father as plaintiff or petitioner on the plaintiff's side of the cross-index, and under the name of the mother, and the child as defendants or respondents on the defendants' side of the cross-index. (Code, s. 39; Rev., s. 263; C.S., s. 277; 1947, c. 663, s. 1; 1971, c. 154; 1977, c. 83, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 49 - Children Born Out of Wedlock › Article 2 - Legitimation of Children Born Out of Wedlock. › § 49-11 - Effects of legitimation.

§ 49-11. Effects of legitimation.
The effect of legitimation under G.S. 49-10 shall be to impose upon the father and mother all of the lawful parental privileges and rights, as well as all of the obligations which parents owe to their lawful issue, and to the same extent as if said child had been born in wedlock, and to entitle such child by succession, inheritance or distribution, to take real and personal property by, through, and from his or her father and mother as if such child had been born in lawful wedlock. In case of death and intestacy, the real and personal estate of such child shall descend and be distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act as if he had been born in lawful wedlock. (Code, s. 40; Rev., s. 264; C.S., s. 278; 1955, c. 540, s. 2; 1959, c. 879, s. 10; 1963, c. 1131.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 49 - Children Born Out of Wedlock › Article 2 - Legitimation of Children Born Out of Wedlock. › § 49-12 - Legitimation by subsequent marriage.

§ 49-12. Legitimation by subsequent marriage.
When the mother of any child born out of wedlock and the reputed father of such child shall intermarry or shall have intermarried at any time after the birth of such child, the child shall, in all respects after such intermarriage be deemed and held to be legitimate and the child shall be entitled, by succession, inheritance or distribution, to real and personal property by, through, and from his father and mother as if such child had been born in lawful wedlock. In case of death and intestacy, the real and personal estate of such child shall descend and be distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act as if he had been born in lawful wedlock. (1917, c. 219, s. 1; C.S., s. 279; 1947, c. 663, s. 2; 1955, c. 540, s. 3; 1959, c. 879, s. 11.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 49 - Children Born Out of Wedlock › Article 2 - Legitimation of Children Born Out of Wedlock. › § 49-12.1 - Legitimation when mother married.

§ 49-12.1. Legitimation when mother married.
(a) The putative father of a child born to a mother who is married to another man may file a special proceeding to legitimate the child. The procedures shall be the same as those specified by G.S. 49-10, except that the spouse of the mother of the child shall be a necessary party to the proceeding and shall be properly served. A guardian ad litem shall be appointed to represent the child if the child is a minor.
(b) The presumption of legitimacy can be overcome by clear and convincing evidence.
(c) The parties may enter a consent order with the approval of the clerk of superior court. The order entered by the clerk shall find the facts and declare the proper person the father of the child and may change the surname of the child after determination that the change is in the best interests of the child.
(d) The effect of legitimation under this section shall be the same as provided by G.S. 49-11.
(e) A certified copy of the order of legitimation under this section shall be sent by the clerk of superior court under his official seal to the State Registrar of Vital Statistics who shall make a new birth certificate bearing the full name of the father of the child and, if ordered by the clerk after determination that the change is in the best interests of the child, changing the surname of the child. (1991, c. 667, s. 2; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1030, s. 15; 1997-433, s. 4.9; 1998-17, s. 1; 2019-42, s. 1.)