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Family Proceedings Act 1980

Children - Determination of paternity

52: Evidence of mother

You could also call this:

"The mother's word is enough to decide who a child's father is."

Illustration for Family Proceedings Act 1980

When you are trying to figure out who a child's father is, the mother does not have to give evidence. If the mother does give evidence, you do not need anyone else to back up what she says to make a paternity order. The court can make a decision based on what the mother says.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM40450.

Topics:
Family and relationships > Children and parenting
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51: Paternity orders, or

"Finding out who a child's father is through a court order"

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53: False statement in application for paternity order, or

"Telling lies when applying for a paternity order can get you in trouble"

Part 5Children
Determination of paternity

52Evidence of mother

  1. The evidence of the mother of a child shall not be necessary for the making of a paternity order in respect of the child.

  2. If the mother of the child gives evidence, no corroboration of her evidence shall be necessary for the making of a paternity order in respect of the child.

Notes
  • Section 52(2): replaced, on , by section 4 of the Family Proceedings Amendment Act 1986 (1986 No 88).