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

A child support hearing officer who is properly qualified and designated under this Article has the following authority and responsibilities in all child support cases:

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

(2)        To take testimony and establish a record;

(3)        To evaluate evidence and make decisions regarding the establishment or enforcement of child support orders;

(4)        To accept and approve voluntary acknowledgements of support liability and stipulated agreements setting the amount of support obligations;

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

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

(7)        To enter temporary child support orders pending the resolution of unusual or complicated issues by a district court judge;

(8)        To enter default orders; and

(9)        To subpoena witnesses and documents.

(1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 993, s. 1.)