§ 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.)