Section 51 — Family Proceedings Act 1980: Paternity orders

51 Paternity orders (1) On hearing an application for a paternity order made under section 47 in respect of a child, the Family Court,— (a) must, if it is satisfied that the respondent is the father of the child, make an order declaring that the respondent is the father of the child; and (b) may, if it is satisfied (either on its own initiative or on an application for the purpose by a party to the proceedings) that the respondent is not the father of the child, make an order declaring that the respondent is not the father of the child. (2) For the purposes of proceedings under section 74 of this Act, a paternity order in respect of a child shall be conclusive evidence that the person against whom it is made is the father of the child. Compare: 1968 No 62 ss 51, 52 Subsection (1) was substituted, as from 1 July 2005, by section 17 Status of Children Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 91).