Status of Children Amendment Act 2004

17 Family Proceedings Act 1980 amended
  • Section 51 of the Family Proceedings Act 1980 is amended by repealing subsection (1), and substituting the following subsection:

    • (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.