N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-35

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.