Below is a link which might answer some of your questions about NC laws.

Suggest you look for indentures for George and Elizabeth - they may have been indentured to the Olive(r) family.

North Carolina State archives has:
Apprentice Bonds and Records: Includes volumes and boxes of apprentice bonds (or indentures), arranged chronologically. Other papers may include petitions for apprenticeship, petitions for "freedom dues" upon the completion of an apprenticeship, and civil and criminal actions concerning masters or wards.

Bastardy Bonds and Records: Includes volumes and boxes of bastardy bonds, arranged chronologically. Other papers may include presentments against and examinations of unwed mothers and mothers-to-be, warrants to bring the putative fathers to court, and receipts for payments made on behalf of bastard children.

http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/Archives/records_county.htm

Denise