How To Establish Paternity in California – Complete Guide
Establishing paternity in California can help mothers, fathers, and children alike by establishing legal rights and responsibilities for parents, ensuring a child is cared for. If you are a single mother, a suspected father, or are experiencing doubts about whether you are biologically related to the child you are raising, understanding how to establish paternity in California can make an immense difference in your situation.
The Goldberg Legal Group Can Help
Over the past 18 years, The Goldberg Legal Group has helped countless parents across California establish paternity. We understand how complex cases like these can become, which is why we leverage our extensive family law knowledge, negotiation skills, and local court insight to help you achieve the outcome you need. We work hard to protect our clients from unnecessary stress and confusion by guiding them every step of the way, as well as advocating on their behalf.
Let us show you how to establish paternity in California and build a brighter future for you and your child today.
Common Reasons for Establishing Paternity in California
There are a variety of reasons a mother or father in California may want to establish paternity. Common reasons include:
- Seeking Child Support: In 2023, an estimated 40% of all United States babies were born to unmarried women. If you are a single mother looking for child support, establishing paternity can help you pursue child support payments and ensure you can care for your child the way they deserve.
- Seeking Custody Rights: In accordance with Family Code § 3040, both parents are equally entitled to pursue custody of their child in the state of California. If you suspect that you are the father of a child and wish to seek custody or gain visitation rights with the child, establishing paternity is typically the first step you will need to complete in order to do so.
- Uncertainty: One study performed in 2022 examined data from a large group of men, only to determine that approximately 11% were not the biological fathers of the child they had been caring for. If you suspect you may not truly be your child’s biological parent and wish to get answers, establishing paternity can bring you clarity and help you determine future steps.
How to Establish Paternity in California
In the Golden State, there are two main ways that a couple or an individual can try to establish paternity: a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage, or “VDOP”, or a court petitioned parentage case.
- Voluntary Declaration of Parentage
If both parents are in agreement to pursue a paternity test, then it is considered a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage. This is the most straightforward option, and it can be completed by filing a CS-909 form from your Local Child Support Agency (LCSA), the California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS), or from the hospital. - Petitioning the Court
Unfortunately, not all paternity cases are that simple. Sometimes, mothers may seek to prove paternity against the potential father’s will in order to pursue child support. Other times, a father may wish to be involved in the life of a child he believes to be his own, but the mother refuses to establish paternity. Regardless of your reasoning, you can still petition the court to establish official paternity.You will likely need to participate in or request genetic testing to prove that a child is related to their father. If a father or mother does not agree to a test, the court may mandate one if it believes the case is valid. Based on the outcome of the DNA test, a judge can then issue an order that establishes paternity. This can open up opportunities for child visitation, pursuing child support, and even child custody.
Hire a Paternity Lawyer in California
When you hire a paternity lawyer from The Goldberg Legal Group, you can benefit from our comprehensive knowledge of family law, insight into how local courts operate, and our extensive resources. We have helped parents around the state establish paternity and secure child support, custody, and other visitation rights. Whether you’re a single mother looking for help or a father looking to play a role in his child’s life, The Goldberg Legal Group is here to help.
FAQs About Paternity in CA
Can I Represent Myself in a Paternity Case in California?
While you can represent yourself in a paternity case, it is highly advised that you hire an experienced family lawyer who has knowledge of paternity laws in California. Paternity cases are often complex and require strong evidence and negotiation skills to ensure you can fight for the parental rights you deserve. Working with a lawyer ensures you don’t make unnecessary mistakes and gives you an advocate who can fight for you during proceedings.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Paternity Lawyer in California?
The cost of hiring a paternity lawyer tends to vary case by case in the state of California due to the unique impact that several common variables may have on your overall price. These variables typically include the length of time it takes to establish paternity, the level of complexity your case presents, and who you hire to represent you.
Will I Need to Pay Child Support If a DNA Test Proves I’m the Father of a Child in California?
If a DNA test proves that you are the father of a child in California, you will not automatically be required to pay child support to the child’s mother. It is important to note, however, that it is likely she will seek child support from you shortly after paternity is established, but until it is an official court order, you are not legally required to make set payments
How Long Will My Paternity Case Take to Resolve in California?
The amount of time it takes to establish paternity tends to vary in California. The length of your case is typically influenced by the availability of all parties involved, the schedule of your local courthouse, how busy the DNA testing company is, how complicated your case may be, and more.
Dedicated Orange County Paternity Lawyers
Establishing paternity can make a difference in a mother’s, father’s, and child’s life. Contact The Goldberg Legal Group today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you establish paternity in California.
