Establishment of Paternity

Establishing paternity is important for both fathers who want to assert their parental rights and mothers seeking child support. California law provides several ways to establish paternity.

Why Establish Paternity?

Establishing paternity provides important benefits:

• Legal recognition of the father-child relationship
• Ability to seek custody and visitation rights
• Child support obligations and rights
• Access to medical history and benefits
• Inheritance rights
• Social Security and veteran’s benefits

Methods of Establishing Paternity

• Voluntary Declaration of Paternity
• Court order based on genetic testing
• Presumption of paternity (marriage)

Our attorneys can help you navigate the paternity establishment process and protect your rights.