Establishing parentage in San Diego — for fathers, mothers, and children.
When parents aren't married at birth, no legal father exists in California's eyes until parentage is established. The process matters whether you're seeking custody, support, or simply your child's right to know.
What you need to know
California parentage is established under the Uniform Parentage Act (Family Code §7600 et seq.) by a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage signed at birth, by court judgment, or by genetic testing. Once established, the parent has full rights and responsibilities — including custody, visitation, and child support.
- A Voluntary Declaration of Parentage signed at the hospital has the same effect as a court judgment.
- Genetic testing under Family Code §7551 is presumed accurate at 99% probability.
- Presumed parent status under §7611 may apply even without a biological link.
- A paternity action establishes the legal foundation for custody and support orders.
- Same-sex couples and assisted reproduction cases follow specific UPA provisions.
Related topics & situations
Establishing Paternity
Voluntary declarations, court orders, and genetic testing.
Disestablishing Paternity
Setting aside an erroneous parentage finding.
Paternity & Custody
Securing father's rights once parentage is established.
Paternity & Child Support
Support orders that follow a parentage judgment.
Presumed Parents
Family Code §7611 presumptions of parentage.
Same-Sex Parentage
Establishing parentage in non-biological cases.
Assisted Reproduction
Donor, surrogacy, and IVF parentage issues.
Putative Father Registry
Protecting your rights in adoption proceedings.
Family Code §7611 establishes presumptions of parentage, including when a person openly holds out a child as their natural child. A Voluntary Declaration of Parentage signed under §7570 has the force and effect of a judgment of parentage and confers all the rights and duties of a parent.
Source: California Family Code & California State Bar guidance. General information only.
Paternity · Parentage — frequently asked questions
How do I establish paternity in California?
What is a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage?
Can I get custody once paternity is established?
Can I disestablish paternity?
How accurate is DNA paternity testing?
What is a presumed parent?
Does signing the birth certificate establish paternity?
Can a child have more than two parents in California?
How does paternity work for same-sex couples?
Can paternity be established after the father's death?
Speak with a San Diego family law attorney today.
Every conversation is private. Most clients leave the first call with a clear sense of what to expect — what California law says, what your case is likely worth, and what to do next.