In California, the parentage of any children must be legally established for a court to make rulings on custody, visitation, or child support, Parentage cases (also known as paternity cases) are cases in which the court is asked to make an order declaring who a child’s legal parents are.

In most instances, establishing parentage isn’t a problem. If a child’s parents were legally married at the time of birth, there are usually no questions about parentage. California state law automatically assumes the married persons are the child’s legal parents. Similarly, if parents are registered domestic partners when a child is born, the law assumes that the domestic partners are the child’s parents.

Situations Where the Parents Weren’t Married When Their Child Was Born

If the parents aren’t married or legal domestic partners at the time of the child’s birth, then parentage will have to be established by the court. This can be accomplished with both parents signing a voluntary declaration of parentage or paternity establishing themselves as the legal parents of the child. The parents can also request the court issue an order or sign an official declaration of parentage or paternity. If the father refuses to admit that he is the parent of a child, the court may order the father, mother, and child to submit to genetic testing.

Establishing Parentage Gives Your Parental Rights

Once a person has established themselves as the mother or father of a child, they will have all the rights and responsibilities of a parent. This includes the right to request custody and visitation orders from the court. The responsibilities of being an established parent include paying child support, as well as half of the uninsured health care costs and half of the child-care costs that result when the custodial parent holds a job or goes to school.

Establishing Parentage is Important for the Child

Establishing parentage is extremely important for a child. In addition to the emotional benefits of knowing who both parents are, it entitles them to several legal rights and privileges, such as:

• • Financial support from both parents;
  • Access to family medical records and history;
  • Family health and life insurance coverage;
  • Inheritance rights from either parent;
  • A birth certificate and other legal documentation that identifies both parents; and
  • The right to receive social security and veteran’s benefits, if available.

Speak to an Upland CA Family Law Attorney About Establishing Parentage

Establishing legal parentage is important when it comes to child custody and visitation rights. It can also provide a child with the legal rights and privileges they rightfully deserve. The laws pertaining to parentage in California can be complicated, especially if the parents aren’t married. To do what’s best for your child, it’s important to seek experienced legal advice.

Torrence L. Howell is an Upland CA family law attorney with extensive experience when it comes to California parentage and paternity laws. His knowledge and expertise can resolve even the most complicated of family law issues.

Contact the offices of Upland CA family law attorney Torrence L. Howell or call us at (909) 920-0908 to schedule a free case evaluation today.