Divorce Attorneys Lawyers Los Angeles
Establishing Parentage (Paternity) - This action is filed by an unmarried mother or by
an unmarried father who have minor children together. Through this action, the Court will
determine paternity (or non-paternity if the father is found not to be the biological father of
the minor children), and make custody and visitation as well as child support orders.

Once an action is filed by a Petitioner, the other party, Respondent, must be personally
served with specific paperwork. If the Respondent fails to file the necessary responding
paperwork within thirty (30) days of service, the Petitioner may request the entry of default.
Once the default is entered, the Petitioner can complete the paternity proceeding without
the participation of the Respondent.

If the Respondent files the necessary responding paperwork, the case will then proceed as
either a contested matter or an uncontested matter. The action is considered contested if
the parties are unable to agree on some or all issues and the unresolved issues must be
resolved by the Court. The action is considered uncontested if the parties are able to
cooperate and agree on all issues outside of Court and the matter can proceed to its
conclusion by submitting the necessary signed paperwork for the Court's signature.


Parentage Links

Alameda County Question and Answer Handbook for Noncustodial Parents: A question
and answer resource on paternity establishment and child support
Prepared by Center on Fathers, Families, and Public Policy.

Establishing Paternity  (PDF)
Section of the Child Support Handbook published by the California Department of Child
Support Services.

LawHelpCalifornia Paternity
Links to information on the rights and responsibilities of incarcerated parents, how to
establish parentage and more. (Select your county or enter your zip code for information
specific to the area that you live in.)




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