Parentage

Parentage is the recognition of a parent’s legal relationship to a child.

Parentage can be established by a court order or may already be established if the parents were married.

Parentage could also be established free of charge without a court order and without opening a case with DCSS through the Parentage Opportunity Program (POP).  See https://childsupport.ca.gov/establishing-legal-parentage/ for more information on completing and filing a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage through POP.

If parentage has not been established, we can help you take the necessary steps to establish parentage.

 
Genetic Testing

Either parent or the local child support agency can request a genetic test if biological proof of paternity is wanted before a man is named the legal father.