Paternity can be established in the following ways. The first is through the voluntary acknowledgment process where a form known as an "Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit" is completed. It can be filled out at the hospital when your child is born, before both parents leave the hospital. It can also be completed at the CSEA or your local Vital Statistics Registar (usually associated with your local health department).

Yes. The paperwork may be filed during pregnancy. If the alleged father denies that he is the father, paternity can be determined by genetic tests after the child is born. If you do not receive aid, you and the other parent may work together with DCSS, on your own or obtain a lawyer to work out an agreement. If the child(ren) receives aid or foster-care payments, DCSS will participate in and sign an agreement.

Both parents sign an “Acknowledgment of Paternity” document that legally establishes paternity. CAUTION! Do not voluntarily acknowledge paternity unless you are sure that you are the father of the child! Your decision has far-reaching affect on your child support obligations and visitation rights and a multitude of choices (schools, religion, and college, medical, dental and so forth) that will have to be made as the child grows up.

An Administrative hearing will be scheduled at our agency to establish a child support order and a medical support order. Parties must bring proof of their income year-to date-, copies of their tax returns for the last three years, proof of expenses for day care and health insurance premiums and copies of birth certificates or child support orders for other biological children. This information is necessary to calculate the amount of child support to be ordered..

Once signed by both parents and witnessed or notarized, this form will have the same binding effect as a court judgment of paternity. However, since signing this form has legal consequences, you may want to consult an attorney before you sign.

Yes. At this conference, you and the alleged father may both agree to sign the acknowledgment of paternity affidavit. Once this happens, each party has 60 days to reconsider and file a notice to rescind their acknowledgment. If no written objections are received during this 60-day period, the paternity action becomes final.

Yes. The county Department of Child Support Services will ask for a genetic test from the court in the other state. Also, a man can sign a Declaration of Paternity voluntarily declaring he is a child’s father even if he lives in another state.

If the alleged father is found and served a formal complaint, the local court will make a decision on the paternity question. At the same time, a court order to pay child support may be issued. This order can be enforced by any state. However, enforcement may take longer when the noncustodial parent lives outside of California.

Establishing paternity as soon as possible ensures that a child is entitled to certain legal rights and privileges.

Assuming the father refuses to sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity, the mother should establish who the legal father is because in order to receive child support from the father or financial assistance from the state. Also, having a legal determination helps establish visitation and custody rights. Note: If the mother fails to cooperate in helping the State establish paternity, the state is likely to decrease the amount of support that it gives her.