In order for a single mother or father to receive child support, the parentage of the child must first be determined. In the state of California, there are three methods of establishing paternity or parentage. Both unmarried parents can sign a voluntary declaration of paternity either at the time of the child's birth or afterward at specific government agencies. In another situation, either or both parents can request that a local child support agency resolve parentage through genetic testing. Finally, either parent can choose to initiate a court case to establish parentage without the help of an agency. This is a complicated and sometimes lengthy process, and it is advisable that in this circumstance, the filing party attain the services of a lawyer familiar with family law.

1. Establishing Paternity or
Parentage in the State of
California
By Frank O Fox

2. Establishing Paternity or
Parentage in the State of
California
In order for a single mother or father to receive child support, the
parentage of the child must first be determined. In the state of
California, there are three methods of establishing paternity or
parentage. Both unmarried parents can sign a voluntary declaration
of paternity either at the time of the child's birth or afterward at
specific government agencies. In another situation, either or both
parents can request that a local child support agency resolve
parentage through genetic testing. Finally, either parent can choose
to initiate a court case to establish parentage without the help of an
agency. This is a complicated and sometimes lengthy process, and
it is advisable that in this circumstance, the filing party attain the
services of a lawyer familiar with family law.

3. About the Author
As a founding partner of the Law Firm of
Fox and Fox, Frank O Fox is an expert at
handling cases involving family law.