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California Family Law FAQs

• Q: What Is Paternity?
  A: Paternity means fatherhood. Establishing paternity is the process of determining the legal father of a child. When parents are married, in most cases, paternity is … More
• Q: How Your Children Benefit From Paternity Establishment
  A: Establishing paternity is an important first step in obtaining child support. In addition to providing the basis for obtaining support from the non­custodial … More
• Q: How Paternity Is Established
  A: Paternity is established in court and can be done with or without the father`s assistance. In the process of establishing paternity, the mother may be asked some … More
• Q: What The Fsd Or Local Child Support Agency Needs To Establish Paternity When The Alleged Father Does Not Cooperate
  A: The FSD or local child support agency needs as much information as possible about the alleged father including: Facts about the mother`s relationship with him, her … More
• Q: Paternity Opportunity Program (Pop)
  A: Unmarried new parents may sign a paternity form at the hospital immediately following the birth of their child. This form is called a Declaration of Paternity. Signing … More
• Q: What If He Denies He Is The Father, Or Says He's Not Sure?
  A: Paternity may be determined after genetic tests are given to the mother, the child and the alleged father. Test results are available in approximately four to eight … More
• Q: Is There An Age Limit For The Genetic Tests To Be Done On A Child?
  A: No. Children of any age may be tested, although some laboratories will not take blood from an infant younger than six months of age.
• Q: Despite The Genetic Tests, The Alleged Father Still Says He Is Not The Father. Will The Case Be Closed?
  A: No. If the genetic tests show that it is likely that he is the father, the matter will be set for a hearing or trial and paternity will be decided. If the issue of … More
• Q: What Happens If The Father Leaves The State Before Paternity Is Established?
  A: 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 … More
• Q: Why Should Paternity Be Established If The Father Has No Money To Support The Child?
  A: When the father starts working, he will be able to support the child. Establishing paternity as soon as possible will make collecting child support easier later on.
• Q: What Happens After Paternity Is Established?
  A: Once paternity is established, the FSD or local child support agency will establish a support order, in most cases.

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