Paternity & Parentage

Paternity & Parentage in California: Establishing Rights. Defining Responsibilities.

Legal Guidance to Clarify Parent-Child Relationships and Protect What Matters Most

Establishing parentage (also known as paternity) isn’t always as simple as biology or a birth certificate. In California, the law recognizes multiple pathways to becoming a legal parent—and with that status comes both rights and responsibilities. Whether you’re seeking to confirm parentage, contest it, or assert your parental rights, PLBK Law can help you make the right legal play before time runs out.

When Is Parentage Presumed in California?

A person is presumed to be the legal parent of a child if:

  • The child is born during the marriage between that person and the biological mother, or

  • The child is born within 300 days of the marriage ending (by divorce, annulment, or death)

But marriage is not the only way to establish legal parentage.

 

Other Legal Paths to Establish Parentage

You may be recognized as a legal parent if:

  • You signed a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage (VDOP) at the hospital or later

  • You are the biological parent and want to establish legal recognition

  • You were an intended parent in an assisted reproduction case

  • You attempted to marry the child’s biological parent before the birth, even if the marriage was invalid

  • You married the biological parent after the child’s birth and were added to the birth certificate or have treated the child as your own

➡️ The law even allows for more than two legal parents, when it serves the child’s best interest.

 

Voluntary Declaration of Parentage (VDOP): What You Need to Know

A VDOP is a legally binding document that establishes parentage outside of marriage.

Key facts:

  • It can be attached to a court petition to determine parentage

  • If not contested within two years, it carries the same legal weight as a court judgment

  • If you signed one in error or under pressure, seek legal advice immediately—time is critical

 

Contesting or Asserting Parentage

Whether you believe you’ve been wrongly identified as a parent or are being denied your rightful role in your child’s life, PLBK Law can help you:

  • File or respond to a Petition to Establish Parentage

  • Request or contest custody, visitation, or support orders

  • Present evidence of your role in the child’s life

  • Protect your rights while prioritizing the child’s best interest

 

Why Establishing Parentage Matters

Establishing legal parentage allows the court to make decisions on:

  • Custody and visitation

  • Child support

  • Inheritance and benefits rights

  • Health insurance and financial responsibilities

It also provides clarity for the child, both emotionally and legally.

Don’t Let the Clock Run Out

In parentage cases, timing is everything. Waiting too long to act can severely limit your options—or lock you into legal responsibilities you may not have anticipated. Whether you’re seeking to establish, challenge, or understand your legal status as a parent, PLBK Law can help you take control of the process with confidence.

Let’s put your case in motion—schedule your consultation today.

Testimonials

  • Sabrina R.
     I am writing this review as today was the final judgment in my divorce case. I am officially divorced! Thank You to Mr. Mark Patterson. hands down the best Attorney. Mr. Mark as I like to call him is professional, always on time, and knows family law inside and out. When I was looking for an attorney in December of 2021, with my hearing a week out, I interviewed several law firms and not one attorney was willing to take my case with a week’s notice. I called PLBK Law Firm and Mark Patterson returned my call. I didn’t hesitate to retain Mr. Mark as he called with a plan to tackle the first of many hearings in my divorce case. Three years worth to be exact, because of Mr. Mark I walked away from court appearances with tears of joy not once but each and every time. His organizational skills and knowledge of the law is superior and is the reason why I RECEIVED EVERYTHING I WANTED. I highly recommend Mark Patterson
    Sabrina R.
  • Dorota M.
    Mark Patterson is the only attorney I trust. He is the most ethical, honest, compassionate, caring, and understanding attorney that one can hope for. This was evident from the first time I met Mark and I knew that I wasn't just another case on his calendar. I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done and I know that I wouldn't be where I am today without him. Mark has represented me since 2017 on more than one case, including divorce, custody, and out of state move with a minor child. As family court cases are often filled with tremendous amounts of stress, mine included, Mark was never too busy to: answer my questions, explain the law and what it means to my case, and most of all he was always honest with me and never tried to sell me the best outcome. For all that Mark has done over the years, I cannot put into words my gratitude for his dedication to my case. Even though I moved out of state, I will not have it transferred to my state of residence (minor child) because I will not have anyone else represent me other than Mark.
    Dorota M.
  • William W.
    MARK IS THE BEST!!!!! I was in a horrible situation where it looked like I would get completely screwed. I realized about 2 weeks before my court date I could no longer handle this myself and needed an attorney desperately. I interviewed about 10 attorneys and not 1 of them would give me any information or look over my paperwork until I put them on retainer. When I contacted Mark, he never even mentioned the retainer until he spoke to me and got a good feeling about my case and then once he understood it and reviewed my paperwork then he mentioned it. Mark is down to earth, understanding, and most of all he truly cares. He completely changed my life and my kid's life for the better. He's well versed in family matters and it is like watching a movie when he's representing you the way he speaks and carries himself. Its poetry in motion. I can't thank Mark enough.
    William W.
  • Natalie
    I would highly recommend Brenda to anyone facing a family law issue, she truly puts her clients first. Her expertise, guidance and excellent communication skills were invaluable during my divorce. Her professionalism and dedication to my case were exceptional and I’m immensely grateful for the outcome she secured. I hold Brenda in the highest regard. Simply put, she is the best!
    Natalie
  • Aurora
    Brenda has been very professional from day one, but above all, she is a human being who truly cares about the people she helps. A friend recommended her to me, and she was absolutely right. Brenda is dedicated to her work, which is a true passion for her. During my case, she was there, guiding me every step of the way and doing everything possible to help me. Thanks to her efforts, we were able to win my case. I couldn't have found a better lawyer than her. She is so committed to her work that she stood by me until the last day of her pregnancy, ensuring everything was in order.
    Aurora
  • Alayah
    A family friend referred me to Brenda and I am so thankful they did! She helped me out every step of the way and was so knowledgeable and helpful about everything! My case wasn't an easy one and I seriously don't think I could have reached a conclusion to my case without her! I was often stunned to silence by how awesome she was in the courtroom. She always responded in a timely manner and was always available by phone whenever I needed something explained or was freaking out about paperwork and legalese. When the matter has to do with someone as important as your children, Brenda is someone you'll definitely want on your side!
    Alayah
  • Suzanne T.
    Chris Banuelos represented me in my divorce and custody proceedings. Chris is the best. He thoroughly explained everything to me and we planned ahead as much as possible, which made hard things, like writing my declaration to the judge regarding custody, easier to manage. My ex husband is a very high conflict person and Chris helped me with many of the crazy and stressful situations my ex put me and my children through over the past few years. Chris was also able to help me get a fair judgement on both my divorce and custody arrangements. Chris was very honest with me with every situation in which I was facing, and that helped me make decisions regarding my divorce and custody arrangements easier. I've referred friends to Chris because I truly believe he is one of the best attorneys in San Diego. If you are looking for an attorney to assist you with your divorce and/or custody issues, I highly recommend you contact Chris, especially if you have a high conflict ex to deal with.
    Suzanne T.
  • Katherine S.
    Recently, I finished divorce proceedings.  Chris Banuelos was my attorney, and I cannot recommend him enough.  He was thorough, patient, supportive, meticulous, and extremely professional as was the entire PLBK firm.  Chris looked out for my interests while providing terrific advice for me to land in the best possible place.  He's very financially savvy as well as having a deep understanding of the intricacies of family law.  He was also able to explain to me in understandable terms what and why each step of the process was happening.  From our very first meet and greet, Chris understood my situation and priorities and immediately started guiding me on options and next steps.  He was proactive and made sure we met all deadlines on filings and was viewed very positively by the court based on his reputation and professionalism.  When facing any family law situation, Chris will be a trusted advisor and guide for you.
    Katherine S.
  • Juliet G.
    I can give the highest endorsement and recommendation to Christopher Banuelos. He did an amazing job with my divorce, guiding me knowledgeably and informatively at every step of the way. I switched to him midway through when I was not satisfied with my previous attorney, and he quickly remedied some (major!) mistakes that the previous counsel had made. This resulted in me receiving the fair amount of spousal and child support that I was entitled to. My divorce was in Riverside County and I was a little nervous hiring someone from outside the immediate area but that was never an issue and he handled everything perfectly. You can hire Mr. Banuelos and this firm with absolute confidence.
    Juliet G.
  •  D.H.
    Amanda Khiterman is absolutely amazing! She stayed with me for years through my custody journey. Her documents are always professional and very well written. Very impressive! She gets to the point and shows receipts. I feel she was always honest with me. She didn't sugar coat, and would let me know if she wasn't sure what the outcome of a situation would be. She kept me very well informed and she is very knowledgable. I have the utmost confidance in her. When we met, I was timid about everything due to my past experiences. She really helped me gain confidence in myself and my voice. Most importantly, she protected me and my child. I have never recommended an attorney before, but Amanda 100% is worth calling.
    D.H.
  • Kelsey Mae
    I’ll be choosing PLBK Law for all my inevitable custody issues. I have never felt more comfortable with going forward with my case. Thank you all so much!!!
    Kelsey Mae
  • Sharon Myers
    I live in Arizona and my case was in California. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Amanda Khiterman, her professionalism and quick response to all my inquiries made it easy despite the distance. I am happy to say the back child support owed me has been paid in full, and I am very grateful for Amanda's assistance in making this happen. I highly recommend PLBK, LLP!
    Sharon Myers
  • Dorota Migdal
    Mark Patterson is the only attorney I trust. He is the most ethical, honest, compassionate, caring, and understanding attorney that one can hope for. This was evident from the first time I met Mark and I knew that I wasn't just another case on his calendar. I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done and I know that I wouldn't be where I am today without him. Mark has represented me since 2017 on more than one case, including divorce, custody, and out of state move with a minor child. As family court cases are often filled with tremendous amounts of stress, mine included, Mark was never too busy to: answer my questions, explain the law and what it means to my case, and most of all he was always honest with me and never tried to sell me the best outcome. For all that Mark has done over the years, I cannot put into words my gratitude for his dedication to my case. Even though I moved out of state, I will not have it transferred to my state of residence (minor child) because I will not have anyone else represent me other than Mark.
    Dorota Migdal
  • William Wells
    MARK IS THE BEST!!!!! I was in a horrible situation where it looked like I would get completely screwed. I realized about 2 weeks before my court date I could no longer handle this myself and needed an attorney desperately. I interviewed about 10 attorneys and not 1 of them would give me any information or look over my paperwork until I put them on retainer. When I contacted Mark, he never even mentioned the retainer until he spoke to me and got a good feeling about my case and then once he understood it and reviewed my paperwork then he mentioned it. Mark is down to earth, understanding, and most of all he truly cares. He completely changed my life and my kid's life for the better. He's well versed in family matters and it is like watching a movie when he's representing you the way he speaks and carries himself. Its poetry in motion. I can't thank Mark enough.
    William Wells
  • Anthony Ramirez
    I was paying my former spouse over a 5 year period with no end in sight, and I contacted PBLK and Amanda Khiterman and her team stepped in and took my case. Amanda discovered I was overpaying my former spouse and seen how unfair my judgement was. Mrs. Khiterman was able to prove this in court and got me a light at the end of the tunnel. The fees were fair considering what my attorney had to work with. I am so thankful to Amanda and her team. Thank you!!!!
    Anthony Ramirez