How to Start a Paternity Action in Los Angeles
How to Start a Paternity Action in Los Angeles
When parents are not married at the time of a child’s birth, California law requires them to legally establish parentage before the courts can issue any orders regarding custody, visitation, or child support. Whether you are seeking to assert your parental rights or protect your child’s access to support and stability, starting a paternity action is often the first legal step—and it's one you shouldn’t take lightly.
At M.C. Law, P.C., we help clients throughout Los Angeles understand the process, navigate the legal system, and fight for the parenting rights they deserve.
What Is a Paternity Action?
A paternity action, also known as a parentage case, is a legal process to determine who the legal parents of a child are. Establishing parentage is essential before a court will issue any orders for:
- Legal custody (decision-making rights)
- Physical custody (where the child lives)
- Visitation schedules
- Child support
Once legal parentage is established, both parents gain equal rights and responsibilities regarding the child—whether or not they were ever in a relationship.
Who Can File a Paternity Case?
In California, either parent may file a Petition to Establish Parental Relationship. Common situations where a parent may want to initiate this legal action include:
- A mother seeking child support from the father
- A father seeking custody or visitation rights
- A parent trying to resolve disputes regarding the child’s legal status
Important: In same-sex parenting situations, if the parents were not married when the child was conceived or born, a paternity action may also be required to establish legal parentage.
The Process of Starting a Paternity Case
- File a Petition
The case begins when one parent files a Petition to Establish Parental Relationship with the family court. - Serve the Other Parent
The responding party must be officially served with the petition and has 30 days to file a Response. - Optional: Request Temporary Orders
During the case, either party may request temporary orders for custody, visitation, or support while the final case is being resolved. - DNA Testing (if necessary)
If paternity is in dispute, the court may order genetic testing to confirm whether the alleged father is the biological parent. Note: At-home or private tests are not admissible—only court-ordered tests are valid. - Final Orders and Judgment
After parentage is legally established, the court can issue final orders addressing custody, visitation, and support.
How M.C. Law, P.C. Can Help
Establishing paternity isn't just about legal recognition—it’s about protecting your relationship with your child. Whether you're seeking visitation, defending your rights, or making sure your child receives the support they need, Attorney Mayasha Christian and the team at M.C. Law, P.C. are here to guide you.
We provide:
- ✅ Strategic legal planning
- ✅ Clear guidance on forms and court procedures
- ✅ Court representation at hearings or mediation
- ✅ Support with DNA testing and filing supporting evidence
If you’re ready to take the first step in your paternity case, we invite you to contact us today.
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