Paternity Actions Explained

A legal action brought to determine a parent-child relationship is known as a paternity action. A paternity action will result in a court decree establishing the relationship and ordering custody, support, and/or visitation of the child involved as necessary. Such an action may be brought at any point after conception, even before the child is born in order to obtain help paying for pregnancy and birth-related expenses.

If paternity is admitted, then an agreement to that effect is drawn up and signed by both parents, but if paternity is denied, then the father can be ordered by the court to take a paternity test. The paternity test generally admitted by California courts is the HLA tissue test. This test involves taking blood samples from both parents and matching genetic factors to the child's blood. Results are highly accurate and are typically accepted by the courts.

Issues of custody, support, and visitation are resolved after paternity is established. If a written agreement cannot be reached by both parents, then the court will make the necessary orders.

If you are facing paternity or other family law issues, talk with Los Angeles family law attorney who can help you weigh your legal options by contacting Claery & Green!