What Paternity Means Under California Law
In California, paternity (also called parentage) is the legal recognition of a father-child relationship. Biological fatherhood and legal fatherhood aren’t the same thing. For unmarried parents, California law doesn’t automatically presume the biological father is the legal father, which means he has no enforceable rights to custody or visitation until paternity is established.
Once paternity is legally established, both parent and child gain standing. The father can seek custody and visitation. The child gains access to benefits from both parents, including health insurance coverage and inheritance rights. The father also takes on the legal obligation to pay child support.
How Paternity Is Established in California
California law provides several paths to establishing paternity, depending on the circumstances of the parents’ relationship.
Routes to legal paternity recognition:
- Marital presumption: Under California Family Code section 7540, a child born during a marriage is presumed to be the husband’s child. This presumption extends to births within 300 days after the marriage ends.
- Statutory presumptions under Family Code section 7611: Additional presumptions apply when a man attempted to marry the mother, is named on the birth certificate with an agreement to support the child, or openly welcomes the child into his home and holds the child out as his own.
- Voluntary Declaration of Parentage: Unmarried parents who agree on the child’s father can sign this document, most commonly at the hospital after birth, though it can also be completed later through a county registrar or the Department of Child Support Services. Once signed and filed, a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage carries the same legal force as a court judgment of paternity.
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Cornell not only fought hard to make sure I received the compensation I deserved, but he also took the time to explain everything in a way I could understand.- Ver M.
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Cornell Hatcher is the best. My divorce case was difficult and other law offices refuse to take the case. Due to its nature of complexity. Mr. Hatcher not only took my case with confidence but also won.
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Cornell took his time to advise me, when he didn't have to do so. He is the kind of individual that makes you feel genuinely confident you have an instant real friend and compassionate expert professional advocate.- Eric S.
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Mr. Hatcher’s promptness and precision in handling emergent situations were remarkable. He was always on top of things, ensuring that no detail was overlooked. His staff was equally impressive, displaying a high level of knowledge.- Keltzey P.
Paternity Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga
From Paternity Through Custody & Support: Over 20 Years of Family Law Experience
Establishing paternity is rarely the end of the legal process. It’s usually the beginning. Custody arrangements, visitation schedules, child support obligations, and parental rights all follow, and those issues are often handled more effectively by an attorney who already knows your case. At Hatcher Law Firm, APC, we handle paternity matters and the family law issues that come next, keeping your representation with one firm from start to finish.
Founding attorney Cornell Hatcher has handled thousands of family law cases over more than 20 years of practice. Martindale-Hubbell recognized him with the Silver Client Champion 2025 award, based on client reviews and legal service excellence. That track record informs how we approach every paternity matter: with the depth of experience that comes from years of handling cases like yours.
If you’re dealing with a paternity matter in Rancho Cucamonga or anywhere in San Bernardino County, call us at (909) 655-5404 to schedule a free consultation and talk through your situation.
Paternity & the Family Law Practice That Follows
Our family law practice covers custody and visitation, child support, parental rights, and fathers’ rights representation. When we help a client establish or contest paternity, we’re already prepared to handle what comes next. You won’t need to bring a new attorney up to speed when the case moves into custody or support proceedings.
We serve family law clients throughout San Bernardino County and the Inland Empire. Whether your paternity matter is uncontested or involves a dispute that may require court intervention, we’re ready to represent you.
Start with a Free Consultation
We offer free initial consultations, available in office or virtually. We also provide Spanish-speaking services and payment plans to make legal representation accessible. Reach us by phone at (909) 655-5404 or through the contact form on our site to get started.
