Establishing Parental Relationships

In California, establishing a parental relationship—also known as a parentage action or paternity case—is a legal process used to determine who a child’s legal parents are. This is the foundation for securing custody, visitation, child support, and other parental rights.

If you’re an unmarried parent—or someone who believes you are a child’s biological or legal parent—you must establish parentage before the court can enforce your parental rights or responsibilities.

At Fernandez Family Law, we help mothers, fathers, and guardians across San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Paso Robles, and the entire Central Coast protect their rights, assert their role, and put their children first—legally and emotionally.

How the Parental Relationship Process Works

Here’s how establishing parentage typically works in California:

✅ Step 1: Filing a Petition to Establish Parentage

Either parent (or the local child support agency) can file a Petition to Establish Parental Relationship in Superior Court.

✅ Step 2: Serving the Other Party

The other party must be formally notified and given the opportunity to respond.

✅ Step 3: Voluntary or DNA-Based Determination

• If both parents agree, they can sign a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage.
• If there is disagreement, the court may order DNA testing to determine biological parenthood.

✅ Step 4: Court Orders Legal Parentage

Once parentage is legally established, the court can issue orders for:

• Legal and physical custody
• Visitation schedules
• Child support

✅ Step 5: Enforcement and Future Modifications

Once a parenting plan or support order is in place, we help you enforce it—or modify it as your child’s needs change.

What to Expect Emotionally & Legally During a Parentage Case

Establishing parentage can be emotionally complex and legally sensitive, especially if the relationship between parents is strained—or if the parentage is in dispute.

You may be feeling:

• Worried about being cut out of your child’s life
• Unsure of your rights as an unmarried parent
• Frustrated with lack of support from the other parent
• Conflicted about involving the legal system in a personal matter

Here’s what you can expect from our team:

• Compassionate guidance through every step
• Confidentiality and non-judgmental representation
• A focus on your child’s stability and future
• Aggressive protection of your rights—whether you’re seeking custody or defending against an unfair claim

What Makes Fernandez Family Law Different

We’re not just family law attorneys—we’re parental advocates who understand how important your relationship with your child truly is.

Here’s why parents across the Central Coast trust Fernandez Family Law:

✅ Support Beyond the Court

✅ Local Court Experience – We know the judges, clerks, and procedures in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and surrounding counties.

✅ Parent-Focused Strategy – Whether you’re a mother, father, or guardian, we fight for your role in your child’s life.

✅ Track Record of Results – We’ve helped hundreds of parents establish parentage and build enforceable parenting plans.