When a child is born to unmarried parents, the child does not have the same rights or access to benefits of their relationship with each parent, as a child born to married parents.

Additionally, the father does not automatically have the legal rights of a parent and will not be named on the birth certificate. 

To establish a legal relationship between a child born to unmarried parents, there are two options:

• sign a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage (VDOP)
• get a court order which legally establishes parentage and pay a fee to amend the birth certificate

Visit Customer Connect to check eligibility and changes effective January 1, 2020

If you have questions, you may call our POP coordinator at 858-650-6522 or email sdpop@sdcounty.ca.gov.

If paternity of the child(dren) is at issue, we provide free genetic (DNA) testing.

To obtain this free service:

• Contact DCSS immediately once you are served with the Summons and Complaint.
• Complete the Answer to Complaint or Supplemental Complaint
• Once the Answer is complete, you must file with the Superior Court Business Office.
• After you file the answer, provide a copy to DCSS so we may set up the genetic testing appointment.

Following the genetic test appointment, you will receive:

• Notice of hearing to establish paternity and support
• Results of the paternity test

If you do not dispute the genetic test results or the child support amount on the proposed judgment, call us today to ask us about a stipulated judgment (agreement).