FL-200 Guidance: Petition to Establish Paternity (California)

The FL-200 form, known as the Petition to Determine Parental Relationship, is essential in specific legal situations surrounding family law in California. This form is typically used when someone seeks legal recognition or disavowal of parental responsibilities or rights, particularly concerning child custody, child support, or visitation orders. - **Triggering Events:** - The birth of a child when parents are not married or do not have a formal parental relationship established legally. - Situations where there is a dispute over who the legal parents of a child are, warranting court intervention to clarify and establish parental relationships. - Instances requiring official court orders to determine or change current parental rights and responsibilities. Prior to filing this form, individuals might have completed a voluntary declaration of parentage, seeking to establish parental rights amicably without court involvement. However, when agreements can't be reached voluntarily, the use of FL-200 becomes necessary, often accompanied by other documents like the UCCJEA declaration to ensure the child's best interest in custody and support cases.