How do I collect child support if the father is not legally established?

In California, child support can be collected if the father is not legally established in a few ways. The first is to file a Petition to Establish Parental Relationship, which is also known as a legitimation action. This action is to declare the parent-child relationship between a father and a minor child. The petition must include information about the father and the child and be filed with the Court. The father must also be served with the petition. Once the petition is granted, it establishes a legal relationship between the father and the child, and child support may be ordered. Another way is to seek an Order for Genetic Testing from the Court. The Court may order the father to submit to genetic testing. If the results of the test prove that the man is the father of the child, the Court may then order child support. There is also the option of filing a Complaint for Child Support with the local child support agency in the county where the father lives. The agency will attempt to establish paternity and provide services to collect support. Finally, it is possible to file a Complaint for Custody and Support directly with the Court. A court order can establish paternity and order the father to pay child support. Ultimately, if the father is not legally established and child support is sought, any of these steps may be taken to collect the support he owes.

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How do I collect child support if the father is not legally established?

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