A parentage case asks a California court to determine a child’s legal parents. FL-200 starts the case, and FL-220 is used to respond. An Orange County parentage case can also address child custody, parenting time, and child support.
FL-200, Petition to Determine Parental Relationship, identifies the child, the parties, and the determinations requested from the court. Filing it begins the case. It does not, by itself, establish legal parentage or create custody and support orders.
FL-220, Response to Petition to Determine Parental Relationship, lets the responding party state their position on the petition and the orders requested. It is filed under the existing case number rather than opening a second case.
The starting paperwork generally includes FL-200, the summons on FL-210, and FL-105, which provides the child’s residence history and information about other custody cases. A response generally includes FL-220 and FL-105.
FL-150, Income and Expense Declaration, is used when financial information is required for child support. Custody attachments and local forms may also be needed, depending on the requests. The parenting plan guide explains common schedule and custody provisions.
After filing, the petition and summons must be properly served with the required accompanying documents. Service is usually completed in person by an adult who is not a party to the case. The proof of service is filed with the court.
The usual response deadline is 30 days after service. A response must also be served on the petitioner, generally by mail through another adult who is not a party, and the proof of service filed. Missing the response deadline can lead to a request for default.
The next steps depend on whether parentage and the requested orders are agreed or disputed. The court must enter the appropriate judgment or orders to finish the case. A Request for Order using FL-300 can ask for orders while the case is pending.
No. FL-220 responds to a parentage petition. A divorce response uses FL-120.
No. Parentage may already be legally established, such as through a valid voluntary declaration or an existing judgment. The paperwork depends on the existing legal status and orders.
Not when the agency serves a Summons and Complaint Regarding Parental Obligations. That type of case generally uses FL-610 as the answer, rather than FL-220.
For related topics, see the guide to family law documents in Orange County. Document preparation information is available on the family law document preparation page.
Get Started