Frequently Asked Questions

About the FL-200 Petition to Establish Paternity

What is the FL-200 Petition to Establish Paternity used for?

The FL-200 Petition to Establish Paternity is a California court form used to legally determine or dispute the parental relationship of a child. It addresses matters such as custody, visitation, and child support when parents are not married or when there is a dispute over parentage.

When should I use form FL-200?

You should use form FL-200 when you need legal recognition or clarification of parental rights and responsibilities, especially in cases involving child custody, support, or visitation where the parents are not married or there is a dispute about parentage.

What are the steps to file form FL-200?

To file form FL-200, you must: 1) Complete the form with all required details, 2) Prepare supporting documents, 3) File with the Superior Court in the appropriate county, 4) Serve the respondent, and 5) Pay the filing fee (fee waivers may be available).

What should I do after filing form FL-200?

After filing, you must serve the respondent with the petition and a blank response form, file a Proof of Service (FL-115), wait for the respondent's reply, and prepare for a court hearing if necessary. Consulting a lawyer is recommended for complex cases.

What are some tips for filling out form FL-200?

Pay close attention to sections like name change requests, child support orders, and parentage details. Attach any voluntary declaration of parentage if available, and provide clear reasons for requests or denials of parentage. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.

What related forms might I need with FL-200?

Common related forms include FL-260 (Petition for Custody and Support of Minor Children), FL-210 (Summons Parentage Custody and Support), FL-105 (UCCJEA), FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration), and FL-115 (Proof of Service).

Where can I download the official FL-200 PDF?

You can download the official FL-200 PDF directly from the California Courts website at this link.

Can Gavel help automate the FL-200 form?

Yes, Gavel provides automation tools to generate the FL-200 form and related documents, streamlining the process for legal professionals and clients. You can build a FL-200 PDF generator using Gavel's platform.

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Yes, Gavel offers a legal template library with pre-built templates and court forms, including the FL-200 and related documents, to help legal professionals get started quickly.

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Table of Contents

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

Use the FL-200 Petition to Establish Paternity form when you need to legally determine or dispute the parental relationship of a child in California, addressing matters such as custody, visitation, and child support. Jump to guide on filling it out.

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The information provided on this website/page is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between the author and any readers or users of this content.

Reviewed By

Carmee Murphy
Attorney
Carmee Murphy graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2002 and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 2005. Ms. Murphy has 20 years of experience in civil litigation. From 2014 to 2017, Ms. Murphy was selected to the New York Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list, and in 2019, selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list. Since 2017, Ms. Murphy has advised and assisted solo practitioners and law firms in civil proceedings in a variety of state and federal jurisdictions.

Tips for filling out form FL-200

When completing form FL-200, pay special attention to these less obvious sections:

Item 11

Name Change Request

Provide the full current and proposed names if requesting a name change. Ensure it complies with any legal standards for name changes under Family Code section 7638.
Item 11

Name Change Request

Provide the full current and proposed names if requesting a name change. Ensure it complies with any legal standards for name changes under Family Code section 7638.
Item 12

Child Support Orders

Understand that a child support order can be issued without further notice. Ensure accurate financial information is provided to affect the calculation of support obligations.
Item 12

Child Support Orders

Understand that a child support order can be issued without further notice. Ensure accurate financial information is provided to affect the calculation of support obligations.
Item 1b

Determine Parentage

If you're seeking to be recognized as a parent, provide specific reasons or circumstances that support your request, like a history of caregiving or recognition by the child.
Item 1c

Denial of Parentage

Clearly state the reasons for not wanting to be recognized as a parent, such as lack of biological connection or acknowledged legal basis to exempt from parental responsibilities.
Item 3b

Jurisdiction Details

If conception occurred in California, it's essential to mention this because it helps establish the court's jurisdiction over the respondent, which is crucial for the case to proceed.
Item 4b

County for Filing

Only check this if a parent is deceased and probate proceedings are relevant in the county, since it can give the court jurisdiction over the matter.
Item 5b

Declaration of Parentage

Attach any voluntary declaration of parentage if available, as it can streamline proceedings by pre-establishing parentage legally.
Item 8d

Visitation Requests

Support your request for visitation rights or parenting time with facts or evidence of your relationship with the child, especially if you've been involved in their life.

What to do after filing form FL-200

1
Serve a copy of the Petition, along with a blank Response to Petition to Determine Parental Relationship (FL-220), on the respondent. This must be done by someone other than you who is over 18 years old.
2
File a Proof of Service of Summons (form FL-115) with the court to verify the respondent has been served. This step confirms the legal requirement that the respondent is properly notified.
3
Wait for a response from the respondent. They have 30 days from the date of service to file a Response to Petition to Determine Parental Relationship (FL-220) with the court.
4
Prepare for a court hearing. If the respondent files a response, the court will schedule a hearing to discuss the matter. Make sure you have all necessary documentation and evidence prepared for the hearing.
5
Consider legal advice. Depending on the complexity of your case, it might be beneficial to consult with a lawyer to guide you through the next steps, especially if the respondent contests the petition.
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