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HomeFamily CodeDiv. 12Pt. 2Ch. 3§ 7574 Voluntary Parentage Declaration Form

§ 7574 Voluntary Parentage Declaration Form

Family Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 7574 Voluntary Parentage Declaration Form

Key Takeaways

  • •A special form is used to say who the parents of a child are when they aren't married.
  • •Both parents must sign the form, saying they agree to be the child's legal parents.
  • •Once signed, it's hard to change your mind—you only have 2 years to challenge it.
  • •The form includes details like the child's name, birth date, and who witnessed the signing.

Example

A couple who aren't married has a baby. They want both names on the birth certificate.

They fill out and sign the voluntary declaration form, saying they are the parents. After signing, they can't easily take it back—they have to follow the rules if they want to challenge it later.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 7574 Voluntary Parentage Declaration Form

(a) The voluntary declaration of parentage shall be executed on a form developed by the Department of Child Support Services in consultation with the State Department of Public Health and groups addressing child support, child custody, assisted reproduction issues, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights. (b) The form described in subdivision (a) shall contain, at a minimum, all of the following: (1) The name and the signature of the woman who gave birth to the child. (2) The name and the signature of the person seeking to establish parentage. (3) The name of the child. (4) The date of birth of the child. (5) For a voluntary declaration of parentage signed pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 7573, all of the following: (A) A statement by the woman who gave birth that the woman is unmarried and understands the written materials described in Section 7572, that the person who is signing the voluntary declaration of parentage is the only possible genetic parent other than the woman who gave birth, that the woman who gave birth consents to the establishment of parentage by the genetic parent signing the voluntary declaration of parentage, and that the woman who gave birth understands that a challenge by a signatory to a valid declaration of parentage is permitted only under limited circumstances and is barred two years after the effective date of the declaration. (B) A statement by the person signing the voluntary declaration of parentage that the person has read and understands the written materials described in Section 7572, understands that by signing the voluntary declaration of parentage the person is waiving rights as described in the written materials, that the person is the genetic parent of the child, that the person consents to the establishment of parentage by signing the voluntary declaration of parentage, that the person is assuming all the rights and responsibilities of a parent and wishes to be named on the child’s birth certificate, and that the person understands that a challenge by a signatory to a valid declaration of parentage is permitted only under limited circumstances and is barred two years after the effective date of the declaration. (6) For a voluntary declaration of parentage signed pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 7573, all of the following: (A) A statement by the woman who gave birth that the woman has read and understands the written materials described in Section 7572, that the person who is signing the voluntary declaration of parentage is the intended parent of a child conceived through assisted reproduction, that the woman who gave birth consents to the establishment of parentage by the other person signing the voluntary declaration of parentage, and that the woman who gave birth understands that a challenge by a signatory to a valid declaration of parentage is permitted only under limited circumstances and is barred two years after the effective date of the declaration. (B) A statement that the person seeking to establish parentage has read and understands the written materials described in Section 7572, understands that by signing the voluntary declaration of parentage the person is waiving rights as described in the written materials, that the person is the intended parent of the child conceived through assisted reproduction, that the person consents to the establishment of parentage by signing the voluntary declaration of parentage, that the person is assuming all the rights and responsibilities of a parent and wishes to be named on the child’s birth certificate, and that the person understands that a challenge by a signatory to a valid declaration of parentage is permitted only under limited circumstances and is barred two years after the effective date of the declaration. (7) The name and the signature of the person who witnesses the signing of the declaration. (Amended (as added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 876, Sec. 36) by Stats. 2019, Ch. 115, Sec. 84. (AB 1817) Effective January 1, 2020.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

declarationmarriedhealthnetcustodyportconsultationstatement

Related Statutes

  • § 7573 Voluntary Parentage Declaration
  • § 7572 Parentage Declaration Materials
  • § 20034 Attorney-Mediator Support Disputes
  • § 6751 Minor Contract Court Approval
  • § 6930 Minor Consent For Abuse Care

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Family Code. Section 7574.
View Official Source