A Voluntary Declaration of Parentage, also called a declaration of paternity or VDOP, is a government form that eligible parents can sign to establish a child’s legal parentage without a court case. A declaration that meets the legal requirements and is filed with the state generally has the same effect as a court judgment establishing parentage.

In California Family Law

A VDOP is often signed at the hospital after a child is born, but it can be signed later. Under Family Code § 7573, the signatures must be witnessed or notarized, and the declaration must be filed with the Department of Child Support Services. Signing alone is not enough.

For example, an unmarried birth parent and the child’s only possible other genetic parent may use a VDOP to establish legal parentage. Certain parents whose children were conceived through assisted reproduction can also qualify. Simply agreeing to be parents does not make everyone eligible.

The declaration creates parental rights and responsibilities. It does not set a custody schedule, parenting time, or a support amount; those may require separate court orders.

Signing also gives up important rights, including a trial on parentage. Cancelling a declaration is subject to deadlines and specific rules. California Courts provides guidance on eligibility and signing and cancelling a VDOP.