California Sex Laws
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Last update: 9/7/2014
Send all corrections, updates and professional opinions to:
director@line-family.info
Why is the California law page longer than any other on this website? Because of California’s influence on the law in the rest of the United States. We have seen this effect in air pollution, environmental, automobile safety and many other laws coming out of California. On page 8 you will find the complete text of Senate Bill 274, Chapter 564 that authorizes California courts to recognize three or more legal parents of a single child.
California authorized same-sex marriages briefly in 2008, and continues to recognize valid same-sex marriages performed either in California or elsewhere during that period.
On May 15, 2008, the Supreme Court of California overturned the ban on same-sex marriage, making California the second state, behind Massachusetts, to allow full marriage rights for same-sex partners. Citing its own 1948 decision that reversed the interracial-marriage ban, the California Supreme Court (in a 4-3 ruling, penned by Chief Justice Ronald George) struck down California's 1977 one-man, one-woman marriage law and a similar voter-approved 2000 law (passed with 61%). The 2006 census indicated that California had an estimated 108,734 same-sex households.[9]
The California Office of Vital Records announced on May 28, 2008, that it planned to start issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on June 17, 2008.[10] The Office of Vital Records chose the date of June 17 so it would be prepared if the supreme court's May 15 decision was not stayed.
Same-sex marriage opponents gathered sufficient signatures to place a constitutional amendment, Proposition 8, on the November 2008 ballot, to define marriage as being between a man and woman. The proposition passed.
The California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8 on May 26, 2009, but ruled that the 18,000 same-sex marriages already performed remain valid. Later, the Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act was signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, which grants all out-of-state same-sex marriages the benefits of marriage under California law, although only those performed before November 5, 2008 are granted the designation "marriage".
On August 4, 2010, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California announced its decision in favor of the plaintiffs in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, thus overturning Proposition 8 based on the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause. Judge Walker's decision concluded that California had no rational basis or vested interest in denying gays and lesbians marriage licenses. On February 7, 2012, a 3-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld Judge Walker's decision, but it remained stayed during further appeals.[11]
The Supreme Court granted review of the case, renamed Hollingsworth v. Perry, on December 7, 2012 and issued a final decision on June 26, 2013.[12] With the Supreme Court having dismissed the case on standing grounds, same-sex marriage became legal again in California on June 28, 2013.[13]
On July 7, 2014, a bill replacing unconstitutional language in state law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman was signed by Governor Jerry Brown.
California Constitution - Article I. Declaration of rights.
Section 7.5. - Only marriage between a man and a woman is
valid or recognized in California.
A legislative bill repealed section 7.5 on July 7, 2014.
Family Code - FAM
DIVISION 2.5. DOMESTIC PARTNER REGISTRATION [297 - 299.6] ( Division 2.5 added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 588, Sec. 2. )
PART 1. DEFINITIONS [297 - 297.5] ( Part 1 added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 588, Sec. 2. )
297.
(a) Domestic partners are two adults who have chosen to share one another’s lives in an intimate and committed relationship of mutual caring.
(b) A domestic partnership shall be established in California when both persons file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the Secretary of State pursuant to this division, and, at the time of filing, all of the following requirements are met:
(1) Neither person is married to someone else or is a member of another domestic partnership with someone else that has not been terminated, dissolved, or adjudged a nullity.
(2) The two persons are not related by blood in a way that would prevent them from being married to each other in this state.
(3) Both persons are at least 18 years of age, except as provided in Section 297.1.
(4) Either of the following:
(A) Both persons are members of the same sex.
(B) One or both of the persons meet the eligibility criteria under Title II of the Social Security Act as defined in Section 402(a) of Title 42 of the United States Code for old-age insurance benefits or Title XVI of the Social Security Act as defined in Section 1381 of Title 42 of the United States Code for aged individuals. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, persons of opposite sexes may not constitute a domestic partnership unless one or both of the persons are over 62 years of age.
(5) Both persons are capable of consenting to the domestic partnership.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 721, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2012.)
HOWEVER: We found the following online 9/7/2014
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=fam&group=00001-01000&file=300-310
California Family Code, Division 3, Part 1, Sec. 300 (a)
Marriage is a personal relation arising out of a civil contract between a man and a woman, to which the consent of the parties capable of making that contract is necessary. Consent alone does not constitute marriage. Consent must be followed by the issuance of a license and solemnization as authorized by this division, except as provided by Section 425 and Part 4 (commencing with Section 500).
Would somebody please explain why this is still in the law as found online?
Penal Code - PEN
PART 1. OF CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS [25 - 680]
( Part 1 enacted 1872. )
TITLE 9. OF CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON INVOLVING SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC DECENCY AND GOOD MORALS [261 - 368.5]
( Heading of Title 9 amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1111, Sec. 2. )
CHAPTER 5. Bigamy, Incest, and the Crime Against Nature [281 - 289.6]
( Chapter 5 enacted 1872. )
285.
Persons being within the degrees of consanguinity within which marriages are declared by law to be incestuous and void, who intermarry with each other, or who being 14 years of age or older, commit fornication or adultery with each other, are punishable by imprisonment in the state prison.
(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 477, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2006.)
So adultery seems to be only used as a charge against incestuous relationships. We wonder why a charge of adultery needs to be added to a charge of incest? If you are in the legal profession in California, please let us know, just for curiosity sake.
No other uses of the term “adultery” or “fornication” was found in California State laws online.
Health and Safety Code - HSC
DIVISION 2. LICENSING PROVISIONS [1200 - 1796.63]
( Division 2 enacted by Stats. 1939, Ch. 60. )
CHAPTER 2.2. Health Care Service Plans [1340 - 1399.864]
( Chapter 2.2 added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 941. )
ARTICLE 4. Solicitation and Enrollment [1359 - 1366.6]
( Article 4 added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 941. )
1363.02.
(a) The Legislature finds and declares that the right of every patient to receive basic information necessary to give full and informed consent is a fundamental tenet of good public health policy and has long been the established law of this state. Some hospitals and other providers do not provide a full range of reproductive health services and may prohibit or otherwise not provide sterilization, infertility treatments, abortion, or contraceptive services, including emergency contraception. It is the intent of the Legislature that every patient be given full and complete information about the health care services available to allow patients to make well informed health care decisions.
(b) On or before July 1, 2001, a health care service plan that covers hospital, medical, and surgical benefits shall do both of the following:
(1) Include the following statement, in at least 12-point boldface type, at the beginning of each provider directory:
“Some hospitals and other providers do not provide one or more of the following services that may be covered under your plan contract and that you or your family member might need: family planning; contraceptive services, including emergency contraception; sterilization, including tubal ligation at the time of labor and delivery; infertility treatments; or abortion. You should obtain more information before you enroll. Call your prospective doctor, medical group, independent practice association, or clinic, or call the health plan at (insert the health plan’s membership services number or other appropriate number that individuals can call for assistance) to ensure that you can obtain the health care services that you need.”
(2) Place the statement described in paragraph (1) in a prominent location on any provider directory posted on the health plan’s website, if any, and include this statement in a conspicuous place in the plan’s evidence of coverage and disclosure forms.
(c) A health care service plan shall not be required to provide the statement described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) in a service area in which none of the hospitals, health facilities, clinics, medical groups, or independent practice associations with which it contracts limit or restrict any of the reproductive services described in the statement.
(d) This section shall not apply to specialized health care service plans or Medicare supplement plans.
(Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 347, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2001.)
California seems to strongly support the rights of patients to receive full contraceptive information and access to those services. California also supports complete and honest sex education in their public schools.
Education Code - EDC
TITLE 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION [33000 - 64100]
( Title 2 enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010. )
DIVISION 4. INSTRUCTION AND SERVICES [46000 - 64100]
( Division 4 enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010. )
PART 28. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS [51000 - 53303]
( Part 28 enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010. )
CHAPTER 5.6. California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Act [51930 - 51939]
( Chapter 5.6 added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 650, Sec. 13. )
ARTICLE 2. Authorized Comprehensive Sexual Health Education [51933- 51933.]
( Article 2 added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 650, Sec. 13. )
51933.
(a) School districts may provide comprehensive sexual health education, consisting of age-appropriate instruction, in any kindergarten to grade 12, inclusive, using instructors trained in the appropriate courses.
(b) A school district that elects to offer comprehensive sexual health education pursuant to subdivision (a), whether taught by school district personnel or outside consultants, shall satisfy all of the following criteria:
(1) Instruction and materials shall be age appropriate.
(2) All factual information presented shall be medically accurate and objective.
(3) Instruction shall be made available on an equal basis to a pupil who is an English learner, consistent with the existing curriculum and alternative options for an English learner pupil as otherwise provided in this code.
(4) Instruction and materials shall be appropriate for use with pupils of all races, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and pupils with disabilities.
(5) Instruction and materials shall be accessible to pupils with disabilities, including, but not limited to, the provision of a modified curriculum, materials and instruction in alternative formats, and auxiliary aids.
(6) Instruction and materials shall encourage a pupil to communicate with his or her parents or guardians about human sexuality.
(7) Instruction and materials shall teach respect for marriage and committed relationships.
(8) Commencing in grade 7, instruction and materials shall teach that abstinence from sexual intercourse is the only certain way to prevent unintended pregnancy, teach that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, and provide information about the value of abstinence while also providing medically accurate information on other methods of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
(9) Commencing in grade 7, instruction and materials shall provide information about sexually transmitted diseases. This instruction shall include how sexually transmitted diseases are and are not transmitted, the effectiveness and safety of all federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved methods of reducing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, and information on local resources for testing and medical care for sexually transmitted diseases.
(10) Commencing in grade 7, instruction and materials shall provide information about the effectiveness and safety of all FDA-approved contraceptive methods in preventing pregnancy, including, but not limited to, emergency contraception.
(11) Commencing in grade 7, instruction and materials shall provide pupils with skills for making and implementing responsible decisions about sexuality.
(12) Commencing in grade 7, instruction and materials shall provide pupils with information on the law on surrendering physical custody of a minor child 72 hours or younger, pursuant to Section 1255.7 of the Health and Safety Code and Section 271.5 of the Penal Code.
(c) A school district that elects to offer comprehensive sexual health education pursuant to subdivision (a) earlier than grade 7 may provide age appropriate and medically accurate information on any of the general topics contained in paragraphs (8) to (12), inclusive, of subdivision (b).
(d) If a school district elects to offer comprehensive sexual health education pursuant to subdivision (a), whether taught by school district personnel or outside consultants, the school district shall comply with the following:
(1) Instruction and materials may not teach or promote religious doctrine.
(2) Instruction and materials may not reflect or promote bias against any person on the basis of any category protected by Section 220.
(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 650, Sec. 13. Effective January 1, 2004.)
Family Code - FAM
DIVISION 2.5. DOMESTIC PARTNER REGISTRATION [297 - 299.6]
( Division 2.5 added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 588, Sec. 2. )
PART 1. DEFINITIONS [297 - 297.5]
( Part 1 added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 588, Sec. 2. )
297.
(a) Domestic partners are two adults who have chosen to share one another’s lives in an intimate and committed relationship of mutual caring.
(b) A domestic partnership shall be established in California when both persons file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the Secretary of State pursuant to this division, and, at the time of filing, all of the following requirements are met:
(1) Neither person is married to someone else or is a member of another domestic partnership with someone else that has not been terminated, dissolved, or adjudged a nullity.
(2) The two persons are not related by blood in a way that would prevent them from being married to each other in this state.
(3) Both persons are at least 18 years of age, except as provided in Section 297.1.
(4) Either of the following:
(A) Both persons are members of the same sex.
(B) One or both of the persons meet the eligibility criteria under Title II of the Social Security Act as defined in Section 402(a) of Title 42 of the United States Code for old-age insurance benefits or Title XVI of the Social Security Act as defined in Section 1381 of Title 42 of the United States Code for aged individuals. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, persons of opposite sexes may not constitute a domestic partnership unless one or both of the persons are over 62 years of age.
(5) Both persons are capable of consenting to the domestic partnership.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 721, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2012.)
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http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201320140SB274
Senate Bill No. 274 |
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CHAPTER 564 |
An act to amend Sections 3040, 4057, 7601, 7612, and 8617 of, and to add Section 4052.5 to, the Family Code, relating to family law.
[ Approved by Governor October 04, 2013. Filed with Secretary of State October 04, 2013. ]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 274, Leno. Family law: parentage: child custody and support.
(1) Under existing law, a man is conclusively presumed to be the father of a child if he was married to and cohabiting with the child’s mother, except as specified. Existing law also provides that if a man signs a voluntary declaration of paternity, it has the force and effect of a judgment of paternity, subject to certain exceptions. Existing law further provides that a man is rebuttably presumed to be the father if he was married to, or attempted to marry, the mother before or after the birth of the child, or he receives the child as his own and openly holds the child out as his own. Under existing law, the latter presumptions are rebutted by a judgment establishing paternity by another man.
This bill would authorize a court to find that more than 2 persons with a claim to parentage, as specified, are parents if the court finds that recognizing only 2 parents would be detrimental to the child. The bill would direct the court, in making this determination, to consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, the harm of removing the child from a stable placement with a parent who has fulfilled the child’s physical needs and the child’s psychological needs for care and affection, and who has assumed that role for a substantial period of time.
(2) The Uniform Parentage Act defines the parent and child relationship as the legal relationship existing between a child and the child’s parents, including the mother and child relationship and the father and child relationship, and governs proceedings to establish that relationship.
This bill would provide that a child may have a parent and child relationship with more than 2 parents. The bill would require any reference to 2 parents to be interpreted to apply to all of a child’s parents where a child is found to have more than 2 parents, as specified.
(3) Existing law requires a family court to determine the best interest of the child for purposes of deciding child custody in proceedings for dissolution of marriage, nullity of marriage, legal separation of the parties, petitions for exclusive custody of a child, and proceedings under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act. In making that determination, existing law requires the court to consider specified factors, including the health, safety, and welfare of the child. Existing law establishes an order of preference for allocating child custody and directs the court to choose a parenting plan that is in the child’s best interest.
This bill would, in the case of a child with more than 2 parents, require the court to allocate custody and visitation among the parents based on the best interest of the child, as specified.
(4) Under existing law, the parents of a minor child are responsible for supporting the child. Existing law establishes the statewide uniform guideline for calculating court-ordered child support, which is rebuttably presumed to be the correct amount of child support. Existing law provides that the presumption may be rebutted by admissible evidence showing that application of the uniform guideline would be unjust or inappropriate because of one or more factors found to be applicable and the court provides certain information in writing, as specified.
This bill would direct the court to apply the statewide uniform guideline in a case where a child has more than 2 parents by dividing the child support obligations among the parents based on the income of each of the parents and the amount of time spent with the child by each parent. The bill would require the court to divide child support obligations among the parents in a just and appropriate manner, as specified, if the court finds that applying the statewide uniform guideline to a child with more than 2 parents would be unjust and inappropriate, as specified.
(5) Under existing law, the birth parents of an adopted child are, from the time of the adoption, relieved of all parental duties towards, and all responsibility for, the adopted child, and have no right over the child.
This bill would provide that the termination of the parental duties and responsibility of the parent or parents may be waived if both the parent or parents and the prospective adoptive parent or parents sign a waiver at any time prior to the finalization of the adoption.
(6) This bill would incorporate additional changes in Sections 7601 and 7612 of the Family Code, proposed by AB 1403, to be operative only if AB 1403 and this bill are both chaptered and become effective January 1, 2014, and this bill is chaptered last.
Digest Key
Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Most children have two parents, but in rare cases, children have more than two people who are that child’s parent in every way. Separating a child from a parent has a devastating psychological and emotional impact on the child, and courts must have the power to protect children from this harm.
(b) The purpose of this bill is to abrogate In re M.C. (2011) 195 Cal.App.4th 197 insofar as it held that where there are more than two people who have a claim to parentage under the Uniform Parentage Act, courts are prohibited from recognizing more than two of these people as the parents of a child, regardless of the circumstances.
(c) This bill does not change any of the requirements for establishing a claim to parentage under the Uniform Parentage Act. It only clarifies that where more than two people have claims to parentage, the court may, if it would otherwise be detrimental to the child, recognize that the child has more than two parents.
(d) It is the intent of the Legislature that this bill will only apply in the rare case where a child truly has more than two parents, and a finding that a child has more than two parents is necessary to protect the child from the detriment of being separated from one of his or her parents.
SEC. 2.
Section 3040 of the Family Code is amended to read:
3040.
(a) Custody should be granted in the following order of preference according to the best interest of the child as provided in Sections 3011 and 3020:
(1) To both parents jointly pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 3080) or to either parent. In making an order granting custody to either parent, the court shall consider, among other factors, which parent is more likely to allow the child frequent and continuing contact with the noncustodial parent, consistent with Sections 3011 and 3020, and shall not prefer a parent as custodian because of that parent’s sex. The court, in its discretion, may require the parents to submit to the court a plan for the implementation of the custody order.
(2) If to neither parent, to the person or persons in whose home the child has been living in a wholesome and stable environment.
(3) To any other person or persons deemed by the court to be suitable and able to provide adequate and proper care and guidance for the child.
(b) The immigration status of a parent, legal guardian, or relative shall not disqualify the parent, legal guardian, or relative from receiving custody under subdivision (a).
(c) This section establishes neither a preference nor a presumption for or against joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or sole custody, but allows the court and the family the widest discretion to choose a parenting plan that is in the best interest of the child.
(d) In cases where a child has more than two parents, the court shall allocate custody and visitation among the parents based on the best interest of the child, including, but not limited to, addressing the child’s need for continuity and stability by preserving established patterns of care and emotional bonds. The court may order that not all parents share legal or physical custody of the child if the court finds that it would not be in the best interest of the child as provided in Sections 3011 and 3020.
SEC. 3.
Section 4052.5 is added to the Family Code, to read:
4052.5.
(a) The statewide uniform guideline, as required by federal regulations, shall apply in any case in which a child has more than two parents. The court shall apply the guideline by dividing child support obligations among the parents based on income and amount of time spent with the child by each parent, pursuant to Section 4053.
(b) Consistent with federal regulations, after calculating the amount of support owed by each parent under the guideline, the presumption that the guideline amount of support is correct may be rebutted if the court finds that the application of the guideline in that case would be unjust or inappropriate due to special circumstances, pursuant to Section 4057. If the court makes that finding, the court shall divide child support obligations among the parents in a manner that is just and appropriate based on income and amount of time spent with the child by each parent, applying the principles set forth in Section 4053 and this article.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require reprogramming of the California Child Support Automation System, established pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 10080) of Part 1 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, a change to the statewide uniform guideline for determining child support set forth in Section 4055, or a revision by the Department of Child Support Services of its regulations, policies, procedures, forms, or training materials.
SEC. 4.
Section 4057 of the Family Code is amended to read:
4057.
(a) The amount of child support established by the formula provided in subdivision (a) of Section 4055 is presumed to be the correct amount of child support to be ordered.
(b) The presumption of subdivision (a) is a rebuttable presumption affecting the burden of proof and may be rebutted by admissible evidence showing that application of the formula would be unjust or inappropriate in the particular case, consistent with the principles set forth in Section 4053, because one or more of the following factors is found to be applicable by a preponderance of the evidence, and the court states in writing or on the record the information required in subdivision (a) of Section 4056:
(1) The parties have stipulated to a different amount of child support under subdivision (a) of Section 4065.
(2) The sale of the family residence is deferred pursuant to Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 3800) of Part 1 and the rental value of the family residence where the children reside exceeds the mortgage payments, homeowner’s insurance, and property taxes. The amount of any adjustment pursuant to this paragraph shall not be greater than the excess amount.
(3) The parent being ordered to pay child support has an extraordinarily high income and the amount determined under the formula would exceed the needs of the children.
(4) A party is not contributing to the needs of the children at a level commensurate with that party’s custodial time.
(5) Application of the formula would be unjust or inappropriate due to special circumstances in the particular case. These special circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following:
(A) Cases in which the parents have different time-sharing arrangements for different children.
(B) Cases in which both parents have substantially equal time-sharing of the children and one parent has a much lower or higher percentage of income used for housing than the other parent.
(C) Cases in which the children have special medical or other needs that could require child support that would be greater than the formula amount.
(D) Cases in which a child is found to have more than two parents.
SEC. 5.
Section 7601 of the Family Code is amended to read:
7601.
(a) “Parent and child relationship” as used in this part means the legal relationship existing between a child and the child’s natural or adoptive parents incident to which the law confers or imposes rights, privileges, duties, and obligations. The term includes the mother and child relationship and the father and child relationship.
(b) This part does not preclude a finding that a child has a parent and child relationship with more than two parents.
(c) For purposes of state law, administrative regulations, court rules, government policies, common law, and any other provision or source of law governing the rights, protections, benefits, responsibilities, obligations, and duties of parents, any reference to two parents shall be interpreted to apply to every parent of a child where that child has been found to have more than two parents under this part.
SEC. 5.5.
Section 7601 of the Family Code is amended to read:
7601.
(a) “Natural parent” as used in this code means a nonadoptive parent established under this part, whether biologically related to the child or not.
(b) “Parent and child relationship” as used in this part means the legal relationship existing between a child and the child’s natural or adoptive parents incident to which the law confers or imposes rights, privileges, duties, and obligations. The term includes the mother and child relationship and the father and child relationship.
(c) This part does not preclude a finding that a child has a parent and child relationship with more than two parents.
(d) For purposes of state law, administrative regulations, court rules, government policies, common law, and any other provision or source of law governing the rights, protections, benefits, responsibilities, obligations, and duties of parents, any reference to two parents shall be interpreted to apply to every parent of a child where that child has been found to have more than two parents under this part.
SEC. 6.
Section 7612 of the Family Code is amended to read:
7612.
(a) Except as provided in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 7540) and Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 7570) of Part 2 or in Section 20102, a presumption under Section 7611 is a rebuttable presumption affecting the burden of proof and may be rebutted in an appropriate action only by clear and convincing evidence.
(b) If two or more presumptions arise under Section 7610 or 7611 that conflict with each other, or if a presumption under Section 7611 conflicts with a claim pursuant to Section 7610, the presumption which on the facts is founded on the weightier considerations of policy and logic controls.
(c) In an appropriate action, a court may find that more than two persons with a claim to parentage under this division are parents if the court finds that recognizing only two parents would be detrimental to the child. In determining detriment to the child, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, the harm of removing the child from a stable placement with a parent who has fulfilled the child’s physical needs and the child’s psychological needs for care and affection, and who has assumed that role for a substantial period of time. A finding of detriment to the child does not require a finding of unfitness of any of the parents or persons with a claim to parentage.
(d) Unless a court orders otherwise after making the determination specified in subdivision (c), a presumption under Section 7611 is rebutted by a judgment establishing paternity of the child by another man.
(e) Within two years of the execution of a voluntary declaration of paternity, a person who is presumed to be a parent under Section 7611 may file a petition pursuant to Section 7630 to set aside a voluntary declaration of paternity. The court’s ruling on the petition to set aside the voluntary declaration of paternity shall be made taking into account the validity of the voluntary declaration of paternity, and the best interests of the child based upon the court’s consideration of the factors set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 7575, as well as the best interests of the child based upon the nature, duration, and quality of the petitioning party’s relationship with the child and the benefit or detriment to the child of continuing that relationship. In the event of any conflict between the presumption under Section 7611 and the voluntary declaration of paternity, the weightier considerations of policy and logic shall control.
(f) A voluntary declaration of paternity is invalid if, at the time the declaration was signed, any of the following conditions exist:
(1) The child already had a presumed parent under Section 7540.
(2) The child already had a presumed parent under subdivision (a), (b), or (c) of Section 7611.
(3) The man signing the declaration is a sperm donor, consistent with subdivision (b) of Section 7613.
SEC. 6.5.
Section 7612 of the Family Code is amended to read:
7612.
(a) Except as provided in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 7540) and Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 7570) of Part 2 or in Section 20102, a presumption under Section 7611 is a rebuttable presumption affecting the burden of proof and may be rebutted in an appropriate action only by clear and convincing evidence.
(b) If two or more presumptions arise under Section 7610 or 7611 that conflict with each other, or if a presumption under Section 7611 conflicts with a claim pursuant to Section 7610, the presumption which on the facts is founded on the weightier considerations of policy and logic controls.
(c) In an appropriate action, a court may find that more than two persons with a claim to parentage under this division are parents if the court finds that recognizing only two parents would be detrimental to the child. In determining detriment to the child, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, the harm of removing the child from a stable placement with a parent who has fulfilled the child’s physical needs and the child’s psychological needs for care and affection, and who has assumed that role for a substantial period of time. A finding of detriment to the child does not require a finding of unfitness of any of the parents or persons with a claim to parentage.
(d) Unless a court orders otherwise after making the determination specified in subdivision (c), a presumption under Section 7611 is rebutted by a judgment establishing parentage of the child by another person.
(e) Within two years of the execution of a voluntary declaration of paternity, a person who is presumed to be a parent under Section 7611 may file a petition pursuant to Section 7630 to set aside a voluntary declaration of paternity. The court’s ruling on the petition to set aside the voluntary declaration of paternity shall be made taking into account the validity of the voluntary declaration of paternity, and the best interests of the child based upon the court’s consideration of the factors set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 7575, as well as the best interests of the child based upon the nature, duration, and quality of the petitioning party’s relationship with the child and the benefit or detriment to the child of continuing that relationship. In the event of any conflict between the presumption under Section 7611 and the voluntary declaration of paternity, the weightier considerations of policy and logic shall control.
(f) A voluntary declaration of paternity is invalid if, at the time the declaration was signed, any of the following conditions exist:
(1) The child already had a presumed parent under Section 7540.
(2) The child already had a presumed parent under subdivision (a), (b), or (c) of Section 7611.
(3) The man signing the declaration is a sperm donor, consistent with subdivision (b) of Section 7613.
SEC. 7.
Section 8617 of the Family Code is amended to read:
8617.
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the existing parent or parents of an adopted child are, from the time of the adoption, relieved of all parental duties towards, and all responsibility for, the adopted child, and have no right over the child.
(b) The termination of the parental duties and responsibilities of the existing parent or parents under subdivision (a) may be waived if both the existing parent or parents and the prospective adoptive parent or parents sign a waiver at any time prior to the finalization of the adoption. The waiver shall be filed with the court.
SEC. 8.
(a) Section 5.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 7601 of the Family Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 1403. It shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2014, (2) each bill amends Section 7601 of the Family Code, and (3) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 1403, in which case Section 5 of this bill shall not become operative.
(b) Section 6.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 7612 of the Family Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 1403. It shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2014, (2) each bill amends Section 7612 of the Family Code, and (3) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 1403, in which case Section 6 of this bill shall not become operative.