Paternity Attorney in Provo, Utah
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Establishing Paternity and Parental Rights in Utah
When parents are not married, establishing legal paternity can clarify a father’s rights and responsibilities and provide a path for addressing child custody, parent-time, and child support. In Utah, paternity may be established through a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity, an administrative paternity order, or a court order.
Larsen Law Firm assists parents in Provo and throughout Utah with paternity and related family law matters when legal rights, custody, support, or parent-time need to be established or resolved.
Paternity Matters We Can Help With:
When a paternity case goes through the court, the court may address legal parentage, child custody, parent-time, child support, and other parental rights and responsibilities. Establishing clear legal rights and responsibilities can help both parents understand their obligations and protect the child’s interests.
How Is Paternity Established in Utah?
Utah recognizes three main ways to establish legal paternity for unmarried parents.
Voluntary Declaration of Paternity
If both parents agree about who the biological father is, they may sign a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity. The form can be completed at the hospital after the child is born or later through a local health department. Once properly filed, it legally establishes paternity.
Administrative Paternity Order
The Utah Office of Recovery Services may establish paternity through an administrative process, including when a parent applies for certain public assistance or child support services. ORS can also establish child support, but it does not decide child custody or parent-time. Those issues generally require a court order.
Court Order
A parent may file a court case asking the court to determine legal paternity. A court case can also address child custody, parent-time, child support, and other parental rights and responsibilities. If paternity is disputed, genetic testing may be requested or ordered as part of an existing case.
“My friend referred me to attorney Larsen to represent me in my divorce case. My friend stated that attorney Larsen can accomplish in six months what it takes most attorneys’ two years to accomplish. I hired attorney Larsen with high expectations and he did not disappoint me. Attorney Larsen is very knowledgeable, efficient and extremely hard working. I was pleased!” -B.W., Spanish Fork, Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paternity in Utah
Does an unmarried father automatically have parental rights in Utah?
When a child is born to unmarried parents, the father does not automatically have the same legal rights and responsibilities as a married father until paternity is legally established. Establishing paternity can help clarify parental rights and responsibilities.
Can a paternity case also address custody and parent-time?
Yes. A Utah court parentage case can address paternity along with child custody, parent-time, and child support. This can provide both parents with clear, enforceable orders regarding their child.
Can the court require genetic testing if paternity is disputed?
Yes. If a paternity case has already been filed and one party will not voluntarily participate in genetic testing, the other party may ask the court to order testing.
Does establishing paternity automatically create a custody schedule?
Not always. A Voluntary Declaration of Paternity establishes legal paternity but does not determine child custody or parent-time. An administrative paternity order through the Office of Recovery Services also does not decide custody or parent-time. Those issues may need to be addressed through a court order.