Paternity Attorney in Salt Lake City
A paternity action is a legal case to determine the father of a child. In the past, paternity cases were typically initiated by unmarried mothers seeking child support from the father. Today, these cases are just as likely to be filed by unmarried fathers who want the right to visitation with their children.
At Stavros Law, P.C., in Salt Lake City, we know what is at stake in a paternity case. You can rely on our abilities to help you protect your rights. For a free consultation, please call our Salt Lake City law office at 801-428-0719 today.
Establishing Paternity in Utah
Paternity in Utah can be legally established in three ways: through a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity (VDP), administratively or through a judicial process.
Unmarried parents can sign the VDP form to voluntarily say that a man is the biological father of the child and that he should be legally recognized as the father. The father has up to 60 days or until the date a child support order is established to rescind the VDP.
Paternity can also be established administratively when the mother applies for child support services with the Office of Recovery Services.
A judicial paternity order is the result of a court action. In addition to legally establishing paternity, a judicial order can also address child custody and set up a visitation (parent time) schedule.
If both parents agree who the father is, the court will not order a genetic test. If the parents do not agree, then the court will order genetic testing. The genetic test uses a DNA sample from both parents and the child.
A judicial paternity order can also be used to prove you are not the father of (and therefore, are not required to support) a child born during your marriage.
Contact a Paternity Lawyer in Salt Lake City
Our family law attorneys are easy to talk to and will listen carefully to you. To schedule a free consultation concerning paternity, please call 801-428-0719 or contact us online.
