Child Custody and Unmarried Couples in Salt Lake City
In Utah, unmarried fathers can obtain court-ordered parent time and even custody of children. However, before an unmarried father can seek a visitation schedule, he must first establish that he is the father through a paternity action.
At Stavros Law, P.C., in Salt Lake City, we know what is at stake is a child custody dispute. You can rely on our abilities to help you protect your rights as a parent. For a free consultation, please call our Salt Lake City law office at 801-428-0719 today.
Protecting Your Family
Child custody disputes involving unmarried parents usually arise after the parents end their relationship. It's not unusual for mothers to cut off the unmarried father from contact with the child or children after a difficult breakup.
In Utah, unmarried fathers have no rights to visitation or custody of children unless paternity has been established in court. It's not enough to have your name on your child's birth certificate. Establishing paternity also:
- Gives children the right to inherit from the father
- Gives mothers the right to obtain child support
There are two types of child custody: legal custody and physical custody. The parent(s) with legal custody will make decisions regarding health care, education and religion. Physical custody is the term for the parent with whom the children will live.
Once paternity has been established, the rules for determining child custody and support are the same for unmarried parents as they are for married parents.
Learn more about child custody in Utah.
Contact a Legal Separation 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 legal separation, please call 801-428-0719 or contact us online.
