Establishing the paternity of a child is a legal process that determines who the father of a child is. Our Whip Kits help individuals get the do it yourself paperwork online needed to start the paternity process or assist tailored to your needs where you are in your paternity case. In Utah, there are various laws that govern the establishment of paternity, including the rights and responsibilities of fathers. In this blog, we will provide an overview of Utah paternity laws to help you better understand the legal process.
- Legal Presumption of Paternity In Utah, there is a legal presumption that the husband of a woman who gives birth is the father of the child. This means that if a woman is married when she gives birth, the law presumes that her husband is the father. However, this presumption can be challenged and rebutted by the husband or by another man who claims to be the father.
- Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity If a man is not married to the mother of a child but wishes to acknowledge paternity, he can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form. This form is available at the hospital or through the Utah Office of Vital Records. Once the form is signed, the man becomes the legal father of the child and has all the rights and responsibilities that come with it.
- Genetic Testing In some cases, a man may dispute the legal presumption of paternity or the validity of a VAP. In these situations, a genetic test may be ordered to determine the biological father of the child. In Utah, genetic testing can be ordered by the court or by agreement between the parties. The results of the test can be used as evidence in court to determine the paternity of the child.
- Establishing Paternity in Court If a man is not married to the mother of the child and has not signed a VAP, he can establish paternity through a court action. In this case, the court will order a genetic test and use the results to determine the paternity of the child. If the test shows that the man is the father, he will be ordered to pay child support and may also be granted rights to visitation and custody.
- Impact on Child Support Once paternity is established, the father is obligated to pay child support to help support the child. Child support is calculated based on the income of the parents and the needs of the child. The amount of child support may be modified as the circumstances of the parents or the child change.
Understanding Utah paternity laws is important for fathers and mothers who wish to establish or contest paternity. These laws are complex and can have a significant impact on the rights and responsibilities of fathers. Visit our website to see what paternity online papers you need to start the paternity process.
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