The American family has changed. Nowhere is that more apparent than in Utah. There was a time when men and women were expected to get married and have children. However, there are now more unwed couples throughout the state having children than ever before. There are some consequences unmarried men with children may later face. Should a relationship end, it can affect the rights to their children. That is why it is vital for unwed fathers to establish paternity.
We have seen paternity tests become the butt of jokes on the Maury Povich Show. However, establishing paternity is no laughing matter. Not only does it establish unmarried men as the biological father, it also gives children a sense of identity and family. More importantly for men, it also plays a huge role in establishing their parental rights in regards to child custody, visitation and parenting time. The stakes are just as high for children. Without the establishment of paternity, children are unable to collect Social Security disability insurance, financial support and health insurance through their father.
Why You Need a Salt Lake City Paternity Attorney
Countless unwed fathers throughout Utah are involved in bitter custody disputes with their former partners. To protect their parental rights, it is essential to seek representation from a paternity attorney. There are several ways a legal professional can help unwed parents establish paternity. The easiest is for both parents to fill out a declaration of paternity form. Having an experienced and knowledgeable Salt Lake City paternity attorney on your side is an invaluable asset. Not only can they can help obtain the necessary documentation, their legal staff can also assist with completing and filing forms in an organized and timely manner.
An attorney can also help unwed fathers file a judicial paternity order. To get started, one parent must file a decree of parentage with the court. Should the other spouse contest the order, the court may request genetic testing to determine the paternity of the children. Once paternity is determined, the father’s name will be added to the birth certificate. It also allows the father to utilize their parental rights to seek visitation and child custody.
Another way to establish paternity in Utah is through an administrative order. During this process, one parent will request assistance from the state The Office of Recovery Services will then issue a notice of agency action to both parents. Each is given an opportunity to respond. Ultimately, genetic testing may be ordered to determined parenting. Although filing an administrative order does not involve the judicial court system, it allow the name of the biological father to be added to the child’s birth certificate. The father is then awarded their full legal rights as a biological parent.
Contact the Law Offices of the Ault Firm Today
There are many single fathers who desperately want to be a part of the lives of their children. However, far too many are denied their parental rights. It is vital to legally establish paternity. The first step is to seek legal counsel from a Salt Lake City paternity attorney with a proven track record for protecting the rights of fathers and looking after their best interests. As a single parent of three children, attorney Christopher M. Ault understands the unique challenges and obstacle of many of his client. He utilizes an aggressive and comprehensive approach to ensure they are placed in the best position to succeed. For more, contact at The Ault Firm today to schedule consultation to discuss your case.
