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Paternity

Paternity and Paternity Challenges in Utah

Establishing paternity is a crucial legal step in defining a father’s rights and responsibilities. In Utah, paternity must be legally recognized before an unmarried father can seek custody, visitation, or parental decision-making rights. Additionally, establishing paternity determines child support obligations, inheritance rights, and access to benefits such as health insurance or Social Security.

At Porter Law Firm, we assist parents in both establishing and challenging paternity, ensuring that legal determinations are fair, accurate, and in the best interests of the child.

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How to Establish Paternity in Utah

There are two primary ways to establish legal paternity in Utah:

  • Voluntary Declaration of Paternity (VDP) – Both parents can sign this legal document, typically at the hospital after the child’s birth, to establish paternity without court intervention.
  • Court-Ordered Paternity Testing – If paternity is disputed, either parent can request genetic testing and petition the court to establish or disprove fatherhood.

Once paternity is legally recognized, a father has equal parental rights, including the ability to seek custody, parenting time, and decision-making authority.

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Paternity Challenges and Disputes

In some cases, paternity may be questioned due to doubts about biological parentage, fraud, or incorrect legal acknowledgment. When paternity is disputed, legal action may be necessary to establish, challenge, or disestablish paternity.

Common Reasons for Paternity Challenges:

  • Requesting DNA Testing – If there is uncertainty about fatherhood, either parent may request genetic testing through the court.
  • Rescinding a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity – If a father signed a VDP but later questions its validity, he has a limited timeframe to revoke it.
  • Disestablishing Paternity – If a man is legally recognized as a father but later discovers he is not biologically related to the child, he may petition the court to terminate parental obligations, including child support.

Courts prioritize the child’s best interests, so challenging paternity can be complex, especially if financial or emotional bonds have already been established.

FAQs

Yes, but a father can petition the court to order DNA testing and legally establish his parental rights.

 

No, but it does allow a father to petition for custody, visitation, and legal decision-making rights regarding the child.

If your ex-spouse fails to make alimony payments, you may have legal options to enforce the order, such as wage garnishment or legal action for contempt of court. Our attorneys can help you take the necessary steps to secure the payments you are owed.

 

Learn from the Experts

Our Blog

The Legal Process of Establishing Paternity in Utah

Learn how paternity is determined and what legal rights and responsibilities come with it.

How to Challenge Paternity and What You Need to Know

If paternity is in question, this blog explains the legal process for requesting DNA testing and contesting paternity.

What Happens if Paternity is Disputed in Utah?

Discover how courts handle paternity challenges and what factors influence their decisions.
  • I recently needed some help with a court issue. Jonathan was immediate and got all my questions answered and walked me through everything I needed. He he very kind, and professional. I recommend him and will use his services again.

    Melissa Watkins Avatar Melissa Watkins
    May 23, 2024
  • Very helpful and patient really help me through a hard time

    Austin Gambles Avatar Austin Gambles
    March 23, 2024
  • Porter Law was amazing! Helped me with some custody stuff and actually had my back. Jon and his staff are fantastic!

    Cody Vine Avatar Cody Vine
    July 23, 2024
  • Mr. Porter is great at what he does. He was happy to spend some extra time with me to clarify what sections of my stipulation actually meant so I had nothing to stress over. He is trustworthy and just a good dude. I could feel a genuine intention of him actually wanting to help and not just trying to sell me on being his lawyer. I highly recommend him if you are on the search. The reception desk was also extremely friendly and helpful.

    Dr Doofenshmirtz Avatar Dr Doofenshmirtz
    March 23, 2024
  • Divorce case - I was in a hard spot with a firm that wasn't advocating for me and had already taken a huge chunk of my savings and equity from selling my marital home. I was heartbroken. I sent out a handful of new "contact us online" to different firms in Utah, and Jonathon Porter reached out to me almost instantly and we set up an in-person meeting. Less than a month after retaining Porter Law I already feel I am in better hands. I see the holes that were left open by my previous firm, and where Porter Law is picking up the pieces. They have been more proactive than the large firm I signed with from May - September. I wish I would have started here and saved my heartache and pocketbook from the beginning. If you are in a similar position, looking for new representation I highly suggest speaking with Jonathon. Even though my case is not complete, I truly look forward to working with Porter Law to until we are able to close this chapter. 12/26/2024 - UPDATE: From October when I first met with Porter Law I asked if we could get this done by the holidays and today I open up my email to see my divorce is FINAL and everything has concluded. I am so grateful to Porter Law and their diligence and communication that they had with me. My case wasn't rocket science, but felt like so from the other party. Jonathon and his staff kept things upbeat and positive and they got it done! Thank you Porter Law, you truly were a blessing during this time and I really wish I would have found you sooner!

    Kindel P Avatar Kindel P
    January 23, 2025
  • Jonathan and his staff at Porter law firm are amazing! I was going through one of the most terrifying and uncertain times in my life. I came in with no knowledge of how this worked feeling embarrassed and ashamed. He never once made me feel like I wasn’t Deserving and he fought for me to the very end! I always felt safe and secure at a time I was most vulnerable!! Thank you for everything !

    Michelle Houtz Avatar Michelle Houtz
    March 23, 2024
  • My fiance and I came to Jonathan Porter so he could get divorced from his prior marriage. They were very friendly, helpful, and reasonably priced. We were able to have the divorce final within a few months. We are very satisfied and highly recommend.

    Jessica Fowler Avatar Jessica Fowler
    March 23, 2023
  • Jonathan and Cassidy were amazing to work with! Both are extremely professional and kind. I truly felt like they cared about me as more than just their client. I can't begin to express how grateful I am for their guidance in a difficult point in my life. I hope to never go through this process again, but if it were to happen, there is no one else I would trust. HIGHLY recommend!

    Allison Shaffer Avatar Allison Shaffer
    September 23, 2024
  • Jonathan Porter is very caring in how he handles a case. He understands what you are going through while validating your feelings on the matter. I highly recommend going through Porter Law Firm.

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    October 23, 2024
  • I highly recommend Jonathan Porter and his team, Cassidy and Stephanie to everyone who unfortunately see’s themselves faced with Divorce or Child Custody issues. My Fiancé Has been going through a very complex divorce/custody battle since 2021. We previously hired 2 other attorneys in the area that we regret greatly. Jon has been amazing and truly cares about his clients! He will absolutely fight for you and your rights as a parent.

    Seana Grattan Avatar Seana Grattan
    April 23, 2024

Take the Next Step - Contact Porter Law Firm Today

Paternity issues can be legally complex, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Whether you need to establish, dispute, or modify paternity, Porter Law Firm is here to protect your rights and guide you through the process.