Paternity Lawyer in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Utah County, Utah
What is an action for paternity in Utah? Petitions to establish paternity in Utah is when two unmarried people have a child together. Because, they are not married the court system will establish paternity of the child. Basically, it is divorce for unmarried people. In a Paternity Action, you want to make sure you protect your rights as a parent in order to continue to have the opportunity to raise your child. Some common things that get established in a paternity action in Utah include:
- Parent time – The court will establish a parent time schedule that is in best interest of the child. Some factors the court will consider are the the age of the child and the child’s attachment to each parent. The court does recognize that each parent plays an important role in the child’s life. You want a paternity lawyer that understands how to paint the picture for the court legally that your role in the child’s life is very important and essential.
- Custody – While there are two types of custody (legal and physical) the court will establish both. Legal custody gives you each the right to be informed about major decisions in the child’s life including medical, schooling, and religion. Physical Custody most likely goes to the parent who has the minor child more over nights in a year. In order to have joint physical custody a parent must have at least 111 overnights with the minor child in a year.
- Child Support – Child support will be set up by the court based on each parent’s income. If one parent does not work the court may impute their income.
The court will not divide any property. The reason for this is that you were never married. Therefore, what is yours will continue to be yours. Our attorneys at Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins can help you with your paternity needs. It is important that you protect your rights as a parent to make sure there is a court order in place that guarantees that you will see your child. It is important to have control over parental visits and a parenting plan. At Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins Attorneys, we offer a free consultation in either of our offices whether in Salt Lake City, Odgen, and Utah County. We look forward to meeting with you. Call today for a free consultation with one of our attorneys at (801) 475-0123.
