Paternity Services

Take the steps to protect your child’s future and your role in their life

Understanding your rights and responsibilities

Establishing paternity gives you clarity, protection, and a stronger foundation for your child’s future. When you know where you stand legally, you’re able to make decisions, request parent time, and secure support for your child.

Whether you want to confirm parentage or respond to a claim, Burton Family Attorneys provides steady support, ensuring you understand each step and feel confident moving forward.

How we work

We start by listening to your concerns and learning what you want for your child and yourself. We explain Utah’s paternity laws in simple, clear language so you understand your options from the start. Whether your case involves cooperation or conflict, we build a plan that protects your rights and strengthens your child’s stability.

What to expect

Paternity significantly impacts custody, parenting time, child support, and long-term decision-making. Once you’ve confirmed paternity, the court creates orders that define your rights and responsibilities. Expect honest advice, open communication, and realistic expectations about possible outcomes. We prepare you for each step so nothing feels uncertain.

Process timeline

Paternity cases follow a general timeline:

Consultation

You share your goals, questions, and concerns.

Voluntary acknowledgment or court action

Paternity gets established by agreement or through a legal petition.

Genetic testing (if needed)

DNA results help the court confirm parentage.

Custody, parent time, and support orders

Once the court establishes paternity, it clarifies each parent’s legal responsibilities.

Your timeline depends on cooperation, the need for testing, and whether disputes arise. We keep you updated at every stage.

Importance of establishing paternity

When you establish paternity, you give your child legal, financial, and emotional security. It also protects your rights as a parent, allowing you to stay involved in your child’s life. Paternity answers important questions early and helps prevent confusion and conflict later. By taking this step now, you create stability for your child and peace of mind for yourself.

Fathers’ legal rights for custody and visitation

Once you’ve legally confirmed paternity, you gain the right to pursue custody, parent time, and involvement in major decisions. This includes choices about your child’s education, medical care, and daily activities. When you establish parentage, you build a steady relationship with your child and take an active role in their upbringing.

Your child’s right to financial and emotional support

Your child deserves support from both parents. After establishing paternity, the court establishes child support orders to cover the child’s daily needs, including housing, food, clothing, and medical care.

Beyond financial help, your child also benefits emotionally when both parents have legally recognized roles. Paternity gives your child access to those important connections.

Two business professionals shaking hands over a conference table, symbolizing agreement and collaboration in a professional setting.

Methods for establishing paternity in Utah

You have several options to establish paternity in Utah. If both parents agree, they may sign a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity and file it with the state. If there is any disagreement, either you or the other parent may request the court’s assistance. The court often orders DNA testing to confirm biological parentage. We help you choose the right path and complete every step correctly.

Disputes in paternity cases

Disputes happen when parents disagree about biological parentage or legal responsibilities. These cases may involve genetic testing, court hearings, and the presentation of detailed evidence.

If you face a paternity dispute, you don’t have to go through it alone. We advocate for you, guide you through the legal process, and work to protect your rights and your child’s best interests.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a DNA test to establish paternity?
Not always. If both parents agree, a voluntary declaration is enough. When parents dispute parentage, the court requires DNA testing.
Can you establish paternity after the child is born?

Yes. You can confirm paternity at birth, weeks later, or even years later through voluntary forms or a court order.

Does establishing paternity give you custody rights?

Yes. Once paternity is confirmed, you may request custody, parent time, and involvement in major decisions.

What if the other parent challenges paternity?
The court may order genetic testing to settle the dispute and protect your child’s rights.

Contact Burton Family Attorneys today

When you’re ready to take the next step, Burton Family Attorneys is here to guide you. We help you understand your rights, protect your relationship with your child, and move forward with confidence.