The Schriever Law Firm Paternity

Paternity Attorney in Spanish Fork

Team-Based Paternity Representation with Flat-Fee Family Law Pricing

When a child is born to unmarried parents in Utah, the biological father has no automatic legal standing. Without established paternity, he can’t seek custody, request a parent-time schedule, or be named on the birth certificate. Mothers face a parallel limitation: a court can’t issue a child support order against a father until paternity is formally established. The Schriever Law Firm handles paternity cases for clients throughout Spanish Fork and Utah County, representing both fathers asserting parental rights and mothers seeking to establish legal fatherhood for support purposes.

Our flat-fee structure for family law means you know your representation cost before the case begins. No hourly billing, no surprises. Virtual appointments are available, and we serve Spanish-speaking clients.

If you’re facing a paternity matter in Spanish Fork or the surrounding area, contact The Schriever Law Firm at (385) 448-5206 to schedule a strategy session and get a clear picture of your legal options.

What Paternity Establishes for a Child

Legally established paternity creates enforceable rights and obligations for both parents and the child. The scope is broader than most people expect.

Custody and parent-time: A father gains standing to seek legal custody (decision-making authority over education, medical care, and religion) and physical custody, along with a court-ordered parent-time schedule.
Child support: The court can calculate and order support under Utah guidelines, taking both parents’ incomes and the custody arrangement into account.
Inheritance and benefits: An established child may inherit from the father’s estate and can become eligible for Social Security, veterans’ benefits, and health insurance through the father.
Medical history: The child gains access to the father’s family medical history, which can inform care throughout their life.
Family connection: Courts recognize the child’s legal relationship to the father’s extended family as relevant to the child’s best interest.

Timing matters for fathers: an unmarried father who delays may be permanently barred from asserting parental rights if an adoption proceeding begins before paternity is established. Acting promptly can help protect that standing.

How We Handle Paternity Cases in Spanish Fork

Our team-based model means your case isn’t shaped by one attorney’s perspective. Multiple legal minds contribute to strategy, which matters when paternity intersects with contested custody, a disputed DNA result, or an uncooperative co-parent. We prepare every case for trial from the start, and that posture can strengthen your negotiating position even when matters resolve without a hearing.

Our team brings more than 50 years of combined legal experience. Heather Schriever’s background as a former Orem City Attorney adds institutional knowledge of how Utah County courts operate. Paternity matters for Spanish Fork residents are filed in the Fourth Judicial District Court, Spanish Fork division, where we regularly represent clients. We’ve been recognized by Utah Valley Magazine Best Of in both 2025 and 2026, named number one in the Daily Herald Best of Utah Valley Readers Choice Awards in 2026, and hold a Martindale Distinguished rating from 2021.

Schedule a Strategy Session with a Spanish Fork Paternity Attorney

Whether you’re a father seeking to establish your legal rights or a mother pursuing a support order, a paternity case can move more efficiently and predictably when you understand the process before it starts. Virtual appointments are available.

Call (385) 448-5206 or use our online contact form to schedule your strategy session.

How Paternity Is Established in Utah

Utah law provides three distinct paths to establishing paternity. Which one applies depends on whether both parents agree, whether a government child support agency is involved, and whether custody and parent-time also need to be resolved.

Voluntary Declaration of Paternity

When unmarried parents agree, they can sign a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity by Parents, a legally binding form administered by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Records and Statistics. It’s typically signed at the hospital but may be filed at any time after the child’s birth. A properly signed and filed declaration carries the same legal weight as a court order, and the father’s name is added to the birth certificate.

Either parent has up to 60 days (or until a child support order is established, whichever comes first) to rescind a signed declaration. After that window closes, it can be challenged only on grounds of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact.

Administrative Process Through ORS

The Utah Office of Recovery Services can establish paternity through an administrative process without court involvement, typically when child support is already in question. This route is faster in straightforward situations, but it has a significant limitation: an ORS administrative order can’t address custody or parent-time. If those issues need resolution, a court action is necessary.

Judicial Parentage Action

When paternity is disputed, when one parent refuses to sign voluntarily, or when custody and parent-time must also be resolved, a parentage action under the Utah Uniform Parentage Act is filed in district court. The court can order DNA genetic testing and issue temporary orders for custody, parent-time, and child support while the case is pending. A court order establishing paternity can be changed only by a later court order; a post-order genetic test can’t by itself undo an adjudicated determination.

After Paternity Is Established: What Comes Next

A judicial paternity order doesn’t end the legal process. It opens the door to downstream matters that often require their own attention.

Parenting Plans and Parent-Time Schedules

Final orders following a paternity case address legal fatherhood, custody arrangements, a parent-time schedule, child support, and decision-making authority. A well-drafted parenting plan covers holiday rotation, make-up time when a child is ill, communication between households, and transportation. Leaving these details undefined is a common reason families return to court.

Child Support Calculation

Utah child support is calculated under state guidelines using both parents’ incomes, the custody arrangement, and other relevant factors. Judges retain discretion when income is unusually high or a child has special needs that affect support costs.

Relocation and Modification

Once custody and support orders are in place, either parent may seek modification if there is a material change in circumstances. A custodial parent who wishes to move 150 miles or more from the other parent must provide advance written notice, and either parent can ask the court to weigh in on the disagreement. A judge may modify the parent-time schedule or custody arrangement if the proposed move wouldn’t serve the child’s best interests.

Continue Reading Read Less

The Schriever Law Firm

Reach Out to Our Team Today

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from The Schriever Law Firm at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Leave it to Schriever

How We Approach Every Case

Clear Legal Guidance
We break down complex legal processes into clear, straightforward steps so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Client-Focused Communication
We prioritize clear, responsive communication so you always understand your options and the next steps in your legal matter.
Strategic Case Planning
Every case begins with a detailed plan, helping us anticipate challenges and position you for the best possible outcome.
Focused on Resolution
We work to resolve legal matters efficiently while protecting your rights and interests at every stage.

LEAVE IT TO SCHRIEVER We’re Here to Help You Get Started

Let’s start the conversation today.

Client Experiences in Their Own Words

We take pride in the relationships we build with clients and the results we help them achieve. Here’s what they have to say.

"Professional and Caring"
I recommend this firm and their services with all my heart.

- Dave B.
"Enjoyed Working with Them"
They answered all the questions I had and went out of their way to reassure me that things were going well.

- Madi A.
"I Am so Grateful"
They made me feel heard and understood and really wanted to help me through my divorce.

- Heidi F.
"Kind, Supportive, and Encouraging"
They truly helped lift the weight of the divorce off my shoulders and fought for what was fair and right.

- Aimee C.

View All Reviews