What Happens if I Don’t Answer a Paternity Petition?

You’re sitting at home when your hear a knock on the door. You answer it and find a guy handing you papers.

You’ve been served with a Paternity Petition.

The first page of the papers is something called a Summons. The Summons tells you you’re being sued for paternity. It also tells you that if you have been served for paternity in Utah, you must respond within twenty-one days. It goes on and tells you that if you have been served outside of Utah, you must respond within thirty days.

What happens if you don’t respond?

The answer’s pretty simple: you default. Losing by default in paternity is the same as losing by default in sports. If you don’t show up, you don’t play the game, and you lose automatically.

In paternity, however, the stakes are a little higher. Defaulting means your ex gets whatever he or she asked for in the Petition. If she asked for sole custody of the children, she gets it. If he wants you to pay all college costs for the kids, you pay. Whatever is asked for is received.

Don’t default. If you do, you will regret it for the rest of your life.

Last Piece of Advice

If you can’t hire an attorney or don’t have time to right now, file an Answer to the Petition. If you file an Answer, then your ex can’t default you and have bought yourself some time to hire an attorney.

Simplest way to file an Answer is to deny every allegation in the Petition. All you have to do is write something like, “I deny every allegation and prayer for relief contained in Petitioner’s Petition for Paternity.”

This isn’t the best way to Answer, but it will do in a pinch.

Protect Your Money And Your Family

We remove fear associated with divorce, protect your money & maximize time with your kids!

We're here to help. Let's determine your best options.

Call Us 24//7 at 801-685-9999 to Speak with a Live Representative

Utah Divorce FAQs
Top 100 Divorce Blog
What Clients Are Saying…
BrownLaw icon
Excellent
Brown Family Law
4.8
Based on 930 reviews
I absolutely believe that Brown Family Law is the best divorce attorney law firm in Utah. Attorney Ray Hingson did a fantastic job for me in a complicated divorce. He was there to guide me through the entire process. Ray touched base with me every week AND every time I called with worries or concerns. He handled things confidently and professionally. He took time to meet with me and explain everything so I could understand it. I felt like he really cared and wanted to do his best for me. His paralegal, Carren Leavitt, was also extremely helpful. All I had to do was pick up the phone and call her and she arranged a time for Ray to call me right back. She was always prompt and caring. I couldn't be happier!
Anne and Josh are Fantastic!!
I couldn’t have done it without Nathaniel Garrabrandt and the Brown Family Law truly the best experience and people to work with thank you!!
Brown Family Law is likely the most outstanding Family Law office in Utah. They care deeply about each client, responds quickly to every client question and concerns. If anyone is in a situation of divorce and/or child custody, I highly recommend this office to assist you with your rights. They stand firmly behind their clients.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Craig.
I can’t say enough good things about Clay Randle and Katrina Redd. They were both incredibly professional, responsive, and knowledgeable throughout my case. Their experience and advice were invaluable, and I truly appreciated their support every step of the way.
Daniel was patient, efficient, professional, and kind. Brown Family Law was easy to work with and very competent. Highly recommend.
Muchas gracias, professionales. Me ayudaron con mi caso, gracias.
Leilani Whitmer was my attorney for mediation day at the provo 4th district court on May 9th and absolutely knocked it out of the park. She made the process so smooth and easy I'd recommend her for any family law issue you could possibly fathom.
Clay Randle is absolutely amazing, well educated, knowledgeable lawyer. He’s approached, always makes sure you’re on the top of the situation and very helpful. I’ve had a pleasure working with him and I recommend him as your top notch attorney.
Brown Family Law has been wonderful to work with! Extremely knowledgeable and professional. Clay went the extra effort in everything he did for us. Couldn’t be more pleased!! I highly recommend their services.
yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7

Categories