What is a Petition for Parentage?

Starting the Utah Child Custody Process

You may have received a court document from your ex recently. If that document was a Petition for Parentage (also called a Complaint for Paternity), then you have started the child custody process.

In Utah, a Petition for Parentage is the document that lets the court know that someone wants to deal with custody.

Wish Lists

Petitions for Parentage are odd things, to be honest. They are more like wish lists than anything else. They lay out what one person wants in the custody case if that person could get everything magically handed to them on a silver platter. They are, in a word, unrealistic.

This is important to keep in mind for a couple reasons. First, unless you do nothing and default (very bad idea), your ex will not get all the stuff he or she asks for in the Petition for Parentage. Second, if you filed first, you won’t get all the stuff you ask for.

So, a Petition for Parentage lays out the extremes in a custody case. And because most custody cases are mediated, good attorneys use Petitions for Parentage (and the counter-petitions) as markers for negotiation.

Non-Negotiables

Sometimes there are things in a Petition for Parentage that are non-negotiable. For example, you may feel very strongly that your kids need to be with you most of the time, so you ask for primary physical custody (this is a fancy lawyer way of saying your kids are with you more than 70% of overnights in a year).

If you have some non-negotiables, make sure you tell your attorney about them up front. That way your attorney knows what is most important to you and can talk you through what it means for that issue to be non-negotiable.

And, please, try not to have too many non-negotiables in your Petition for Parentage. The more you have the more you will spend on your child custody case. Principles matter, and they cost.

Time to Respond to a Petition for Parentage

If you receive a Petition for Parentage, a clock starts ticking and you have a certain amount of time to respond — twenty-one if you were served in Utah.

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