Establishing Paternity in Utah

After the child is born, the birth mother and a man claiming to be the genetic father may sign a declaration of paternity under penalty of perjury in front of two unrelated witnesses; once filed with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics, it equals a legal finding of parentage and can be the basis for a child support order. A signer may rescind by filing a rescission form with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics before the earlier of 60 days after it takes effect or notice of the first court or agency proceeding about the child. After that, it can be challenged only for fraud or duress (any time) or material mistake of fact (within four years of filing). In a parentage case, the court must order genetic testing on a supported sworn request.