How to File for Child Custody for Unwed Mothers in Utah
- 1). Access the Utah Online Court Assistance Program and click "Parentage" to open a child custody action for unmarried parents. Select the option to file a parentage case. Click the arrow on the lower-right corner of the window to continue filling out the form at each step.
- 2). Answer the question about whether there is a dispute over your child's paternity by clicking "No" or "Yes." Continue to fill out each window with the requested personal information by providing your name, gender and whether you have ever been married to the other party. Choose the option that says "I am filing for Parentage, Support, Custody and Parent Time" to have the court make a child custody order.
- 3). Provide the requested information at each step of the form, including all parties' state of residence, county, addresses, dates of birth, information about your children and custody arrangement details. Tell the court whether you are asking for sole or joint custody of your child, and explain why. Fill in all other information relevant to your situation, such as income if you are also asking your child's father for child support.
- 4). Download the completed form and proofread it. File your paperwork at the local court specified when you filled out the form and pay any applicable filing fees. Contact a peace officer, sheriff, constable, U.S. Marshal, private process server or any neutral third party who is a legal adult to have him personally serve your child's father with the papers and complete a Proof of Service form.
- 5). Follow up with any court requests to help decide on a custody arrangement, such as by participating in a child custody evaluation. Cooperate with the evaluator who will make a recommendation to the court about your child's best interests. Make a positive impression on the evaluator by staying calm, arriving on time to appointments, and providing requested information.
