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Voluntary Declaration of Paternity

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Voluntary Declaration of Paternity

Why is paternity establishment important?

When an unmarried mother gives birth the biological father of the child does not automatically have any of the legal rights or responsibilities. Paternity establishment gives unmarried parents all of the same rights and responsibilities that married parents have, such as:

Allows financial support from both parents.
Permits the child to be added to both biological parents’ medical insurance
Permits the father to pursue rights that go along with fatherhood, including custody, parent-time (visitation), and decision-making.
Gives the child a claim to benefits from the father, such as inheritance, social security, veteran’s benefits, etc.

What can unmarried parents do to legally establish paternity?

The VDP is the fastest, easiest, and least expensive way to establish paternity in Utah for unwed parents. The VDP is a simple process, a form that unmarried parents can sign to state that a man is the biological father of the child and that he should be recognized by law as the father. Signing the VDP is completely voluntary.

Where do you get a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity (VDP) Form?

The VDP is given to unmarried parents with the birth certificate forms when a child is born. If the form is signed and filed with the birth certificate the father’s name will be on the original birth certificate.

After the child’s birth, the VDP is also available at the Office of Vital Records and Statistics and at all local health departments. The mother and the biological father sign the VDP in front of 2 witnesses. If the father or mother is under age 18 the parent or guardian must also sign the VDP.

How do you sign a VDP Form?

Before you can sign a VDP, the form will be explained to you in at least two ways:

You will watch a short video, "The Power of Two", or listen to a recorded message, and
You will read a short paper titled: “Voluntary Declaration of Paternity: What You Should Know.”

The VDP is a legal document so take this time to learn about the form you’re signing and the legal rights and duties the VDP gives you and your child.

If the mother is married to another man at any time during her pregnancy or when the child was born, her current spouse must also sign the document to agree that he is not the biological father.

The Power of Two

Or
Utah VDP Form - Recorded Legal Message
1-877-886-5332

Voluntary Declaration of Paternity: What You Should Know.

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