Legal Question in Family Law in Utah

Parental Rights

I am a single mother- to- be and have some questions about the Fathers legal rights. I have been dating this guy for nearly 3 years and got pregnant last April. I do not intend to marry him and want to dissolve the relationship before the baby is born. I am worried about what he might do when I break up with him. Is he able to get joint custody of our child? What are the standard visitation rights that he would have? How soon can he, or is he, able to take the baby overnight or for weekends? I worry about the baby in his possession because he is immature. I also worry that he or his family might try to take the baby away from me. His family is mentally unstable and I feel the baby's best interest is not their priority. I am also aware of substance abuse among his sisters.

Can you tell me how I apply for child support? His base salary is around $2.13 an hour. Most of his income comes from tips. He has told me several times that he makes about $300.00 a night in tips. He does not claim this on his income tax so what am I entitled to for child support? After the baby is born I will have to quit my job to take care of the baby.Is he responsible for what my insurance will not pay for Dr.visits, labor and delivery? What are his rights?


Asked on 11/06/06, 1:36 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Lundgren Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.

Re: Parental Rights

If he wants to be involved in the life of the child, he must file for a determination of paternity. He has 6 months from the birth of the baby, or when he discovers about the birth of the baby to do so. Standard visitation varies with the age of the child. An infant is a few hours a week, an older child is alternate weekends and holidays, and 1/2 summer vacation. If you seek child support, if he does not cooperate, income can be "imputed" or determined by a judge. You may want to consider an adoption. The child goes to a home you approve, and the child can be insulated from birth father's family. The child is then raised by two loving parents who want and can care for the child. PS, I adopted 2 children and they turned out very good. Call me if you are interested in a private adoption, where you agree to the family.

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Answered on 11/06/06, 5:32 pm


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