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Legal Rights & Protections for Parents

Becoming a parent comes with new questions about your rights—at home, in school, and in the legal system. This section gathers key resources that protect your family, ensure fair treatment, and connect you with free or low-cost legal help if you ever need it. No matter your background or situation, you have important rights as a parent in Utah. Here’s where to find help if you ever feel lost or unsure about legal issues on your parenting journey.

Quick Links

Utah Office of Recovery Services – Child Support

A state agency dedicated to helping parents secure financial support for their children, the Utah Office of Recovery Services (ORS) ensures that both parents share in the responsibility of providing for their child. ORS supports families by helping establish and enforce child support orders, even when parents are not together.

What They Offer

  • Paternity & Child Support Orders: Helps legally determine fatherhood and establish child support, even if parents were never married.
  • Enforcement & Payment Collection: Ensures child support orders are followed and collects payments on your behalf, using legal means to locate and require payment from the other parent.
  • Application Assistance: Guides you through an easy application process online or by mail and supports you through each step.

How to Get Help

Call: 801-536-8500.
Website: ors.utah.gov/child-support (apply online and access resources).
Service Area: Statewide, serving all counties in Utah.

Why It Matters

Trying to cover all your child’s needs alone can feel overwhelming, but ORS steps in to make sure you don’t have to. Their support allows you to focus on your child instead of financial stress or chasing down payments. Knowing someone is advocating for your family’s financial stability can bring enormous relief and help you build a more secure future for your little one.

Housing Rights for Families (Utah Tenant Rights)

Utah’s fair housing laws protect families, expecting parents, and adoptive families from discrimination in housing. Whether you’re pregnant, have young children, or are in the process of adopting, landlords are not allowed to treat you unfairly because of your family status. These protections help ensure you and your child have a safe, stable place to call home—no matter your circumstances.

What They Offer

  • Protection from Discrimination: Makes it illegal for landlords to refuse to rent, evict, or create rules that exclude families with children or pregnant women.
  • Complaint Support: If you experience discrimination, you can file complaints with the Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division (UALD) or HUD, and get help from advocates such as the Disability Law Center’s Fair Housing Program.
  • Anti-Retaliation Safeguards: Landlords are also forbidden to retaliate against you for asserting your rights.

How to Get Help

Call: 1-800-662-9080 (Disability Law Center – Fair Housing Helpline).
Website: laborcommission.utah.gov (Utah Labor Commission Fair Housing info).
Service Area: Statewide (Utah).

Why It Matters

Every family deserves the security of a welcoming home. If you’re facing unfair treatment or worrying about being turned away because you have children, these protections are here for you. Help is available if your rights are violated—so you can focus on your family’s future, knowing you’re legally supported in your search for safe, stable housing.

Title IX – Protections for Pregnant & Parenting Students

Title IX is a federal law ensuring pregnant and parenting students have the right to complete their education without discrimination. If you are pregnant or caring for a child, your school must allow you to stay in class, access needed accommodations, and protect you from harassment or being pushed out. This law guarantees you the same opportunities as any other student to finish your education and reach your goals.

What They Offer

  • Stay in School: Protects your right to continue classes and activities while pregnant or after childbirth.
  • Excused Absences & Medical Leave: Lets you take time off for medical needs and return without penalty, with the chance to make up missed work.
  • Reasonable Accommodations: Requires schools to make adjustments (like a bigger desk, more restroom breaks, or water bottles) and provide any medical or academic supports needed.
  • Protection from Harassment: Ensures you won’t be bullied or mistreated because of pregnancy or parenting status, and gives you the right to file complaints if you are.
  • Access to Title IX Coordinators: Every school must have a coordinator to help you get support or address concerns.

How to Get Help

Call: 1-800-421-3481 (U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights).
Website: www.ed.gov
Service Area: Nationwide—all public schools, colleges, and universities receiving federal funds, including those in Utah.

Why It Matters

Being a student parent can be daunting, but you don’t have to sacrifice your future for your family. Title IX guarantees your right to learn, grow, and dream—regardless of your parenting journey. If you need time off, accommodations, or protection from unfair treatment, this law has your back.