CHILD SUPPORT

Creating Stability for Your Child’s Future

Child Support Lawyers Serving the Salt Lake City, Park City, Provo, Ogden and Surrounding Utah Communities

Every child deserves financial support from both parents. Whether you’re the receiving or paying parent, our attorneys help ensure child support agreements reflect your child’s needs and comply with Utah law. We approach each case with sensitivity and clarity, aiming to reduce stress and conflict.

We Handle:
• Establishing Child Support Orders
• Modifications Due to Job Loss or Income Changes
• Enforcement of Support Payments
• High-Income and Complex Support Cases

Let us help you build a solid foundation for your child’s future.

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Utah Child Support

Child Support is the child’s right and every child is entitled to support from his or her parents. Unlike other family law issues in Utah, the child support process is rather rigidly defined and based on guidelines created by Utah State legislature.

Whether you are going through a divorce, legal separation, paternity action, or trying to modify an existing child support order, the amount you pay or receive in support is dictated by these statutory guidelines.

How is Utah Child Support Determined?

Child Support is paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent. Utah Court determines the amount of child support and which parent pays based off the child support calculator and certain factors including:

• Income (or imputed income) of each parent
• Number of minor children involved in action
• Number of overnights per year children spend with each parent
• Medical costs for children
• Child care expenses

Understanding your rights and the rights of your child is essential when navigating child support. Once the amount is determined, support is typically paid monthly until your child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. If a substantial change in circumstances occurs and child support needs to be modified, you will need to petition the court for an adjustment. Working with an experienced child support lawyer ensures that your child’s best interests are protected and that any changes are handled correctly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Child Support Questions

How is child support calculated in Utah?

Child support in Utah is calculated using the state’s Child Support Guidelines. The courts consider each parent’s gross income, the number of children, and the number of overnights the child spends with each parent. Additional separate support on top of child support, can include childcare costs, health insurance, and other medical expenses. Parents sharing joint custody oftentimes also share in education and extracurricular expenses. The goal is to maintain a similar standard of living for the child across both households.

What if my ex isn’t paying child support?

If your ex isn’t paying child support, the state can enforce payment. Options include wage garnishment, intercepting tax refunds, suspending driver’s or professional licenses, and even contempt of court charges. It’s important to contact your local child support enforcement office and your attorney to initiate enforcement.

Can child support be modified?

Yes, child support can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances. This could include a substantial change in either parent’s income, changes in the child’s needs, or a change in custody arrangements. To modify child support, a parent must file a petition with the court and demonstrate the change in circumstances.

Does child support cover all child-related expenses?

No, child support primarily covers basic living expenses such as food, clothing, and shelter.Certain other costs, such as medical care, and reasonable work related child care are also split between parents. Educational expenses, or extracurricular activities are often also shared but require additional agreements between the parents to be specifically included in the Divorce or custody order.

Do I still pay support if we share custody?

Yes, child support can still be owed even if parents share custody, but the amount may be adjusted based on the proportion of time each parent spends with the child and depending on each parent’s monthly gross income. Utah’s guidelines account for shared custody arrangements to ensure both parents contribute fairly to the child’s needs.

Child Support Video Library

Guiding Families Forward with Care and Confidence – Expert Family Law Attorneys You Can Trust

Child Support Overview

Explains how child support is calculated in Utah, including income considerations and custody arrangements.

Disclaimer: These videos are for general informational purposes only and donot constitute legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

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