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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.

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.

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.

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 childcare, 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.

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.