Child Support Attorneys in Utah

Dedicated Legal Counsel to Protect Your Best Interests

When parents separate or divorce, ensuring that children receive the financial support they need is one of the most important legal issues to resolve. Child support laws in Utah are designed to make sure both parents contribute to the well-being of their child, regardless of where the child primarily lives.

A Utah child support lawyer can help parents navigate the legal process of establishing, modifying, or enforcing support orders. At Pearson Butler, we help parents throughout Utah understand their rights and responsibilities while working toward fair and workable child support arrangements.

Whether you are seeking child support, disputing an amount, or requesting a modification, our legal team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Contact our Utah child support attorneys at Pearson Butler for the help you need today.

What is Child Support?

Child support is a court-ordered financial payment made by one parent to the other to help cover the costs of raising a child. These payments are intended to ensure that children continue to receive financial support from both parents after a divorce, separation, or custody determination.

Child support is used to help cover many of the expenses associated with raising a child, including:

• Food and groceries
• Housing and utilities
• Clothing
• School expenses
• Healthcare and medical insurance
• Childcare costs
• Transportation
• Extracurricular activities

In most cases, the parent who spends less time with the child (often referred to as the noncustodial parent) will make child support payments to the custodial parent. However, Utah courts focus primarily on the financial needs of the child and the income of both parents when determining support obligations.

Our Utah child support attorney can help ensure that the support order accurately reflects the financial situation of both parents and the needs of the child.

Utah Child Support Laws

Utah child support laws are governed by state statutes and guidelines that outline how financial support should be calculated and enforced. Courts generally rely on standardized formulas to ensure fairness and consistency in support orders.

Some important aspects of Utah child support laws include:

Income Shares Model

Utah uses the Income Shares Model, which assumes that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents were living together.

Under this model, the court considers the combined income of both parents and determines each parent's share of financial responsibility.

Legal Obligation to Support Children

Both parents are legally obligated to support their children financially. This obligation typically continues until the child:

• Turns 18 and graduates from high school, or
• Turns 19 if still attending high school full-time

In certain circumstances, such as disability, support may continue beyond these ages.

Enforcement of Child Support Orders

If a parent fails to pay child support, the state may take enforcement actions such as:

• Wage garnishment
• Tax refund interception
• Suspension of driver's or professional licenses
• Liens on property
• Contempt of court proceedings

Our team can help parents enforce support orders or defend against enforcement actions when appropriate.

How The Court Determines Child Support in UT

Utah courts use specific guidelines to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid. While formulas provide a starting point, courts may adjust support based on the details of each case.

Some of the key factors courts consider include:

Each Parent’s Income

Courts evaluate both parents' gross monthly income, which may include:

• Salary or wages
• Bonuses and commissions
• Self-employment income
• Rental income
• Disability or retirement benefits

Custody and Parenting Time

The amount of time each parent spends with the child plays a role in determining support. Different formulas may apply depending on whether the parents share joint physical custody or one parent has primary custody.

Healthcare Costs

The court considers:

• Health insurance premiums for the child
• Medical and dental expenses
• Special healthcare needs

Childcare Expenses

If daycare or childcare is required because a parent works or attends school, those costs may be included in the support calculation.

Number of Children

Support obligations typically increase when multiple children are involved.

Special Needs or Extraordinary Expenses

Courts may adjust support orders to account for special educational needs, medical issues, or other extraordinary circumstances.

Because these calculations can be complex, working with our Utah child support lawyer can help ensure that the numbers are accurate and fair.

Child Support Modification & Termination

Life is rarely static. When significant changes occur, a child support order that worked three years ago may no longer be fair or functional.

Modifying an Order

In Utah, you can petition the court to modify your child support order if there has been a "substantial change in circumstances." Common reasons include:

• A permanent change in custody or the parenting schedule
• A parent’s income increases or decreases by at least 15% (for orders less than 3 years old) or 10% (for orders older than 3 years)
• The child’s medical needs change significantly
• A parent becoming disabled or incarcerated

Terminating Support

Generally, child support in Utah continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school with their normal graduating class—whichever happens later. Support may terminate earlier if the child is emancipated, marries, or joins the military.

Child Support FAQs

Can parents agree on their own child support amount?

Parents may reach agreements regarding child support, but the court must review and approve the agreement to ensure it meets Utah child support guidelines and protects the child’s best interests.

What happens if a parent refuses to pay child support?

If a parent fails to pay child support, the court may take enforcement actions such as wage garnishment, license suspension, or contempt of court penalties.

Do both parents have to provide financial support?

Yes. Utah law requires both parents to contribute financially to raising their children, even if one parent has primary custody.

Does child support cover extracurricular activities?

Basic child support covers necessities. However, parents can—and often do—negotiate "extraordinary" expenses like competitive sports, music lessons, or private tutoring within their decree.

Can I stop paying support if the other parent denies me visitation?

No. In Utah, child support and parent-time (visitation) are treated as separate legal issues. You cannot withhold support as leverage for visitation, just as the other parent cannot deny visitation because of missed payments. Both actions can lead to a contempt of court charge.

What if the other parent lives in a different state?

Utah can still enforce child support orders across state lines through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). We can help coordinate with out-of-state agencies to ensure compliance.

How is income calculated for self-employed parents?

For self-employed individuals, "gross income" is defined as gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary business expenses. This often requires a detailed review of tax returns and profit-and-loss statements to ensure the figures are accurate.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Determining child support can be complicated. You need to be certain that your interests are well-protected and that any disputes are resolved in such a way as to protect your financial security and your children’s well-being. With extensive family law experience, the team at Pearson Butler is qualified to handle your support matter with the care it deserves.

Our Utah child support lawyers at Pearson Butler serve the entire state and is standing by to help you. Call (800) 265-2314 now!