South Jordan Child Custody Lawyers

Committed to Protecting Your Child’s Best Interests

When a marriage ends, one of the most critical decisions involves where the child will live and how often they will see each parent. This is called child custody, and Utah courts are committed to determining the child’s best interests, keeping the child’s well-being and happiness central to every decision. Contrary to popular belief, mothers are not automatically granted preference—courts carefully consider the circumstances of each family.

At Pearson Butler, our South Jordan child custody team has nearly 40 legal professionals with over 300 years of combined experience in family law and civil litigation. We are strategists, counselors, and problem-solvers committed to protecting your rights as a parent while advocating for your child’s needs. Our firm holds the AV Preeminent rating for ethical standards and legal ability and is consistently recognized among the Utah Legal Elite.

Call us today at (801) 683-5813 to start exploring your legal options.

Understanding Custody Arrangements in Utah

Utah courts recognize two main types of custody, though the distribution will vary based on each family’s circumstances. Either type of custody can be shared between parents or primarily awarded to a single parent.

Physical Custody

• Determines where the child lives and who provides day-to-day care
• Includes primary residence and structured visitation schedules, also called parenting time

Legal Custody

• Allows a parent to make important decisions about the child’s life
• Covers education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and other significant choices

Courts rarely grant one parent sole physical and legal custody unless there are credible allegations of abuse, neglect, or serious harm. Even children over 14 may have a voice in custody preferences, but judges make the final decision.

Factors Courts Consider in Child Custody Decisions

Courts focus on the best interests of the child. The most common factors include:

• Each parent's ability to provide adequate living arrangements and stability
• Lifestyle and work schedules, including availability to care for the child
• Moral and financial conduct, including fitness as a parent
• Evidence of abuse, domestic violence, neglect, or sexual abuse
• Nature of each parent’s relationship with the child
• Co-parenting skills and willingness to foster a positive relationship with the other parent

Parenting Plans and Custody Modifications

A parenting plan outlines custody arrangements, including:

• Custody schedules and visitation
• Holiday and special event arrangements
• Decision-making responsibilities

Custody orders are not permanent and can be modified if circumstances change significantly, such as relocation, changes in the child’s needs, or a parent’s inability to fulfill responsibilities.

Tips for Parents During Custody Cases

• Focus on your children: Prioritize their emotional health and needs above personal convenience. Seek guidance from school counselors, therapists, and other professionals.

• Try getting along: Children benefit when parents can cooperate, even without being friends.

• Avoid disparagement: Speaking negatively about the other parent can harm your child’s emotional well-being.

• Use a shared calendar: Digital tools help keep both parents informed about activities, appointments, and events.

• Practice the “Golden Rule”: Offer flexibility and consideration to encourage cooperation.

Why Hire Pearson Butler for Child Custody

Working with Pearson Butler gives you both legal expertise and compassionate guidance:

• Comprehensive Family Law Experience: We handle complex custody, divorce, and modification cases, with recognition for our work in the field.

• Financial Stability & Asset Protection: We coordinate with our Business Law and Estate Planning teams to protect assets, ensuring a stable environment for your child.

• Litigation Readiness: Skilled trial attorneys are prepared to advocate for you if negotiation fails.

• Supportive Approach: We guide you through the process with clear communication, helping reduce stress and confusion.

What Our Clients Say

"Rachel and Diana have been with me for a few years as I have been fighting to gain full legal and physical custody of my son...Rachel and her team knew exactly what to do...Here we are and I now have full custody of my son!! I don't believe I would have had this outcome without their help."
– Ann

"God sends special angels into our lives!! Angilee Dakic is a very professional, brass tacks, no-nonsense type of individual who represented me in a divorce/custody case...She has such a kind heart and fierce will to get you justice."
– Lorenzo H.

Contact Our South Jordan Child Custody Team

Custody battles are emotionally taxing and legally complex, but Pearson Butler is here to help you navigate the process. We ensure your parental rights are protected while advocating for your child’s best interests.

Call (801) 683-5813 today for a confidential consultation with our experienced family law team in South Jordan, UT.