The resources on this page contain valuable information about co-parenting and are specifically related to families that are co-parenting in Utah
The protection and care of the children when parents decide to divorce is one of the most important considerations for the entire family in Utah.
Co-parents are advised to take steps to create a conflict-free environment to prevent trauma and other negative long-term effects that life-changing events such as divorce can cause for the children. They should determine what is in the child’s best interest during the divorce process and after the custody arrangements and parenting plan have been finalized. Some helpful resources are listed here for Co-Parents in Utah.
ON CUSTODY AND VISITATION
To Qualify for Child Custody in Utah, you must demonstrate that you’re able to meet the physical and emotional needs of the child and that you have good parenting and co-parenting skills.
On Custody Decisions and Parenting plans, the court decides on the best interest of the child based on family history and other relevant factors. Also, parents seeking shared custody must submit a parenting plan they mutually agree on or separate plans where they cannot agree, which the court may agree with or not.
Education requirements are mandatory for divorcing parents with minor children in Utah. The petitioner must attend a class no more than 60 days after the petition is filed, and the respondent is expected to attend a class within 30 days after he or she is served.
Other Requirements to File for Child Custody in Utah include a parenting plan and a petition to establish paternity for unmarried parents where necessary
Custody Arrangements are addressed during the child custody proceedings by the Courts in Utah, and any of the four types of physical and legal custody can be ordered by a court.
Modifying Child Custody is possible where a material and substantial change in circumstance has occurred, and if the change in custody is in the best interests of the child.
After Filing a Motion to enforce order, the court in Utah will review your documents, and if your papers explain how the other party is not obeying the court’s order, the court will schedule a hearing. It is important to consult an attorney before taking any steps to ensure you’re on the right path
A Person is held in Contempt of Court if he or she fails to comply with or interferes with a co-parent’s visitation order or parenting time.
On Custody for Unmarried Parents, the mother has a natural right to custody and the father would have no right to custody unless paternity is legally established if his name was not included on the birth certificate.
Non-Custodial Parent Visitation and minimum parent-time schedule as set out by the Legislature, for parents who have a hard time coming up with a schedule or parenting plan.
On Establishing Paternity, a father has three options to establish paternity; administrative process, court process, and signing a voluntary declaration of paternity.
LAWS
A Summary of Child Custody Laws in Utah
Section 30–3–10 (Utah Code) Custody Factors
Joint custody order — Factors for court determination 30-3-10.2.
Terms of Joint Legal or Physical Custody (30-3-10.3)
Modification or Termination of Child Custody Order (30-3-10.4)
Child Support Payment 30-3-10.5
Filing Parenting Plan 30-3-10.8
Parenting Plan Objectives and Dispute Resolution (30-3-10.9)
Parenting Plan in Domestic Violence Situations 30-3-10.10
SELF HELP
Online Court Assistance Program (OCAP) is provided to assist court users who do not have an attorney to prepare court documents.
Child Support Obligation Worksheet for Co-Parents
Sample Custody and Visitation Schedule for Parents
OTHER RESOURCES
Tips for Creating Successful Blended Families
Pros and Cons of Litigation and Mediation
On Unfit Parenting and Termination of Parental Rights, a court will not assume that a parent is unfit and terminate parental rights without sufficient proof. However, with sufficient proof and a formal child custody evaluation, a court may decide that one or both parents are unfit to be entrusted with the child’s health safety, welfare, and overall best interest, and as such terminate parental rights.
TAX CREDIT DECISIONS IN UTAH
On Claiming a Child on Taxes After a Custody Case, only one parent can claim a child as a tax dependent, and even though this can be changed every year where there is shared custody, the tax credit is given normally to the custodial parent
Child Custody and Tax Benefit Information for Unmarried Parents
SUPPORT BOOKS AND RESOURCES
Divorce & Separation books and Resources for children and adults
The Co-Parenting Survival Guide: Letting Go of Conflict After a Difficult Divorce
The CoParenting Toolkit: The Essential Supplement for Mom’s House, Dad’s House
