Utah Divorce with Children
Everything you need to know about divorce with children in Utah — custody types, child support guidelines, parenting plans, and protecting your children through the process. Updated for 2026.
Types of Custody in Utah
Legal Custody
The right to make major decisions about your child's education, healthcare, religion, and welfare.
Physical Custody
Determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis and the parenting time schedule.
"Best Interests of the Child" Factors
Utah courts consider multiple factors when determining custody arrangements:
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Divorce.ai helps you build a comprehensive parenting plan that meets Utah court requirements.
Child Support in Utah
Utah uses the Income Shares Model under Utah Code § 78B-12-301 et seq. Child support is calculated based on the combined gross monthly income of both parents and the number of overnights each parent has. The state provides a standardized Child Support Obligation Table. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of combined adjusted gross income. Adjustments are made for health insurance, child care, and extraordinary expenses. The guidelines are reviewed every four years.
Official Utah child support calculator →Factors Considered
Additional Forms Required (Children)
| Form | Name |
|---|---|
| Parenting Plan | Parenting Plan (Custody and Parent-Time) |
| Child Support Worksheet | Child Support Obligation Worksheet |
| Divorce Certificate of Completion | Certificate of Completion - Divorce Orientation Course |
| Divorce Education Certificate | Certificate of Completion - Divorce Education Course |
Mandatory Parenting Course
Utah requires both parents to complete a parenting education course when filing for divorce with minor children.
Under Utah Code § 30-3-11.4, all divorcing parents with minor children must complete two courses: (1) a Divorce Orientation Course ($30 if completed within 30 days, otherwise $30 with $5 to Children's Legal Defense Fund) and (2) a Divorce Education Course ($35, including $8 to Children's Legal Defense Fund). The petitioner must complete the orientation course within 60 days of filing; the respondent within 30 days of service. Both parties must complete the education course before the divorce can be finalized. Courses are available online.
Typical cost: $65
Protect your children through the process
Divorce.ai helps you create a child-focused parenting plan and prepares all custody-related Utah forms.
What Goes in a Parenting Plan?
A comprehensive parenting plan should cover:
Regular Parenting Schedule
Week-by-week schedule of where the child lives and when transitions occur.
Holiday & Vacation Schedule
How holidays, school breaks, and vacation time are divided between parents.
Decision-Making Authority
Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, extracurriculars, and religious upbringing.
Communication Rules
How the child communicates with the non-custodial parent (phone, video calls, etc.).
Transportation & Exchange
Who handles pickups/dropoffs and where exchanges occur.
Dispute Resolution
How disagreements about the parenting plan will be resolved (mediation first, then court).
Relocation Rules
Notice requirements and procedure if either parent wants to move.
Tips for Protecting Your Children During Divorce
Never speak negatively about the other parent in front of your children. It puts them in the middle and can harm your custody case.
Maintain routines. Keep school, activities, and daily routines as consistent as possible during the transition.
Communicate openly with your children in age-appropriate ways. Let them know the divorce is not their fault.
Consider counseling. A child therapist can help children process their emotions during this time.