How Child Support Is Calculated in Utah: A Simple Guide
If you’re going through a divorce or custody case in Utah, child support is likely one of your biggest concerns. Whether you expect to pay or receive support, understanding how it’s calculated can help you plan ahead and protect your child’s financial well-being.
Here’s a clear overview of how Utah courts determine child support and what factors affect the final amount.
The Utah Child Support Guidelines
Utah uses a formula outlined in Utah Code Title 78B, Chapter 12 to determine the base child support amount. The formula considers:
Both parents’ gross monthly incomes
The number of overnights the child spends with each parent
The number of children covered by the order
Whether physical custody is sole, joint, or split
Once those inputs are entered into Utah’s official child support worksheet, the system calculates the monthly support obligation.
Income and Overnights: The Two Biggest Factors
Your income is a major factor, and both parents must provide financial disclosures. The court may also consider potential income if one parent is unemployed or underemployed.
The overnight schedule matters too. Generally, the more overnights a parent has, the lower their child support obligation will be. This encourages shared parenting and recognizes the costs involved in caring for the child directly.
Medical Expenses, Insurance, and Childcare
In addition to the base support amount, Utah child support orders also include:
Medical and dental insurance premiums
Uninsured medical expenses (split based on income)
Work-related childcare costs
These are calculated separately and added to the support order.
Modifying a Child Support Order
If your financial situation or parenting schedule changes significantly, you can ask the court to modify your child support order. Utah law requires a material and substantial change in circumstances, such as a job loss, major income change, or new custody schedule.
Enforcing Child Support in Utah
If a parent fails to pay support, Utah courts can enforce the order through income withholding, tax refund intercepts, license suspensions, or contempt proceedings. If you’re owed child support, don’t wait — legal remedies are available.
How Jeremy Miller Can Help
Whether you are establishing child support for the first time, modifying an existing order, or dealing with enforcement issues, Jeremy Miller provides strategic, responsive representation. Serving clients throughout Utah County, Salt Lake County, and across the state, Mr. Miller helps parents reach fair, legally sound outcomes that reflect their child’s needs and the realities of their financial situation.
Need Help With a Child Support Case?
Don’t try to navigate child support on your own. Jeremy Miller can help you understand your rights, prepare your disclosures, and advocate for a fair result.