Utah Child Support Calculator

How is Child Support Calculated in Utah?

Think of it like a pie. Utah adds both your and the other parent's income together to figure out the total 'pie' available for your child. The court then calculates your share of child support based on your slice of that combined income pie.

Understanding Utah's Shared Custody Rules

When each parent has the child for at least 111 overnights a year, Utah law considers it joint physical custody and uses a special formula. This formula adjusts the final support amount to reflect the increased costs of maintaining two separate homes for the child.

Utah Child Support FAQs

At what age does child support end in Utah?

In Utah, child support typically ends when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school during their normal senior year, whichever occurs later. The obligation does not automatically continue for a child who has dropped out of high school.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in Utah?

If a parent is unemployed or underemployed without a good reason, the court can 'impute' income. This means the judge will calculate child support based on what that parent *could* be earning, which is often based on a 40-hour work week at the federal minimum wage or their recent work history.

How do I modify a child support order in Utah?

You can request a modification if there has been a 'substantial and material change' in circumstances, such as a significant income change, a change in custody, or a change in the child's needs. Generally, a change that results in a 15% difference in the support payment is considered substantial.

Does Utah child support cover college expenses?

No, a parent's legal obligation to pay child support does not extend to college or other post-secondary education expenses. Parents may voluntarily agree to share these costs in a written agreement, but a court will not order it.

How does Utah handle health insurance and childcare costs?

The costs for the child's portion of health insurance premiums and work-related childcare are added to the basic child support obligation. These expenses are then divided between the parents based on their proportional shares of the combined income.