Verification in progress. Statute references on this page are being confirmed against current law by a licensed attorney. Use the official sources listed below for the authoritative text.
Key takeaways
- Joint legal custody is common; joint physical custody depends on overnights and practicality.
- Utah's statutory factors include past conduct, the child's bond with each parent, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship.
- A parenting plan is required when requesting joint custody.
Legal / educational information
Best-interests factors in Utah
Utah's custody statute lists factors such as the parents' past conduct and moral standards, each parent's demonstrated ability to meet the child's needs, the child's relationship with each parent, the parents' ability to cooperate, and, where mature enough, the child's preference. VERIFY: confirm the current statute text and section numbers with a licensed attorney before relying on this—Utah recodified its family-law statutes and section numbers have changed.
Legal / educational information
Joint custody and parenting plans
When a parent requests joint legal or physical custody, Utah requires a parenting plan addressing decision-making, the residential schedule, dispute resolution, and communication. Utah Courts publishes the required form.
Frequently asked questions
Generally an arrangement where the child stays overnight with each parent a substantial portion of the year; Utah statute defines the threshold. Verify the current definition.
Sources
A Father's Fight provides general educational information and personal experiences. It is not a law firm and this page is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney in your state. See our disclaimer and editorial policy.