By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 03, 2023
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When a couple with children breaks up, the responsibility to care for the children must be shared by both parents. An important aspect is child custody, or with whom the child will live and what the parenting schedule with the other parent will be like. If parents are unable to come to an agreement, courts will decide the best course of action based on state child custody laws.
All states except Massachusetts adhere to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). This article provides a brief overview of child custody laws in the state of Utah.
You can find additional details about Utah child custody laws in the chart below. See FindLaw's extensive Child Custody section for more articles and resources.
Code Sections |
§ 30-3-10.2 et seq. of the Utah Code |
|---|---|
Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act |
2000 |
Joint Custody |
In Utah, parents can have joint custody, including joint physical custody (where the child lives) and joint legal custody (who can make life, medical, educational, etc. decisions for a child) |
Grandparent Visitation |
Yes, § 30-5-2 |
Child's Wishes |
Yes, when the judge feels the child is sufficiently mature and has the capacity to reason to form an intelligent preference |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If you and your child's other parent are separating, you might not agree on who gets custody of your child or what the custody arrangement should look like. There are many other factors to consider in these determinations, but the court's primary concern will be the child's own best interests. One of the best ways to get a handle on the process is to seek guidance from an experienced family law attorney.
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
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