Understanding Child Support Payments in Utah: A Straightforward Guide

Facing divorce or custody in Utah? One of the toughest questions dads ask is how much child support will be. It all comes down to Utah’s specific formulas and legal standards. If you’re in Utah and juggling changes in income, time with your kids, and stress on top of it all – you’re not alone. This post breaks down what most fathers actually pay here, according to Utah law, and what to do if things feel off-balance.

What We’ll Cover:

What Is the Average Child Support Payment in Utah?

Unlike national averages, Utah doesn’t publish a flat “average dollar amount” for child support. Instead, the state relies on structured guidelines. These guidelines use tables based on income and number of children, enforced consistently under Utah Code Title 81, Chapter 6.

Calculating Utah child support payments with cash and calculator on table

In practice:

  1. Payments are calculated using a shared-income model – meaning support is divided proportionally based on each parent’s gross income and parenting time.
  2. The state’s official child support tables set combined obligations, then split the costs based on each parent’s share of income.
  3. Custody arrangements (how many overnights each parent has) directly affect the calculation.

That means there isn’t a single “Utah average” – your payment depends entirely on your income, custody arrangement, and number of kids.

 

 

How Child Support Is Calculated in Utah

Utah father spending time with child while managing child support responsibilities

Utah follows the Income Shares Model, written into law under Utah Code § 78B-12-301.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Combined gross income of both parents is used to find a base support amount from the state’s support tables.
  2. That total is then divided based on each parent’s percentage of the combined income.
  3. Parenting time matters: more overnights means reduced payment obligations.
  4. Parents also split childcare and health insurance costs in addition to base support.

What Counts as Income Under Utah Law?

Utah’s statutes take a broad view of “income.” According to Utah Code Title 81, Chapter 6, gross income includes:

Utah child support calculation based on state guidelines and court rules

  1. Wages, salaries, overtime, and bonuses
  2. Self-employment income
  3. Commissions and tips
  4. Rental, retirement, and disability income
  5. Alimony received from another case
  6. Court-imputed income if a parent is voluntarily underemployed

Certain benefits like SSI or short-term assistance programs generally aren’t counted unless they were included in the original support order, per Utah ORS Child Support FAQs.

 

 

Can Child Support Be Modified in Utah?

Yes – but Utah law sets clear guidelines.

You can file a request in two ways:

  1. Motion to Adjust: Every three years, if the current order differs by 10% or more from what the state’s guidelines require, you can file a simplified motion. No proof of hardship is needed.
  2. Petition to Modify: If it hasn’t been three years, you’ll need to show a substantial, ongoing change in circumstances (job loss, custody change, medical costs, etc.).

See the Utah Courts Child Support & Modification guide for official procedures.

What Happens If Child Support Isn’t Paid? Utah Enforcement Rules

Utah law gives courts and the Office of Recovery Services strong enforcement tools when payments fall behind.

If you don’t pay, consequences may include:

  1. Wage garnishment
  2. Seizure of state or federal tax refunds
  3. Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses
  4. Contempt of court penalties (including possible jail time)

The Utah Courts Enforcement page makes clear that parenting time and child support are separate. You cannot withhold visits if support isn’t paid, and you cannot stop paying support if visitation is denied. Both orders must be followed independently.

Fathers’ Rights in Utah Child Support Cases

Utah applies child support laws equally to mothers and fathers. Fathers have the right to:

  1. Calculations based strictly on income and custody, not gender
  2. Shared custody arrangements that lower child support obligations
  3. Request modifications when life circumstances change
  4. Challenge support orders that don’t follow the law

If your situation changes significantly, you have the right to seek relief through the Utah Courts modification process.

Why Local Legal Help Matters

Utah’s laws and procedures are precise, and every case depends on the details of income, custody, and expenses. At Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law PC, we’ve guided Utah families for decades through these exact situations. With over 190 years of combined legal experience, our team knows how to make sure calculations are fair and rights are protected.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Utah

No flat figure exists. Utah uses the Income Shares Model to determine child support based on income, custody, and the number of children.

Every three years via a Motion to Adjust if your order differs by 10% or more, or anytime with a Petition to Modify if a substantial, ongoing change occurs. See Utah Courts support modification.

In most cases, no. Benefits like SSI or short-term unemployment assistance aren’t included unless they were part of the original support order. See ORS Child Support FAQ.

Yes. Judges can order a higher or lower payment if applying the guidelines would be unfair or not in the child’s best interests, per Utah Code Title 81, Chapter 6.

ORS and the courts can garnish wages, intercept tax refunds, suspend licenses, and hold you in contempt. See Utah Courts enforcement rules.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Utah’s child support system is rule-based and predictable – if you know the law. With clear guidelines, court procedures, and modification options, you don’t have to feel lost.

At Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law PC, we help fathers navigate Utah’s system every day, ensuring support payments are fair and rights are protected. Start with a free 30-minute consultation to get clarity for your situation.

Related Reads:

Wall Legal Solutions
Latest posts by Wall Legal Solutions (see all)