Protecting Families With Experienced Child Support Attorneys in Utah
At Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law PC, we understand how stressful child support issues can be. Whether you’re seeking to establish support, defend against unfair claims, or request a modification of child support in Utah, our family-owned child support law firm in Salt Lake City is here to help. With over 200 years of combined family law experience, our team of dedicated Utah child support lawyers offers trusted guidance and strong advocacy.
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Why Ignoring Child Support Issues Costs More Than You Think
Unresolved child support problems often get worse over time. If payments fall behind, the Utah Office of Recovery Services (ORS) can garnish wages, suspend licenses, or issue contempt actions. On the other hand, if your income has changed but you don’t request a Utah child support modification, you may pay more than the law requires. Acting quickly with an experienced child support lawyer Utah protects your finances, your rights, and your child’s future. Learn more about what happens if you don’t pay child support.
How Child Support in Utah is Determined
Utah’s child support laws are set out in the Utah Uniform Child Support Guidelines. The state uses an official Child Support Calculator to determine obligations.
Factors considered:
- Number of children
- Custody type (sole, joint, shared)
- Each parent’s gross monthly income
- Maximum combined income of $10,000 (beyond that, court discretion applies)
Key points:
- Proof of income required (pay stubs, tax returns).
- Courts may impute income if a parent is underemployed or unemployed.
- Support continues until the child is 18 or graduates high school, whichever comes later.
- Utah child support laws allow support to extend into adulthood for children with disabilities.
See also our resource on how to adjust your child support agreement.
Medical and Childcare Expenses in Utah Child Support Cases
In addition to base support, parents must share costs such as:
- Out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses
- Health insurance premiums for children
- Vision care
- Work-related childcare costs
These obligations are addressed in Utah child support laws §78B-12-212. Reimbursement is typically split 50/50, with strict deadlines for proof and repayment. More information on uninsured medical expenses in child support cases is available.
Utah Child Support Laws & Reductions for Extended Visitation
Utah allows reductions when the non-custodial parent spends extended time with the child:
- 50% reduction if the child is with the parent for 25 of 30 consecutive days.
- 25% reduction if the child is with the parent for 12 of 30 consecutive days.
These reductions are set by Utah child support laws §78B-12-216.
For fathers, extended visitation often overlaps with custody rights. See our guide on fathers’ rights and child custody in Utah.
Child Support and Taxes in Utah
Tax considerations often arise in child support Utah cases. Courts decide which parent can claim dependents. A parent ordered to pay support cannot claim tax exemptions unless they are current on payments, per Utah Code §78B-12-217. For further details, review our article on child support and taxes in Utah.
Utah Office of Recovery Services (ORS) and Child Support Enforcement
Payments are usually processed through ORS via wage withholding. ORS enforces child support laws in Utah by collecting overdue payments, garnishing wages, and using other enforcement tools. Learn more at ORS Utah.gov.
Child Support Modification in Utah
Life changes, and so can your support order. If your income, custody arrangement, or child’s needs change, you may qualify for a modification of child support Utah order.
- After 3 years: Orders can be modified with a 10% income change.
- Within 3 years: Orders require a 15% change.
- Process: File a petition with the court, provide updated financials, and continue paying until the modification is granted.
Our child support attorneys Utah regularly assist parents in filing for modification under Utah Code §78B-12-210. If your pay has decreased, see our resource: Can child support be lowered if your pay decreases?.
Back Child Support (Arrears) in Utah
Unpaid obligations, also known as arrears, are taken seriously under Utah child support laws.
- Cannot be erased in bankruptcy.
- May trigger wage garnishment, tax refund seizures, or jail.
- Enforced under Utah Code §78B-12-109.
Our child support law firm helps parents enforce back child support or defend against unfair arrears claims. For a deeper look at financial challenges after divorce, read the financial challenges of divorce with kids.
Why Choose Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law PC
Trusted Across Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front
- Family-owned child support law firm Utah with decades of local service
- 200+ years of combined family law experience
- Affordable flat-fee divorce options
- Paralegal assistance program for cost savings
- Hablamos español – bilingual staff
- Recognized across Utah courts for excellence
Learn how our paralegal services in Utah can help make legal representation more affordable.
Our Core Child Support Services in Utah
We represent parents in every area of child support Utah:
- Establishing child support orders
- Enforcing unpaid child support
- Utah child support modification cases
- Defending against unfair claims
- Fathers’ rights and custody-related support issues
If you are also facing custody concerns, see our guide on child custody in Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Utah
Child support is money paid by one parent to the other to help cover the child’s expenses. The court issues an order based on the Utah Child Support Guidelines, as outlined in Utah Code § 78B-12-201. Payments are often collected through ORS. For an overview, see demystifying child support in Utah.
Obligations typically last until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. In some cases, support may continue for children with disabilities.
Yes. A child support modification Utah can be requested if financial or custody circumstances change significantly. Under §78B-12-210, the court may modify if income shifts by 10% (after 3 years) or 15% (within 3 years).
Late payments can result in wage garnishment, tax refund seizures, and even imprisonment. ORS enforces these penalties.
Both parents typically share medical, dental, vision, and work-related childcare costs in addition to base support.
Support payments are not deductible or taxable. Dependency exemptions may be shared or alternated, but parents must be current on payments to claim them.
To modify child support Utah, you must file a petition with the court. Our attorneys can help prepare financial documentation and represent you in modification hearings. More here: Child Support Modification in Utah.
Serving Families Across Utah
Our child support lawyers in Utah proudly serve the Salt Lake City area, including Sandy, West Jordan, Ogden, Provo, and surrounding communities.
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Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law PC is the child support law firm Utah families trust. Our child support attorneys in Utah will protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and ensure fair outcomes for you and your children.