Child Custody Representation You Can Trust in Salt Lake City Utah
When custody becomes uncertain, you need a lawyer who brings experience, calm judgment, and a firm understanding of Utah’s family courts. Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law PC has served families across Salt Lake City and the surrounding region for generations. With more than 200 years of combined family law experience, our attorneys understand the stakes and know how to protect your relationship with your child. We represent clients in Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Murray, Sandy, Draper, Utah County, and nearby communities. Every case is handled with care, preparation, and a strategy built around what matters most to you and your child.
Trust Badges
- Certified Utah Family Law Attorneys
- 200 Years Combined Experience
- Family Owned and Operated
- Bilingual Services Available
- 30 Minute Consultation
- Top Rated on Google and Yelp
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What Clients Say About Working With Us
The Real Problem Most Parents Face
Why Ignoring Custody Issues Costs More Than You Think
Parents often wait too long to speak with an attorney because they believe things will settle down on their own. The trouble is that early decisions and temporary arrangements can shape the entire case. If the other parent files first, controls the narrative, or establishes a routine that limits your involvement, it becomes harder to correct later. Courts value stability. When you don’t act quickly, the other parent may build a stronger position, and your time with your child can slowly shrink. What this really means is that hesitation can lead to decisions that affect your child for years. Addressing custody issues early gives you options, clarity, and leverage.
How We Solve Custody Problems
The Benefits of Working With an Experienced Child Custody Attorney
Experienced Family Law Attorneys
Our attorneys know Utah custody statutes, courtroom expectations, and the factors judges rely on. You get a strategy that anticipates challenges and positions you well from the start.
Support for Complex Issues
Relocation cases, safety concerns, high-conflict co-parenting, and enforcement problems require careful evidence. We guide you on what matters and what doesn’t so your case stays focused.
Clear Communication
You’ll never feel left in the dark. We break down each step, explain your options, and give practical guidance so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Tailored Legal Strategies
Every family dynamic is different. We build custody plans that fit your child’s needs, your schedule, and the long-term stability you want for your family.
Why Choose Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law PC
Trusted Across Salt Lake City, Utah Valley, and Surrounding Communities
- 200 years of combined family law experience
- Family-owned practice with a long-standing reputation for honesty and compassion
- Affordable options, including flat fees when appropriate
- Deep knowledge of local judges and court processes
- Bilingual English and Spanish support
- Strong record of protecting parent-child relationships
- Schedule a 30-minute consultations
- Recognized for integrity and practical solutions
Our Child Custody Services
Full Service Child Custody Representation
Custody Establishment
We help parents secure a clear legal and physical custody arrangement that reflects the child’s best interests and sets expectations for both households.
Custody Modification
Life changes. When job schedules shift, safety concerns arise, or one parent relocates, custody orders often need updating. We evaluate your situation and pursue modifications when justified.
Paternity and Custody for Unmarried Parents
Unmarried parents often need to establish paternity before addressing custody and parent time. We streamline the entire process so your parental rights are fully recognized and protected.
High Conflict Custody Cases
If the other parent refuses to cooperate, undermines your relationship with the child, or engages in harmful behavior, we know how to document and present these concerns clearly.
Father’s Rights and Men’s Custody Representation
Our firm has a strong history of representing fathers and ensuring they receive fair treatment and meaningful involvement in decision making and day to day parenting.
Temporary Orders
Temporary custody and parent time orders often shape the long-term outcome. We help you secure strong temporary protections early in the case.
Mediation and Settlement Support
Utah requires mediation. We prepare you thoroughly so you walk into mediation with a clear strategy and realistic goals that support your child.
Child Custody Attorney in Utah
Why Do You Need a Utah Child Custody Attorney?
If you are like most divorcing parents, one of your greatest concerns is the well being of your children. A key item of dispute in many divorce proceedings is the issue of child custody. Who will get the children? If you are a divorcing parent, you need an experienced attorney who understands the twists and turns of Utah custody laws. At Wall & Wall, P.C., we are seasoned family law attorneys with deep experience in custody matters. Contact our skilled attorneys for a legal consultation or case review.
Many people assume physical custody will automatically go to the mother. But custody decisions should be based on the child’s best interests, not tradition. Whether that means joint physical custody, sole physical custody, joint legal custody, sole legal custody, or split custody, we have extensive experience helping parents structure the best arrangements for their children.
Custody Modifications
Our priority is always the child’s best interests. If you believe that seeking a custody change is the right step, we will help you petition the court for a modification. We have helped countless parents prepare for custody evaluations. If your evaluation leads to a custody battle, we are prepared to go the distance and fight for what is best for your children.
Understanding the Difference Between Legal and Physical Custody
Having custody of a minor in Utah means the court has given you decision making authority and a duty of care. Custody can be temporary or ongoing, and it can change if a significant issue arises.
Legal Custody
Legal custody gives a parent the right to make major decisions about the child’s life, including education, medical treatment, religious upbringing, and more. This can be held by one parent or shared between both. Courts can intervene if disputes arise.
Physical Custody
Physical custody refers to where the child lives day to day. Often one parent has primary physical custody, while the other has a parent time schedule. If the decree doesn’t specify otherwise, physical custody may also carry some decision making authority by default.
Types of Custody
Sole Custody
One parent holds exclusive rights over the child’s upbringing. This may include sole legal custody, sole physical custody, or both.
Joint Custody
Both parents share responsibilities. Joint legal custody means both have input on major decisions. Joint physical custody gives each parent substantial time with the child. This arrangement requires cooperation and communication.
Split Custody
In families with multiple children, each parent may have full time custody of at least one child.
Bird-Nesting Custody
Children remain in the family home while parents rotate in and out. This minimizes disruption but requires a high level of coordination.
Non-Parent Custody
A grandparent or other relative may receive custody if a parent is unable to provide safe, stable care. Learn more about related rights through our resource on guardianship and grandparents’ rights.
Temporary Custody
This is assigned during divorce proceedings before a final order is in place.
Third-Party Custody
Step parents or other relatives may gain custody if parents are unfit or unavailable.
Understanding these options is the first step toward securing a stable arrangement. Speaking with an experienced attorney is essential to protecting your child’s best interests.
Paternity Actions and Child Custody in Utah
When children are born outside of marriage, fathers may lack legal parental status. Signing an acknowledgment of paternity at birth is ideal, but if not, establishing paternity later may require court action, cooperation with the mother, and sometimes DNA testing. If you want to learn more about how paternity affects custody cases, explore our guide on representing paternity cases.
Parents should also be aware of the updated Parent Time Statutes, which may apply to their case.
Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law Focus on Family Law
Whether you need help structuring a joint custody schedule, enforcing custodial rights, navigating child support concerns, or handling a high conflict dispute, our attorneys can assist. For additional educational support, explore our general Utah custody resource:
Contact us today for a legal consultation or case review using our online form or by calling (801) 441 2388.
Frequently Asked Questions
Utah courts base custody decisions on what serves the child’s best interests. Judges review the child’s needs, parental involvement, stability, communication patterns, work schedules, health, and any safety concerns. The court may award joint or primary custody depending on the evidence.
Absolutely. Courts do not favor one parent by gender. What matters is involvement, stability, and ability to meet the child’s needs. Fathers often secure shared or primary custody when they demonstrate consistent caregiving and a supportive environment. You can also review this resource:
Simple cases may conclude within a few months. Contested cases involving evaluations, mediation, or hearings can take longer. Temporary orders often guide parenting schedules in the meantime.
Yes. Utah allows modifications when a significant change has occurred. This might include relocation, schedule changes, safety issues, or a shift in the child’s needs. Courts reevaluate based on best interests after the change is proven.
If safety is a concern, courts can grant supervised parent time, temporary custody changes, or emergency orders. Learn more about emergency custody protections here:
We serve Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Sandy, Murray, Draper, Utah Valley, and surrounding regions. For additional context, see our custody resource:
Where We Serve
Child Custody Attorneys Serving Salt Lake City and Surrounding Areas
Proudly serving families throughout Salt Lake City, Utah Valley, and nearby communities. Our centrally located office makes it easy for clients across the Wasatch Front to reach us.
Ready to Protect Your Time With Your Child
Proudly Serving Salt Lake City and Surrounding Communities in Utah
Your child’s stability and future deserve strong legal protection. If you’re facing custody decisions, uncertainty, or conflict, our team is ready to guide you with clarity and confidence. Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law PC is committed to standing beside you and safeguarding your relationship with your child.