Child Support Attorneys in Orem

How Child Support Is Calculated

Utah uses Child Support Guidelines to calculate payments. The calculation is based on:

Income – Both parents must provide proof of their income. If a parent isn’t working, the court may “impute” income (assume the parent could earn a certain amount based on work history, skills, or minimum wage). 

Overnights – The number of nights a child spends with each parent affects the support amount. Utah law recognizes joint physical custody (111+ nights with each parent), sole custody (255+ nights with one parent), and split custody (different children living primarily with different parents). 

Child support includes three parts:

1. Base child support 

2. Medical expenses (insurance, co-pays, uncovered costs) 

3. Child care expenses

The non-custodial parent pays child support to the custodial parent. If the parties share 50/50 custody, the higher earner pays child support to the lower earner. Medical expenses and child care expenses are split equally between the parties, including medical insurance premiums and out of pocket expenses including deductibles and copayments.

Tax Exemptions

The court can decide which parent may claim a child(ren) as a dependent for tax purposes. The factors considered by the Court are relative contribution of each parent (including child support payments) and the relative tax benefit to each parent, in addition to other factors the court deems relevant. It is typical for a court to award the benefits equally to each party, usually having the parties alternate claiming the minor child each year if there is one child (or alternating one child each year if there are an odd number of children), or each taking an equal number of children each year if there are an even number of children. A parent who is not current on their child support obligation as of December 31 in any given year cannot claim the exemption for that year.

Changing or Deviating From Guidelines

Child support is usually set according to the Utah guidelines. However, a court can order a different amount if there are good reasons, such as special needs or unusual circumstances. The Court may approve deviations to child support in excess of the guidelines, but not in an amount less than the guidelines. Either parent may also request a modification if there are significant changes in income or other circumstances after the order is entered. See our Modification page for more information. 

Paying and Enforcing Child Support

Payments can be made directly between parents or through the Utah Office of Recovery Services (ORS), which also helps with enforcement. A parent cannot withhold visitation because support isn’t being paid, and support cannot be withheld if visitation is denied. If a parent fails to pay child support, the court can enforce the order, enter a judgment for past-due amounts, or hold the parent in contempt (fines or even jail time). 

Out-of-State Orders

Before a child support order from another state can be enforced or modified in Utah, it must be formally registered with the Utah courts.

If you are navigating the challenges of child support, our experienced Child Support Attorneys in Orem are here to provide trusted legal guidance and dedicated advocacy. At Blakelock Law, we understand the importance of protecting your rights while ensuring your child’s best interests are prioritized. Whether you are seeking to establish, enforce, or modify a child support order, our knowledgeable legal team is ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and work with proven Child Support Attorneys in Orem who will fight for the fair outcome you and your family deserve.