Empowering You Through Child Custody
At Featherstone Family Law, our lawyer understands the importance of protecting the family dynamic and the rights of mothers and fathers during child custody cases. He wants to help ease the stress and frustrations by answering some of your most pressing questions concerning child custody in Utah, below.
What factors do Utah courts consider during a child custody case?
Whether you and your spouse agree or disagree on child custody, the Utah courts are involved in some capacity. The courts will consider the following factors:
- Relationships the child has with friends, family, siblings, extended family and the community
- The kind of relationships the child has with their mother and father
- Location and distance between the two spouses
- The preference of a child when they’re of a certain age and maturity
- The willingness of each parent to support the relationship between the child and the other parent
- The emotional and physical needs of the child
- Mental health of the parents
- Any history of domestic violence
- Other relevant factors as determined by the court
Consideration of these factors will ensure that the child custody order or agreement will serve the child’s best interests.
What is the difference between physical and legal child custody?
Physical custody is when the child lives regularly with the mother or father, and that parent has sole or primary physical custody. Parents can also share physical custody, which is called “joint physical custody.”
Legal custody is when a parent has the right to make life decisions involving medical care, religion and education, as well as cultural and legal decisions, on behalf of the child.
What is a parenting plan, and do I need one?
Parenting plans outline how each parent will spend time with their child during visitations, holidays, vacations, etc., and how both parents will co-parent with the other. Yes, you need a parenting plan in place, as it is a requirement by the Utah courts.
Do I need legal representation from a child custody lawyer?
Yes. Understanding the various laws and legal requirements and navigating the legal system can be overwhelming and stressful to figure out alone. Also, our experienced family law attorney at Featherstone Family Law can help you avoid making costly mistakes that could impact the outcome of your case and your future with your child.
When will my child custody be determined?
The Utah courts will determine your child custody case by issuing permanent orders.
Taking Care Of You And Your Child
Our Utah family law attorney can help you find viable solutions to child custody issues so that you and your family can get back to living life. Call Featherstone Family Law in American Fork at 801-960-3359 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with our lawyer.