Answering Your Utah Child Custody FAQs

At Featherstone Family Law, we understand the immense importance of protecting your family dynamic and the parental rights of mothers and fathers. Our goal is to help ease your 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 will remain involved in some capacity. The courts will review the following factors:

• The quality of the relationship the child shares with friends, siblings, extended family and the community
• The depth and strength of the relationship the child has with their mother and father
• The geographic location and travel distance between both spouses’ residences
• The stated preference of the child, depending on their age, cognitive ability and emotional maturity
• The willingness of each parent to encourage a loving relationship and allow continuous contact with the other parent
• The developmental, emotional, medical and physical needs of the child
• The overall mental health and emotional stability of both parents
• Any past history of domestic violence, coercive control or protective actions taken by a parent
• Other relevant factors as determined under Utah family law guidelines

Consideration of these factors will help 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 defines where the child regularly lives. A judge can grant one parent sole physical custody, or both parents can share time under a joint physical custody arrangement.

Legal custody dictates which parent holds the right to make major life choices involving medical care, religious upbringing, education and legal decisions on behalf of the minor.

What is a parenting plan, and do I need one?

A parenting plan is a detailed written document that outlines how you and your co-parent will share responsibilities. It explicitly lays out schedules for weekly parent time, holidays, school vacations and daily logistics. Yes, you absolutely need one, as a comprehensive parenting plan is a requirement of the Utah court system.

Do I need legal representation from a child custody lawyer?

Yes. Managing complex statutory requirements and local court procedures can be overwhelming to figure out alone. An experienced child custody lawyer helps you avoid making critical, costly mistakes that could negatively impact your parenting time, your parental rights and your long-term future with your children.

When will my child custody be determined?

The Utah courts will officially resolve your temporary disputes and finalize your divorce or parenting schedule by issuing permanent custody orders.

Taking Care Of You And Your Child

Our experienced Utah family law attorney can help you find solutions to intense parenting time disputes so that you and your family can move forward.

Call us at 801-960-3359 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation with our dedicated child custody lawyer.