Utah Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using Utah's official guidelines
About Utah's Guidelines
Income Shares Model
Note: Uses combined adjusted gross income
Key Information
- •Model: Income Shares
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
Children & Custody
Additional Monthly Expenses
Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a Utah family law attorney for official calculations.
Official Utah Court Forms
Download official court forms from the Utah judiciary website. These are free, legally valid forms for your family court case.
Child Support Forms
Official petitions & worksheets
Modification Forms
Request changes to orders
Financial Disclosure
Income & expense statements
These links go to official Utah court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
Utah Child Support Guidelines
Utah uses the Utah Child Support Guidelines (UCA § 78B-12) to determine child support obligations. Under the Income Shares model, both parents' incomes are combined to estimate what the family would have spent on the child if the household were intact. The obligation is then divided proportionally based on each parent's contribution to combined gross income.
Utah has several distinctive features in its child support system. Utah has a unique tiered system: sole custody, joint custody (110-130 overnights), and split custody each have different calculations. The state provides a specific statutory table updated by the legislature rather than the courts. Utah imputes income at minimum wage ($7.25/hour) for voluntarily unemployed parents but allows consideration of earning capacity.
Utah bases calculations on gross income — meaning income before taxes and deductions. This includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, and other sources. The self-support reserve in Utah is $1,275/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How Utah Calculates Child Support
Utah follows a 6-step process under the Utah Child Support Guidelines (UCA § 78B-12):
- 1
Determine each parent's gross monthly income
- 2
Find the basic obligation from the Utah statutory table based on combined income and children
- 3
For sole custody: the non-custodial parent pays their income-share of the obligation
- 4
For joint custody (110-130 overnights): each parent's obligation is calculated using the table, then offset
- 5
For split custody: separate calculations for children with each parent
- 6
Add work-related childcare and health insurance proportionally
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in Utah
Self-Support Reserve
$1,275/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
110 nights/yr
30% of overnights
Income Basis
gross
Sample Obligation Schedule
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $248 | $360 | $430 |
| $3,000 | $448 | $653 | $792 |
| $5,000 | $655 | $960 | $1,168 |
| $8,000 | $908 | $1,338 | $1,626 |
| $12,000 | $1,178 | $1,742 | $2,120 |
* Simplified schedule. Actual amounts may vary based on additional factors.
Custody Time Adjustments in Utah
Utah recognizes "Joint Physical Custody" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 110 overnights per year (approximately 30% of the time). When this threshold is met, the standard child support formula is adjusted to reflect the increased direct expenses borne by both parents.
Under Utah's Income Shares approach, the shared parenting adjustment typically calculates each parent's obligation based on their income share, then applies a credit or cross-calculation that accounts for the time each parent directly supports the child. The more overnights the non-custodial parent has, the greater the reduction in their payment — but the adjustment is not dollar-for-dollar because fixed costs like housing don't decrease when the child is away.
Below 110 overnights, Utah generally treats the arrangement as a sole custody situation with standard visitation, and no custody time adjustment is applied to the child support calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah Child Support
How does Utah define joint physical custody?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in Utah
While child support is determined by Utah's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In Utah, more overnights with your children can reduce your support obligation. Document actual time spent and request a formal custody modification if needed.
Ensure Accurate Income Reporting
Both parents' incomes must be reported accurately. Verify that bonuses, overtime, and variable income are averaged correctly over the appropriate period.
Claim All Allowable Deductions
Utah allows deductions for items like mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Make sure all qualifying deductions are included.
Request a Modification When Eligible
If your income has decreased by 15-25% or more, you may qualify for a modification. File promptly — changes are typically not retroactive before the filing date.
Account for Other Children
If you have other children you're legally obligated to support, this can be factored into the calculation as a deduction in most states.
Review Healthcare & Childcare Costs
Ensure shared expenses like health insurance and childcare are divided proportionally. If costs have changed, update the court.
Key Facts About Child Support in Utah
Calculation Model
Income Shares
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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