Park City Child Support Lawyers

Representing Parents Across Summit County & Beyond

In any family law case, Utah courts prioritize the best interests of children. Apart from ensuring their physical and emotional well-being in matters of child custody, courts will also look to a child’s parents to ensure they uphold their legal obligations to provide financial support.

Whether you are a parent filing for divorce, or have a stand-alone case involving financial support, working with an experienced lawyer can make all the difference in your legal journey.

At Dodd & Kuendig, we’ve helped numerous parents and families navigate the legal system while protecting their rights and the best interests of their children. We’re available to personally discuss your case during a consultation.

Have questions about child support and how Dodd & Kuendig can help? Call us at (435) 296-7434 or contact us online. We offer same-day consultations in-person or by phone.

Utah Child Support Cases

Parents have a legal duty to support minor children, and in Utah, that duty persists until a child is 18 or completes high school (whichever is later), or until they are emancipated or parental rights are terminated.

Our legal team has experience helping clients address a range of child support issues, including those involving:

• Divorce (including military divorce)
• Paternity and unmarried parents
• Modifications of child support orders
• Child support enforcement
• Temporary orders

Child Support Calculations in Utah

The Utah Child Support Act (Utah Code 78B-12-105) creates a legal presumption that every child needs the support of their parents and that every mother and father must support their children. That includes financial support established by the Child Support Guidelines for:

• base child support;
• health care; and
• childcare expenses.

How Parent Income Plays a Factor

Under state guidelines, child support payments are calculated using the gross monthly income of both parents, and the number of overnights a child spends with each parent. Parents must provide documentation to verify income used in the support calculator (i.e. pay stubs, tax returns, etc.).

Even if a parent does not work, income may still be assigned to the parent (known as “imputed income”) for what they are capable of earning based on their work history, education, and employment opportunities. If there is no recent work history, or a parent’s occupation is unknown, the court may calculate support using the federal minimum wage. No income is imputed if:

• a parent is disabled and unable to earn income;
• the reasonable costs of childcare approach or equal the income the custodial parent can earn;
• a parent is participating in occupational training to establish basic job skills; or
• a child’s special needs require the custodial parent to remain home.

Overnights & Physical Custody

Physical custody–specifically, the number of overnights a child spends in each parent’s home–will also affect support. Generally, custody is assigned in one of three ways:

• Joint physical custody, where a child spends at least 111 days in each parent’s home
• Sole physical custody, where a child spends more than 225 days in one parent’s home
• Split custody, where there are multiple children and some children live with one parent while some live with the other.

Ensuring accurate parenting and custody information is crucial to calculating an appropriate amount of child support. Our team at Dodd & Kuendig can help parents evaluate their circumstances and ensure your information is complete and accurate.

Your Local Child Support Resources in Park City

Living in Park City, you may face unique challenges when it comes to child support matters. The local community is known for its vibrant lifestyle and outdoor activities, but the cost of living can be high, making financial obligations like child support even more pressing. Understanding the local laws and resources available can help you navigate these challenges effectively.

In Summit County, the Summit County Government provides various resources for families dealing with child support issues. They offer information on how to file for child support, modify existing orders, and enforce payments. Additionally, the Utah State Courts have online tools and resources that can assist you in understanding your rights and responsibilities as a parent.

Many parents in Park City express concerns about the financial strain of supporting their children while also managing the high costs of living in the area. Whether you are facing a divorce, dealing with paternity issues, or needing to modify an existing child support order, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of how these factors can impact your financial obligations. Our team at Dodd & Kuendig is familiar with the local landscape and can help you address these pain points, ensuring that your child support arrangements are fair and manageable.

Moreover, if you are struggling with enforcement issues, such as a former partner not meeting their child support obligations, we can guide you through the process of filing a motion for enforcement in the local courts. We understand that every situation is unique, and we are here to help you find a path forward for you and your children.