By: Ryan Gregerson June 1, 2026

Your Guide to Child Support In Utah

Key Takeaways

Child support in Utah is calculated using a state formula that considers both parents’ gross monthly income, the number of children, and the custody arrangement.
Child support cannot be waived in Utah, and every divorce, separation, or paternity case involving minor children must include a support order.
Failing to pay child support can lead to serious consequences, including wage garnishment, license suspension, tax refund interception, and even jail time.
Child support orders can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant shift in income or custody.
Working with an experienced Utah family law attorney can help you navigate calculations, modifications, and enforcement issues with confidence.

Few things weigh heavier on a parent’s mind during a separation or divorce than the well-being of their children. Child support exists to make sure kids continue to receive the financial care they need, no matter how their family looks after a split. But if you’re navigating this in Utah, you’ve probably realized the system isn’t as straightforward as plugging numbers into a calculator. From how income is defined to how custody arrangements factor into payments, Utah has its own specific rules that every parent should understand before signing anything. In this article, we unpack everything you need to know.

What is Child Support?

Child support in Utah is the financial support paid by parents to help cover the costs of raising their child after a separation or divorce. This support is crucial for ensuring that the child’s basic needs including food, housing, education, and healthcare.

How Is Child Support Calculated In Utah?

In Utah, child support is calculated using a set formula, which considers both parents’ gross monthly income, whether the parent has sole custody, split custody, or joint custody which establishes the number of overnights the child(ren) spends in each household. The court calculates the amount of child support each parent is responsible for paying. Child support is typically paid by the non-custodial parent to help cover the child’s basic needs.

At RCG Law Group in South Jordan we can guide you through the process of obtaining, paying, or modifying child support and discuss the specific circumstances of your child support matter.

What the Utah Child Support Formula Considers

Utah’s child support formula is designed to be predictable and fair, ensuring children receive a level of financial support similar to what they would have if their parents were still together. While every case is unique, the formula relies on a core set of factors:

Gross monthly income of both parents: including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, interest, dividends, pensions, and Social Security benefits
Number of children the parents share together
Custody arrangement: sole, joint, or split, and the number of overnights with each parent
Pre-existing obligations, such as child support or alimony from prior relationships
Work-related childcare costs, typically divided between both parents
Health insurance premiums for the child, plus any uninsured medical expenses

How Custody Affects the Calculation

The parent-time schedule plays a major role in the final number. Utah uses three different worksheets depending on the custody arrangement:

Sole custody: the child stays with one parent more than 225 overnights per year
Joint physical custody: each parent has the child at least 111 overnights per year
Split custody: each parent has primary custody of at least one of the children

Child Support Calculation Example

Here’s a simplified example using Utah’s sole custody worksheet:

The scenario:

Parent A earns $5,000/month (gross)
Parent B earns $3,000/month (gross)
They share two children
Parent A has sole physical custody

The calculation:

Combined gross monthly income: $8,000
Base combined child support obligation: ~$1,423/month (based on Utah’s published guideline tables for two children at this income level)
Each parent’s share of income:
- Parent A: 62.5%
- Parent B: 37.5%
Parent B’s monthly payment: ~$534/month

Because Parent B is the non-custodial parent, they pay their proportional share to Parent A.

What’s not included in this number:

This base amount does not yet include:

Health insurance premiums
Work-related childcare
Uninsured medical expenses

These costs are typically split between the parents in proportion to their incomes and added to or deducted from the monthly payment.

Child Support Calculator Worksheet

In Utah, child support cannot be waived. Every divorce and legal separation case involving minor children, and paternity actions, must include an order for child support. Parents in Utah have a legal obligation to support their children, whether or not a parent is exercising parent time or taking care of the child(ren). It’s important to follow the court’s order regarding child support payments, as failure to do so can result in legal consequences.

Office of Recovery Services

In Utah, Utah law establishes Child Support. The Utah Department of Health & Human Services, Recovery Services governs the administration and collection of child support. Their primary mission is to promote responsibility and help ensure that parents are financially responsible for their children by providing child support services and support for children in care. In Utah, child support is used for the living expenses of a child, including necessities such as food, shelter, medical expenses, health insurance, and clothing. Child support services are available to parents and caregivers who complete a child support application.

Child Support Services Offered by State of Utah Office of Recovery Services:

Establishing child support orders
Setting medical support orders and monitoring them for insurance coverage
Locating parents to collect support
Establishing paternity
Changing support orders
Collecting child support and enforcing support orders
Collecting health insurance premiums and medical judgments obtained by parents
Collecting spousal support when combined with child support
Processing, recording, and distributing child support payments (Payments can be made via lobby kiosks, online, phone and walk-in-retail)

Modifying Child Support

If there is a substantial change of circumstances in regard to a parents’ income or assets, a Commissioner or Judge in Utah may modify child support based on those changes. At RCG Law Group our attorneys are very experienced in child support matters and can legally advise you based on your specific circumstances.

In Utah, the terms “petition to modify child support” and “motion to modify child support” are often used interchangeably, but they represent different procedural steps in the process of changing an existing child support order.

Petition to Modify Child Support:

A petition is generally a formal written request to start a case, which in this context is submitted to the court to initiate the modification process of an existing child support order.

This petition is usually required when there are substantial and material changes in circumstances that could justify a revision of the original child support amount. These changes might include a significant change in either parent’s income, a change in custody arrangements, or a change in the needs of the child.

Filing a petition typically involves a more comprehensive process including serving the other party with the petition, potentially allowing for a response, and possibly going through a hearing process where both parties can present their cases.

Motion to Modify Child Support:

A motion, on the other hand, is a request filed in an ongoing case, asking the court to issue a specific order, or modify an existing one within the same case framework but is only allowed in limited circumstances.

Motions can sometimes be more procedural and might be focused on more immediate or interim adjustments pending a more thorough review or final decision by the court. But will almost certainly be quicker and less expensive than a petition.

What Happens if Child Support Isn’t Paid?

Child support orders in Utah are legally binding, and failing to pay can lead to serious consequences. The Office of Recovery Services (ORS) has broad authority to enforce child support orders and collect unpaid amounts, known as arrears.

Common enforcement actions include:

Income withholding: child support is automatically deducted from the paying parent’s paycheck
Tax refund interception: both state and federal tax refunds can be seized to cover unpaid support
License suspension: driver’s licenses, professional licenses, and recreational licenses (such as hunting and fishing) can be suspended
Liens on property: ORS can place liens on real estate, vehicles, or other assets
Bank account levies: funds can be withdrawn directly from the non-paying parent’s bank account
Passport denial: parents who owe more than $2,500 in back support may be denied a U.S. passport
Credit reporting: unpaid child support can be reported to credit bureaus, affecting the parent’s credit score

More serious consequences

If non-payment continues, the issue can escalate beyond administrative enforcement:

Contempt of court — the paying parent may be held in contempt, which can result in fines or jail time
Criminal charges — in cases of willful and prolonged non-payment, criminal charges may be filed

It’s important to know that child support obligations don’t disappear over time. Arrears continue to accrue interest, and they cannot be discharged through bankruptcy. If you’re struggling to make payments due to a change in circumstances, such as job loss or a serious medical issue, the right step is to file a petition or motion to modify your child support order, not to stop paying. An experienced family law attorney can help you take the proper legal action to protect yourself.

Tools to Help You Calculate Child Support

If you’d like to get an estimate of what child support might look like in your situation, there are a few helpful resources available before you meet with an attorney.

Official Utah resources:

Utah Office of Recovery Services Online Calculator: the state’s official tool, which uses current guidelines to provide an estimated monthly support amount
Utah Courts Child Support Worksheets — downloadable PDF worksheets for sole, joint, and split custody arrangements, available through the Utah State Courts website
Utah Child Support Guidelines Tables — the published tables used to determine the base combined child support obligation based on income and number of children

What you’ll need to use these tools:

Gross monthly income for both parents
Number of children shared between the parents
Number of overnights each parent has with the children per year
Monthly cost of the children’s health insurance premiums
Monthly work-related childcare costs
Any pre-existing child support or alimony obligations

A word of caution

Online calculators are a helpful starting point, but they have limits. They can’t account for every variable in a real case, such as:

Self-employment income or irregular earnings
Disputes over what counts as “gross income”
Imputed income when a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed
Special needs or extraordinary expenses for the child

For a calculation tailored to your specific circumstances, and to make sure your rights are protected, contact RCG Law Group for a consultation. Our attorneys can walk you through the numbers, explain your options, and help you take the next step with confidence.

Don’t Navigate Child Support Alone

Child support in Utah is more than just a monthly payment — it’s a legal commitment to your child’s well-being and a process that requires careful attention to the state’s guidelines, custody arrangements, and changing circumstances. Whether you’re establishing a new child support order, navigating enforcement issues, or seeking a modification, understanding how the system works puts you in a stronger position to protect your rights and your child’s future. The experienced family law attorneys at RCG Law Group are here to guide you every step of the way, with personalized advice tailored to your unique situation.

Ready to talk through your child support case? Contact RCG Law Group today at (385) 469-3385 to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you understand your options, answer your questions, and work toward the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does child support last in Utah?

In Utah, child support typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. Support may extend beyond that age if the child has a disability that requires ongoing care.

Can child support be waived in Utah?

No. Child support cannot be waived in Utah. Every divorce, legal separation, or paternity case involving minor children must include a child support order, as parents have a legal obligation to support their children.

Is child support taxable in Utah?

No. Child support payments are not tax deductible for the parent paying support, and they are not considered taxable income for the parent receiving it.

What counts as “income” for child support purposes?

Utah uses gross monthly income, which includes:

Wages, salaries, and commissions
Bonuses and tips
Self-employment income
Rental income
Interest and dividends
Pensions and retirement benefits
Social Security benefits
Unemployment benefits

What if a parent is unemployed or underemployed?

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may “impute” income to them, meaning support is calculated based on what they could reasonably earn rather than what they actually earn. Exceptions may apply for parents who are caring for young children, disabled, or genuinely unable to find work.

Does child support cover things like extracurricular activities and college?

Base child support is intended to cover essentials like food, housing, clothing, and basic education. It does not automatically cover extracurricular activities, private school tuition, or college expenses. These costs can sometimes be negotiated separately or addressed in the parenting plan.

Can parents agree to their own child support amount?

Parents can propose a child support amount, but it must be reviewed and approved by the court. Judges generally follow Utah’s guidelines and will only approve deviations if there’s a clear reason that supports the child’s best interests.

How often can child support be modified?

In Utah, you can request a modification at any time if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Even without a major change, support orders can typically be reviewed every three years to ensure they still reflect current incomes and needs.

What if the other parent lives in another state?

Child support orders can be enforced across state lines through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). The Utah Office of Recovery Services can work with other states to locate parents, establish paternity, and collect support.

Do I need an attorney for a child support case?

While it’s possible to handle a child support matter on your own, working with an experienced family law attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes, protect your rights, and ensure the calculation is accurate. This is especially important in cases involving self-employment income, custody disputes, or modifications.