Parental Rights and Responsibilities in Utah

If you’re going through a divorce or separation from your child’s other parent, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the most common child custody terms.

Utah law provides three ways to allocate parental rights and responsibilities: “shared parenting,” “sole residential and custodial parent” and, the rarest of the three, “split parenting.”

Shared Parenting

“Shared parenting” is almost always recommended by the court (unless there is some evidence that shared parenting would not be in the best interest of the child). The term “shared parenting” does not refer to a fifty-fifty split in time with your children. (A fifty-fifty split is referred to as “split-parenting” – see below).

Shared parenting simply means that the parents of the minor child will “share” in the major decision-making regarding the child’s health and welfare. In a shared parenting arrangement, decisions regarding things such as discipline, religion, education, sports, piercings, and tattoos will be made by both parents. Shared parenting, therefore, requires that the parents be willing and able to communicate on a regular basis.

In this arrangement, both parents are deemed the “residential parent.” In other words, the child technically lives with both parents, but one parent will be designated the “residential parent for school purposes only.” The designation of “residential parent for school purposes only” simply refers to the parent who resides in the school district where the child is or will be enrolled.

If the parents agree to share parenting, but cannot pick a residential parent for school purposes, the court will make the decision based upon the child’s best interest. (Utah Revised Code §3109.04 lists the many factors used in determining a child’s “best interest.”)

Parenting time (formerly referred to as “visitation”) can be enjoyed according to whatever schedule the parties feel is in the child’s best interest. But if the parents cannot decide on parenting time, the court will make the decision for them based upon the child’s best interest.

Sole Residential and Custodial Parent (“Sole Custody”)

This parenting arrangement is common when the parents will be residing very far apart and when the parents cannot communicate effectively.

Here, only one parent is designated as the “sole residential parent and legal custodian.” This parent will be solely responsible for all major decisions regarding the child’s health and welfare, such as discipline, religion, education, health care, sports, piercings and tattoos. The court will generally allocate the primary parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the child to this parent as well.

If the parties can’t decide who the sole residential parent and legal custodian should be, the court will make the decision based on the child’s best interest.

Split Parenting (“Joint Custody”)

“Split parenting” is a fifty-fifty split of parenting time. This type of parenting plan is not normally ordered by a court. It is most often an arrangement agreed to by the parents. The split parenting plan is drafted to allow both parents equal time with the child. Split parenting may affect child support due to the equal split in parenting time.

Free Consultation with Divorce Lawyer in Utah

If you have a question about divorce law or if you need to start or defend against a divorce case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will fight for you.

Michael Anderson

People who want a lot of Bull go to a Butcher. People who want results navigating a complex legal field go to a Lawyer that they can trust. That’s where I come in. I am Michael Anderson, an Attorney in the Salt Lake area focusing on the needs of the Average Joe wanting a better life for him and his family. I’m the Lawyer you can trust. I grew up in Utah and love it here. I am a Father to three, a Husband to one, and an Entrepreneur. I understand the feelings of joy each of those roles bring, and I understand the feeling of disappointment, fear, and regret when things go wrong. I attended the University of Utah where I received a B.A. degree in 2010 and a J.D. in 2014. I have focused my practice in Wills, Trusts, Real Estate, and Business Law. I love the thrill of helping clients secure their future, leaving a real legacy to their children. Unfortunately when problems arise with families. I also practice Family Law, with a focus on keeping relationships between the soon to be Ex’s civil for the benefit of their children and allowing both to walk away quickly with their heads held high. Before you worry too much about losing everything that you have worked for, before you permit yourself to be bullied by your soon to be ex, before you shed one more tear in silence, call me. I’m the Lawyer you can trust.

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