Child Support in Utah: How It's Calculated
Utah uses the Income Shares Model (§78B-12) to determine child support obligations. This guide walks through how the formula works, what factors Utah courts consider, and how to modify or enforce an order — with links to official Utah resources.
Income Shares Model (§78B-12) in Utah
Utah uses the Income Shares Model under Utah Code §78B-12. Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are combined and applied to Utah's Child Support Schedule to determine a basic obligation, which is then allocated proportionally based on each parent's income.
Utah provides a parenting time adjustment when the non-primary parent has significant custody time. Utah uses adjusted gross income — gross income minus pre-existing support obligations and certain other deductions. Utah courts can deviate from the guideline amount upon written findings that the guideline amount would be unjust, inappropriate, or not in the best interest of the child.
Key Factors Utah Courts Consider
- Both parents' adjusted gross monthly income
- Number of children
- Parenting time exercised by the non-primary parent
- Child's health insurance premium
- Work-related childcare costs
- Any extraordinary expenses
- Prior support obligations
Official Utah Resources
Get an accurate number from an official source
Child support calculations are complex and fact-specific. For an accurate figure, use Utah's official worksheet or consult a licensed family law attorney. This guide explains the framework — it does not produce a binding calculation.
Step-by-Step: How Utah's Formula Works
Here is how Utah applies the Income Shares Model (§78B-12) to calculate a child support obligation, step by step:
1. Determine each parent's income
Utah starts by calculating each parent's income — gross income (before taxes). The specific definition of income is set by Income Shares Model (§78B-12).
2. Combine incomes and find the basic obligation
Both parents' incomes are combined and compared to Utah's child support schedule. The schedule produces a basic child support obligation based on combined income and the number of children.
3. Add health insurance and childcare costs
Health insurance premiums paid for the child and work-related childcare expenses are added to the basic obligation before it is divided between parents.
4. Divide proportionally based on income share
The total obligation is allocated between the parents in proportion to each parent's share of combined income. The parent with the higher income share bears a larger portion of the obligation.
5. Apply parenting time credits
Parenting time exercised by the non-primary parent parenting time adjustment when the non-primary parent has significant custody time.
Document Everything for Your Utah Case
Utah courts rely on documented records — parenting time logs, expense receipts, and payment histories. ReplyCalmly helps you track all of it and generate organized, exportable reports.
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