Quick answer: Child support modification in Utah has two routes. On a substantial change in circumstances, the court adjusts the order if the difference from the guidelines is 15% or more and not temporary. If the order is three years old, you can move to adjust it at a 10% difference with no change needed. A change starts the month after service.
This Utah child support modification calculator applies Utah Code 81-6-212. Enter your current order and the amount the guidelines give today (you can get it from the Utah child support calculator), say which route applies, and it shows whether the order qualifies and what the gap adds up to.
Utah child support modification at a glance
| Rule | What Utah says |
|---|---|
| Petition: substantial change | At any time, a parent, guardian or the office may petition to adjust the order if there has been a substantial change in circumstances (Utah Code 81-6-212(3)) |
| The 15% test | If a substantial change occurred, the court adjusts to the guidelines if the difference is 15% or more and not temporary (81-6-212(4)) |
| What can count | Material changes in custody, relative wealth, income of 30% or more, ability to earn, the child’s medical needs or legal responsibilities for others; a change in the support tables does not count (81-6-212(3)) |
| Motion after three years | If the order was not issued or modified in the previous three years, a motion with no substantial change needed; adjusts at a 10% difference, not temporary, no deviation (81-6-212(5)) |
| Start date | Only from the date of service of the pleading; effective the month following service (81-7-102(5)) |
| Automatic adjustment | A stipulated, self-executing provision can set prospective support without a showing of change (81-6-212(2)) |
How does child support modification work in Utah?
- Know the two routes. See what counts as a substantial change in Utah.
- File and serve promptly. See how to modify child support in Utah.
- Income problems and incarceration. See child support after job loss or incarceration in Utah and, for what stays owed, the Utah child support arrears calculator.
What does this modification calculator check?
The calculator tests the 10% line for the three-year motion and the 15% line for a substantial change, shows the monthly gap and the accrued difference from the month after service. It cannot decide whether a change is substantial or temporary.
Frequently asked questions
What do I have to show to modify Utah child support?
A substantial change in circumstances with a difference of 15% or more from the guidelines, not temporary; or, for an order at least three years old, a difference of 10% or more.
Does a 30% income change count in Utah?
A material change of 30% or more in a parent's income is one of the listed substantial changes.
From what date can Utah change child support?
Only from the date of service of the pleading; the change takes effect the month following service.
Does a new Utah support table change my order?
No. A change in the child support tables is not a substantial change.
Can I modify Utah support without a substantial change?
Yes, by motion if the order was not issued or modified in the previous three years and the difference is 10% or more.