Sole, Joint and Split Custody in Utah Child Support
In Utah, joint physical custody starts at 111 overnights for each parent, and the parent with fewer overnights has his or her share reduced by 0.27% of the base obligation per night from 111 to 130 and 0.84% per night above 130.
Sole physical custody
The parent without custody pays his or her share of the base obligation, with the low income table, a $30 minimum and the extended parent-time reduction explained in the next article (Utah Code 81-6-205). If custody changes, the parent without custody pays the calculated amount to whoever has the child without the need to modify the order.
Joint physical custody: 111 overnights each
Each parent must have at least 111 overnights a year (the Utah Courts worksheet instructions cite section 81-6-206). The low income table does not apply. Each parent’s share is calculated; then, for the parent with fewer overnights, the base obligation is multiplied by 0.0027 for the overnights over 110 and under 131 (up to 20) and by 0.0084 for the overnights over 130, and both products are subtracted from his or her share (81-6-206(4)).
Who pays
If the result is more than $0 the parent with fewer overnights is the obligor. If it is negative the other parent, who has more overnights, pays. With a base obligation of $1,442 (incomes $3,000 and $5,000):
| Schedule | Monthly support |
|---|---|
| 130 overnights (you, lower earner) | $463 paid by you |
| 125 overnights (you, higher earner) | $843 paid by you |
| 170 overnights (you, lower earner) | $22 paid to you by the other parent |
| Equal schedule (81-9-305) | $193 paid by the higher earner |
Equal parent-time
If the parents have an equal schedule under section 81-9-305, the lower earner is treated as having 183 overnights, whether the schedule gives 182 or 183, so the higher earner is the parent with fewer overnights.
Split physical custody
Each parent’s percentage of the children and of the combined income are used: each parent’s share of the base obligation is multiplied by the other parent’s percentage of children, and the lower individual obligation is subtracted from the higher one (81-6-207). With three children, one living with the lower earner, the higher-obligation parent pays $69.
Questions to bring to an attorney
Ask how the court will count overnights, whether 111 is realistic for your schedule and how the equal schedule applies.
Why the 111 threshold matters
At 110 overnights the sole custody worksheet applies, with no reduction; at 111 the joint worksheet applies and the reduction starts at 0.27% of the base per night.
Frequently asked questions
How many overnights does Utah require for joint custody child support?
At least 111 per year for each parent.
How does Utah reduce support for overnights?
For the parent with fewer overnights, 0.27% of the base obligation for each overnight from 111 to 130 and 0.84% for each above 130, subtracted from his or her share.
Can the parent with more overnights pay in Utah?
Yes. If the calculation is negative, the parent with more overnights pays the other.
How does Utah treat an equal schedule?
The lower earner is treated as having 183 overnights.
What is split custody in Utah?
Each parent has at least one of the children; the parents' obligations for the children living with the other are offset.
Official sources
- Utah Code 81-6-202 to 81-6-213: calculation and adjustment of child support
- Utah Code 81-6-304: base combined child support obligation table
- Utah Code 81-6-305: low income table
- Utah Courts: instructions for the joint physical custody worksheet
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Utah statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Utah attorney.