Child Custody Attorney Serving Ogden Utah
Child Custody in Utah
Child custody is one of the most important aspects of any divorce or separation, as it directly impacts a child’s well-being and future. In Utah, courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements, considering factors such as parental stability, the child’s needs, and each parent’s ability to provide a supportive environment.
At Porter Law Firm, we help parents navigate the custody process to protect their parental rights and create arrangements that best support their children’s growth and development.
Types of Custody in Utah
- Legal Custody – Determines which parent has the authority to make major decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and overall welfare. Courts generally favor joint legal custody, allowing both parents to participate in decision-making.
- Physical Custody – Establishes where the child primarily resides. Custody may be awarded as:
- Sole Physical Custody – The child lives with one parent, and the other parent may have visitation.
- Joint Physical Custody – The child spends significant time with both parents.
- Parenting Plans – If parents share custody, they must develop a detailed parenting plan outlining schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and how disputes will be handled.
Factors That Influence Custody Decisions
The court considers several factors to determine custody, including:
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment
- The child’s preference (if they are old enough to express a reasonable choice)
- Any history of domestic violence, abuse, or substance abuse
- Each parent’s willingness to cooperate and encourage a relationship with the other parent
FAQs
Do Utah courts prefer joint or sole custody?
Utah courts generally prefer joint custody arrangements, but sole custody may be awarded if it is in the child’s best interest.
Can custody orders be modified?
Yes, custody can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as relocation, a parent’s inability to provide care, or a change in the child’s needs.
At what age can a child decide which parent to live with?
A child’s preference may be considered once they reach age 14, but the court ultimately decides based on the child’s best interests.
Learn from the Experts
Our Blog
How Utah Courts Determine Child Custody
Understanding Parenting Plans in Joint Custody Cases
Can Child Custody Be Modified in Utah?
Always quick to answer questions.
Kristy Doesburg
February 23, 2025I am very grateful for Jonathan Porter and the wonderful team at Porter law firm. Everyone I've had the pleasure to work with has been extremely helpful, empathetic, and informative every step of the way. I would certainly recommend this firm 100 times over.
michael wood
March 23, 2024Jonathan Porter and his paralegal Cassidy are fantastic. They walked me through a messy divorce process and I felt had mine and my kids best interests at heart. I recommend them to anyone who needs a divorce attorney but especially if you have kid’s involved.
Shaylee Perez
March 23, 2024Jon was very professional and handle my sensitive custody case. He got a good out come and I was very pleased with how well he handled all the punches my exs lawyer through out. I would recommend Jon over and over again. We have now been using him for 4 almost 5 years for my custody stuff and now my husband. I will always recommend him.
Tiena Hockin
March 23, 2024Jonathan was very thorough in helping me with my divorce. I had a pretty complex situation but he was planned and prepared every step of the way. We were able to come to a resolution without a trial and he had everything drafted and prepared at our pre trial scheduling conference. He had my back the whole way and I’m truly grateful for him and his fantastic paralegal, Stephanie. She was always very quick to get back to me with any questions I had. I would highly recommend Jonathan to any and everyone going through a divorce. I’m so thankful I had him and Stephanie through the process.
Chelsey Olsen
March 23, 2024Highly Highly Highly Recommend!! Porter Law Firm is a first class office that is all in for their client from the time you first step foot into their office until your case is closed. Jon, Stephanie and Cassidy were very responsive (text, email or call) anytime I reached out which was critical during these stressing times/case. If you’re looking for a Divorce lawyer that truly cares about you and your needs, look no further. Fingers crossed that I never need them again, but if I do, my first call will always be to the Porter Law Firm. Thank you, Jon and team!!
NICHOLAS SADY
November 23, 2024Jonathan handled my divorce with compassion and respect. I had a unique situation and he helped me out in a huge way. Cassidy was very helpful and answered all my questions. I would definitely recommend his services.
yvette lankford
August 23, 2024Jonathan Porter is very caring in how he handles a case. He understands what you are going through while validating your feelings on the matter. I highly recommend going through Porter Law Firm.
Sabrina Carver
October 23, 2024Everyone in the office were so kind and helpful during my divorce. They are all very compassionate and competent and made the divorce process and court appearances easier and understandable.
Brandallyn Potter
March 23, 2024He has been helpful and was quick to accept our case and last minute as well. We had a lot of history prior to working with him and he wasted no time catching himself up. His help really gave us hope when things felt hard. He is understanding and he and his team has been great to work with.
Bre Samek
February 23, 2025
