Child Support in Utah: How Much Will You Owe?

Quick answer: it depends on both parents' incomes, how many children you have, and the parenting schedule. The calculator on this page turns those numbers into a real guideline estimate in about a minute. It is an educational estimate, not legal advice, and the judge always sets the final amount. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource, not a law firm.

Wondering how much child support you will owe or receive in Utah? The state uses one formula everywhere, so the same math applies in every county. This page explains how it works, lets you run a live estimate, and links to a dedicated page for each county at the bottom.

Utah follows the Income Shares model under Utah Code § 78B-12-101 et seq.. The court combines both parents' monthly gross incomes, looks up the basic support obligation on the state's guideline schedule for that income level and number of children, then prorates the obligation between the parents according to each parent's percentage share of the combined income.

What counts as income? Utah runs the formula on gross income, meaning income before taxes come out. Gross income from any source including wages, self-employment, severance, pensions, retirement, Social Security, workers' compensation, unemployment, and recurring gifts.

Parenting time matters directly in Utah: the number of overnights each parent has changes the math itself. Utah uses a shared-care formula when parents split time. If each parent has the child for at least 111 overnights a year, the court can apply a joint physical custody calculation that adjusts the base obligation to reflect the time each parent provides direct care. Split custody, where each parent keeps a different child the majority of the time, uses its own calculation. The on-page tool gives a rough estimate, so confirm any overnight effect on the official ORS calculator.

When does it end? Utah child support generally ends at age 18 or upon graduation from high school during the normal and expected year of graduation, whichever is later. Continuing support for disabled adult children is available.

Can the amount change later? File a motion in district court or request review through ORS. A 15% variance or substantial and material change supports modification.

If payments fall behind, Utah has real enforcement tools. Utah ORS enforces through immediate income withholding, tax intercept, license suspension, lien filings, credit reporting, and contempt referrals.

Child support cases in Utah are generally handled through the state's District Court, and Utah Office of Recovery Services (ORS) runs the state's child support services program. Forms and local practice can vary, so confirm the current details with your local court or the agency.

The calculator on this page is the same live engine behind our full Child Support Calculator. Enter both incomes, the number of children, and the overnight split, and the estimate updates instantly. The full calculator page adds extras like health insurance, child care costs, and saved scenarios.

Bottom line for Utah: the guideline number comes from incomes, children, and parenting time. Run the estimate on this page, keep your paperwork honest and complete, and let the court confirm the final amount.

Frequently asked questions

How much child support will I owe in Utah?

There is no flat amount. Utah uses the Income Shares model under Utah Code § 78B-12-101 et seq., so the number depends on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and the parenting schedule. The calculator on this page gives you a guideline estimate, and the court sets the final amount.

When does child support end in Utah?

Age 18, or upon graduation from high school during the normal and expected year of graduation, whichever is later.

Can the child support amount be changed later in Utah?

Usually yes, when circumstances change enough. A 15% change between the existing order and a new guideline calculation, or any substantial and material change.

Who handles child support cases in Utah?

Cases are generally heard in the state's District Court, and Utah Office of Recovery Services (ORS) handles services like locating parents, establishing orders, and collecting payments.