Utah Child Support Calculator
Estimate Utah child support for 2026 using the Income Shares guideline model under Utah Code § 78B-12-101 et seq.. Enter both parents' incomes and the parenting-time split to see what you may owe or receive.
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.
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.
In Utah, the cost of the child's health insurance premium is treated as an add-on to the base support obligation, not part of it. The parent who pays the premium gets credit, and the total cost is divided between both parents in proportion to their share of combined income. The result can raise or lower the monthly transfer depending on who carries the coverage. The official worksheet records the exact premium and split.
Work-related child care and daycare are handled as a separate add-on in Utah, layered on top of the basic support obligation. The court generally splits reasonable, work or education related child care costs between the parents according to each parent's percentage share of combined income. Because these costs sit outside the base number, the on-page estimate may not reflect them, so enter actual daycare figures on the official ORS worksheet.
Utah's guideline number under Utah Code section 78B-12-101 and following is presumed correct, but a judge may deviate when applying it would be unjust or inappropriate for the children or a parent. The parent asking for a different amount carries the burden of showing why, and the court must put specific written findings on the record explaining the guideline figure and the reason for departing from it. The calculator here cannot predict a deviation.
Frequently asked questions
How is child support calculated in Utah?
Utah uses the Income Shares model under Utah Code section 78B-12-101 and following. The court adds together both parents' monthly gross incomes, finds the basic support obligation on the state guideline schedule for that combined income and the number of children, then divides that obligation between the parents in proportion to each parent's share of the combined income. Add-ons like health insurance and work-related child care are layered on, and overnights can trigger a shared-care adjustment. The calculator on this page is an estimate only. The official Utah worksheet and a licensed attorney control the final number.
Is there an official Utah child support worksheet I have to use?
Yes. Utah has an official guideline worksheet and the Office of Recovery Services (ORS) provides an online support calculator that produces the controlling figure for your case. The court relies on that worksheet, not a generic estimate, because it applies the actual guideline schedule, the correct income shares, and the right custody calculation. You can reach the official ORS support calculator at https://orscsc.dhs.utah.gov/orscscapp/secured/CSCMain.action, and general ORS information lives at https://ors.utah.gov/. Use the tool on this page to get a quick ballpark, then complete the official worksheet and have a licensed attorney review it before you file anything with the court.
What income counts when figuring Utah child support?
Utah builds the calculation on each parent's gross income, meaning income before taxes from nearly any source. That includes wages, self-employment earnings, severance, pensions, retirement, Social Security, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, and recurring gifts. Because the model combines both parents' gross monthly incomes, accurate figures from both sides matter. Self-employed parents typically subtract legitimate business expenses to reach gross income. The estimate here assumes the numbers you enter are correct, so verify your gross income on the official ORS worksheet and consult an attorney if your income is irregular.
How do overnights and 50/50 parenting change the Utah number?
Utah applies a shared-care formula once both parents share enough time. If each parent has the child for at least 111 overnights in a year, the court can use a joint physical custody calculation that adjusts the basic obligation to reflect the time each parent directly cares for the child. More balanced time generally narrows the gap between what each parent owes, though the higher earner usually still pays something. Split custody arrangements use a separate calculation. Run your real overnight count through the official ORS calculator, since the on-page tool only approximates this.
Can a Utah judge order more or less than the guideline amount?
Yes, but the guideline figure under Utah Code section 78B-12-101 and following is presumed correct. A judge may deviate when following the guideline would be unjust or inappropriate given the children's needs or a parent's circumstances. The parent who wants a different amount must prove why, and the court has to enter specific written findings showing the guideline number and the reason for departing from it. Common factors include special needs, unusual expenses, or other support obligations. The estimate on this page reflects the standard formula and cannot predict a judge's decision to deviate.
When does child support end in Utah?
Under Utah Code section 78B-12-101 and following, child support generally continues until the child turns 18, or until graduation from high school during the normal and expected year of graduation, whichever happens later. Support does not stop automatically just because a child turns 18 mid-school-year. For a child who is disabled and unable to be self-supporting, Utah allows continuing support into adulthood. Termination usually requires the right court step rather than simply stopping payments. Check the order language and the official ORS guidance, and talk to an attorney before you assume your obligation has ended.
How do I modify a Utah child support order?
You can file a motion in district court or request a review through the Office of Recovery Services (ORS). Utah allows modification when there is a 15 percent change between your existing order and a new guideline calculation, or any substantial and material change in circumstances, such as a job loss, a big income shift, or a change in custody. ORS enforces orders through income withholding, tax intercept, license suspension, liens, credit reporting, and contempt referrals, so keep paying while a change is pending. Use the official ORS calculator to test the new figure and consult an attorney.