What does a 50/50 custody schedule look like in Utah?

Most equal parent-time arrangements follow a week-on/week-off rotation or a 2-2-3 schedule. Utah Code 30-3-35.1 lays out an optional equal parent-time schedule that courts can adopt. Both parents need to live close enough that school, activities, and exchanges stay practical.

How many overnights count as joint custody in Utah?

Joint physical custody starts at 111 overnights per year, which is about 30 percent of the time. Below that, one parent has sole physical custody and the other has parent-time. A true 50/50 split is 182 or 183 overnights.

Does 50/50 custody mean no child support in Utah?

Not necessarily. Utah calculates support from both incomes and the number of overnights each parent has. With equal time, the higher earner usually still pays some support. The amount is just lower than it would be under a sole custody arrangement.

At what age can a child choose which parent to live with in Utah?

There is no set age where a child gets to decide. Utah courts may give weight to the preference of a child who is 14 or older, but it is one factor among many. The judge always makes the final call based on what serves the child best.

Can I get 50/50 custody if the other parent disagrees?

Yes, but you will need to show the court it works. Judges look at how close you live to each other, your work schedules, and how involved you have been in daily parenting. Contested cases often involve a custody evaluation, so preparation matters.

Serving Davis and Weber County

Is Utah a 50/50 Custody State?

Q: Is Utah a 50/50 custody state?

Not automatically. Utah courts do not start with a presumption of equal time, but they cannot favor either parent based on gender. Joint physical custody is common when parents live near each other and can both manage the schedule. The deciding standard is always the best interest of the child.

Utah is not an automatic 50/50 custody state. But equal parent-time is more common here than many parents expect.

Utah courts decide custody based on the best interest of the child, not a fixed formula. Whether 50/50 makes sense in your case comes down to where each parent lives, work schedules, and who has handled the day-to-day parenting. Jeremy Atwood helps parents in Davis and Weber County build custody arrangements that hold up in court and in real life.

Get Started With a Consultation

Why Parents Ask About 50/50 Custody in Utah

No Automatic 50/50 Presumption

Utah courts favor both parents staying involved, but equal time is never guaranteed. Judges weigh distance, work schedules, and each parent’s history of caregiving.

Parent-Time Drives Child Support

The number of overnights changes the support calculation. The difference between 110 and 182 overnights has real financial consequences for both households.

Orders Are Hard to Change Later

Modifying custody requires proving a substantial change in circumstances. Getting the schedule right the first time matters more than most parents realize.

Our Child Custody Legal Services

Joint Physical Custody and 50/50 Parent-Time

We help parents pursue equal parent-time schedules like week-on/week-off and 2-2-3 rotations.

Parenting Plans That Fit Real Schedules

We build parenting plans around work shifts, school calendars, and holidays so they hold up over time.

Custody Evaluations and Court Preparation

We prepare you for custody evaluations and present evidence that shows your role as a parent.

Child Support and Overnight Calculations

We make sure overnights are counted correctly so support reflects the actual schedule.

Custody Modifications

We help you change an existing order when work, relocation, or your child’s needs shift.

Enforcement of Custody Orders

We take action when the other parent ignores the schedule or interferes with your parent-time.

Speak with a Child Custody Attorney in Utah

Get a straight answer about what custody schedule is realistic in your case.

Schedule a Strategy Call

Our Process

Initial Consultation – We review your situation, parenting schedule, and key concerns. You get a clear picture of your options.

Case Strategy and Filing – We determine jurisdiction, file the case, and set a legal strategy based on your goals.

Schedule and Support Review – We assess work schedules, overnights, and income to prepare for parent-time and support.

Negotiation or Litigation – We work to resolve issues through negotiation when possible. If needed, we prepare for court.

Final Orders and Next Steps – We finalize your custody order and help you understand what comes next with parent-time, support, and modifications.

Let us handle the details so you can focus on your future.

Get Started With Free Consultation

Core Values

Our Process

Clear Communication: You get straightforward answers and regular updates. No confusion, no guessing where things stand.
Practical Strategy: We focus on outcomes that make sense for your life, not drawn-out legal battles.
Focus on Your Kids: Custody is about your child’s stability, not winning. We approach every case with that in mind.
Steady Guidance: Custody cases can feel overwhelming. We keep the process organized and moving forward.

Client Testimonials - Hear From Families Like Yours

“Informative, Caring & Friendly”

"He was informative, friendly, caring, and all-in from the first phone call. In the end, I needed an attorney with a very specific qualification, but if I did not need that qualification I would 1,000% would have hired Jeremy and I would still recommend him highly to friends and family."

Family law - Divorce

“Jeremy demystified trusts for us”

“We needed a trust setup for my wife and I. We found an estate law firm in Layton. Jeremeny Atwood is great with communication and knows how to listen to our unique needs since we run our own business and needed to ensure our house was protected.”

Elder Law -Wills & Trust

“Absolutely amazing—knowledgeable, supportive.”

“I cannot say enough great things about Jeremy. From the very beginning, he has been absolutely amazing—knowledgeable, supportive, and truly invested in my case. It’s clear that he genuinely cares about my child’s safety and well-being, which has meant everything to me during this difficult process.”

A.C in Ogden

“He wasn’t there to rob me of time and money.”

“Jeremy is an excellent attorney! He listened, and he made sure I understood and felt comfortable with choices moving forward. He wasn’t there to rob me of time and money, you can tell he enjoys his job and making a difference in family law and the families he works with! Thank you Jeremy!”

C. A Davis County client

Frequently Asked Questions

Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk

Talk to a Utah Child Custody Attorney

Get the answers you need and a plan you can move forward with.

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Call (801) 682-5234

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