Utah Child Support Calculator
Estimate statutory monthly child support obligations under Utah Code Title 78B Chapter 12 guidelines.
How to Use the Utah Child Support Calculator
Under Utah law (Utah Code § 78B-12), child support calculations adhere strictly to the Income Shares Model. This legal framework operates on the principle that children should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have received had the parents lived together in an intact household.
Formula and Calculation Methodology
- Gross Monthly Income: Income from all sources before tax deductions (wages, bonuses, rental income)
- Combined Family Base: Total combined income used to look up basic support in the Utah Statutory Schedule
- Income Share Percentage: Each parent’s proportional contribution to the combined family income
- Joint Custody Adjustment: Applied when the noncustodial parent has at least 111 overnight visits per calendar year
In Utah, a parent has ‘joint physical custody’ for child support purposes only if the child stays with that parent for at least 111 overnights during the calendar year. In addition to base support, both parents are legally mandated to share equally (50/50) in all work-related childcare costs and unreimbursed medical/dental expenses.
Utah Basic Child Support Obligation Schedule (Sample Benchmarks)
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | $512 | $720 | $840 | $930 |
| $5,000 | $750 | $1,075 | $1,250 | $1,390 |
| $7,500 | $995 | $1,440 | $1,685 | $1,880 |
| $10,000 | $1,210 | $1,760 | $2,070 | $2,320 |
| $15,000 | $1,550 | $2,270 | $2,690 | $3,030 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as gross income for Utah child support?
Gross income includes income from all sources: salary, hourly wages, commissions, overtime, bonuses, dividends, pension distributions, trust income, and social security benefits. It excludes public assistance like TANF or SNAP.
How does joint custody change child support in Utah?
If each parent has at least 111 overnights per year, Utah applies the Joint Custody Worksheet. Support is determined by calculating each parent’s obligation to the other based on the number of overnights, significantly reducing the net transfer payment.
Can child support be modified in Utah?
Yes. Either parent may petition the court or Utah ORS for an administrative modification if there has been a substantial change in income or circumstance resulting in at least a 15% change in support, or after 3 years have passed.