Child Support In Ogden, Utah
KAUFMAN | NICHOLS | KAUFMAN
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Guidance That Protects Your Children And Your Future
Divorce can change nearly every part of your life — but when children are involved, stability and structure become even more important. Utah law requires that both parents share financial responsibility for their minor children, whether or not they live under the same roof. That responsibility, known as child support, ensures that children continue to receive the care, opportunities, and consistency they deserve.
At Kaufman, Nichols & Kaufman, our Ogden child support attorneys help parents understand their rights, navigate Utah’s child support formula, and create fair, enforceable agreements that truly reflect their family’s circumstances. Whether you expect to pay or receive support, we protect your financial interests and keep the focus on what matters most — your children’s well-being.
Understanding How Child Support Works In Utah
Utah’s child support system is designed to balance the financial duties of both parents. Support payments help cover a child’s everyday needs, including housing, food, clothing, medical care, education, and extracurricular activities.
The state uses standardized child support guidelines based primarily on:
- The gross monthly income of each parent
- The number of overnights the child spends with each parent
- The number of children involved in the order
This formula provides a consistent baseline, but the court has discretion to make adjustments based on the unique details of your case — such as healthcare costs, special needs, childcare expenses, or differences in household resources.
Our attorneys help ensure that the numbers used in your case are accurate, verified, and supported by documentation, so your final order reflects real-world finances, not assumptions.
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Required Financial Information
When child support is calculated, both parents must disclose detailed financial information. This typically includes:
- Year-to-date pay stubs or written employer statements
- Most recent tax returns and W-2s or 1099s
- Documentation of health insurance premiums and childcare costs
- Any other income such as bonuses, commissions, rental income, or business profits
If traditional proof of income is unavailable, you may be allowed to submit an Affidavit of Income. Accuracy is critical — incomplete or outdated information can lead to incorrect support amounts and future disputes.
We help clients organize their documentation and ensure that every relevant financial detail is properly presented.
When A Parent Is Unemployed Or Underemployed
If one parent is not currently working, the court may impute income — meaning it will assign an estimated earning capacity based on factors such as:
- Work history and job skills
- Education and training
- Local employment opportunities
- Previous income levels
If no clear evidence of earning ability exists, Utah courts often use federal minimum wage to calculate a baseline.
However, the court may choose not to impute income if:
- The cost of childcare would equal or exceed the parent’s income potential
- The parent is physically or mentally unable to work
- The parent is actively pursuing education or job training
- The child requires exceptional emotional or medical care that prevents full-time employment
Our attorneys can help you demonstrate your true earning situation, ensuring that support calculations are fair and realistic.
How Custody Affects Child Support
Custody plays a major role in determining support. Utah recognizes several custody types, each with a different impact on payment amounts:
- Joint Physical Custody: The child spends at least 111 nights per year with each parent. Support is shared and may be reduced or balanced depending on incomes and time spent.
- Sole Physical Custody: The child spends 225 or more nights per year with one parent. The noncustodial parent typically pays child support based on income and time spent.
- Split Custody: When there are multiple children and each parent has primary physical custody of at least one child.
Example: If both parents earn roughly the same income and share equal overnights, support may cancel out or be minimal. If one parent has significantly more parenting time or a lower income, the other parent’s obligation increases.
We calculate potential outcomes using Utah’s official support tables, so you know what to expect before finalizing any agreement.
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How The Court Determines Final Support Orders
Utah’s child support framework includes three core components:
- Base Child Support – The foundational monthly payment determined by income and custody.
- Medical Support – Health insurance premiums and uncovered medical expenses are divided between parents, often equally.
- Childcare Expenses – The cost of work-related childcare or after-school programs is typically shared proportionally.
Parents can also agree on how to handle tax exemptions, such as who claims the child for federal or state tax purposes. If they cannot agree, the court will assign exemptions based on each parent’s contributions and household costs
Deviations From The Standard Formula
While Utah’s guidelines provide consistency, they are not absolute. Courts may deviate from the standard formula when unique circumstances justify it, such as:
- Extraordinary medical or educational expenses
- Large differences in parenting costs between households
- Seasonal work or fluctuating income
- Travel costs for visitation
- Substantial disparity in household assets or resources
If you believe your situation warrants an adjustment, we will document the reasons clearly and present a strong case for deviation.
Modifying An Existing Child Support Order
Life changes — and so can your support order. Under Utah law, you may request a child support modification if:
- Income for either parent has changed by 30% or more
- Custody or parenting time has changed significantly
- Medical or childcare costs have increased
- A child has reached adulthood or graduated from high school
We guide parents through the modification process, ensuring all required documentation is submitted correctly and efficiently. A well-prepared modification petition can prevent costly disputes or enforcement issues later.
The KNK Approach To Child Support Cases
Every family’s situation is different. At Kaufman, Nichols & Kaufman, we take time to understand your financial picture, your parenting goals, and your child’s needs. Then we build a plan that balances fairness, accuracy, and long-term stability.
Our experienced attorneys handle:
- Initial child support calculations during divorce or separation
- Paternity and parentage cases involving child support
- Modification and enforcement actions
- Complex cases involving business income, commissions, or self-employment
- Support in high-asset or relocation situations
We focus on practical solutions that minimize conflict and protect your children’s emotional and financial well-being.
Why Choose Kaufman, Nichols & Kaufman
- Local Experience: We know Utah’s child support laws, courts, and judges throughout Weber and Davis Counties.
- Focused Representation: Family law is a core practice area — not a sideline.
- Clear Communication: We explain every step and set realistic expectations.
- Balanced Advocacy: We pursue fair results that safeguard both parent and child.
- Proven Results: With decades of combined experience, our attorneys have resolved thousands of family law matters in Northern Utah.
You do not have to face child support disputes alone. We are here to guide, protect, and advocate for you at every stage.
Contact An Ogden Child Support Attorney Today
If you are preparing for divorce, modifying an existing order, or need help enforcing payments, the child support lawyers at Kaufman, Nichols & Kaufman can help. We will ensure your financial disclosures are complete, your rights are protected, and your child’s needs remain at the center of every decision.
Call 801-752-0499 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Ogden child support attorney today.
KAUFMAN | NICHOLS | KAUFMAN
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
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Common Questions About Child Support
How Is Child Support Calculated In Utah?
Child support in Utah is calculated using a statewide formula that considers each parent’s gross monthly income, the number of children, and the number of overnights the children spend with each parent. The court may also adjust the amount to include medical insurance, childcare costs, and other special expenses.
Can Child Support Be Changed After The Divorce Is Final?
Yes. You can request a child support modification if there has been a substantial change in income, custody, or expenses — generally 30% or more difference in income or significant shifts in parenting time. The court reviews current financial information before making any changes.
What Happens If A Parent Does Not Pay Child Support?
If payments stop, the other parent can pursue enforcement through Utah’s Office of Recovery Services (ORS) or the court system. Enforcement tools may include wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, or contempt of court. KNK can help you navigate these steps.
Does Joint Custody Eliminate The Need For Child Support?
Not always. Even in joint custody situations, the court may order support if one parent earns more income or provides more direct financial support for the children. The goal is always to meet the child’s needs in both homes.
How Long Does Child Support Last In Utah?
In Utah, parents must provide support until a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. If a child has special needs or requires continued care, support may extend beyond that age with court approval.
Can we settle without going to trial?
Often yes. Many cases resolve through negotiation or mediation with a detailed written agreement the court can approve.