Utah Code Section 30-3-35 sets the foundation for the state’s minimum parent-time schedule. It defines the default calendar for many noncustodial parents: typically alternating weekends, one midweek visit, and shared holidays. The goal is frequent and continuing contact with both parents.

Utah’s parent-time law sets out rotating holiday schedules. Parents alternate key holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, and portions of summer so both have equal opportunities over time.

• Priority rule: Holidays take priority over regular weekend schedules. If a normal weekend conflicts with a holiday assigned to the other parent, the holiday schedule controls.
• Predictability: The rotation repeats annually, building a predictable pattern families can plan around.
• School alignment: Courts may adjust for school calendars, especially during transitions between elementary, middle, and high school.

When parents live more than 150 miles apart, Utah law provides long-distance modifications. Rather than short midweek visits, the noncustodial parent may receive extended blocks during summer or school breaks.

Judges try to balance meaningful contact with realistic travel demands. If distance creates hardship, the court may reduce the frequency of shorter visits but expand the duration of each period to maintain overall parity in time.

Children’s needs evolve with age. Toddlers often benefit from shorter, more frequent visits to strengthen attachment, while teens may need flexibility for school, work, and activities.

The statute allows judges to adjust schedules to match developmental needs rather than imposing a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach. Parents are encouraged to cooperate on practical adjustments before seeking formal modifications.

Parents can agree to a customized schedule that better fits their family as long as it serves the child’s best interests. Mediation, parenting coordinators, or mutual agreements filed with the court can formalize these plans.

This Instagram post captures the distinction well: the calendar sets time-sharing; the parenting plan sets rules and expectations.

Instagram — “Think of the Time-Sharing Schedule as the calendar & the Parenting Plan as the rule-book.”

When a parent violates a court-ordered schedule, the other parent can seek enforcement under Utah Code 30-3-10.9 and related rules. Judges can order make-up time, fines, or, in serious cases, modify custody or award attorney’s fees.

• Document issues: Keep records of missed exchanges, messages, and attempts to resolve problems.
• Proportional remedies: Courts typically start with make-up time or warnings, escalating only if violations continue.

For Utah-centric context that humanizes family-law topics, this local reel offers relatable flavor:

Instagram — “Growing up in Utah means…”