Child Support in Utah How the Calculator Works
A plain-English guide to income, overnights, health and childcare costs, and official forms
Utah Law Explained breaks down how child support is calculated in Utah so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Utah uses a guideline formula that looks at each parent’s income, the number of overnights, and extra costs like health insurance and work-related childcare.
This guide walks through those inputs step by step, shows you where to find and file the official worksheets, and flags common mistakes that cause disputes later.
How Utah Calculates Child Support: The Basics
Utah’s guidelines aim to balance both parents’ financial responsibilities while keeping the child’s best interests at the center. The core inputs are combined gross income, number of children, parenting time (overnights), and certain add-ons.
Gross Incomes
Each parent’s gross monthly income is the starting point. Some additional income sources count too.
Overnights
The number of nights the child spends in each home adjusts the support amount under the guidelines.
Number of Children
Calculations differ based on how many children are covered by the order.
Health & Childcare
Premiums and work-related childcare are added, then divided by each parent’s income share.
Income Definitions
Utah starts with each parent’s gross monthly income: wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and sometimes rental or self-employment income. Courts may “impute” income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed without good reason.
Common mistake: forgetting irregular income like bonuses or commissions. List all sources to avoid disputes later.
Parenting Time & Overnights
Sole Custody
Joint Custody
Split Custody
Counting Overnights
Health Insurance & Childcare
Guidelines add the cost of the child’s health insurance premiums and work-related childcare to the base support, then divide those costs by each parent’s percentage share of combined income. Uncovered medical expenses are typically allocated separately.
Keep receipts and premium statements. If coverage changes mid-year, update documentation and consider a modification.
Use the Utah Calculator & Official Forms
Gather Inputs
Each parent’s gross income, number of children, and accurate overnight counts.
Complete Worksheets
Use the official online calculator and print/save the worksheet to file with the court.
Attach Documentation
Include pay stubs, tax documents, and proof of health insurance or childcare costs as required.
File Correctly
Submit the latest version of the form. Double-check numbers and overnight totals before filing.
Avoid These Mistakes
Changing a Child Support Order
Orders are not set in stone. Utah allows modifications after a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant income shift, a new custody schedule, or changes in childcare/health costs. Many orders can also be reviewed every three years for fairness and accuracy.
Document the change (new job, schedule, or expense). If both parents agree, a stipulated modification can streamline the process.
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Key Takeaways
Utah’s guideline looks at each parent’s gross income, number of children, and overnights.
Health insurance and work-related childcare are added and split by income share; uncovered medical is allocated separately.
Use the official calculator and current forms, and keep accurate records to avoid disputes or delays.
This page is legal information, not legal advice. When in doubt, get counsel before you file.
Next Step
Ready to run your numbers and prepare the right worksheet? A short consult can help you avoid mistakes and delays.
Talk to a Utah AttorneyWe’ll review income documentation, overnight counts, and insurance/childcare costs so your filing is accurate.