Utah law separates custody into two categories. Courts often award joint legal custody, while physical custody may be joint or primary with parent-time for the other parent.

Utah Code §30-3-10.8 outlines what a parenting plan must include. Use precise, enforceable terms.

• Custody arrangements – Who has legal custody, who has physical custody, and what “joint” means in your case.
• Parent-time schedules – Weekdays, weekends, overnights, exchanges, and locations.
• Holiday and vacation schedule – How holidays, birthdays, school breaks, and travel work.
• Transportation responsibilities – Who picks up, who drops off, and where.
• Decision-making & communication – How parents share information and how the child contacts each parent.
• Dispute resolution – Mediation or other method before court filings.

Template: “Parents shall notify each other of medical appointments and school events at least 7 days in advance via text or email.”

Common mistake: Leaving transportation or notice periods vague. Specific times and duties reduce conflict.

Utah generally alternates holidays unless parents agree otherwise. A common pattern:

• Thanksgiving: Mother in even years, Father in odd years.
• Christmas Eve: Father in even years, Mother in odd years.
• Christmas Day: Mother in even years, Father in odd years.
• Spring Break: Alternated each year.
• Summer: Each parent gets two or more uninterrupted weeks with advance notice.

Template: “Each parent shall have two uninterrupted weeks of summer vacation time. The parent requesting vacation shall give at least 30 days’ written notice to the other parent.”

Common mistake: Omitting travel restrictions. If out-of-state or international travel requires consent, say so explicitly.

Cover both parent-to-parent and child-to-parent communication to prevent friction.

Template: “Parents shall communicate through the OurFamilyWizard app for all scheduling and logistical matters. The child shall be permitted one daily video call with the non-custodial parent during extended parent-time.”

Common mistake: Relying on “Parents will cooperate.” Courts prefer clear, enforceable rules.

Even strong plans won’t prevent every issue. Utah requires a method for resolving disputes, typically mediation first.

Template: “Parents agree to participate in mediation with a mutually agreed-upon mediator before filing any motion in court regarding parenting plan disputes. Mediation costs shall be shared equally unless otherwise ordered by the court.”

Common mistake: Not stating who pays for mediation or how the mediator is chosen.

Account for rotating or 24-hour shifts common to firefighters, medical staff, and airline crew.

Template: “If Parent A is scheduled for a 24-hour work shift, Parent B shall exercise parenting time during that shift. Parent A shall have make-up parenting time the following weekend, provided at least 7 days’ notice is given.”

Submit your plan to the court for approval. Once signed, it becomes a binding order. If a parent fails to comply, the other can seek enforcement.

Tip: Utah’s official court website provides parenting plan forms. If your case is complex, consult a Utah family law attorney to avoid delays or errors.