Utah Child Support Calculator

Utah uses the income shares model under Utah Code § 81-6-201, combining both parents' adjusted gross monthly incomes to determine the base child support obligation from the statutory table in § 81-6-304. Each parent pays a proportionate share based on their percentage of combined income. The table covers combined monthly incomes from $726 to $100,000, with courts exercising discretion for amounts above the cap.

Utah Code § 81-6-203 defines gross income broadly to include wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment earnings, rental income, investments, Social Security, unemployment, and disability benefits. Self-employment income is calculated by subtracting necessary business expenses from gross receipts. Courts may impute income at federal minimum wage for a 40-hour week if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or has no recent work history.

Utah uses different worksheets depending on the custody arrangement. Sole physical custody cases apply the standard obligation table, while joint physical custody cases under § 81-6-208 factor in each parent's overnight count, which can reduce the higher earner's base obligation. Split custody — where each parent has primary custody of at least one child — uses yet another calculation method that offsets each parent's respective obligations.

Under Utah Code § 81-6-212, either parent can petition to modify child support when a material change in circumstances exists. If the recalculated amount differs from the current order by 10% or more, modification is presumed appropriate. Utah's Office of Recovery Services also conducts reviews every three years upon request. The court considers changes in income, custody arrangements, healthcare costs, and the child's needs.

Beyond the base obligation from the statutory table, Utah Code § 81-6-209 requires parents to share children's healthcare insurance premiums proportional to income. Work-related childcare and extraordinary medical expenses not covered by insurance are also divided proportionally. Utah courts may additionally allocate costs for special needs, extracurricular activities, and educational expenses when circumstances warrant.

Utah sets a minimum child support obligation of $30 per month when either parent's adjusted gross income is $649 or less. Parents earning between $650 and $1,050 monthly use the low-income table for a reduced obligation. The standard table caps at $100,000 combined monthly income — for one child at that level, the base obligation is $5,908. Courts may order higher amounts above the cap on a case-by-case basis.

Utah child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school during their normal and expected year of graduation, whichever occurs later, under Utah Code § 81-6-212. Support may extend beyond 18 for a child who is incapacitated from earning a living. Emancipation through marriage, military service, or court order terminates support earlier. Arrears remain enforceable for four years after the youngest child reaches majority.

Utah's Office of Recovery Services enforces child support orders through income withholding, tax refund interception, credit bureau reporting, license suspension (driver's, professional, and recreational), and passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500. Courts can hold non-paying parents in contempt, which may result in fines or jail time. Under Utah Code § 78B-5-202, arrears judgments are enforceable for four years past the youngest child's majority or eight years from entry, whichever is longer.