Utah Parenting Plan – What It Is and Why You Need One
If you are divorcing or separating in the Beehive State, you will quickly hear the term Utah parenting plan. This court-approved document outlines how you and your co-parent will raise your children after you live apart, and judges will not grant joint custody without one.
What Exactly Is a Utah Parenting Plan?
Utah law requires a parenting plan whenever parents ask for joint legal or physical custody. The plan spells out decision-making authority, parent-time schedules, dispute-resolution steps, relocation rules, and expense sharing. In short, it is the playbook that keeps both parents—and the kids—on the same page.
Why Do You Need a Parenting Plan?
A well-crafted Utah parenting plan serves three goals:
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Predictability. Children thrive when they know where they will sleep tonight and who will pick them up tomorrow.
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Conflict reduction. Because the plan answers “what happens if…,” parents argue less and cooperate more.
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Legal compliance. Judges use the plan to decide if joint custody is in a child’s best interest. Without it, the court may impose terms you dislike—or deny joint custody altogether.
Key Elements Courts Expect to See
Use these headings in your Utah parenting plan so the court can review it quickly:
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Decision-making authority – Who decides on school, medical care, and religion?
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Parent-time schedule – Detail regular weeks, holidays, and vacations.
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Transportation logistics – State who drives the kids where and when.
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Communication rules – Include phone or video-call windows so the off-duty parent stays involved.
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Dispute-resolution steps – Add mediation or arbitration clauses so small disagreements never balloon into court battles.
Tips for Crafting a Solid Plan
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Think long term. Kids’ needs change; build flexibility for new schools or activities.
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Be specific yet reasonable. Vague language causes fights; impossible schedules frustrate everyone.
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Use clear wording. Judges and caregivers should understand the plan without legal jargon.
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Update when life evolves. Utah courts let you modify your plan after a “material change” such as a move or job shift.
Get Professional Help Early
Your children deserve stability, and you deserve peace of mind. The experienced family-law team at Larsen Law can draft, review, or revise your Utah parenting plan to win quick court approval. Schedule a free consultation today—together we’ll protect what matters most.
Start drafting now and spare your children uncertainty while positioning yourself for a smoother post-divorce family life.
