How Utah Calculates Child Support
Utah uses the Income Shares model to determine child support obligations. This page explains the guidelines, formula, and key factors.
Model Type
Income Shares (worksheet variants by custody type)
Utah worksheets compute combined monthly income, select base support from Utah tables, prorate between parents; separate worksheets apply for sole, joint, and split custody with parenting-time adjustments embedded.
Income Basis & Definitions
gross monthly income (worksheet-defined 'adjusted')
Selects the base-support amount from the schedule/table.
Source: Worksheet framework (income, base obligation)Parent A gross income used by guideline.
Source: Income definition / worksheet income line(s)Parent B gross income used by guideline.
Source: Income definition / worksheet income line(s)Parenting Time Handling
Select sole/joint/split worksheet based on physical custody arrangement.
Source: Worksheet types and statutory table referenceJoint worksheet uses parenting time (time-share/overnights) inputs.
Source: Parenting time/time-share adjustment inputsDeductions & Adjustments
Adjustments/credits for other dependents or court-ordered support for other children (state-specific).
Source: Other children / preexisting support adjustmentIf the guideline adjusts for spousal support (paid/received), capture amount.
Source: Spousal support (alimony/maintenance) adjustmentAdd-Ons & Allocation
Work-related childcare costs added and allocated between parents.
Source: Childcare add-onChild’s health insurance premium share and uninsured/unreimbursed medical allocation.
Source: Medical support (insurance + uninsured medical)Caps, Minimums & Deviations
If guideline table caps at an income level, above-cap support is typically discretionary with findings.
Source: Maximum schedule income / above-cap handlingDeviation allowed for enumerated factors; requires findings (court-determined).
Source: Deviation factors / findings