Last Updated: August 2026
A Lehi child support lawyer ensures your children receive fair financial support after a separation or divorce. Haven Law helps parents throughout Utah County calculate, enforce, and modify child support obligations – whether you are seeking support for your children or navigating a dispute over the amount owed. Attorney Michelle Christensen brings over 20 years of family law experience to every child support case.
How is child support calculated in Utah?
Utah uses an income shares model to calculate child support, meaning the obligation is based on the combined gross incomes of both parents and is proportioned based on each parent’s share of that combined income. The calculation also factors in the number of children, the custody and parent-time arrangement (including overnight counts), work-related childcare costs, and health insurance premiums. Utah’s Office of Recovery Services (ORS) publishes the guidelines used in all child support determinations. An attorney can run the numbers for your specific situation and ensure all appropriate factors are included.
What if the other parent doesn’t pay child support?
If a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support in Utah, there are several enforcement mechanisms available. These include wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver’s or professional licenses, contempt of court proceedings, and in serious cases, criminal charges. The Utah Office of Recovery Services can assist with enforcement, but working with a private attorney often produces faster results in cases involving significant arrears or repeated non-compliance. Haven Law can help you pursue enforcement through the courts to protect your children’s financial stability.
Can child support be modified in Utah?
Yes. Child support in Utah can be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances – such as a significant change in either parent’s income, a change in the custody or parent-time arrangement, or a change in the child’s needs. Utah courts also allow for a modification review if at least three years have passed since the last order and the new calculation would result in a change of 10% or more. Haven Law handles modification proceedings throughout Utah County, both for parents seeking an increase and for those seeking a reduction.
Does child support cover medical expenses in Utah?
Base child support in Utah is intended to cover a child’s ordinary living expenses. Medical expenses are handled separately. Under Utah law, parents are typically required to provide health insurance coverage for their children if it is available at a reasonable cost. Unreimbursed medical expenses – costs not covered by insurance – are generally shared between parents in proportion to their incomes. The divorce decree or child support order should specify how extraordinary medical expenses are handled. A child support attorney can make sure your order is clear on these terms.
How long does child support last in Utah?
In Utah, child support continues until a child turns 18, or until age 19 if the child is still enrolled in high school and expected to graduate before age 19. Support does not automatically stop – a formal termination order may be required. If a child has special needs, support obligations may continue beyond the standard age in some circumstances. Haven Law can help you understand when and how your support obligations are expected to end, and assist with the termination process when appropriate.
Your children deserve financial stability – whatever the circumstances.
Haven Law helps Utah County parents enforce, modify, and establish child support with clarity and conviction.
Schedule a Child Support Consultation
Why work with Haven Law for child support
Michelle Christensen has handled child support matters as both standalone cases and as part of broader divorce and custody proceedings. She understands how the Utah guidelines work, where they allow for deviation, and how to build the strongest possible case for fair support – whether you are the parent seeking it or the one being asked to pay more than is warranted.
Related services: Child Custody Lawyer in Lehi and Lehi Divorce Lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
How is child support calculated in Utah?
Utah uses an income shares model. Child support is based on both parents’ combined gross incomes, each parent’s proportional share, the number of children, the custody arrangement, childcare costs, and health insurance premiums. Utah’s Office of Recovery Services publishes the official guidelines.
What if the other parent doesn’t pay child support?
Utah has several enforcement mechanisms for unpaid child support, including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, and contempt of court proceedings. Working with a private attorney often produces faster results than relying solely on the Utah Office of Recovery Services.
Can child support be modified in Utah?
Yes. Utah child support can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a change in either parent’s income or the custody arrangement. A modification review can also be requested after three years if the updated calculation would change the amount by 10% or more.
Does child support cover medical expenses in Utah?
Base child support covers ordinary living expenses. Health insurance and unreimbursed medical costs are handled separately. Parents typically split extraordinary medical expenses in proportion to their incomes. Your support order should specify the terms for medical expense sharing.
How long does child support last in Utah?
Child support in Utah continues until the child turns 18, or until age 19 if still enrolled in high school and expected to graduate. Support does not automatically terminate – a formal order may be needed. In some cases involving special needs, obligations may extend beyond the standard age.
Fair child support starts with the right attorney
Do not navigate Utah’s child support system alone. Haven Law is here.
Schedule Your Consultation or call (801) 971-0334.