What kinds of child custody are there and how will custody be decided?
Utah recognizes several custody arrangements for minor children. These include: • Sole Legal and Sole Physical: Either party can be awarded the “sole” custody of the children. That means one parent has physical custody of the children and makes the major decisions about the children’s lives. If sole custody is awarded, the non-custodial parent is awarded “parent time” (visitation) with the children. Utah has a standard schedule of parent time (visitation), which allows weekly contact, alternating holidays, alternating weekends, and overnights for children five and older. Parties can vary the standard schedule and create any schedule of parent time (visitation) that is appropriate for them and the children. Schedules often vary from the standard schedule depending on the ages of the children and how far apart the parents live. Parent time (visitation) for children under five depends on the best interests of the children. • Joint Legal and Joint Physical: This arrangement is one in which
