Utah recognizes a parent’s right to spend time with and build a relationship with their children. Even when one parent has full custody, the non-custodial parent is still entitled to their fair share of parenting time and visitation with their child. Working out the details of parenting time schedules is one of the key components of divorce.
A child custody lawyer in American Fork from Brown Family Law can help couples navigate custody and parenting time issues to create an arrangement that is in the child’s best interest. We have over 150 years of combined legal experience and emphasize a strategic and calm approach to family law issues.
Contact our offices online or call today to schedule a consultation with a child visitation lawyer in American Fork.
Why You Need a Family Lawyer to Help With Parenting Time Agreements
Family law exists at the intersection of the public and private spheres, so family law issues can invade some of the most personal aspects of our lives. Even when mutual, a divorce is a complicated process, especially when child custody and parenting schedules are involved.
Brown Family Law exists to find a better way to do divorce. A family lawyer in American Fork from our firm can represent your interests and negotiate to ensure you receive adequate time with your children. If necessary, we can also help you modify an existing parenting plan to reflect changes in circumstances.
We’ve helped thousands of clients with their divorce and custody issues. Let us fight smarter for you, not harder.
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Minimum Required Parenting Time
Parenting time agreements can be flexible and are largely up to the discretion of the parents and the court. However, Utah Code 81-9-302 lays down minimum parenting time that all parenting agreements must satisfy.
For children between the ages of five and 18, the minimum times are the following:
- One weekday evening between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m
- When school is not in session, one weekday between 9 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
- Alternating weekends starting at 6 p.m. on Friday and ending on Sunday at 7 p.m.
- Holidays alternating between odd and even years
- Up to four (two uninterrupted) weeks for vacation
Parenting time rules for children under the age of five are more complex:
- Under five months. Two three-hour visits per week and two hours per holiday
- Five to nine months. Three three-hour visits per week and two hours per holiday
- Nine to 12 months. One eight-hour and one three-hour visit per week, and eight hours for holidays
- 12 to 18 months. One three-hour visit per week, one eight-hour visit on alternating weekends, one overnight visit on opposite weekends, and eight hours per holiday
- 18 months to three years. One weekday between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., alternating weekends, holidays, and one week of uninterrupted parenting time for vacations
- Three to five years. One weekday between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., alternating weekends, holidays, and two weeks of uninterrupted parenting time for vacations
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Common Types of Parenting Schedules
Below are some common types of parenting schedules that parents in Utah agree to:
- 50/50 joint custody. With 50/50 joint custody, each parent has their child half of the time. There are a few ways to do this, such as alternating weeks or alternating three and four-day periods.
- 60/40 schedule. An example of a 60/40 schedule would be three days with one parent, then four with the other. 60/40 schedules are easy to modify into 50/50 agreements.
- 70/30 schedule. With a 70/30 schedule, one parent could take the child every third week or every weekend.
Modifying Parenting Time Orders in American Fork
Parenting time schedules are not meant to be permanent and can change if the circumstances warrant it. There must be a substantial and material change to justify changing a parenting schedule. Valid reasons could include the following:
- Parental relocation
- The child’s needs have changed as they’ve gotten older
- Loss or gain of employment
- Refusals to commit to parenting agreements
- Concerns about child welfare
- Mental or physical health issues
To change a parenting schedule, a child visitation lawyer in American Fork can file a petition with the court. If both parents agree to the modification, they can sign a Stipulation to Modify to make the changes legally binding.
Contact an American Fork Child Visitation Attorney Today
Parenting time disputes can be some of the most contentious in family law, which is why having a neutral and impartial child custody lawyer on your side can be an invaluable asset. A lawyer can advocate for your interests and help ensure the court fairly evaluates your parenting time rights.
Send us a message online or call today to discuss your case with an American Fork child visitation attorney.
