Salt Lake City Child Custody Lawyers

Experienced Attorney for Child Custody Battles in Utah

In a divorce or family law case, there are a plethora of issues that will need to be addressed appropriately. Spousal support, property division, and child support are all issues that must be considered when working through a divorce. However, few issues have the chance to become as contentious as the issue of child custody. In the context of family law in Utah, child custody refers to the legal and physical responsibility for a child's upbringing. Decisions about issues related to a couple's children will be some of the most monumental concerns in any divorce or separation, and these issues may also need to be addressed by unmarried parents.

With so much at stake in these cases, it is crucial that you understand your options and the steps you can take to put yourself in a position to attain an outcome that will protect your child's best interests. By working with an experienced child custody lawyer, you can make sure your case will be handled correctly. At Collins Rupp, P.C., our esteemed family law attorneys are adept at helping clients achieve positive results in cases involving child custody and other related issues. At our firm, we understand what is at stake during child custody proceedings, and we are committed to serving our clients to the greatest extent possible.

Legal Custody Vs. Physical Custody

In Utah, legal custody refers to the parent's decision-making power regarding the children's health care, religious upbringing, education, and general well-being. A parent with legal custody has the authority to make important decisions related to the child's upbringing.

Meanwhile, physical custody is concerned with where the child will live. A parent who has physical custody of a child is responsible for the child's day-to-day care, including food, shelter, clothing, and medical treatment. Sometimes, the court may award primary physical custody to one parent, and the other will have visitation rights. However, if a child will be living with each parent for at least 111 days in a year, this is considered joint physical custody.

Generally, courts believe that it is in the child's best interest to have both parents involved in their life. As a result, unless it is determined that this would not be best for the child, courts in Utah may award joint legal and physical custody to the parents. In these situations, the child will live with both parents, and the parents will share the right to make important decisions regarding the child.

It is important to understand that child custody is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every family's situation is unique, and the court always considers the child's best interests when making custody decisions.

Misconceptions Regarding Child Custody in Utah

One common misconception about child custody is that the court always favors the mother. However, this is not the case. The court must determine how to put solutions in place that are in the child's best interests, regardless of the gender of the parties involved. Another common misconception is that the court will always award custody to one parent, leaving the other with only minimal visitation rights. While this may happen in some cases, the court generally strives to create the most beneficial arrangement for the child, which may involve joint custody or flexible visitation arrangements.

Another common misconception is that custody arrangements are permanent. It is important to remember that child custody orders can be modified as the child's needs change or if there is a substantial change in circumstances. For example, if the child develops a medical condition and requires extraordinary care, this may require adjustments in custody arrangements based on each parent's ability to meet the child's ongoing needs.

Contact a Salt Lake City Child Custody Lawyer

To help you achieve your goals related to child custody, it is important to work with legal counsel who can advise you of your options and provide you with effective representation during your case. At Collins Rupp, P.C., our experienced family law attorneys are well-equipped with the knowledge and resources to ensure that you can address child custody issues effectively. To learn more, contact us at 385-777-2753 for a free consultation today.