(1)  Obligations ordered for child support and medical expenses are for the use and benefit of the child and shall follow the child.

Terms Used In Utah Code 78B-12-108

  • Child: means :
(a) a son or daughter under the age of 18 years who is not otherwise emancipated, self-supporting, married, or a member of the armed forces of the United States;
(b) a son or daughter over the age of 18 years, while enrolled in high school during the normal and expected year of graduation and not otherwise emancipated, self-supporting, married, or a member of the armed forces of the United States; or
(c) a son or daughter of any age who is incapacitated from earning a living and, if able to provide some financial resources to the family, is not able to support self by own means. See Utah Code 78B-12-102
  • Joint physical custody: means the child stays with each parent overnight for more than 30% of the year, and both parents contribute to the expenses of the child in addition to paying child support. See Utah Code 78B-12-102
  • Medical expenses: means health and dental expenses and related insurance costs. See Utah Code 78B-12-102
  • Parent: includes a natural parent, or an adoptive parent. See Utah Code 78B-12-102
  • Split custody: means that each parent has physical custody of at least one of the children. See Utah Code 78B-12-102
  • State: includes a state, territory, possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Native American Tribe, or other comparable domestic or foreign jurisdiction. See Utah Code 78B-12-102
  • Temporary: means a period of time that is projected to be less than 12 months in duration. See Utah Code 78B-12-102
  • (2)  Except in cases of joint physical custody and split custody as defined in Section 78B-12-102, when physical custody changes from that assumed in the original order, the parent without physical custody of a child shall be required to pay the amount of support determined in accordance with Sections 78B-12-205 and 78B-12-212, without the need to modify the order for:

    (a)  the parent who has physical custody of the child;

    (b)  a relative to whom physical custody of the child has been voluntarily given; or

    (c)  the state when the child is residing outside of the home in the protective custody, temporary custody, or custody or care of the state or a state-licensed facility for at least 30 days.

    Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 3, 2008 General Session