<effdate>9/1/2024</effdate><catchline>Utah Domestic Relations Code</catchline><chapter number="81-1"><catchline>General Provisions</catchline><part number="81-1-1"><catchline>General Provisions</catchline><section number="81-1-101"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for title.</catchline><tab/>As used in this title:<subsection number="81-1-101(1)">"Child" means, except as provided in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-102">81-5-102</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-102">81-8-102</xref>, and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-101">81-10-101</xref>, a son or daughter of any age.</subsection><subsection number="81-1-101(2)">"Court" means:<subsection number="81-1-101(2)(a)">a judge; or</subsection><subsection number="81-1-101(2)(b)">a court commissioner if the court commissioner has authority to hear the matter under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78A-5-107">78A-5-107</xref> or the Utah Rules of Judicial Administration.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-1-101(3)">"Custodial parent" means:<subsection number="81-1-101(3)(a)">a parent awarded primary physical custody of a minor child by a court order;</subsection><subsection number="81-1-101(3)(b)">if both parents have joint physical custody:<subsection number="81-1-101(3)(b)(i)">the parent awarded more overnights each year by a court order; or</subsection><subsection number="81-1-101(3)(b)(ii)">the parent designated as the custodial parent by a court order; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-1-101(3)(c)">if there is no court order, the parent with whom the minor child resides more than one-half of the calendar year without regard to any temporary parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-1-101(4)">"Minor child" means, except as provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>, a child who is younger than 18 years old and is not emancipated.</subsection><subsection number="81-1-101(5)">"Noncustodial parent" means the parent who is not the custodial parent regardless of any designation of joint legal custody.</subsection><subsection number="81-1-101(6)">"Parent" means, except as provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-211">81-13-211</xref>, an individual with an established parent-child relationship as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-102">81-5-102</xref>.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-1-2"><catchline>Domestic Relations Proceedings</catchline><section number="81-1-201"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>As used in this part:<subsection number="81-1-201(1)">"Alimony" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-4-101">81-4-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-1-201(2)">"Child support" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-1-202"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Court records in a domestic relations action.</catchline><subsection number="81-1-202(1)"><subsection number="81-1-202(1)(a)">In an action under this title, a party may file a motion to have the records of the action other than the final judgment, order, or decree, classified as private.</subsection><subsection number="81-1-202(1)(b)">If the court finds that there are substantial interests favoring restricting access that clearly outweigh the interests favoring access, the court may classify the records of the action, or any part of the records of the action, other than the final order, judgment, or decree, as private.</subsection><subsection number="81-1-202(1)(c)">An order classifying part of the records of the action as private does not apply to subsequent filings.</subsection><subsection number="81-1-202(1)(d)">The record of an action is private until the court determines it is possible to release the record without prejudice to the interests that justified the closure.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-1-202(2)"><subsection number="81-1-202(2)(a)">Any interested person may petition the court to permit access to a record classified as private as described in Subsection (1).</subsection><subsection number="81-1-202(2)(b)">The interested person described in Subsection (2)(a) shall serve the petition on the parties to the closure order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-1-202(3)">A party shall place the social security number of any individual, who is the subject of an action under this title, in the records relating to the matter.</subsection></section><section number="81-1-203"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">309</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Award of costs and attorney and witness fees -- Temporary support and maintenance.</catchline><subsection number="81-1-203(1)"><subsection number="81-1-203(1)(a)">In an action filed under Chapter 4, Dissolution of Marriage, Title 78B, Chapter 7, Part 6, Cohabitant Abuse Protective Orders, or in an action to establish an order of custody, parent-time, child support, alimony, or the division of property in a domestic case, the court may order a party to pay the costs, attorney fees, and witness fees, including expert witness fees, of the other party to enable the other party to prosecute or defend the action.</subsection><subsection number="81-1-203(1)(b)"> The order under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-1-203(1)(a)">(1)(a)</xref> may include a provision for costs of the action.</subsection><subsection number="81-1-203(1)(c)">A court may grant an order under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-1-203(1)(a)">(1)(a)</xref> if the court finds that:<subsection number="81-1-203(1)(c)(i)">the party requesting the costs and fees lacks the financial resources to pay the costs and fees;</subsection><subsection number="81-1-203(1)(c)(ii)">the nonrequesting party has the financial resources to pay the costs and fees;</subsection><subsection number="81-1-203(1)(c)(iii)">the costs and fees are necessary for prosecuting or defending the action; and</subsection><subsection number="81-1-203(1)(c)(iv)">the amount of the costs and fees are reasonable.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-1-203(1)(d)"><subsection number="81-1-203(1)(d)(i)">A court may not find that a party lacks the financial resources to pay the costs and fees under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-1-203(1)(c)(i)">(1)(c)(i)</xref> if the party chooses:<subsection number="81-1-203(1)(d)(i)(A)">not to earn an income despite being able and available to earn an income; or</subsection><subsection number="81-1-203(1)(d)(i)(B)">to earn significantly less income than the individual is able to earn considering the individual's physical capabilities, education, training, and experience.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-1-203(1)(d)(ii)">Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-1-203(1)(d)(i)">(1)(d)(i)</xref> does not apply if an individual:<subsection number="81-1-203(1)(d)(ii)(A)">is actively seeking a source of income consistent with the individual's physical capabilities, education, training, and experience;</subsection><subsection number="81-1-203(1)(d)(ii)(B)">does not earn an income or earns significantly less income than the individual is capable of earning to care for a child or vulnerable adult, as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-111">76-5-111</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-1-203(1)(d)(ii)(C)">is between income-earning periods in seasonal or project-based employment that is consistent with the individual's physical capabilities, education, training, and experience.</subsection></subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-1-203(2)">In an action to enforce an order of custody, parent-time, child support, alimony, or division of property in a domestic case, the court may award costs and attorney fees upon determining that the party substantially prevailed upon the claim or defense.</subsection><subsection number="81-1-203(3)">The court, in the court's discretion, may award no fees or limited fees against a party if the court finds the party is indigent or enters in the record the reason for not awarding fees.</subsection><subsection number="81-1-203(4)">In an action described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-1-203(1)">(1)</xref>, the court may order a party to provide money, during the pendency of the action, for the separate support and maintenance of the other party and of a minor child in the custody of the other party.</subsection><subsection number="81-1-203(5)">The court may amend an order entered in accordance with this section before the entry of the final order or judgment or in the final order or judgment.</subsection></section><section number="81-1-204"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Continuing jurisdiction of a court in a domestic relations action.</catchline><tab/>In an action under this title, the court has continuing jurisdiction after a decree or final order is entered to make subsequent changes to the order, or to enter a new order, including an order regarding:<subsection number="81-1-204(1)">the distribution of the property and obligations for debts, as is reasonable and necessary, for an action described in Chapter 4, Dissolution of Marriage;</subsection><subsection number="81-1-204(2)">alimony in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-4-504">81-4-504</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-1-204(3)">child support and medical expenses in accordance with Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-208">81-6-208</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-212">81-6-212</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-1-204(4)">custody and parent-time in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-208">81-9-208</xref>.</subsection></section></part></chapter><chapter number="81-2"><catchline>Marriage</catchline><part number="81-2-1"><catchline>General Provisions</catchline><section number="81-2-101"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for chapter.</catchline><tab/>Reserved.</section><section number="81-2-102"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Marriage recognition policy.</catchline><subsection number="81-2-102(1)"><subsection number="81-2-102(1)(a)">It is the policy of this state to recognize as marriage only the legal union of a man and a woman as provided in this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-102(1)(b)">Except for the relationship of marriage between a man and a woman recognized pursuant to this chapter, this state will not recognize, enforce, or give legal effect to any law creating any legal status, rights, benefits, or duties that are substantially equivalent to those provided under Utah law to a man and a woman because they are married.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-102(2)">Nothing in Subsection (1) impairs any contract or other rights, benefits, or duties that are enforceable independently of this section.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-2-2"><catchline>Premarital Counseling</catchline><section number="81-2-201"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline>As used in this part:<subsection number="81-2-201(1)">"Premarital counseling" includes group counseling, individual counseling, and couple counseling.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-201(2)">"Premarital education" includes:<subsection number="81-2-201(2)(a)">a lecture, class, seminar, or workshop provided by a person that meets the requirements of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-206(2)(b)(i)">81-2-206(2)(b)(i)</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-201(2)(b)">an online course approved by the Utah Marriage Commission as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-206(2)(b)(i)(F)">81-2-206(2)(b)(i)(F)</xref>.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-2-202"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Premarital counseling or education -- State policy -- Applicability.</catchline><tab/>It is the policy of the state to enhance the possibility of couples to achieve more stable, satisfying, and enduring marital and family relationships by providing opportunities for and encouraging the use of premarital counseling or education before securing a marriage license.</section><section number="81-2-203"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Premarital counseling board in county -- Appointment, terms, compensation, offices -- Common counseling board with adjacent county.</catchline><tab/><subsection number="81-2-203(1)">A county is authorized to:<subsection number="81-2-203(1)(a)">provide for premarital counseling; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-203(1)(b)">require the use of premarital counseling as a condition precedent to the issuance of a marriage license under the provisions of this part.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-203(2)">The county may appoint a premarital counseling board consisting of seven members, four of whom shall be lay persons and three of whom shall be chosen from the professions of psychiatry, psychology, social work, marriage counseling, the clergy, law or medicine.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-203(3)">The county may designate the terms of office and the procedures to be followed by the premarital counseling board and provide for payment of compensation and expenses for members.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-203(4)">The county may pay the salaries and expenses of a counseling staff under the supervision of the premarital counseling board and provide office space, furnishings, equipment and supplies for the board's use.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-203(5)">A county may join with an adjacent county or counties in forming a common premarital counseling board and in establishing a common master plan for premarital counseling.</subsection></section><section number="81-2-204"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Master plan for counseling.</catchline><subsection number="81-2-204(1)">It shall be the function and duty of the premarital counseling board, after holding public hearings, to make, adopt, and certify to the county legislative body a master plan for premarital counseling of marriage license applicants within the purposes and objectives of this part.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-204(2)">The master plan described in Subsection (1) shall include:<subsection number="81-2-204(2)(a)">counseling procedures that:<subsection number="81-2-204(2)(a)(i)">will make applicants aware of problem areas in their proposed marriage;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-204(2)(a)(ii)">suggest ways of meeting problems; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-204(2)(a)(iii)">will induce reconsideration or postponement when:<subsection number="81-2-204(2)(a)(iii)(A)">the applicants are not sufficiently matured or are not financially capable of meeting the responsibilities of marriage; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-204(2)(a)(iii)(B)">are marrying for reasons not conducive to a sound lasting marriage; and</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-204(2)(b)">standards for evaluating premarital counseling received by the applicants, prior to their application for a marriage license, which would justify issuance of certificate without further counseling being given or required.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-204(3)">The premarital counseling board may, from time to time, amend or extend the plan described in Subsection (1).</subsection><subsection number="81-2-204(4)">The premarital counseling board may, subject to Subsection (5):<subsection number="81-2-204(4)(a)">appoint a staff and employees as may be necessary for its work; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-204(4)(b)">contract with social service agencies or other consultants within the county or counties for services it requires.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-204(5)">Expenditures for the appointments and contracts described in Subsection (4) may not exceed the sums appropriated by the county legislative body plus sums placed at its disposal through gift or otherwise.</subsection></section><section number="81-2-205"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Conformity to master plan for counseling as prerequisite to marriage license -- Exceptions.</catchline><tab/>Whenever a county has adopted a master plan for premarital counseling no resident of the county may obtain a marriage license without conforming to the plan, except that:<subsection number="81-2-205(1)">an individual who applies for a marriage license shall have the right to secure the license and to marry notwithstanding the individual's failure to conform to the required premarital counseling or the individual's failure to obtain a certificate of authorization from the premarital counseling board if the individual waits six months from the date of application for issuance of the license;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-205(2)">this part does not apply to any application for a marriage license where both parties are at least 19 years old and neither has been previously divorced;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-205(3)">this part does not apply to any application for a marriage license unless both applicants have physically resided in Utah for 60 days immediately preceding their application; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-205(4)">premarital counseling required by this part is considered fulfilled if the applicants present a certificate verified by a clergyman that the applicants have completed a course of premarital counseling approved by a church and given by or under the supervision of the clergyman.</subsection></section><section number="81-2-206"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Completion of counseling or education.</catchline><subsection number="81-2-206(1)">The county clerk of a county that operates an online marriage application system and issues a marriage license to applicants who certify completion of premarital counseling or education in accordance with Subsection (2) shall reduce the marriage license fee by $20.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-206(2)"><subsection number="81-2-206(2)(a)">To qualify for the reduced fee under Subsection (1), the applicants shall certify completion of premarital counseling or education in accordance with this Subsection (2).</subsection><subsection number="81-2-206(2)(b)">To complete premarital counseling or education, the applicants:<subsection number="81-2-206(2)(b)(i)">shall obtain the premarital counseling or education from:<subsection number="81-2-206(2)(b)(i)(A)">a licensed or ordained minister or the minister's designee who is trained by the minister or denomination to conduct premarital counseling or education;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-206(2)(b)(i)(B)">an individual licensed under Title 58, Chapter 60, Mental Health Professional Practice Act;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-206(2)(b)(i)(C)">an individual certified by a national organization recognized by the Utah Marriage Commission, created in Title 63M, Chapter 15, Utah Marriage Commission, as a family life educator;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-206(2)(b)(i)(D)">a family and consumer sciences educator;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-206(2)(b)(i)(E)">an individual who is an instructor approved by a premarital education curriculum that meets the requirements of Subsection (2)(b)(ii); or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-206(2)(b)(i)(F)">an online course approved by the Utah Marriage Commission;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-206(2)(b)(ii)">shall receive premarital counseling or education that includes information on important factors associated with strong and healthy marriages, including:<subsection number="81-2-206(2)(b)(ii)(A)">commitment in marriage; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-206(2)(b)(ii)(B)">effective communication and problem-solving skills, including avoiding violence and abuse in the relationship;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-206(2)(b)(iii)">shall complete at least three hours of premarital counseling or six hours of premarital education meeting the requirements of this Subsection (2); and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-206(2)(b)(iv)">shall complete the premarital counseling or education meeting the requirements of this Subsection (2) not more than one year before but at least 14 days before the day on which the marriage license is issued.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-206(2)(c)">Although applicants are encouraged to take the premarital counseling or education together, each applicant may comply with the requirements of this Subsection (2) separately.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-206(3)">A provider of premarital counseling or education under this section is encouraged to use research-based relationship inventories.</subsection></section><section number="81-2-207"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Persons performing counseling services designated by board -- Exemption from license requirements.</catchline><tab/>For the purposes of this part, the premarital counseling board of each county or combination of counties may determine those persons who are to perform any services under this part and any person so acting is not subject to prosecution or other sanctions for the person's failure to hold any license for these services as may be required by the laws of the state.</section><section number="81-2-208"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Confidentiality of information obtained under counseling provisions.</catchline><subsection number="81-2-208(1)">Except for the information required or to be required on the marriage license application form, any information given by a marriage license applicant in compliance with this part:<subsection number="81-2-208(1)(a)">shall be confidential information; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-208(1)(b)">may not be released by any person, board, commission, or other entity.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-208(2)">Notwithstanding Subsection (1), the premarital counseling board or board of commissioners may use the information given by a marriage license applicant, without identification of individuals, to compile and release statistical data.</subsection></section><section number="81-2-209"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Fee for counseling.</catchline><tab/>Any county adopting a master plan under this act is authorized to charge, in addition to the county's ordinary marriage license application fees, not more than $10 for premarital counseling, to be paid by the applicants at the time the applicants make application.</section></part><part number="81-2-3"><catchline>Marriage License and Solemnization</catchline><section number="81-2-301"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">257</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>As used in this part:<subsection number="81-2-301(1)">"County clerk" means:<subsection number="81-2-301(1)(a)">the county clerk of the county; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(1)(b)">an employee or designee of the county clerk who is authorized to issue marriage licenses or solemnize marriages.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(2)">"Judge or magistrate of the United States" means:<subsection number="81-2-301(2)(a)">a justice of the United States Supreme Court;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(2)(b)">a judge of a court of appeals;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(2)(c)">a judge of a district court;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(2)(d)">a judge of any court created by an act of Congress, the judges of which are entitled to hold office during good behavior;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(2)(e)">a judge of a bankruptcy court;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(2)(f)">a judge of a tax court; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(2)(g)">a United States magistrate.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(3)">"Minor" means an individual who is 16 or 17 years old.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(4)"><subsection number="81-2-301(4)(a)">"Native American spiritual advisor" means an individual who:<subsection number="81-2-301(4)(a)(i)">leads, instructs, or facilitates a Native American religious ceremony or service or provides religious counseling; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(4)(a)(ii)">is recognized as a spiritual advisor by a federally recognized Native American tribe.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(4)(b)">"Native American spiritual advisor" includes a sweat lodge leader, medicine person, traditional religious practitioner, or holy man or woman.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(4)(c)">"Military chaplain" means an individual who is a commissioned officer of:<subsection number="81-2-301(4)(c)(i)">the Chaplain Corps of the United States Army;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(4)(c)(ii)">the Chaplain Corps of the United States Navy, including the United States Coast Guard; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-301(4)(c)(iii)">the United States Air Force designated for duty as a chaplain.</subsection></subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-2-302"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Marriage licenses -- Use within state -- Expiration.</catchline><subsection number="81-2-302(1)">A marriage may not be solemnized in this state without a license issued by the county clerk of any county of this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-302(2)"><subsection number="81-2-302(2)(a)">A license issued within this state by a county clerk may only be used within this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-302(2)(b)">A license is considered used within this state if the officiant is physically present in the state at the time of solemnization of the marriage.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-302(2)(c)">A license is not considered used within this state when the parties to the marriage are not physically present in the state in the same location as the officiant, unless:<subsection number="81-2-302(2)(c)(i)">the county issuing the marriage license posts on the county's website, in writing, a sufficient warning that an online marriage solemnized in this state may be invalid in the country where the parties to the marriage reside; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-302(2)(c)(ii)">the officiant reiterates the warning described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-302(2)(c)(i)">(2)(c)(i)</xref> verbatim immediately before solemnizing the marriage.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-302(3)">A warning described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-302(2)(c)(i)">(2)(c)(i)</xref> is considered sufficient if the warning:<subsection number="81-2-302(3)(a)">appears prominently on the county's website and in the same location on the website as an application for a marriage license;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-302(3)(b)">is in bold type of the same or larger font size as the text of the instructions for applying for a marriage license; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-302(3)(c)">is stated in full in at least English, Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog, French, and Mandarin Chinese on the website.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-302(4)">A marriage is considered solemnized if:<subsection number="81-2-302(4)(a)">the parties to the marriage have a valid marriage license;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-302(4)(b)">each party to the marriage willingly, and without duress, declares their intent to enter into the marriage;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-302(4)(c)">each party to the marriage has filed all required affidavits with the county clerk that issued the marriage license as required under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-303(5)(a)">81-2-303(5)(a)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-302(4)(d)">an officiant pronounces the parties as married; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-302(4)(e)">at least two individuals 18 years old or older witness the declarations of intent and the pronouncement.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-302(5)">A license that is not used within 32 days after the day on which the license is issued is invalid.</subsection></section><section number="81-2-303"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Application for marriage license -- Contents.</catchline><subsection number="81-2-303(1)">A county clerk may issue a marriage license only after an application is filed with the county clerk's office, requiring the following information:<subsection number="81-2-303(1)(a)">the full names of the applicants, including the maiden or bachelor name of each applicant;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(1)(b)">the social security numbers of the applicants, unless an applicant has not been assigned a number;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(1)(c)">the current address of each applicant;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(1)(d)">the date and place of birth, including the town or city, county, state or country, if possible;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(1)(e)">the names of the applicants' respective parents, including the maiden name of a mother;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(1)(f)">the birthplaces of the applicants' respective parents, including the town or city, county, state or country, if possible; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(1)(g)">the age, legal name, and identity of each applicant is verified.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(2)">A power of attorney may not be used to secure a marriage license on behalf of a party to a marriage.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(3)"><subsection number="81-2-303(3)(a)">If one or both of the applicants is a minor, the county clerk shall provide each minor with a standard petition on a form provided by the Judicial Council to be presented to the juvenile court to obtain the authorization required by Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-2-304">81-2-304</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(3)(b)">The form described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-303(3)(a)">(3)(a)</xref> shall include:<subsection number="81-2-303(3)(b)(i)">all information described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-303(1)">(1)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(3)(b)(ii)">a place for the parent or legal guardian to indicate the parent or legal guardian's relationship to the minor in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-304(1)(a)">81-2-304(1)(a)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(3)(b)(iii)">an affidavit for the parent or legal guardian to acknowledge the penalty described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-2-304">81-2-304</xref> signed under penalty of perjury;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(3)(b)(iv)">an affidavit for each applicant regarding the accuracy of the information contained in the marriage application signed under penalty of perjury; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(3)(b)(v)">a place for the clerk to sign that indicates that the following have provided documentation to support the information contained in the form:<subsection number="81-2-303(3)(b)(v)(A)">each applicant; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(3)(b)(v)(B)">the minor's parent or legal guardian.</subsection></subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(4)"><subsection number="81-2-303(4)(a)">The social security numbers obtained under the authority of this section may not be recorded on the marriage license and are not open to inspection as a part of the vital statistics files.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(4)(b)">The Office of Vital Records and Statistics shall, upon request, supply the social security numbers to the Office of Recovery Services.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(4)(c)">The Office of Recovery Services may not use a social security number obtained under the authority of this section for any reason other than the administration of child support services.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(5)"><subsection number="81-2-303(5)(a)">A county clerk may not issue a marriage license until the county clerk receives:<subsection number="81-2-303(5)(a)(i)">an affidavit from each party applying for the marriage license, stating that there is no lawful reason preventing the marriage; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(5)(a)(ii)">if one of the parties will not be physically present in the state at the time of solemnization of the marriage, an affidavit from each party applying for the marriage license, stating that the party consents to personal jurisdiction of the state, and of the county issuing the marriage license, for the purposes of filing a divorce or annulment of the marriage. </subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(5)(b)">A county clerk shall file and preserve each affidavit provided under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(5)(c)">A party who makes an affidavit described in Subsection (5)(a), or a subscribing witness to the affidavit, who falsely swears in the affidavit is guilty of perjury and may be prosecuted and punished as provided in Title 76, Chapter 8, Part 5, Falsification in Official Matters.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-303(6)">A county clerk who knowingly issues a marriage license for any prohibited marriage is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.</subsection></section><section number="81-2-304"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">451</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Marriage of a minor -- Consent of parent or guardian -- Juvenile court authorization.</catchline><subsection number="81-2-304(1)"><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(a)">If an applicant is a minor at the time of applying for a license, a county clerk may not issue a marriage license without the signed consent of the minor's parent or legal guardian given in person to the clerk, except that:<subsection number="81-2-304(1)(a)(i)">if the parents of the minor are divorced, consent shall be given by the parent having legal custody of the minor as evidenced by an oath of affirmation to the clerk;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(a)(ii)">if the parents of the minor are divorced and have been awarded joint custody of the minor, consent shall be given by the parent having physical custody of the minor the majority of the time as evidenced by an oath of affirmation to the clerk; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(a)(iii)">if the minor is not in the custody of a parent, the legal guardian shall provide the consent and provide proof of guardianship by court order as well as an oath of affirmation.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(b)">Each applicant, and the minor's consenting parent or legal guardian if an applicant is a minor, shall appear in person before the county clerk and provide legal documentation to establish the following information:<subsection number="81-2-304(1)(b)(i)">the legal relationship between the minor and the minor's parent or legal guardian;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(b)(ii)">the legal name and identity of the minor; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(b)(iii)">the birth date of each applicant.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)">An individual may present the following documents to satisfy a requirement described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-304(1)(b)">(1)(b)</xref>:<subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(i)">for verifying the legal relationship between the minor and the minor's parent or legal guardian, one of the following:<subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(i)(A)">the minor's certified birth certificate with the name of the parent, and an official translation if the birth certificate is in a language other than English;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(i)(B)">a report of a birth abroad with the name of the minor and the parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(i)(C)">a certified adoption decree with the name of the minor and the parent; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(i)(D)">a certified court order establishing custody or guardianship between the minor and the parent or legal guardian;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(ii)">for verifying the legal name and identity of the minor, one of the following:<subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(ii)(A)">an expired or current passport;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(ii)(B)">a driver's license;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(ii)(C)">a certificate of naturalization;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(ii)(D)">a military identification</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(ii)(E)">a state identification card; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(ii)(F)">a government employee identification card from a federal, state, or municipal government; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(iii)">for verifying the birth date of each applicant, one of the following for each applicant:<subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(iii)(A)">a certified birth certificate;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(iii)(B)">a report of a birth abroad;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(iii)(C)">a certificate of naturalization;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(iii)(D)">a certificate of citizenship;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(iii)(E)">a passport;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(iii)(F)">a driver's license; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(c)(iii)(G)">a state identification card.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(1)(d)">An individual may not use a temporary or altered document to satisfy a requirement described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-304(1)(b)">(1)(b)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(2)"><subsection number="81-2-304(2)(a)">The minor and the parent or legal guardian of the minor shall obtain a written authorization to marry from:<subsection number="81-2-304(2)(a)(i)">a judge of the court exercising juvenile jurisdiction in the county where either party to the marriage resides; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(2)(a)(ii)">a court commissioner as permitted by rule of the Judicial Council.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(2)(b)">Before issuing written authorization for a minor to marry, the judge or court commissioner shall determine:<subsection number="81-2-304(2)(b)(i)">that the minor is entering into the marriage voluntarily; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(2)(b)(ii)">the marriage is in the best interest of the minor under the circumstances.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(2)(c)">The judge or court commissioner shall require that both parties to the marriage complete premarital counseling, except the requirement for premarital counseling may be waived if premarital counseling is not reasonably available.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(2)(d)">The judge or court commissioner may require:<subsection number="81-2-304(2)(d)(i)">that the minor continue to attend school, unless excused under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="53G-6-204">53G-6-204</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(2)(d)(ii)">any other conditions that the court deems reasonable under the circumstances.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(2)(e)">The judge or court commissioner may not issue a written authorization for a minor to marry if the age difference between both parties to the marriage is more than four years.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(2)(f)">The judge or court commissioner may not issue a written authorization for a minor to marry until at least 72 hours after the time at which the minor and the minor's parent or legal guardian file the petition for the written authorization.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(3)"><subsection number="81-2-304(3)(a)">The determination required in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-304(2)">(2)</xref> shall be made on the record.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-304(3)(b)">Any inquiry conducted by the judge or commissioner may be conducted in chambers.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-2-305"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025S1">17</modchap>, 2025 Special Session 1</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Who may solemnize marriages -- Certificate.</catchline><subsection number="81-2-305(1)">The following individuals may solemnize a marriage:<subsection number="81-2-305(1)(a)">an individual 18 years old or older who is authorized by a religious denomination to solemnize a marriage;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(b)">a Native American spiritual advisor;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(c)">the governor;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(d)">the lieutenant governor;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(e)">the state attorney general;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(f)">the state treasurer;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(g)">the state auditor;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(h)">a mayor of a municipality or county executive;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(i)">a justice, judge, or commissioner of a court of record;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(j)">a judge of a court not of record of the state;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(k)">a judge or magistrate of the United States;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(l)">the county clerk of any county in the state or the county clerk's designee as authorized by Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="17-70-302">17-70-302</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(m)">a senator or representative of the Utah Legislature;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(n)">a member of the state's congressional delegation;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(o)">a judge or magistrate who holds office in Utah when retired, under rules set by the Supreme Court; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(1)(p)">a military chaplain.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(2)">An individual authorized under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-305(1)">(1)</xref> who solemnizes a marriage shall give to the couple married a certificate of marriage that shows the:<subsection number="81-2-305(2)(a)">name of the county from which the license is issued; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(2)(b)">date of the license's issuance.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(3)">Except for an individual described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-305(1)(l)">(1)(l)</xref>, an individual described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-305(1)">(1)</xref> has discretion to solemnize a marriage.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(4)">Except as provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="17-70-302">17-70-302</xref> and Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-305(1)(l)">(1)(l)</xref>, and notwithstanding any other provision in law, no individual authorized under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-305(1)">(1)</xref> to solemnize a marriage may delegate or deputize another individual to perform the function of solemnizing a marriage.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(5)"><subsection number="81-2-305(5)(a)">Within 30 days after the day on which a marriage is solemnized, the individual solemnizing the marriage shall return the marriage license to the county clerk that issued the marriage license with a certificate of the marriage over the individual's signature stating the date and place of solemnization and the names of two or more witnesses present at the marriage.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(5)(b)">An individual described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-305(5)(a)">(5)(a)</xref> who fails to return the license is guilty of an infraction.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(5)(c)">An individual described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-305(5)(a)">(5)(a)</xref> who knowingly or intentionally makes a false statement on a certificate of marriage is guilty of perjury and may be prosecuted and punished as provided in Title <xref depth="2" refnumber="76-8-5">76, Chapter 8, Part 5</xref>, Falsification in Official Matters.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(6)"><subsection number="81-2-305(6)(a)">An individual is guilty of a third degree felony if the individual knowingly:<subsection number="81-2-305(6)(a)(i)">solemnizes a marriage without a valid marriage license; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(6)(a)(ii)">solemnizes a marriage in violation of this section.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-305(6)(b)">An individual is guilty of a class A misdemeanor if the individual knowingly, with or without a marriage license, solemnizes a marriage between two individuals who are 18 years old or older that is prohibited by law.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-2-306"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>County clerk to file license and certificate -- Designation as vital record.</catchline><subsection number="81-2-306(1)"><subsection number="81-2-306(1)(a)">The county clerk shall:<subsection number="81-2-306(1)(a)(i)">file and preserve the marriage license returned by an individual under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-305(5)">81-2-305(5)</xref> with the certificate of the marriage; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-306(1)(a)(ii)">record the marriage license and certificate in a book kept for that purpose or by electronic means.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-306(1)(b)">The record shall be properly indexed in the names of the parties so married.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-306(2)">An individual may use a diacritical mark, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-8-103">26B-8-103</xref>, on a marriage license.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-306(3)">A transcript shall be promptly certified and transmitted by the clerk to the state registrar of vital statistics.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-306(4)">The marriage license and the certificate of the individual officiating at the marriage are:<subsection number="81-2-306(4)(a)">vital records as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-8-101">26B-8-101</xref>; and </subsection><subsection number="81-2-306(4)(b)">subject to the inspection requirements described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-8-125">26B-8-125</xref>.</subsection></subsection></section></part><part number="81-2-4"><catchline>Validity of Marriage</catchline><section number="81-2-401"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>Reserved.</section><section number="81-2-402"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Incestuous marriages void.</catchline><subsection number="81-2-402(1)">The following marriages are incestuous and void from the beginning, regardless of whether the relationship is legally recognized:<subsection number="81-2-402(1)(a)">a marriage between a parent and a child;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-402(1)(b)">a marriage between an ancestor and a descendant of any degree;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-402(1)(c)">a marriage between siblings of the half or whole blood;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-402(1)(d)">a marriage between an uncle and a niece or nephew;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-402(1)(e)">a marriage between an aunt and a niece or nephew;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-402(1)(f)">except as provided in Subsection (2), a marriage between first cousins; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-402(1)(g)">except as provided in Subsection (2), a marriage between individuals related to each other within and not including the fifth degree of consanguinity computed according to the rules of the civil law.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-402(2)">First cousins may marry under the following circumstances:<subsection number="81-2-402(2)(a)">both parties are 65 years old or older; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-402(2)(b)">if both parties are 55 years old or older, upon a finding by the district court, located in the district in which either party resides, that either party is unable to reproduce.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-2-403"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Marriages prohibited and void.</catchline><subsection number="81-2-403(1)">A marriage is prohibited and void if:<subsection number="81-2-403(1)(a)">there is a spouse living from whom the individual marrying has not been divorced;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-403(1)(b)">except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-403(2)">(2)</xref>, the individual marrying is under 18 years old; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-403(1)(c)">between a divorced individual and any individual other than the one from whom the divorce was secured until:<subsection number="81-2-403(1)(c)(i)">the divorce decree becomes absolute; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-403(1)(c)(ii)">if an appeal is taken, until after the affirmance of the divorce decree.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-403(2)">A marriage of an individual under 18 years old is not void if the individual:<subsection number="81-2-403(2)(a)">is 16 or 17 years old and obtains consent from a parent or guardian and juvenile court authorization in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-2-304">81-2-304</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-403(2)(b)">lawfully marries before May 14, 2019.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-2-404"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Validation of a marriage to an individual subject to chronic epileptic fits who had not been sterilized.</catchline><tab/>A marriage between two individuals that was not valid or legal before May 14, 1963, on the basis that a party was subject to chronic epileptic fits and had not been sterilized is considered valid and legal in this state.</section><section number="81-2-405"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025S1">17</modchap>, 2025 Special Session 1</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Recognition and validation of a marriage regardless of the race, ethnicity, or national origin of the parties.</catchline><subsection number="81-2-405(1)">As used in this section:<subsection number="81-2-405(1)(a)">"Eligible couple" means two individuals that may legally marry each other in this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-405(1)(b)">"Specified characteristic" means the race, ethnicity, or national origin of a party to the marriage.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-405(2)">Regardless of the date of the marriage, a marriage between two individuals may not be deemed invalid or prohibited because of a specified characteristic.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-405(3)">The office of a county clerk may not refuse to issue a marriage license to an eligible couple because of a specified characteristic.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-405(4)"><subsection number="81-2-405(4)(a)">The office of a county clerk may not refuse to solemnize the marriage of an eligible couple because of a specified characteristic.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-405(4)(b)">Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-405(4)(a)">(4)(a)</xref> does not prevent a county clerk from delegating or deputizing another individual to solemnize a marriage in accordance with Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="17-70-302">17-70-302</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-2-305">81-2-305</xref>.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-2-406"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Validation of a marriage to an individual with acquired immune deficiency syndrome or other sexually transmitted disease.</catchline><tab/>A marriage between two individuals that was not valid or legal before October 21, 1993, on the basis that a party was afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, syphilis, or gonorrhea, is considered valid and legal in this state.</section><section number="81-2-407"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">451</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Validity of a foreign marriage -- Exceptions.</catchline><subsection number="81-2-407(1)">As used in this section, "minor" means an individual who is younger than 18 years old.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-407(2)">A marriage solemnized in any other country, state, or territory, if valid where solemnized, is valid in this state, unless:<subsection number="81-2-407(2)(a)">the marriage would be prohibited and declared void in this state under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-403(1)(a)">81-2-403(1)(a)</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-407(2)(b)">the marriage is between parties who are related to each other within and including three degrees of consanguinity, except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-402(2)">81-2-402(2)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-407(3)">Notwithstanding Subsection <xref refnumber="1-9">(2)</xref>, a marriage solemnized in any other country, state, or territory, in which at least one of the parties of the marriage was a minor at the time of the marriage solemnization, is invalid in this state unless:<subsection number="81-2-407(3)(a)">the minor was 16 or 17 years old at the time of the marriage solemnization;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-407(3)(b)">the age difference between both parties to the marriage is not more than four years;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-407(3)(c)">the minor obtained consent from a parent or guardian to enter the marriage;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-407(3)(d)">the minor voluntarily entered the marriage; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-407(3)(e)">before the parties entered the marriage, a court provided written authorization for the marriage.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-2-408"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">347</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Validity of marriage not solemnized or solemnized before an unauthorized individual.</catchline><subsection number="81-2-408(1)">Before May 5, 2027, an individual may file a petition with a court to validate and make legal a marriage that is not solemnized in accordance with this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-408(2)">On a filing of a petition described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-408(1)">(1)</xref>, the court may enter an order validating and making legal a marriage that is not solemnized in accordance with this chapter if the court establishes that the marriage arises out of a contract between two individuals:<subsection number="81-2-408(2)(a)">of legal age and capable of giving consent;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-408(2)(b)">legally capable of entering a solemnized marriage under the provisions of this chapter;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-408(2)(c)">who have cohabited;</subsection><subsection number="81-2-408(2)(d)">who mutually assume marital rights, duties, and obligations; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-408(2)(e)">who hold themselves out as and have acquired a uniform and general reputation as spouses.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-408(3)"><subsection number="81-2-408(3)(a)">An individual may only file the petition described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-408(1)">(1)</xref> during the relationship described in Subsection (2), or within one year following the termination of that relationship.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-408(3)(b)">Evidence of a marriage recognizable under this section may be:<subsection number="81-2-408(3)(b)(i)">manifested in any form; and</subsection><subsection number="81-2-408(3)(b)(ii)">proved under the same general rules of evidence as facts in other cases.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-2-408(4)">On and after May 5, 2027, an individual may not file a petition described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-408(1)">(1)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-408(5)"><subsection number="81-2-408(5)(a)">A marriage solemnized before an individual professing to have authority to perform marriages may not be invalidated for lack of authority if consummated in the belief of the parties or either party that the person had authority and that the parties have been lawfully married.</subsection><subsection number="81-2-408(5)(b)">Except as otherwise explicitly provided by law, Subsection (5)(a) may not be construed to validate a marriage that:<subsection number="81-2-408(5)(b)(i)">is prohibited or void under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-2-403">81-2-403</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-2-408(5)(b)(ii)">fails to meet the requirements of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-2-302">81-2-302</xref>, as validated by a court with jurisdiction.</subsection></subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-2-409"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Legal recognition of a child when marriage is void.</catchline><tab/>When a marriage is void under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-403(1)(a)">81-2-403(1)(a)</xref> and the parties entered into the marriage in good faith, a child of the marriage, who is born or conceived before the parties had actual knowledge that the marriage was void, shall be legally recognized as the child of the parties.</section></part></chapter><chapter number="81-3"><catchline>Rights and Obligations During Marriage</catchline><part number="81-3-1"><catchline>Property Rights</catchline><section number="81-3-101"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>Reserved.</section><section number="81-3-102"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Married individual's right to contract, sue, and be sued.</catchline><tab/>A married individual may contract, sue, or be sued, to the same extent and in the same manner as if the individual was unmarried.</section><section number="81-3-103"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Conveyances between spouses.</catchline><tab/>A conveyance, transfer, or lien executed by an individual, to or in favor of the individual's spouse is valid to the same extent as between other persons.</section><section number="81-3-104"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Married individual's right to wages -- Actions for personal injury.</catchline><subsection number="81-3-104(1)">A married individual may:<subsection number="81-3-104(1)(a)">receive the wages for the individual's personal labor as if unmarried;</subsection><subsection number="81-3-104(1)(b)">maintain an action in the individual's own name and hold the same in the individual's own right as if unmarried; and</subsection><subsection number="81-3-104(1)(c)">prosecute and defend all actions for the preservation and protection of the individual's rights and property as if unmarried.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-3-104(2)">A husband does not have a right of recovery:<subsection number="81-3-104(2)(a)">on account of personal injury or wrong to the husband's wife; or</subsection><subsection number="81-3-104(2)(b)">for expenses connected with the personal injury or wrong to the husband's wife.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-3-104(3)"><subsection number="81-3-104(3)(a)">A wife may recover against a third person for a personal injury or wrong to the wife as if unmarried.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-104(3)(b)">A recovery shall include expenses of medical treatment and other expenses paid or assumed by the husband.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-3-105"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Separate debts.</catchline><subsection number="81-3-105(1)">A married individual is not personally liable for the separate debts, obligations, or liabilities of the individual's spouse that are:<subsection number="81-3-105(1)(a)">contracted or incurred before marriage;</subsection><subsection number="81-3-105(1)(b)">contracted or incurred during marriage, except family expenses as provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-3-109">81-3-109</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-3-105(1)(c)">contracted or incurred after divorce or an order for separate maintenance under Chapter 4, Dissolution of Marriage, except that the individual is personally liable for any support ordered by a court as described in Chapter 6, Child Support, or an administrative agency as described in Title 26B, Chapter 9, Recovery Services and Administration of Child Support; or</subsection><subsection number="81-3-105(1)(d)">ordered by the court to be paid by the individual's spouse under Chapter 4, Dissolution of Marriage, and not in conflict with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="15-4-6.5">15-4-6.5</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="15-4-6.7">15-4-6.7</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-3-105(2)">A creditor of a married individual may not reach the wages, earnings, property, rents, or other income of the individual's spouse to satisfy a debt, obligation, or liability of the individual under Subsection (1).</subsection></section><section number="81-3-106"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Actions based on property rights.</catchline><tab/>If a married individual obtains possession or control of property belonging to the individual's spouse before or after marriage, the owner of the property may maintain an action therefor, or for any right growing out of the same, in the same manner and to the same extent as if the individual was unmarried.</section><section number="81-3-107"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Liability for spouse's torts.</catchline><subsection number="81-3-107(1)">If a married individual is held liable in a civil action, the plaintiff may recover damages from the individual alone.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-107(2)">The spouse of the individual described in Subsection (1) may not be held liable in the civil action, except in an action where the spouse would be jointly liable with the individual if the marriage did not exist.</subsection></section><section number="81-3-108"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Agency between spouses.</catchline><tab/>A married individual may:<subsection number="81-3-108(1)">constitute the attorney in fact to control and dispose of the property of the individual's spouse for the mutual benefit of the individual and the individual's spouse or otherwise; and</subsection><subsection number="81-3-108(2)">revoke the appointment the same as other persons.</subsection></section><section number="81-3-109"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Family expenses -- Joint and several liability.</catchline><subsection number="81-3-109(1)">As used in this section:<subsection number="81-3-109(1)(a)">"Family expenses" means expenses incurred that benefit and promote the family unit.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-109(1)(b)">"Family expenses" do not include items purchased in accordance with a written contract or agreement during the marriage that do not relate to the expenses described in Subsection (1)(a).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-3-109(2)"><subsection number="81-3-109(2)(a)">A married individual, and the married individual's property, is chargeable for family expenses and expenses for the education of a minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-109(2)(b)">A married individual may be sued separately or jointly with the individual's spouse for the expenses described in Subsection (2)(a).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-3-109(3)">For the expenses described in Subsection (2), where there is a written agreement signed by a spouse that allows for the recovery of agreed upon amounts, a creditor or an assignee or successor in interest of the creditor is entitled to recover the contractually allowed amounts against both spouses, jointly and severally.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-109(4)">Subsection (3) applies to all contracts and agreements under this section entered into by a spouse during the time the parties are married and living together.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-109(5)">The provisions of Subsections (3) and (4) do not create a right to attorney's fees or collection fees as to the nonsigning spouse for purchases of:<subsection number="81-3-109(5)(a)">food or clothing; or</subsection><subsection number="81-3-109(5)(b)">home improvements or repairs over $5,000.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-3-110"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Homestead rights -- Custody of a minor child.</catchline><tab/><subsection number="81-3-110(1)">A married individual may not remove the individual's spouse or minor child from the homestead without the consent of the individual's spouse, unless the owner of the property shall in good faith provide another homestead suitable to the condition in life of the family.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-110(2)">If a married individual abandons the individual's spouse, the individual's spouse is entitled to the custody of a minor child, unless a court with jurisdiction orders otherwise.</subsection></section><section number="81-3-111"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Action for consortium due to personal injury.</catchline><subsection number="81-3-111(1)">As used in this section:<subsection number="81-3-111(1)(a)">"Injury" or "injured" means a significant permanent injury to an individual that substantially changes that individual's lifestyle , including:<subsection number="81-3-111(1)(a)(i)">a partial or complete paralysis of one or more of the extremities;</subsection><subsection number="81-3-111(1)(a)(ii)">significant disfigurement; or</subsection><subsection number="81-3-111(1)(a)(iii)">incapability of the individual of performing the types of jobs the individual performed before the injury.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-3-111(1)(b)">"Spouse" means the legal relationship:<subsection number="81-3-111(1)(b)(i)">established between two individuals as recognized by the laws of this state; and</subsection><subsection number="81-3-111(1)(b)(ii)">existing at the time of the person's injury.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-3-111(2)">The spouse of an individual injured by a third party on or after May 4, 1997, may maintain an action against the third party to recover for loss of consortium.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-111(3)">A claim for loss of consortium begins on the date of injury to the spouse. </subsection><subsection number="81-3-111(4)">The statute of limitations applicable to the injured individual shall also apply to the spouse's claim of loss of consortium.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-111(5)">A claim for the spouse's loss of consortium shall be:<subsection number="81-3-111(5)(a)">made at the time the claim of the injured person is made and joinder of actions shall be compulsory; and</subsection><subsection number="81-3-111(5)(b)">subject to the same defenses, limitations, immunities, and provisions applicable to the claims of the injured individual.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-3-111(6)">The spouse's action for loss of consortium:<subsection number="81-3-111(6)(a)">shall be derivative from the cause of action existing on behalf of the injured individual; and</subsection><subsection number="81-3-111(6)(b)">may not exist in cases where the injured individual would not have a cause of action.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-3-111(7)">Fault of the spouse of the injured individual, as well as fault of the injured individual, shall be compared with the fault of all other parties, pursuant to Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="78B-5-817">78B-5-817</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="78B-5-823">78B-5-823</xref>, for purposes of reducing or barring any recovery by the spouse for loss of consortium.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-111(8)">Damages awarded for loss of consortium, when combined with any award to the injured individual for general damages, may not exceed any applicable statutory limit on noneconomic damages, including Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78B-3-410">78B-3-410</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-111(9)">Damages awarded for loss of consortium which a governmental entity is required to pay, when combined with any award to the injured individual which a governmental entity is required to pay, may not exceed the liability limit for one individual in any one occurrence under Title 63G, Chapter 7, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-3-2"><catchline>Uniform Premarital Agreement Act</catchline><section number="81-3-201"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>As used in this part:<subsection number="81-3-201(1)">"Premarital agreement" means an agreement between prospective spouses made in contemplation of marriage and to be effective upon marriage.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-201(2)">"Property" means an interest, present or future, legal or equitable, vested or contingent, in real or personal property, including income and earnings.</subsection></section><section number="81-3-202"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Writing -- Signature required.</catchline><subsection number="81-3-202(1)">A premarital agreement shall be in writing and signed by both parties.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-202(2)">A premarital agreement is enforceable without consideration.</subsection></section><section number="81-3-203"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Content.</catchline><subsection number="81-3-203(1)">Parties to a premarital agreement may contract with respect to:<subsection number="81-3-203(1)(a)">the rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located;</subsection><subsection number="81-3-203(1)(b)">the right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property;</subsection><subsection number="81-3-203(1)(c)">the disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event;</subsection><subsection number="81-3-203(1)(d)">the modification or elimination of spousal support;</subsection><subsection number="81-3-203(1)(e)">the ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy;</subsection><subsection number="81-3-203(1)(f)">the choice of law governing the construction of the agreement, except that a court with jurisdiction may apply the law of the legal domicile of either party, if it is fair and equitable; and</subsection><subsection number="81-3-203(1)(g)">any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-3-203(2)">The right of a child, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>, to support, health and medical provider expenses, medical insurance, and child care coverage may not be affected by a premarital agreement.</subsection></section><section number="81-3-204"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Effect of marriage -- Amendment -- Revocation.</catchline><subsection number="81-3-204(1)">A premarital agreement becomes effective upon marriage.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-204(2)"><subsection number="81-3-204(2)(a)">After marriage, a premarital agreement may be amended or revoked only by a written agreement signed by the parties. </subsection><subsection number="81-3-204(2)(b)">The amended agreement or the revocation is enforceable without consideration.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-3-205"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Enforcement.</catchline><subsection number="81-3-205(1)">A premarital agreement is not enforceable if the party against whom enforcement is sought proves that:<subsection number="81-3-205(1)(a)">that party did not execute the agreement voluntarily; or</subsection><subsection number="81-3-205(1)(b)">the agreement was fraudulent when the agreement was executed and, before execution of the agreement, that party:<subsection number="81-3-205(1)(b)(i)">was not provided a reasonable disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other party insofar as was possible;</subsection><subsection number="81-3-205(1)(b)(ii)">did not voluntarily and expressly waive, in writing, any right to disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other party beyond the disclosure provided; and</subsection><subsection number="81-3-205(1)(b)(iii)">did not have, or reasonably could not have had, an adequate knowledge of the property or financial obligations of the other party.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-3-205(2)">If a provision of a premarital agreement modifies or eliminates spousal support and that modification or elimination causes one party to the agreement to be eligible for support under a program of public assistance at the time of separation or marital dissolution, a court, notwithstanding the terms of the agreement, may require the other party to provide support to the extent necessary to avoid that eligibility.</subsection><subsection number="81-3-205(3)">An issue of fraud of a premarital agreement shall be decided by the court as a matter of law.</subsection></section><section number="81-3-206"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Enforcement -- Void marriage.</catchline><tab/>If a marriage is determined to be void, an agreement that would otherwise have been a premarital agreement is enforceable only to the extent necessary to avoid an inequitable result.</section><section number="81-3-207"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Limitations of actions.</catchline><tab/>Any statute of limitations applicable to an action asserting a claim for relief under a premarital agreement is tolled during the marriage of the parties to the agreement.</section><section number="81-3-208"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Application and construction.</catchline><tab/>This part shall be applied and construed to effectuate the part's general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of this part among states enacting this uniform law.</section></part></chapter><chapter number="81-4"><catchline>Dissolution of Marriage</catchline><part number="81-4-1"><catchline>General Provisions</catchline><section number="81-4-101"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for chapter.</catchline><tab/>As used in this chapter:<subsection number="81-4-101(1)">"Alimony" means financial support made to a spouse or former spouse for the support and maintenance of that spouse.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-101(2)">"Child support" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-4-102"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Action for annulment or divorce as alternative relief.</catchline><tab/>Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the filing of an action requesting an annulment or a divorce as alternative relief.</section><section number="81-4-103"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Nunc pro tunc order by court.</catchline><tab/>Upon a court's finding of good cause and giving of such notice as may be ordered, the court may enter an order nunc pro tunc in a matter relating to marriage, divorce, legal separation, or annulment of marriage.</section><section number="81-4-104"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Temporary separation order.</catchline><subsection number="81-4-104(1)"> An individual may file an action for a temporary separation order, without filing a petition for divorce, by filing a petition for temporary separation and motion for temporary orders if:<subsection number="81-4-104(1)(a)">the individual is lawfully married to the individual from whom the separation is sought; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(1)(b)"><subsection number="81-4-104(1)(b)(i)">both parties are residents of the state for at least 90 days before the day on which the action is filed; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(1)(b)(ii)">both parties to the marriage have consented to personal jurisdiction for divorce or annulment under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-303(5)(a)(ii)">81-2-303(5)(a)(ii)</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(2)">The temporary orders are valid for one year after the day on which the hearing for the order is held or until one of the following occurs:<subsection number="81-4-104(2)(a)">a petition for divorce is filed and consolidated with the petition for temporary separation; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(2)(b)">the case is dismissed.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(3)">If a petition for divorce is filed and consolidated with the petition for temporary separation, orders entered in the temporary separation shall continue in the consolidated case.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(4)"><subsection number="81-4-104(4)(a)">If the parties to the temporary separation action have a minor child, the parties shall attend the divorce orientation course described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-4-105">81-4-105</xref>:<subsection number="81-4-104(4)(a)(i)">for the petitioner, within 60 days after the day on which the petition is filed; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(4)(a)(ii)">for the respondent, within 30 days after the day on which the respondent is served.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(4)(b)">If the parties to the temporary separation action do not have a minor child, the parties may choose to attend the divorce orientation course described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-4-105">81-4-105</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(4)(c)">The clerk of the court shall provide notice to a petitioner of the divorce orientation course requirement.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(4)(d)">A petition shall include information regarding the divorce orientation course requirement when the petition is served on the respondent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(5)">For a party that is unable to pay the costs of the divorce orientation course, and before the court enters a decree of divorce in the action, the court shall:<subsection number="81-4-104(5)(a)">make a final determination of indigency; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(5)(b)">order the party to pay the costs of the divorce orientation course if the court determines the party is not indigent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(6)"><subsection number="81-4-104(6)(a)">Except for a temporary restraining order under Utah Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 65A, a party may file, but the court may not hear, a motion for an order related to the temporary separation petition until the moving party completes the divorce orientation course.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(6)(b)">It is an affirmative defense in a temporary separation action that a party has not completed the divorce orientation course and the action may not continue until a party has complied with the divorce orientation course.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(7)"><subsection number="81-4-104(7)(a)">Notwithstanding Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-4-104(4)">(4)</xref> and <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-4-104(6)(b)">(6)(b)</xref>, the court may waive the requirement that the parties attend the divorce orientation course, on the court's own motion or on the motion of one of the parties, if the court determines course attendance and completion are not necessary, appropriate, feasible, or in the best interest of the parties.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(7)(b)">If the requirement is waived, the court may permit the temporary separation action to proceed.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(8)">The petitioner shall serve the petition for a temporary separation order in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-104(9)">If a party files for divorce within one year after the day on which the petition for temporary separation is filed, the filing fee for a petition for temporary separation shall be credited towards the filing fee for a divorce.</subsection></section><section number="81-4-105"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Mandatory orientation course for divorce or temporary separation actions.</catchline><subsection number="81-4-105(1)"><subsection number="81-4-105(1)(a)">There is established a mandatory divorce orientation course for all parties with minor children who file a petition for temporary separation or for a divorce.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(1)(b)">A couple with no minor children is not required, but may choose to attend the course.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(2)">The divorce orientation course shall be neutral, unbiased, and at least one hour in duration.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(3)">The divorce orientation course shall educate the parties about the divorce process and reasonable alternatives, including instructing the parties on:<subsection number="81-4-105(3)(a)">options available as alternatives to divorce;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(3)(b)">resources available from courts and administrative agencies for resolving custody and support issues without filing for divorce;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(3)(c)">resources available to improve or strengthen the marriage;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(3)(d)">a discussion of the positive and negative consequences of divorce;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(3)(e)">a discussion of the process of divorce;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(3)(f)">options available for proceeding with a divorce, including:<subsection number="81-4-105(3)(f)(i)">mediation;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(3)(f)(ii)">collaborative law; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(3)(f)(iii)">litigation; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(3)(g)">a discussion of post-divorce resources.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(4)">The divorce orientation course may be provided in conjunction with a mandatory parenting course required by Section 81-9-103.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(5)">The Administrative Office of the Courts shall administer the divorce orientation course, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code, through private or public contracts and organize the program in each of Utah's judicial districts.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(6)">The divorce orientation course may be through live instruction, video instruction, or through an online provider.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(7)"><subsection number="81-4-105(7)(a)">A party shall pay the cost of the divorce orientation course to the independent contractor providing the course at the time and place of the course.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(7)(b)">A party may not be charged more than $30 to participate in the divorce orientation course.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(7)(c)">A petitioner may not be charged more than $15 to participate in the divorce orientation course if the petitioner attends a live instruction course within 30 days after the day on which the petitioner filed the action.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(7)(d)">A respondent may not be charged more than $15 to participate in the divorce orientation course if the respondent attends a live instruction course within 30 days after the day on which the respondent is served with the action.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(7)(e)">A fee of $5 shall be collected, as part of the divorce orientation course fee paid by each participant, and deposited in the Children's Legal Defense Account described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="51-9-408">51-9-408</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(7)(f)">Each party who is unable to pay the costs of the course may attend the divorce orientation course, without payment, upon a prima facie showing of indigency as evidenced by an affidavit of indigency filed in the district court in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78A-2-302">78A-2-302</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(7)(g)">The Administrative Office of the Courts shall use appropriations from the Children's Legal Defense Account to reimburse an independent contractor for the costs of a party who is unable to pay for the divorce orientation course under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-4-105(7)(f)">(7)(f)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(8)">The Online Court Assistance Program shall include instructions with the forms for divorce that inform the petitioner of the requirement of this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(9)">A certificate of completion constitutes evidence to the court of completion of the divorce orientation course by the parties.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(10)">The Administrative Office of the Courts shall: <subsection number="81-4-105(10)(a)">adopt a program to evaluate the effectiveness of the divorce orientation course described in this section; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-105(10)(b)">provide progress reports to the Judiciary Interim Committee if requested.</subsection></subsection></section></part><part number="81-4-2"><catchline>Separate Maintenance</catchline><section number="81-4-201"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>As used in this part:<subsection number="81-4-201(1)">"Petitioner" means an individual who brings a petition for separate maintenance.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-201(2)">"Respondent" means the individual against whom a petition for separate maintenance is brought.</subsection></section><section number="81-4-202"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Petition for separate maintenance -- Grounds.</catchline><tab/><subsection number="81-4-202(1)">A married individual may bring a petition seeking separate maintenance from the married individual's spouse if:<subsection number="81-4-202(1)(a)">the married individual, or the married individual's spouse, is a resident of this state; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-202(1)(b)">the married individual's spouse:<subsection number="81-4-202(1)(b)(i)">deserts the married individual without good and sufficient cause;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-202(1)(b)(ii)">being of sufficient ability to provide support, neglects or refuses to properly provide for and suitably maintain the married individual;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-202(1)(b)(iii)">has property within this state and deserts, neglects, or refuses to provide support to the married individual; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-202(1)(b)(iv)">lives separate and apart from the married individual without any fault to the married individual. </subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-202(2)">If a petition is filed under Subsection (1), the court shall allot, assign, set apart, and decree as alimony the use of the real and personal estate or earnings of the respondent as the court may determine is appropriate.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-202(3)">During the pendency of the action, the court may require the respondent to pay a sum as provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-1-203">81-1-203</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-4-203"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Venue -- Procedure.</catchline><tab/><subsection number="81-4-203(1)">Notwithstanding Title 78B, Chapter 3a, Venue for Civil Actions, a petitioner shall bring an action under this part in any county in which the petitioner or respondent is found.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-203(2)">An action under this part shall proceed in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.</subsection></section><section number="81-4-204"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Custody and maintenance of children -- Property and debt division -- Support payments.</catchline><subsection number="81-4-204(1)">In an action under this part, the court may by order or decree:<subsection number="81-4-204(1)(a)">provide for the care, custody, and maintenance of a minor child of the parties ;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-204(1)(b)"><subsection number="81-4-204(1)(b)(i)">provide for support of a spouse and the support of a minor child remaining with that spouse;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-204(1)(b)(ii)">provide how and when support payments are made; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-204(1)(b)(iii)">provide that a spouse have a lien upon the property of the other spouse to secure payment of the support or maintenance obligation;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-204(1)(c)">award to a spouse the possession of any real or personal property of the other spouse or acquired by the spouses during the marriage; </subsection><subsection number="81-4-204(1)(d)">specify which party is responsible for the payment of joint debts, obligations, or liabilities of the parties contracted or incurred during marriage in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="15-4-6.5">15-4-6.5</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-204(1)(e)">require the parties to notify respective creditors or obligees regarding the court's division of debts, obligations, or liabilities and regarding the parties' separate and current addresses in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="15-4-6.5">15-4-6.5</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-204(1)(f)">provide for the enforcement of the orders described in Subsections (1)(a) and (e).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-204(2)">A court may enforce an order or decree under this section:<subsection number="81-4-204(2)(a)">by sale of any property of the spouse;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-204(2)(b)">by contempt proceedings; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-204(2)(c)">as is otherwise necessary.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-204(3)">The court may:<subsection number="81-4-204(3)(a)">change the support or maintenance of a party from time to time according to circumstances; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-204(3)(b)">terminate altogether any obligation upon satisfactory proof of voluntary and permanent reconciliation. </subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-204(4)"> An order or decree of support or maintenance described in this part is valid only during the joint lives of the parties.</subsection></section><section number="81-4-205"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Restraining disposal of property.</catchline><tab/><subsection number="81-4-205(1)">At the time of the filing of a petition described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-4-202">81-4-202</xref>, or at any time subsequent to the filing of the petition, a party may procure from the court, and file with the county recorder of any county in the state in which the other party may own real estate, an order enjoining and restraining the other party from disposing of or encumbering the real estate or any portion of the real estate.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-205(2)">The party shall describe the real estate with reasonable certainty in a filing described in Subsection (1).</subsection><subsection number="81-4-205(3)">From the time in which a party receives a court order described in Subsection (1), the party has a lien in favor of the party to the extent of any judgment that is rendered in an action under this part.</subsection></section><section number="81-4-206"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Rights and remedies -- Imprisonment of spouse.</catchline><tab/>If a party to an action for separate maintenance is imprisoned in the state prison for a sentence of one year or more and a suitable provision of support has not been made for the other party, the rights and remedies of this part shall be extended to the party that is not imprisoned.</section></part><part number="81-4-3"><catchline>Annulment</catchline><section number="81-4-301"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>As used in this part:<subsection number="81-4-301(1)">"Petitioner" means an individual who brings a petition for an annulment.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-301(2)">"Respondent" means the individual against whom a petition for an annulment is brought.</subsection></section><section number="81-4-302"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Annulment -- Grounds.</catchline><tab/>A court may annul a marriage for any of the following causes existing at the time of the marriage:<subsection number="81-4-302(1)">when the marriage is prohibited or void under Title 81, Chapter 2, Part 4, Validity of Marriage; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-302(2)">upon grounds existing at common law.</subsection></section><section number="81-4-303"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Petition for annulment -- Venue -- Judgment on validity of marriage.</catchline><subsection number="81-4-303(1)"><subsection number="81-4-303(1)(a)">When there is doubt as to the validity of a marriage, a party to the marriage may bring a petition for annulment to demand avoidance or affirmance of the marriage.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-303(1)(b)">If one of the parties was under 18 years old at the time of the marriage, the other party, being of proper age at the time of the marriage, may not bring a petition for annulment against the party who was under 18 years old.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-303(2)">A petitioner may bring a petition for annulment in any county where the petitioner or respondent is domiciled.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-303(3)"><subsection number="81-4-303(3)(a)">If a petition for annulment is filed upon the ground that one or both of the parties were prohibited from marriage because of the age of the parties, the court may refuse to grant the annulment if the court finds that it is in the best interest of the parties, or a child of the parties, to refuse the annulment.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-303(3)(b)">The refusal to annul under Subsection (3)(a) makes the marriage valid and subsisting for all purposes.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-303(4)">If the parties have accumulated any property or acquired any obligations subsequent to the marriage, if there is a genuine need arising from an economic change of circumstances due to the marriage, or if there is a child born or expected, the court may make temporary and final orders, and subsequently modify the orders, as may be equitable, in regards to:<subsection number="81-4-303(4)(a)">the property and obligations of the parties;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-303(4)(b)">the support and maintenance of the parties and a child, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>, of the parties; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-303(4)(c)">the custody and parent-time for a minor child of the parties.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-303(5)">A judgment in an action under this part:<subsection number="81-4-303(5)(a)">shall declare the marriage valid or annulled; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-303(5)(b)">is conclusive upon all persons concerned with the marriage.</subsection></subsection></section></part><part number="81-4-4"><catchline>Divorce</catchline><section number="81-4-401"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>As used in this part:<subsection number="81-4-401(1)">"Cohabitation" means the same as the term, "cohabit," is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-4-501">81-4-501</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-401(2)">"Mandatory courses" means:<subsection number="81-4-401(2)(a)">the mandatory divorce orientation course described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-4-105">81-4-105</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-401(2)(b)">the mandatory parenting course described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-103">81-9-103</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-401(3)">"Petitioner" means the individual who brings a petition for divorce.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-401(4)">"Respondent" means the individual against whom a petition for divorce is brought.</subsection></section><section number="81-4-402"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Petition for divorce -- Divorce proceedings -- Temporary orders.</catchline><subsection number="81-4-402(1)">An individual may bring a petition for divorce if:<subsection number="81-4-402(1)(a)">the individual or the individual's spouse is an actual and bona fide resident of the county where the petition is filed for at least 90 days before the day on which the petition is filed;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(1)(b)">the individual is a member of the armed forces of the United States and the individual is stationed under military orders in this state for at least 90 days before the day on which the petition is filed; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(1)(c)">both parties to the marriage have consented to personal jurisdiction for divorce or annulment under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-2-303(5)(a)(ii)">81-2-303(5)(a)(ii)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(2)">A divorce action shall be commenced and conducted in accordance with this chapter and the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(3)"><subsection number="81-4-402(3)(a)">The court may not enter a decree of divorce until 30 days after the day on which the petition is filed, unless the court finds that extraordinary circumstances exist.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(3)(b)">The court may make interim orders as the court considers just and equitable before the expiration of the 30-day period described in Subsection (3)(a).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(4)"><subsection number="81-4-402(4)(a)">If the parties to the divorce action have a minor child, the parties shall attend the mandatory courses:<subsection number="81-4-402(4)(a)(i)">for the petitioner, within 60 days after the day on which the petition is filed; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(4)(a)(ii)">for the respondent, within 30 days after the day on which the respondent is served.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(4)(b)">If the parties to a divorce action do not have a minor child, the parties may choose to attend the mandatory divorce orientation course described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-4-105">81-4-105</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(4)(c)">The clerk of the court shall provide notice to a petitioner of the requirement for the mandatory courses.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(4)(d)">A petition shall include information regarding the mandatory courses when the petition is served on the respondent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(5)">For a party that is unable to pay the costs of the mandatory courses, and before the court enters a decree of divorce in the action, the court shall:<subsection number="81-4-402(5)(a)">make a final determination of indigency; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(5)(b)">order the party to pay the costs of the mandatory courses if the court determines the party is not indigent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(6)"><subsection number="81-4-402(6)(a)">Except for a temporary restraining order under Rule 65A of the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure, a party may file, but the court may not hear, a motion for an order related to the divorce until the moving party completes the mandatory courses.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(6)(b)">It is an affirmative defense in a divorce action that a party has not completed the mandatory courses and the action may not continue until a party has complied with the mandatory courses.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(7)"><subsection number="81-4-402(7)(a)">Notwithstanding Subsections <xref refnumber="128-8">(4)</xref> and (6)(b), the court may waive the requirement that the parties attend the mandatory courses, on the court's own motion or on the motion of one of the parties, if the court determines course attendance and completion are not necessary, appropriate, or feasible, or in the best interest of the parties.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(7)(b)">If the requirement is waived, the court may permit the divorce action to proceed.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-402(8)">The use of counseling, mediation, and education services provided under this part may not be construed as condoning or promoting divorce.</subsection></section><section number="81-4-403"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Mediation requirement.</catchline><subsection number="81-4-403(1)">There is established a mandatory domestic mediation program to help reduce the time and tensions associated with obtaining a divorce.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-403(2)"><subsection number="81-4-403(2)(a)">If there are any remaining contested issues after the filing of a response to a petition for divorce, the parties shall participate in good faith in at least one session of mediation. </subsection><subsection number="81-4-403(2)(b)">The requirement described in Subsection (2)(a) does not preclude the entry of pretrial orders before mediation takes place.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-403(3)">The parties shall use a mediator qualified to mediate domestic disputes under criteria established by the Judicial Council in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78B-6-205">78B-6-205</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-403(4)">Unless otherwise ordered by the court or the parties agree upon a different payment arrangement, the cost of mediation shall be divided equally between the parties.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-403(5)">The director of dispute resolution programs for the courts, the court, or the mediator may excuse either party from the requirement to mediate for good cause.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-403(6)">A mediation described in this section shall be conducted in accordance with the Utah Rules of Court-Annexed Alternative Dispute Resolution.</subsection></section><section number="81-4-404"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Allegations of child abuse or child sexual abuse in a divorce proceeding -- Investigation.</catchline><subsection number="81-4-404(1)">When an allegation of child abuse or child sexual abuse is made in a divorce proceeding, or a request for modification of a divorce decree, that implicates a party, the court, after making an inquiry, may order that an investigation be conducted by the Division of Child and Family Services in accordance with Title 80, Chapter 2, Child Welfare Services, and Title 80, Chapter 2a, Removal and Protective Custody of a Child. </subsection><subsection number="81-4-404(2)"> A final award of custody or parent-time may not be rendered until a report on that investigation, consistent with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-2-1005">80-2-1005</xref>, is received by the court. </subsection><subsection number="81-4-404(3)">The Division of Child and Family Services shall conduct an investigation described in Subsection (1) within 30 days of the court's notice and request for an investigation. </subsection><subsection number="81-4-404(4)"> In reviewing a report described in Subsection (2), the court shall comply with Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="78A-2-703">78A-2-703</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="78A-2-705">78A-2-705</xref>, and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-612">81-5-612</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-4-405"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Grounds for divorce.</catchline><subsection number="81-4-405(1)">A court may order the dissolution of a marriage contract between the petitioner and the respondent on the grounds of:<subsection number="81-4-405(1)(a)">impotency of the respondent at the time of marriage;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(1)(b)">adultery committed by the respondent subsequent to marriage;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(1)(c)">willful desertion of the petitioner by the respondent for more than one year;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(1)(d)">willful neglect of the respondent to provide for the petitioner the common necessaries of life;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(1)(e)">habitual drunkenness of the respondent;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(1)(f)">conviction of the respondent for a felony;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(1)(g)">cruel treatment of the petitioner by the respondent to the extent of causing bodily injury or great mental distress to the petitioner;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(1)(h)">irreconcilable differences of the marriage;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(1)(i)">incurable insanity; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(1)(j)">when the petitioner and respondent have lived separately under a decree of separate maintenance of any state for three consecutive years without cohabitation.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(2)">A decree of divorce granted under Subsection (1)(j) does not affect the liability of either party under any provision for separate maintenance previously granted.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(3)"><subsection number="81-4-405(3)(a)">A court may not order the dissolution of a marriage contract between the petitioner and the respondent on the grounds of insanity unless:<subsection number="81-4-405(3)(a)(i)">the respondent has been adjudged insane by the appropriate authorities of this or another state prior to the commencement of the action; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(3)(a)(ii)">the court finds by the testimony of competent witnesses that the insanity of the respondent is incurable.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(3)(b)">The court shall appoint for the respondent a guardian ad litem who shall protect the interests of the respondent. </subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(3)(c)">A copy of the summons and petition shall be served on:<subsection number="81-4-405(3)(c)(i)">the respondent in person or by publication, as provided by the laws of this state in other actions for divorce, or upon the respondent's guardian ad litem; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(3)(c)(ii)">the county attorney for the county where the action is prosecuted.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(3)(d)">The county attorney shall:<subsection number="81-4-405(3)(d)(i)">investigate the merits of the case;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(3)(d)(ii)">if the respondent resides out of this state, take depositions as necessary;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(3)(d)(iii)">attend the proceedings; and </subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(3)(d)(iv)"> make a defense as is just to protect the rights of the respondent and the interests of the state.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(3)(e)">The petitioner or respondent may:<subsection number="81-4-405(3)(e)(i)">if the respondent resides in this state, upon notice, have the respondent brought into the court at trial; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(3)(e)(ii)">have an examination of the respondent by two or more competent physicians to determine the mental condition of the respondent. </subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(3)(f)"> For the purpose described in Subsection (3)(e), a party may have leave from the court to enter any asylum or institution where the respondent may be confined. </subsection><subsection number="81-4-405(3)(g)"> The court shall apportion the costs of court in this action.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-4-406"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">479</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Decree of divorce -- When decree becomes absolute -- Remarriage -- Jurisdiction to modify a decree for a child born after the decree.</catchline><subsection number="81-4-406(1)"><subsection number="81-4-406(1)(a)">The court shall enter a decree of divorce upon the evidence or the petitioner's affidavit in the case of default as described in Subsection (1)(b).</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(1)(b)">A court may not grant a divorce upon default, unless there is evidence to support a decree of divorce upon an affidavit by the petitioner as provided by Rule 104 of the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(2)">Unless the requirement is waived by the court under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-4-402(5)">81-4-402(5)</xref>, a court may not grant a decree of divorce for parties with a minor child until:<subsection number="81-4-406(2)(a)">both parties have attended the mandatory courses described in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-4-105">81-4-105</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-4-106">81-4-106</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(2)(b)">both parties have presented a certificate of course completion for each course to the court.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(3)">In a decree of divorce, the court shall:<subsection number="81-4-406(3)(a)">specify which party is responsible for the payment of joint debts, obligations, or liabilities of the parties contracted or incurred during marriage in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="15-4-6.5">15-4-6.5</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(3)(b)">require the parties to notify respective creditors or obligees, regarding the court's division of debts, obligations, or liabilities and regarding the parties' separate and current addresses in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="15-4-6.5">15-4-6.5</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(3)(c)">provide for the enforcement of the orders described in Subsections (1)(a) and (b);</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(3)(d)">if a party owns a life insurance policy or an annuity contract, include an acknowledgment by the court that the party:<subsection number="81-4-406(3)(d)(i)">has reviewed and updated, where appropriate, the list of beneficiaries;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(3)(d)(ii)">has affirmed that those listed as beneficiaries are in fact the intended beneficiaries after the divorce becomes final; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(3)(d)(iii)">understands that, if no changes are made to the policy or contract, the beneficiaries currently listed will receive any funds paid by the insurance company under the terms of the policy or contract; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(3)(e)">if the parties have a child as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>, include:<subsection number="81-4-406(3)(e)(i)">an order for child support and medical expenses as described in Chapter 6, Child Support;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(3)(e)(ii)">a provision in the child support order that requires payment of an ongoing expense for child care subject to the procedures and requirements of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-209.5">81-6-209.5</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(3)(e)(iii)">a statement providing notice that the Office of Recovery Services provides services to individuals who are seeking assistance in the collection or enforcement of child support orders.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(4)">The court may include in the divorce decree any equitable orders relating to:<subsection number="81-4-406(4)(a)">the parties, including any alimony to be awarded to a party in accordance with Part 5, Spousal Support;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(4)(b)">a child of the parties; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(4)(c)">any property, debts, or obligations.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(5)">A decree of divorce becomes absolute:<subsection number="81-4-406(5)(a)">on the date it is signed by the court and entered by the clerk in the register of actions;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(5)(b)">at the expiration of a period of time the court may specifically designate, unless an appeal or other proceedings for review are pending;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(5)(c)">if an appeal is taken, when the decree is affirmed; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(5)(d)">when the court, before the decree becomes absolute, for sufficient cause otherwise orders.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(6)">The court, upon application or on the court's own motion for good cause shown, may waive, alter, or extend a designated period of time before the decree becomes absolute, but not to exceed six months from the signing and entry of the decree.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(7)">A party to a divorce proceeding may not marry another individual other than the other party for whom the divorce was granted until the party's divorce becomes absolute.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-406(8)">The court has jurisdiction to modify a decree of divorce to address child support, parent-time, and other matters related to a minor child born to the parties after the decree of divorce is entered.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-4-5"><catchline>Spousal Support</catchline><section number="81-4-501"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">249</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline>As used in this part:<subsection number="81-4-501(1)">"Child support guidelines" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-501(2)">"Cohabit" means to live together, or to reside together on a regular basis, in the same residence and in a relationship of a romantic or sexual nature.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-501(3)">"Fault" means any of the following wrongful conduct during the marriage that substantially contributed to the breakup of the marriage:<subsection number="81-4-501(3)(a)">engaging in sexual relations with an individual other than the party's spouse;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-501(3)(b)">knowingly and intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical harm to the other party or a minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-501(3)(c)">knowingly and intentionally causing the other party or a minor child to reasonably fear life-threatening harm; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-501(3)(d)">substantially undermining the financial stability of the other party or the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-501(4)">"Length of the marriage" means, except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-4-502(8)">81-4-502(8)</xref>, the number of years from the day on which the parties are legally married to the day on which the petition for divorce is filed with the court.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-501(5)">"Payee" means the party who is or would receive alimony from the other party.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-501(6)">"Payor" means the party who is paying, or would pay, alimony to the other party.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-501(7)">"Temporary alimony" means money that the court orders a party to pay during the pendency of an action under this chapter for the support and maintenance of a party as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-1-203(4)">81-1-203(4)</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-4-502"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">249</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Determination of alimony.</catchline><subsection number="81-4-502(1)">For a proceeding under Chapter 4, Dissolution of Marriage, or in a proceeding to modify alimony, the court shall consider at least the following factors in determining alimony:<subsection number="81-4-502(1)(a)">the standard of living existing during the marriage, which factors shall include the following:<subsection number="81-4-502(1)(a)(i)">income;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(1)(a)(ii)">the approximate value of real and personal property; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(1)(a)(iii)">any other factor that the court determines to be appropriate to enable the court to make a determination of the standard of living existing during the marriage;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(1)(b)">the financial condition and needs of the payee, provided that the payee may show financial needs by itemizing expenses present during the marriage rather than by itemizing post petition expenses;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(1)(c)">the payee's earning capacity or ability to produce income, including the impact of diminished workplace experience resulting from primarily caring for a minor child of the payor;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(1)(d)">the ability of the payor to provide support;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(1)(e)">the tax consequences of alimony on each party;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(1)(f)">the length of the marriage;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(1)(g)">whether the payee has custody of a minor child requiring support;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(1)(h)">whether the payee worked in a business owned or operated by the payor; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(1)(i)">whether the payee directly contributed to any increase in the payor's skill by paying for education received by the payor or enabling the payor to attend school during the marriage.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(2)"><subsection number="81-4-502(2)(a)">The court may consider the fault of the parties in determining whether to award alimony and the terms of the alimony.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(2)(b)">The court may, when fault is at issue, close the proceedings and seal the court records.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(3)"><subsection number="81-4-502(3)(a)">Except as otherwise provided by this section, the court shall consider the standard of living, existing at the time of separation, in determining alimony in accordance with this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(3)(b)">In considering all relevant facts and principles, the court may, in the court's discretion, base alimony on the standard of living that existed at the time of trial.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(4)"><subsection number="81-4-502(4)(a)">The court may attempt to equalize the parties' respective standards of living.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(4)(b)"><subsection number="81-4-502(4)(b)(i)">If a marriage has been in effect for 10 years or more, and if the payee has significantly diminished workplace experience resulting from an agreement between the spouses that the payee reduce the payee's workplace experience to care for a minor child of the payor, it shall be the rebuttable presumption that the court equalize the parties' standard of living.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(4)(b)(ii)">The presumption under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-4-502(4)(b)(i)">(4)(b)(i)</xref> can be rebutted by a showing of good cause, and the court shall enter specific findings of fact as to the evidentiary basis for its determination.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(4)(c)">This Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-4-502(4)">(4)</xref> may not be applied to or used as the basis to modify an alimony award if the petition for divorce was filed before May 1, 2024.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(5)"><subsection number="81-4-502(5)(a)">If the marriage is short in duration and a minor child has not been conceived or born during the marriage, the court may consider the standard of living that existed at the time of the marriage.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(5)(b)">In determining alimony when a marriage of short duration dissolves and a minor child has not been conceived or born during the marriage, the court may consider restoring each party to the condition which existed at the time of the marriage.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(6)"><subsection number="81-4-502(6)(a)">When a marriage of long duration dissolves on the threshold of a major change in the income of one of the parties due to the collective efforts of both parties, the court shall consider the change when dividing the marital property and in determining the amount of alimony.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(6)(b)">If a party's earning capacity has been greatly enhanced through the efforts of both parties during the marriage, the court may make a compensating adjustment in dividing the marital property and awarding alimony.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(7)"><subsection number="81-4-502(7)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-4-502(7)(c)">(7)(c)</xref>, the court may not order alimony for a period of time longer than the length of the marriage.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(7)(b)">If a party is ordered to pay temporary alimony during the pendency of a divorce action, the court shall count the period of time that the party pays temporary alimony towards the period of time for which the party is ordered to pay alimony.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(7)(c)">At any time before the termination of alimony, the court may find extenuating circumstances or good cause that justify the payment of alimony for a longer period of time than the length of the marriage.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(8)"><subsection number="81-4-502(8)(a)">If the parties to the divorce action were previously married to each other, divorced, and then remarried each other, the court shall consider the aggregate of the two marriages as the length of the marriage under Subsection (7)(a) if:<subsection number="81-4-502(8)(a)(i)">the parties are seeking a divorce for the subsequent marriage; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(8)(a)(ii)">the petition for divorce for the subsequent marriage was filed on or after January 1, 2026.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(8)(b)">The aggregate of the two marriages described in Subsection (8)(a):<subsection number="81-4-502(8)(b)(i)">is the sum of:<subsection number="81-4-502(8)(b)(i)(A)">the length of time beginning on the day that the parties first married and ending on the day that one of the parties filed the petition for divorce in the prior divorce action; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(8)(b)(i)(B)">the length of time beginning on the day that the parties remarried and ending on the day that one of the parties filed the petition for divorce in the current divorce action; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(8)(b)(ii)">does not include the time period between the day that a party filed the petition for divorce in the prior divorce action and the day on which the parties remarried.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(8)(c)">A court may decline to consider the aggregate of the two marriages as the length of the marriage if the court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that aggregating the two marriages would be inequitable.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(8)(d)">This Subsection (8) does not:<subsection number="81-4-502(8)(d)(i)">reopen, modify, or affect the finality of the prior divorce; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-502(8)(d)(ii)">alter the division of property, debts, or obligations in the prior divorce.</subsection></subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-4-503"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter , 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Imputed income for payee for alimony purposes -- No recent work history or disability.</catchline><subsection number="81-4-503(1)">Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 81-4-502 or 81-6-203, the court may, in determining imputation of income to a payee, apply the provisions of this section if the payee:<subsection number="81-4-503(1)(a)">has diminished workplace experience, that resulted from an agreement between the spouses that the payee reduce the payee's workplace experience to care for a minor child of the payor; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-503(1)(b)">has been diagnosed with a disability that has caused a reduction in the payee's workplace experience.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-503(2)">If a payee meets the requirements of Subsection (1)(a) or (b), the court:<subsection number="81-4-503(2)(a)">may consider reasonable efforts made by the payee to improve the payee's employment situation and any reasonable barrier to obtaining or retaining employment; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-503(2)(b)">is not required to consider that the payee may be underemployed if the payee is employed and has shown reasonable barriers to improving the payee's employment.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-503(3)"><subsection number="81-4-503(3)(a)">In making an income imputation under this section, the court may use relevant provisions of Section 81-6-203, provided that the provision is not contrary to the requirements of this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-503(3)(b)">When considering what constitutes a reasonable barrier to obtaining or retaining employment, the court:<subsection number="81-4-503(3)(b)(i)">may include in its analysis a determination of the length of time that is considered by the court to be recent as it relates to a payee's work history, training, or education under this section;</subsection><subsection number="81-4-503(3)(b)(ii)">may consider whether the payee:<subsection number="81-4-503(3)(b)(ii)(A)">is fully competitive against other employment applicants whose work history, training, or education is current; and </subsection><subsection number="81-4-503(3)(b)(ii)(B)">in the case of a disability, is fully competitive against other employment applicants who do not have a disability; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-503(3)(b)(iii)">may impute any income as it relates to employment for which the spouse is fully competitive and has not shown any reasonable barriers to obtain.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-503(3)(c)">If the court imputes any income to a payee who qualifies for income determination under this section, the court shall enter specific findings of fact as to the evidentiary basis for imputing the income.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-503(4)"><subsection number="81-4-503(4)(a)">After a divorce decree has been entered, subject to the requirements of Section 81-4-504, the court may review an income imputation to a payee under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-503(4)(b)">A payee's showing that barriers have prevented significant improvement of the payee's employment situation, despite reasonable efforts on the part of the payee to improve the payee's employment situation, may, in the court's determination, constitute a substantial material change in circumstances and eligibility to review an income imputation under this section.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-4-504"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">249</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Modification of alimony after divorce decree.</catchline><subsection number="81-4-504(1)">The court has continuing jurisdiction to make substantive changes and new orders regarding alimony based on a substantial material change in circumstances not expressly stated in the divorce decree or in the findings that the court entered at the time of the divorce decree.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-504(2)"><subsection number="81-4-504(2)(a)">A party's retirement is a substantial material change in circumstances that is subject to a petition to modify alimony, unless the divorce decree, or the findings that the court entered at the time of the divorce decree, expressly states otherwise.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-504(2)(b)">Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-4-504(2)(a)">(2)(a)</xref> applies to a divorce decree entered on or after May 12, 2020.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-504(3)">The court may not modify alimony or issue a new order for alimony to address needs of the recipient that did not exist at the time the decree was entered, unless the court finds extenuating circumstances that justify that action.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-504(4)">In modifying the amount of alimony, the court may not consider the income of any subsequent spouse of the payor, except that the court may consider:<subsection number="81-4-504(4)(a)">the subsequent spouse's financial ability to share living expenses; or</subsection><subsection number="81-4-504(4)(b)">the income of a subsequent spouse if the court finds that the payor's improper conduct justifies that consideration.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-4-505"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">249</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Termination of alimony.</catchline><subsection number="81-4-505(1)"><subsection number="81-4-505(1)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-4-505(1)(b)">(1)(b)</xref>, or unless a decree of divorce specifically provides otherwise, any order of the court that a payor pay alimony to a payee automatically terminates upon the remarriage or death of that payee.</subsection><subsection number="81-4-505(1)(b)">If the remarriage of the payee is annulled and found to be void ab initio, the payment of alimony shall resume if the payor is made a party to the action of annulment and the payor's rights are determined.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-505(2)"><subsection number="81-4-505(2)(a)">If a payor establishes that a payee cohabits with another individual during the pendency of the divorce action or after the court enters a divorce decree, the court:<subsection number="81-4-505(2)(a)(i)">may not order the payor to pay alimony, including temporary alimony, to the payee; and</subsection><subsection number="81-4-505(2)(a)(ii)">shall terminate any order that the payor pay alimony, including temporary alimony, to the payee, even if the payee is not cohabiting with the individual when the payor files the motion to terminate alimony.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-4-505(2)(b)">A payor may not seek termination of alimony under Subsection <xref tempid="1066">(2)(a)(ii)</xref> later than one year after the day on which the payor knew or should have known that the payee has cohabited with another individual.</subsection></subsection></section></part></chapter><chapter number="81-5"><catchline>Uniform Parentage Act</catchline><part number="81-5-1"><catchline>General Provisions</catchline><section number="81-5-101"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Reserved.</catchline><tab/>Reserved.</section><section number="81-5-102"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for chapter.</catchline><tab/>As used in this chapter:<subsection number="81-5-102(1)">"Adjudicated father" means a man who has been adjudicated by a tribunal to be the father of a child.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(2)">"Alleged father" means a man who alleges himself to be, or is alleged to be, the genetic father or a possible genetic father of a child, but whose paternity has not been determined.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(3)"><subsection number="81-5-102(3)(a)">"Assisted reproduction" means a method of causing pregnancy other than sexual intercourse. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(3)(b)">"Assisted reproduction" includes:<subsection number="81-5-102(3)(b)(i)">intrauterine insemination;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(3)(b)(ii)">donation of eggs;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(3)(b)(iii)">donation of embryos;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(3)(b)(iv)">in vitro fertilization and transfer of embryos; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(3)(b)(v)">intracytoplasmic sperm injection.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(4)"><subsection number="81-5-102(4)(a)">"Birth mother" means the woman who gives birth to the child.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(4)(b)">"Birth mother" does not include a gestational mother.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(5)">"Child" means an individual of any age whose parentage may be determined under this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(6)">"Child support" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(7)">"Child support services agency" means a public official or agency authorized under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act that has the authority to seek:<subsection number="81-5-102(7)(a)">enforcement of support orders or laws relating to the duty of support;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(7)(b)">establishment or modification of child support;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(7)(c)">determination of parentage; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(7)(d)">location of child-support obligors and their income and assets.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(8)">"Commence" means to file the initial pleading seeking an adjudication of parentage in the appropriate tribunal of this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(9)">"Declarant father" means a male who: <subsection number="81-5-102(9)(a)">along with the birth mother, claims to be the genetic father of a child; and </subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(9)(b)">signs a voluntary declaration of paternity to establish the man's parentage.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(10)">"Determination of parentage" means the establishment of the parent-child relationship by: <subsection number="81-5-102(10)(a)">the signing of a valid declaration of paternity under Part 3, Voluntary Declaration of Paternity; or </subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(10)(b)">adjudication by a tribunal.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(11)"><subsection number="81-5-102(11)(a)">"Donor" means an individual who produces eggs or sperm used for assisted reproduction, whether or not for consideration. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(11)(b)">"Donor" does not include:<subsection number="81-5-102(11)(b)(i)">a husband who provides sperm, or a wife who provides eggs, to be used for assisted reproduction by the wife;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(11)(b)(ii)">a woman who gives birth to a child by means of assisted reproduction, except as otherwise provided in Part 8, Gestational Agreement; </subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(11)(b)(iii)">a parent under Part 7, Assisted Reproduction; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(11)(b)(iv)">an intended parent under Part 8, Gestational Agreement.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(12)">"Ethnic or racial group" means, for purposes of genetic testing, a recognized group that an individual identifies as all or part of the individual's ancestry or that is so identified by other information.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(13)">"Financial support" means: <subsection number="81-5-102(13)(a)">a base child support award as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>; </subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(13)(b)">all past-due support that accrues under an order for current periodic payments; and </subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(13)(c)">sum certain judgments for past-due support.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(14)"><subsection number="81-5-102(14)(a)">"Genetic testing" means an analysis of genetic markers to exclude or identify a man as the father or a woman as the mother of a child. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(14)(b)">"Genetic testing" includes an analysis of one or a combination of the following:<subsection number="81-5-102(14)(b)(i)">deoxyribonucleic acid; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(14)(b)(ii)">blood-group antigens, red-cell antigens, human-leukocyte antigens, serum enzymes, serum proteins, or red-cell enzymes.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(15)">"Gestational mother" means a woman who:<subsection number="81-5-102(15)(a)">is 18 years old or older; and </subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(15)(b)">gives birth to a child under a gestational agreement.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(16)">"Man" means a male individual of any age.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(17)">"Obligee" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(18)">"Obligor" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(19)">"Parentage" means a parent-child relationship.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(20)"><subsection number="81-5-102(20)(a)">"Parent-child relationship" means the legal relationship between a child and a parent of the child as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-201">81-5-201</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(20)(b)">"Parent-child relationship" includes:<subsection number="81-5-102(20)(b)(i)"> the mother-child relationship; or </subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(20)(b)(ii)">the father-child relationship.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(21)">"Parentage index" means the likelihood of paternity calculated by computing the ratio between:<subsection number="81-5-102(21)(a)">the likelihood that the tested man is the father, based on the genetic markers of the tested man and child, conditioned on the hypothesis that the tested man is the father of the child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(21)(b)">the likelihood that the tested man is not the father, based on the genetic markers of the tested man and child, conditioned on the hypothesis that the tested man is not the father of the child and that the father is of the same ethnic or racial group as the tested man.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(22)">"Presumed father" means a man who, by operation of law under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-204">81-5-204</xref>, is recognized as the father of a child until that status is rebutted or confirmed in accordance with this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(23)">"Probability of parentage" means the measure, for the ethnic or racial group to which the alleged father belongs, of the probability that the man in question is the father of the child, compared with a random, unrelated man of the same ethnic or racial group, expressed as a percentage incorporating the parentage index and a prior probability.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(24)">"Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(25)">"Signatory" means an individual who authenticates a record and is bound by the record's terms.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(26)">"State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, any territory, Native American Tribe, or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(27)">"Support" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(28)">"Tribunal" means a court of law, administrative agency, or quasi-judicial entity authorized to establish, enforce, or modify support orders or to determine parentage.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-102(29)">"Unmarried biological father" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-101">81-13-101</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-103"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Scope -- Choice of law -- Determination of maternity.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-103(1)">This chapter applies to determinations of parentage in this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-103(2)">The tribunal shall apply the law of this state to adjudicate the parent-child relationship. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-103(3)">The applicable law may not depend upon:<subsection number="81-5-103(3)(a)">the place of birth of the child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-103(3)(b)">the past or present residence of the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-103(4)">This chapter may not create, enlarge, or diminish parental rights or duties under other laws of this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-103(5)">The provisions of this chapter relating to a determination of paternity also apply to a determination of maternity.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-104"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Authority of Office of Recovery Services -- Duty of attorney general and county attorney.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-104(1)">The Office of Recovery Services is authorized to establish parentage in accordance with this chapter, <xref depth="1" refnumber="26B-9" start="0">Title 26B, Chapter 9, Recovery Services and Administration of Child Support</xref>, and <xref depth="1" refnumber="63G-4" start="0">Title 63G, Chapter 4, Administrative Procedures Act</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-104(2)">Whenever the state commences an action under this chapter, the attorney general, or the county attorney of the county where the obligee resides, shall represent the state.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-104(3)">The attorney general or the county attorney does not represent or have an attorney-client relationship with the obligee or the obligor in carrying out the duties under this chapter.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-105"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>General requirements for parentage action or settlement -- Filing parentage with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-105(1)">A court shall, without adjudicating parentage, dismiss a petition that is filed under this chapter by an unmarried biological father if the unmarried biological father is not entitled to consent to the adoption of the child as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-213">81-13-213</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-105(2)">The standard of proof in a trial to establish parentage is "by clear and convincing evidence."</subsection><subsection number="81-5-105(3)">Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 55, Default, applies to a parentage action commenced under this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-105(4)">An agreement of settlement with an alleged father is binding only when approved by the tribunal.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-105(5)">If a parentage action is brought under this chapter, the obligor's liabilities for past support are limited to the period of four years preceding the commencement of an action.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-105(6)"><subsection number="81-5-105(6)(a)">If the tribunal determines that an alleged father is a parent of the child, the tribunal may upon the tribunal's own motion, or upon motion of the alleged father, order parent-time rights in accordance with Title 81, Chapter 9, Custody, Parent-time, and Visitation, as the tribunal considers appropriate under the circumstances.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-105(6)(b)">Parent-time rights may not be granted to an alleged father if the child has been subsequently adopted.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-105(7)">A party to an action under this chapter has a continuing obligation to keep the tribunal informed of the party's current address.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-105(8)">A proceeding under this chapter is subject to other laws of this state governing the health, safety, privacy, and liberty of a child or other individual who could be jeopardized by disclosure of identifying information, including address, telephone number, place of employment, social security number, the child's day-care facility, or school.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-105(9)">An adjudication of parentage or declaration of paternity shall be filed with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-8-104">26B-8-104</xref>.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-5-2"><catchline>Parent and Child Relationship</catchline><section number="81-5-201"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Establishment of parent-child relationship.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-201(1)"><subsection number="81-5-201(1)(a)">The mother-child relationship is established between a woman and a child by:<subsection number="81-5-201(1)(a)(i)">the woman's having given birth to the child, except as otherwise provided in <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-15-8" start="2">Part 8, Gestational Agreement</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-201(1)(a)(ii)">an adjudication of the woman's maternity;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-201(1)(a)(iii)">adoption of the child by the woman;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-201(1)(a)(iv)">an adjudication confirming the woman as a parent of a child born to a gestational mother if the agreement was validated under <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-15-8" start="2">Part 8, Gestational Agreement</xref>, or is enforceable under other law; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-201(1)(a)(v)">an unrebutted presumption of maternity of the child established in the same manner as under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-204">81-5-204</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-201(1)(b)">In this chapter, the presumption of maternity shall be treated the same as a presumption of paternity as established in Subsection (2)(a).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-201(2)">The father-child relationship is established between a man and a child by:<subsection number="81-5-201(2)(a)">an unrebutted presumption of the man's paternity of the child under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-204">81-5-204</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-201(2)(b)">an effective declaration of paternity by the man under Part 3, Voluntary Declaration of Paternity, unless the declaration has been rescinded or successfully challenged;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-201(2)(c)">an adjudication of the man's paternity;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-201(2)(d)">adoption of the child by the man;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-201(2)(e)">the man having consented to assisted reproduction by a woman under <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-15-7" start="2">Part 7, Assisted Reproduction</xref>, which resulted in the birth of the child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-201(2)(f)">an adjudication confirming the man as a parent of a child born to a gestational mother if the agreement was validated under <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-15-8" start="2">Part 8, Gestational Agreement</xref>, or is enforceable under other law.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-5-202"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>No discrimination based on marital status.</catchline><tab/>A child born to parents who are not married to each other whose parentage has been determined under this chapter has the same rights under the law as a child born to parents who are married to each other.</section><section number="81-5-203"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Consequences of establishment of parentage.</catchline><tab/>Unless parental rights are terminated, a parent-child relationship established under this chapter applies for all purposes, except as otherwise specifically provided by other law of this state.</section><section number="81-5-204"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Presumption of parentage.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-204(1)">A man is presumed to be the father of a child if:<subsection number="81-5-204(1)(a)">the man and the birth mother of the child are married to each other and the child is born during the marriage;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-204(1)(b)">the man and the birth mother of the child were married to each other and the child is born within 300 days after the marriage is terminated by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce, or after a decree of separation;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-204(1)(c)">before the birth of the child, the man and the birth mother of the child married each other in apparent compliance with law, even if the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and the child is born during the invalid marriage or within 300 days after the marriage's termination by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce or after a decree of separation; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-204(1)(d)">after the birth of the child, the man and the birth mother of the child married each other in apparent compliance with law, whether the marriage is, or could be declared, invalid, the man voluntarily asserted the man's parentage of the child, and there is no other presumptive father of the child, and:<subsection number="81-5-204(1)(d)(i)">the assertion is in a record filed with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-204(1)(d)(ii)">the man agreed to be and is named as the child's father on the child's birth certificate; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-204(1)(d)(iii)">the man promised in a record to support the child as his own.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-204(2)">A man is not presumed to be the father of a child not named in a divorce decree if:<subsection number="81-5-204(2)(a)">the child was born at the time of entry of the divorce decree; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-204(2)(b)">there are children named in the divorce decree and the children have a mother-child relationship described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-201">81-5-201</xref> with the same mother as the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-204(3)">A presumption of parentage established under this section may only be rebutted in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-607">81-5-607</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-204(4)">If a child has an adjudicated father, the results of genetic testing are inadmissable to challenge parentage except as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-607">81-5-607</xref>.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-5-3"><catchline>Voluntary Declaration of Paternity</catchline><section number="81-5-301"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Declaration of paternity.</catchline><tab/>The birth mother of a child and a man claiming to be the genetic father of the child may sign a declaration of paternity to establish the paternity of the child.</section><section number="81-5-302"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Execution of declaration of paternity.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-302(1)">A declaration of paternity described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-301">81-5-301</xref> must:<subsection number="81-5-302(1)(a)">be in a record;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(1)(b)">be signed, or otherwise authenticated, under penalty of perjury, by the birth mother and by the declarant father;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(1)(c)">be signed by the birth mother and declarant father in the presence of two witnesses who are not related by blood or marriage; </subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(1)(d)">state that the child whose paternity is being declared:<subsection number="81-5-302(1)(d)(i)">does not have a presumed father, or has a presumed father whose full name is stated; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(1)(d)(ii)">does not have another declarant or adjudicated father;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(1)(e)">state whether there has been genetic testing and, if so, that the declarant man's claim of paternity is consistent with the results of the testing; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(1)(f)">state that the signatories understand that the declaration is the equivalent of a legal finding of paternity of the child and that a challenge to the declaration is permitted only under the limited circumstances described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-307">81-5-307</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(2)">If the birth mother or the declarant father is a minor child, the voluntary declaration must also be signed by that minor child's parent or legal guardian.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(3)">A declaration of paternity is void if the declaration of paternity:<subsection number="81-5-302(3)(a)">states that another man is a presumed father, unless a denial of paternity signed or otherwise authenticated by the presumed father is filed with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-303">81-5-303</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(3)(b)">states that another man is a declarant or adjudicated father; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(3)(c)">falsely denies the existence of a presumed, declarant, or adjudicated father of the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(4)">A presumed father may sign or otherwise authenticate a declaration of paternity.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(5)">The declaration of paternity shall be: <subsection number="81-5-302(5)(a)">in a form prescribed by the Office of Vital Records and Statistics; and </subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(5)(b)">accompanied with a written and verbal notice of the alternatives to, the legal consequences of, and the rights and responsibilities that arise from signing the declaration.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(6)">The social security number of any individual who is subject to declaration of paternity shall be placed in the records relating to the matter.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(7)"><subsection number="81-5-302(7)(a)">The declaration of paternity shall become an amendment to the original birth certificate. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(7)(b)">The original certificate and the declaration shall be marked as to be distinguishable. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(7)(c)">The declaration may be included as part of subsequently issued certified copies of the birth certificate. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(7)(d)">Alternatively, electronically issued copies of a certificate may reflect the amended information and the date of the amendment only.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(8)"><subsection number="81-5-302(8)(a)">A declaration of paternity may be completed and signed any time after the birth of the child. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(8)(b)">A declaration of paternity may not be signed or filed after consent to or relinquishment for adoption has been signed.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-302(9)">A declaration of paternity shall be considered effective when filed and entered into a database established and maintained by the Office of Vital Records and Statistics.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-303"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Denial of paternity.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-303(1)">A presumed or declarant father may sign a denial of the presumed or declarant father's paternity. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-303(2)">The denial is valid only if:<subsection number="81-5-303(2)(a)">a declaration of paternity signed, or otherwise authenticated, by another man is filed in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-305">81-5-305</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-303(2)(b)">the denial is in a form prescribed by and filed with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics and is signed, or otherwise authenticated, under penalty of perjury; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-303(2)(c)">the presumed or declarant father has not previously:<subsection number="81-5-303(2)(c)(i)">declared the presumed or declarant father's paternity, unless the previous declaration has been rescinded in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-306">81-5-306</xref> or successfully challenged in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-307">81-5-307</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-303(2)(c)(ii)">been adjudicated to be the father of the child.</subsection></subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-5-304"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Rules for declaration and denial of paternity.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-304(1)"><subsection number="81-5-304(1)(a)">A declaration of paternity and a denial of paternity shall be contained in a single document. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-304(1)(b)">If the declaration of paternity and the denial of paternity are both necessary, neither is valid until both are signed and filed.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-304(2)">A declaration of paternity or a denial of paternity may not be signed before the birth of the child.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-304(3)">Subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-15-S304_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-304(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>, a declaration of paternity or denial of paternity takes effect on the birth of the child or the filing of the document with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics, whichever occurs later.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-304(4)">A declaration of paternity or denial of paternity signed by a minor and by the minor's parent or legal guardian is valid if the declaration of paternity or the denial of paternity is otherwise in compliance with this chapter.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-305"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Effect of declaration or denial of paternity.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-305(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-306">81-5-306</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-307">81-5-307</xref>, a valid declaration of paternity filed with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics is equivalent to a legal finding of parentage of a child and confers upon the declarant father all of the rights and duties of a parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-305(2)"><subsection number="81-5-305(2)(a)">When a declaration of paternity is filed, the declaration of paternity shall be recognized as a basis for a child support order without any further requirement or proceeding regarding the establishment of parentage.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-305(2)(b)">The liabilities of the declarant father include the reasonable expense of the birth mother's pregnancy and confinement and for the education, necessary support, and any funeral expenses for the child.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-305(2)(c)">When a father declares paternity, the father's liability under Subsection (2)(a) for past amounts due is limited to the period of four years immediately preceding the date that the voluntary declaration of paternity was filed.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-305(3)"><subsection number="81-5-305(3)(a)">Except as otherwise provided in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-306">81-5-306</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-307">81-5-307</xref>, a valid denial of paternity by a presumed or declarant father filed with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics in conjunction with a valid declaration of paternity is equivalent to a legal finding of the nonparentage of the presumed or declarant father and discharges the presumed or declarant father from all rights and duties of a parent. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-305(3)(b)">If a valid denial of paternity is filed with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics, the presumed or declarant father may not recover child support that was paid prior to the time of filing.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-5-306"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Proceeding for rescission.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-306(1)">A signatory may rescind a declaration of paternity or denial of paternity by filing a voluntary rescission document with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics in a form prescribed by the Office of Vital Records and Statistics before the earlier of:<subsection number="81-5-306(1)(a)">60 days after the effective date of the declaration or denial, as provided in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-303">81-5-303</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-304">81-5-304</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-306(1)(b)">the date of notice of the first adjudicative proceeding to which the signatory is a party, before a tribunal to adjudicate an issue relating to the child, including a proceeding that establishes support.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-306(2)">Upon receiving a voluntary rescission document from a signatory under Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-15-S306_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-306(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>, the Office of Vital Records and Statistics shall provide notice of the rescission, by mail, to the other signatory at the last-known address of that signatory.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-307"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Challenge after expiration of period for rescission.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-307(1)">After the period for rescission under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-306">81-5-306</xref> has expired, a signatory of a declaration of paternity or denial of paternity or a child support services agency, may commence a proceeding to challenge the declaration or denial only on the basis of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-307(2)">A party challenging a declaration of paternity or denial of paternity has the burden of proof.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-307(3)">A challenge brought on the basis of fraud or duress may be commenced at any time.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-307(4)"><subsection number="81-5-307(4)(a)">A challenge brought on the basis of a material mistake of fact may be commenced within four years after the declaration is filed with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-307(4)(b)">For the purposes of this Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-15-S307_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-307(4)" start="0">(4)</xref>, if the declaration of paternity was filed with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics before May 1, 2005, a challenge may be brought within four years after May 1, 2005.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-307(5)">For purposes of Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-15-S307_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-307(4)" start="0">(4)</xref>, genetic test results that exclude a declarant father or that rebuttably identify another man as the father in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-505">81-5-505</xref> constitute a material mistake of fact.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-308"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Procedure for rescission or challenge.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-308(1)">Every signatory to a declaration of paternity and any related denial of paternity must be made a party to a proceeding to rescind or challenge the declaration or denial.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-308(2)">For the purpose of rescission of, or challenge to, a declaration of paternity or denial of paternity, a signatory submits to personal jurisdiction of this state by signing the declaration or denial, effective upon the filing of the document with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-308(3)">Except for good cause shown, during the pendency of a proceeding to rescind or challenge a declaration of paternity or denial of paternity, the tribunal may not suspend the legal responsibilities of a signatory arising from the declaration, including the duty to pay child support.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-308(4)">A proceeding to rescind or to challenge a declaration of paternity or denial of paternity must be conducted in the same manner as a proceeding to adjudicate parentage under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-15-P6_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-6" start="2">Part 6, Adjudication of Parentage</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-308(5)">At the conclusion of a proceeding to rescind or challenge a declaration of paternity or denial of paternity, the tribunal shall order the Office of Vital Records and Statistics to amend the birth record of the child, if appropriate.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-308(6)">If the declaration is rescinded, the declarant father may not recover child support that was paid prior to the entry of an order of rescission.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-309"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Ratification barred.</catchline><tab/>A tribunal or administrative agency conducting a judicial or administrative proceeding may not ratify an unchallenged declaration of paternity.</section><section number="81-5-310"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Full faith and credit.</catchline><tab/>A tribunal of this state shall give full faith and credit to a declaration of paternity or denial of paternity effective in another state if the declaration or denial has been signed and is otherwise in compliance with the law of the other state.</section><section number="81-5-311"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Forms for declaration, denial, or rescission.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-311(1)">To facilitate compliance with this part, the Office of Vital Records and Statistics shall prescribe forms for the declaration of paternity, the denial of paternity, and the rescission of a declaration of paternity.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-311(2)">A valid declaration of paternity or denial of paternity is not affected by a later modification of the prescribed form.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-312"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Release of information.</catchline><tab/>The Office of Vital Records and Statistics may release information relating to the declaration of paternity or denial of paternity to a signatory of the declaration or denial and to tribunals and federal, tribal, and state child support services agencies of this state or another state.</section><section number="81-5-313"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Rulemaking by Office of Vital Records and Statistics.</catchline><tab/>The Office of Vital Records and Statistics may adopt rules in accordance with <xref depth="1" refid="C63G-3_1800010118000101" refnumber="63G-3" start="0">Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act</xref>, to implement this part.</section></part><part number="81-5-4"><catchline>Registry</catchline><section number="81-5-401"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Maintenance of records.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-401(1)">The Office of Vital Records and Statistics shall register the following records that are filed with the office:<subsection number="81-5-401(1)(a)">all declarations of paternity;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-401(1)(b)">all judicial and administrative determinations of parentage; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-401(1)(c)">all notices of proceedings to establish parentage that are filed in accordance with Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-207">81-13-207</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-212">81-13-212</xref>, and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-213">81-13-213</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-401(2)">A notice of initiation of parentage proceedings may not be accepted into the registry unless accompanied by a copy of the pleading that has been filed with the court to establish parentage.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-401(3)">A notice of initiation of parentage proceedings may not be filed if another man is the adjudicated or declarant father.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-402"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Effect of registration.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-402(1)">An unmarried biological father who desires to be notified of a proceeding for adoption of a child must file a notice of the initiation of parentage proceedings as required by Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-207">81-13-207</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-212">81-13-212</xref>, and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-213">81-13-213</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-402(2)">A registrant shall promptly notify the registry in a record of any change in the information registered. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-402(3)">The Office of Vital Records and Statistics shall incorporate all new information received into its records but need not affirmatively seek to obtain current information for incorporation in the registry.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-403"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Notice of proceeding.</catchline><tab/>Notice of an adoption proceeding shall be given to an unmarried biological father as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-207">81-13-207</xref>.</section><section number="81-5-404"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Required form.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-404(1)"><subsection number="81-5-404(1)(a)">The Office of Vital Records and Statistics shall prepare a form to be filed with the agency. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-404(1)(b)">The form shall require the signature of the registrant and state that the form is signed under penalty of perjury.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-404(2)">The form shall also state that:<subsection number="81-5-404(2)(a)">a timely filing of notice of the initiation of parentage proceedings that is filed pursuant to Subsection <xref refnumber="81-5-402(1)" depth="4">81-5-402(1)</xref> entitles the registrant to notice of a proceeding for adoption of the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-404(2)(b)">a timely filing does not commence a proceeding to establish parentage;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-404(2)(c)">the information disclosed on the form may be used against the registrant to establish parentage;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-404(2)(d)">services to assist in establishing parentage of a child who is not placed for adoption are available to the registrant through the Office of Recovery Services;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-404(2)(e)">the registrant should also file in another state if conception or birth of the child occurred in the other state;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-404(2)(f)">information on registries of other states is available from the Office of Vital Records and Statistics; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-404(2)(g)">procedures exist to remove the filing of a proceeding to establish parentage if the proceeding is dismissed, or if a finding of parentage is rescinded or set aside under this chapter.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-5-405"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Furnishing of information -- Confidentiality.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-405(1)"><subsection number="81-5-405(1)(a)">The Office of Vital Records and Statistics shall send a copy of the filing to a person or entity described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-15-S405_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-405(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>, who has requested a copy. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-405(1)(b)">The copy of the filing shall be sent to the most recent address provided by the requestor.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-405(2)">Information contained in records that are filed pursuant to Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-401">81-5-401</xref> is confidential and may be released on request only to:<subsection number="81-5-405(2)(a)">a tribunal or a person designated by the tribunal;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-405(2)(b)">the birth mother of the child who is the subject of the filing;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-405(2)(c)">an agency authorized by other law to receive the information;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-405(2)(d)">a licensed child-placing agency;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-405(2)(e)">the Office of Recovery Services, the Office of the Attorney General, or a child support services agency of another state or tribe;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-405(2)(f)">a party or the party's attorney of record in a proceeding under this chapter or in a proceeding for adoption of, or for termination of parental rights regarding, a child who is the subject of the filing; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-405(2)(g)">the registry of parentage in another state.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-5-406"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Penalty for releasing information.</catchline><tab/>A person who intentionally or knowingly, releases confidential information from the Office of Vital Records and Statistics that is filed in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-401">81-5-401</xref> to a person or agency not authorized to receive the information under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-405">81-5-405</xref> is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.</section><section number="81-5-407"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Removal of registration -- Rulemaking authority.</catchline><tab/>The Office of Vital Records and Statistics may remove a registration in accordance with rules adopted by the Office of Vital Records and Statistics in accordance with <xref depth="1" refid="C63G-3_1800010118000101" refnumber="63G-3" start="0">Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act</xref>.</section><section number="81-5-408"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Fees for registry.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-408(1)">A fee may not be charged to remove a registration.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-408(2)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-15-S408_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-408(3)" start="0">(3)</xref>, the Office of Vital Records and Statistics may charge a reasonable fee for registering records pursuant to Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-401">81-5-401</xref>, making a search of the registry, and for furnishing a certificate.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-408(3)">The Office of Recovery Services, the Office of the Attorney General, and child support services agencies of other states or tribes may not be required to pay the fee authorized by Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-15-S408_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-408(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-409"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Search of records -- Certificate.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-409(1)">Upon the request of an individual, tribunal, or agency identified in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-405">81-5-405</xref>, the Office of Vital Records and Statistics shall search its records for any registration made in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-401">81-5-401</xref> and furnish to the requestor a certificate of search that shall be signed on behalf of the Office of Vital Records and Statistics and state that:<subsection number="81-5-409(1)(a)">a search has been made of the records of the Office of Vital Records and Statistics; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-409(1)(b)">a registration containing the information required to identify the registrant:<subsection number="81-5-409(1)(b)(i)">has been found and is attached to the certificate of search; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-409(1)(b)(ii)">has not been found.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-409(2)">A petitioner shall file the certificate of search with the tribunal in connection with a proceeding for adoption.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-410"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Admissibility of information.</catchline><tab/>A certificate of search of the registry of parentage in this or another state is admissible in a proceeding for adoption of a child and, if relevant, in other legal proceedings.</section></part><part number="81-5-5"><catchline>Genetic Testing</catchline><section number="81-5-501"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Scope of part.</catchline><tab/>This part governs genetic testing of an individual to determine parentage, whether the individual:<subsection number="81-5-501(1)">voluntarily submits to testing; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-501(2)">is tested pursuant to an order of a tribunal or a child support services agency.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-502"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Order for testing.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-502(1)">Upon the motion of any party to the action, except as otherwise provided in this part and <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-15-P6_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-6" start="2">Part 6, Adjudication of Parentage</xref>, the tribunal shall order the child and other designated individuals to submit to genetic testing if the request for testing is supported by the sworn statement of a party to the proceeding:<subsection number="81-5-502(1)(a)">alleging parentage and stating facts establishing a reasonable probability of the requisite sexual contact between the individuals; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-502(1)(b)">denying parentage and stating facts establishing a possibility that sexual contact between the individuals, if any, did not result in the conception of the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-502(2)">If a request for genetic testing of a child is made before birth, the tribunal may not order in-utero testing.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-502(3)">If two or more individuals are subject to an order for genetic testing, the testing may be ordered concurrently or sequentially.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-503"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Requirements for genetic testing.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-503(1)">Genetic testing must be of a type reasonably relied upon by experts in the field of genetic testing and performed in a testing laboratory accredited by:<subsection number="81-5-503(1)(a)">the American Association of Blood Banks, or a successor to its functions;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-503(1)(b)">the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, or a successor to its functions; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-503(1)(c)">an accrediting body designated by the federal Secretary of Health and Human Services.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-503(2)"><subsection number="81-5-503(2)(a)">A specimen used in genetic testing may consist of one or more samples, or a combination of samples, of blood, buccal cells, bone, hair, or other body tissue or fluid. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-503(2)(b)">The specimen used in the testing need not be of the same kind for each individual undergoing genetic testing.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-5-504"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Report of genetic testing.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-504(1)"><subsection number="81-5-504(1)(a)">A report of genetic testing must be in a record and signed under penalty of perjury by a designee of the testing laboratory. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-504(1)(b)">A report made under the requirements of this part is self-authenticating.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-504(2)">Documentation from the testing laboratory of the following information is sufficient to establish a reliable chain of custody that allows the results of genetic testing to be admissible without testimony:<subsection number="81-5-504(2)(a)">the names and photographs of the individuals whose specimens have been taken;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-504(2)(b)">the names of the individuals who collected the specimens;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-504(2)(c)">the places and dates the specimens were collected;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-504(2)(d)">the names of the individuals who received the specimens in the testing laboratory;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-504(2)(e)">the dates the specimens were received; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-504(2)(f)">the fingerprints of the individuals whose specimens have been taken.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-5-505"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Genetic testing results -- Rebuttal.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-505(1)">Under this chapter, a man is presumed to be identified as the father of a child if the genetic testing complies with this part and the results disclose that:<subsection number="81-5-505(1)(a)">the man has at least a 99% probability of parentage, using a prior probability of 0.50, as calculated by using the combined parentage index obtained in the testing; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-505(1)(b)">a combined parentage index of at least 100 to 1.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-505(2)">A man identified under Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-15-S505_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-505(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> as the father of the child may rebut the genetic testing results only by other genetic testing satisfying the requirements of this part that:<subsection number="81-5-505(2)(a)">excludes the man as a genetic father of the child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-505(2)(b)">identifies another man as the possible father of the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-505(3)"><subsection number="81-5-505(3)(a)">If an issue is raised as to whether the appropriate ethnic or racial group database was used by the testing laboratory, the testing laboratory will be asked to rerun the test using the correct ethnic or racial group database. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-505(3)(b)">If the testing laboratory does not have an adequate database, another testing laboratory may be engaged to perform the calculations.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-505(4)">If a presumption of parentage is not rebutted by a second test, the tribunal shall issue an order establishing parentage.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-506"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Costs of genetic testing.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-506(1)">Subject to assessment of costs under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-15-P6_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-6" start="2">Part 6, Adjudication of Parentage</xref>, the cost of initial genetic testing shall be advanced:<subsection number="81-5-506(1)(a)">by a child support services agency in a proceeding in which the child support services agency is providing services;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-506(1)(b)">by the individual who made the request;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-506(1)(c)">as agreed by the parties; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-506(1)(d)">as ordered by the tribunal.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-506(2)">In cases in which the cost is advanced by the child support services agency, the agency may seek reimbursement from a man who is rebuttably identified as the father of the child.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-507"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Additional genetic testing.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-507(1)">The tribunal shall order additional genetic testing upon the request of a party who contests the result of the original testing. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-507(2)">If the previous genetic testing identified a man as the father of the child under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-505">81-5-505</xref>, the tribunal may not order additional testing unless the party provides advance payment for the testing. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-507(3)">If the tribunal orders a second genetic test in accordance with this section, the additional testing must be completed within 45 days of the tribunal's order or the requesting party's objection to the first test will be automatically denied. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-507(4)">If failure to complete the test occurs because of noncooperation of the birth mother or unavailability of the child, the time will be tolled.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-508"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Genetic testing when specimens not available.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-508(1)">Subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-15-S508_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-508(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>, if a genetic-testing specimen is not available from a man who may be the father of a child, for good cause and under extraordinary circumstances the tribunal considers to be just, the tribunal may order the following individuals to submit specimens for genetic testing:<subsection number="81-5-508(1)(a)">the parents of the man;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-508(1)(b)">brothers and sisters of the man;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-508(1)(c)">other children of the man and their mothers; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-508(1)(d)">other relatives of the man necessary to complete genetic testing.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-508(2)">Issuance of an order under this section requires a finding that a need for genetic testing outweighs the legitimate interests of the individual sought to be tested.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-509"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Deceased individual.</catchline><tab/>For good cause shown, the tribunal may order genetic testing of a deceased individual.</section><section number="81-5-510"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Identical brothers.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-510(1)">The tribunal may order genetic testing of a brother of a man identified as the father of a child if the man is commonly believed to have an identical brother and evidence suggests that the brother may be the genetic father of the child.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-510(2)">If each brother satisfies the requirements as the identified father of the child under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-505">81-5-505</xref> without consideration of another identical brother being identified as the father of the child, the tribunal may rely on nongenetic evidence to adjudicate which brother is the father of the child.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-511"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Confidentiality of genetic testing.</catchline><tab/>Release of the report of genetic testing for parentage is controlled by <xref depth="1" refid="C63G-2_1800010118000101" refnumber="63G-2" start="0">Title 63G, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and Management Act</xref>.</section></part><part number="81-5-6"><catchline>Adjudication of Parentage</catchline><section number="81-5-601"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part -- Proceeding authorized.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-601(1)">As used in this part, "divorce" includes an annulment.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-601(2)">An adjudicative proceeding may be maintained to determine the parentage of a child. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-601(3)">A judicial proceeding is governed by the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-601(4)">An administrative proceeding is governed by <xref depth="1" refid="C63G-4_1800010118000101" refnumber="63G-4" start="0">Title 63G, Chapter 4, Administrative Procedures Act</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-602"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Standing to maintain proceeding.</catchline><tab/>Subject to Part 3, Voluntary Declaration of Paternity, and Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-607">81-5-607</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-609">81-5-609</xref>, a proceeding to adjudicate parentage may be maintained by:<subsection number="81-5-602(1)">the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-602(2)">the birth mother of the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-602(3)">a man whose paternity of the child is to be adjudicated;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-602(4)">the child support services agency or other governmental agency authorized by other law;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-602(5)">an authorized adoption agency or licensed child-placing agency;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-602(6)">a representative authorized by law to act for an individual who would otherwise be entitled to maintain a proceeding but who is deceased, incapacitated, or a minor child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-602(7)">an intended parent under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-15-P8_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-8" start="2">Part 8, Gestational Agreement</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-603"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Parties to proceeding.</catchline><tab/>The following individuals shall be joined as parties in a proceeding to adjudicate parentage:<subsection number="81-5-603(1)">the birth mother of the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-603(2)">a man whose paternity of the child is to be adjudicated; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-603(3)">the state in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-106">81-6-106</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-604"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Personal jurisdiction.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-604(1)">An individual may not be adjudicated to be a parent unless the tribunal has personal jurisdiction over the individual.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-604(2)">A tribunal of this state having jurisdiction to adjudicate parentage may exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident individual, or the guardian or conservator of the individual, if the conditions prescribed in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-201">81-8-201</xref> are fulfilled, or the individual has signed a declaration of paternity.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-604(3)">Lack of jurisdiction over one individual does not preclude the tribunal from making an adjudication of parentage binding on another individual over whom the tribunal has personal jurisdiction.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-605"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Venue for a parentage proceeding.</catchline><tab/><subsection number="81-5-605(1)">Notwithstanding Title 78B, Chapter 3a, Venue for Civil Actions, a person shall bring a proceeding to adjudicate parentage in the county in which:<subsection number="81-5-605(1)(a)">the child resides or is found;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-605(1)(b)">the respondent resides or is found if the child does not reside in this state; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-605(1)(c)">a proceeding for probate or administration of the presumed or alleged father's estate has been commenced.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-605(2)">Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-15-605(1)" depth="4">(1)</xref> does not apply to a proceeding brought in the Business and Chancery Court.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-606"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>No limitation -- Child having no declarant or adjudicated father.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-606(1)">A proceeding to adjudicate the parentage of a child having no declarant or adjudicated father may be commenced at any time. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-606(2)">If initiated after the child becomes an adult, only the child may initiate the proceeding.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-607"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Limitation -- Child having presumed father.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-607(1)"><subsection number="81-5-607(1)(a)">Parentage of a child conceived or born during a marriage with a presumed father, as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-5-204(1)(a)">81-5-204(1)(a)</xref>, (b), or (c) may be raised by the presumed father, the birth mother, or a child support services agency at any time before filing an action for divorce or in the pleadings at the time of the divorce of the parents.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-607(1)(b)"><subsection number="81-5-607(1)(b)(i)">If the issue is raised prior to the adjudication, genetic testing may be ordered by the tribunal in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-608">81-5-608</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-607(1)(b)(ii)">Failure of the birth mother of the child to appear for testing may result in an order allowing a motherless calculation of parentage. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-607(1)(b)(iii)">Failure of the birth mother to make the child available may not result in a determination that the presumed father is not the father, but shall allow for appropriate proceedings to compel the cooperation of the birth mother. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-607(1)(b)(iv)">If the question of parentage has been raised in the pleadings in a divorce and the tribunal addresses the issue and enters an order, the parties are estopped from raising the issue again, and the order of the tribunal may not be challenged on the basis of material mistake of fact.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-607(1)(c)">If the presumed father seeks to rebut the presumption of parentage, then denial of a motion seeking an order for genetic testing or a decision to disregard genetic test results shall be based on a preponderance of the evidence.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-607(1)(d)">If the birth mother seeks to rebut the presumption of parentage, the birth mother has the burden to show by a preponderance of the evidence that it would be in the best interests of the child to disestablish the parent-child relationship.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-607(1)(e)"><subsection number="81-5-607(1)(e)(i)">If a child support services agency seeks to rebut the presumption of parentage and the presumed father opposes the rebuttal, the agency's request shall be denied. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-607(1)(e)(ii)">Otherwise, the denial of the agency's motion seeking an order for genetic testing or a decision to disregard genetic test results shall be based on a preponderance of the evidence, taking into account the best interests of the child.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-607(2)">For the presumption outside of marriage described in Subsection <xref refnumber="81-5-204(1)(d)" depth="4">81-5-204(1)(d)</xref>, the presumption may be rebutted at any time if the tribunal determines that the presumed father and the birth mother of the child neither cohabited nor engaged in sexual intercourse with each other during the probable time of conception.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-607(3)">The presumption may be rebutted by:<subsection number="81-5-607(3)(a)">genetic test results that exclude the presumed father;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-607(3)(b)">genetic test results that rebuttably identify another man as the father in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-505">81-5-505</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-607(3)(c)">evidence that the presumed father and the birth mother of the child neither cohabited nor engaged in sexual intercourse with each other during the probable time of conception; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-607(3)(d)">an adjudication under this part.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-607(4)">There is no presumption to rebut if the presumed father was properly served and there has been a final adjudication of the issue.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-608"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Authority to deny motion for genetic testing or disregard test results.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-608(1)">As used in this section, "possible father" means a man who had a sexual relationship with the birth mother of a child that gave rise to a reasonable belief that the man was the genetic father of the child.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-608(2)">In a proceeding to adjudicate the parentage of a child, the tribunal may:<subsection number="81-5-608(2)(a)">deny a motion seeking an order for genetic testing; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-608(2)(b)">disregard the genetic test results that exclude the presumed father, declarant father, or possible father if testing has been completed and the tribunal determines that:<subsection number="81-5-608(2)(b)(i)">the conduct of the birth mother or the presumed father, declarant father, or possible father estops that party from denying parentage; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-608(2)(b)(ii)">it would be inequitable to disrupt the parent-child relationship between the child and the presumed father, declarant father, or possible father.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-608(3)">In determining whether to deny a motion seeking an order for genetic testing or to disregard genetic test results under this section, the tribunal shall consider the best interest of the child, including the following factors:<subsection number="81-5-608(3)(a)">the length of time between the proceeding to adjudicate parentage and the time that the presumed father, declarant father, or possible father was placed on notice that the presumed father, declarant father, or possible father might not be the genetic father of the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-608(3)(b)">the length of time during which the presumed father, declarant father, or possible father has assumed the role of parent of the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-608(3)(c)">the facts surrounding the presumed father's, declarant father's, or possible father's discovery of the their possible nonparentage;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-608(3)(d)">the nature of the relationship between the child and the presumed father, declarant father, or possible father;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-608(3)(e)">the age of the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-608(3)(f)">the harm that may result to the child if presumed or declared parentage is successfully disestablished;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-608(3)(g)">the nature of the relationship between the child and any alleged father;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-608(3)(h)">the extent to which the passage of time reduces the chances of establishing the parentage of another individual and a child-support obligation in favor of the child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-608(3)(i)">other factors that may affect the equities arising from the disruption of the parent-child relationship between the child and the presumed father, declarant father, or possible father or the chance of other harm to the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-608(4)">If the tribunal denies a motion seeking an order for genetic testing or disregards genetic test results that exclude the presumed father, declarant father, or possible father, the tribunal shall issue an order adjudicating the presumed father, declarant father, or possible father to be the father of the child.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-609"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Limitation -- Child having declarant father.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-609(1)">If a child has a declarant father, a signatory to the declaration of paternity or denial of paternity or a child support services agency may commence a proceeding seeking to rescind the declaration or denial or challenge the parentage of the child only within the time allowed under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-306">81-5-306</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-307">81-5-307</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-609(2)">A proceeding under this section is subject to the application of the principles of estoppel established in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-608">81-5-608</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-610"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Joinder of judicial proceedings -- Court reliance of custody and parent-time standards.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-610(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (2), a judicial proceeding to adjudicate parentage may be joined with a proceeding for adoption, termination of parental rights, child custody or visitation, child support, divorce, annulment, legal separation or separate maintenance, probate or administration of an estate, or other appropriate proceeding.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-610(2)">A respondent may not join a proceeding described in Subsection (1) with a proceeding to adjudicate parentage brought under Chapter 8, Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-610(3)">A court may determine issues of custody, parent-time, visitation, and child support in accordance with Chapter 6, Child Support, Chapter 7, Payment and Enforcement of Spousal and Child Support, and Chapter 9, Custody, Parent-time, and Visitation.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-610(4)"><subsection number="81-5-610(4)(a)">If a parentage action is determining issues of custody or parent-time for a child and the parents of the child are not married, the parties shall attend the mandatory parenting course described in Subsection <xref tempid="225" depth="4" refnumber="81-9-103(1)(b)">81-9-103(1)(b)</xref> within:<subsection number="81-5-610(4)(a)(i)">for the petitioner, 60 days after the day on which the petition is filed; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-610(4)(a)(ii)">for the respondent, 30 days after the day on which the respondent is served.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-610(4)(b)">The clerk of the court shall provide notice to a petitioner that the petitioner is required to attend the parenting course.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-610(4)(c)">A petition shall include information regarding the parenting course when the petition is served on the respondent.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-610(4)(d)">The court may not grant a final custody or parent-time order in a parentage action until:<subsection number="81-5-610(4)(d)(i)">both parties have attended the parenting course; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-610(4)(d)(ii)">both parties have presented a certificate of course completion to the court.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-610(5)">For a party that is unable to pay the costs of the parenting course, and before the court enters an order for custody or parent-time in the parentage action, the court shall:<subsection number="81-5-610(5)(a)">make a final determination of indigency; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-610(5)(b)">order the party to pay the costs of the parenting course if the court determines the party is not indigent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-610(6)"><subsection number="81-5-610(6)(a)">Notwithstanding Subsection (4), the court may waive the requirement that the parties attend the parenting course, on the court's own motion or on the motion of one of the parties, if the court determines course attendance and completion are not necessary, appropriate, or feasible, or in the best interest of the parties.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-610(6)(b)">If the requirement is waived, the court may proceed with entering a final custody or parent-time order.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-5-611"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Proceeding before birth.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-611(1)">A proceeding to determine parentage may be commenced before the birth of the child, but may not be concluded until after the birth of the child. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-611(2)">The following actions may be taken before the birth of the child:<subsection number="81-5-611(2)(a)">service of process;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-611(2)(b)">discovery; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-611(2)(c)">except as prohibited by Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-502">81-5-502</xref>, collection of specimens for genetic testing.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-5-612"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Minor child as party -- Representation.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-612(1)">A minor child is a permissible party, but is not a necessary party to a proceeding under this part.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-612(2)">The tribunal may appoint an attorney guardian ad litem under Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="78A-2-703" start="0">78A-2-703</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="78A-2-803" start="0">78A-2-803</xref>, or a private attorney guardian ad litem under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78A-2-705" start="0">78A-2-705</xref>, to represent a minor child or an incapacitated child if the child is a party.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-613"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Admissibility of results of genetic testing -- Expenses.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-613(1)"><subsection number="81-5-613(1)(a)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-15-S613_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-613(3)" start="0">(3)</xref>, a record of a genetic-testing expert is admissible as evidence of the truth of the facts asserted in the report unless a party objects to its admission within 14 days after its receipt by the objecting party and cites specific grounds for exclusion. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-613(1)(b)">Unless a party files a timely objection, testimony shall be in affidavit form. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-613(1)(c)">The admissibility of the report is not affected by whether the testing was performed:<subsection number="81-5-613(1)(c)(i)">voluntarily or pursuant to an order of the tribunal; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-613(1)(c)(ii)">before or after the commencement of the proceeding.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-613(2)"><subsection number="81-5-613(2)(a)">A party objecting to the results of genetic testing may call one or more genetic-testing experts to testify in person or by telephone, video conference, deposition, or another method approved by the tribunal. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-613(2)(b)">Unless otherwise ordered by the tribunal, the party offering the testimony bears the expense for the expert testifying.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-613(3)">If a child has a presumed or declarant father, the results of genetic testing are inadmissible to adjudicate parentage unless performed:<subsection number="81-5-613(3)(a)">in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-503">81-5-503</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-613(3)(b)">within the time periods described in this chapter; </subsection><subsection number="81-5-613(3)(c)">pursuant to a tribunal order or administrative process; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-613(3)(d)">with the consent of both the mother and the presumed or declarant father.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-613(4)">If a child has an adjudicated father, the results of genetic testing are inadmissible to challenge parentage except as set forth in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-607">81-5-607</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-608">81-5-608</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-613(5)">Copies of bills for genetic testing and for prenatal and postnatal health care for the birth mother and child which are furnished to the adverse party not less than 10 days before the date of a hearing are admissible to establish:<subsection number="81-5-613(5)(a)">the amount of the charges billed; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-613(5)(b)">that the charges were reasonable, necessary, and customary.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-5-614"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Consequences of failing to submit to genetic testing.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-614(1)">An order for genetic testing is enforceable by contempt.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-614(2)">If an individual whose parentage is being determined fails to submit to genetic testing ordered by the tribunal, the tribunal for that reason may adjudicate parentage contrary to the position of that individual.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-614(3)"><subsection number="81-5-614(3)(a)">Genetic testing of the birth mother of a child is not a condition precedent to testing the child and a man whose paternity is being determined. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-614(3)(b)">If the birth mother is unavailable or fails to submit to genetic testing, the tribunal may order the testing of the child and every man who is potentially the father of the child.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-5-615"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Admission of parentage authorized.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-615(1)">A respondent in a proceeding to adjudicate parentage may admit to the parentage of a child by filing a pleading to that effect or by admitting parentage under penalty of perjury when making an appearance or during a hearing.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-615(2)">If the tribunal finds that the admission of parentage satisfies the requirements of this section and finds that there is no reason to question the admission, the tribunal shall issue an order adjudicating the child to be the child of the man admitting parentage.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-616"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Temporary order.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-616(1)">In a proceeding under this part, the tribunal shall issue a temporary order for support of a child if the order is appropriate and the individual ordered to pay support is:<subsection number="81-5-616(1)(a)">a presumed father of the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-616(1)(b)">petitioning to be adjudicated a parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-616(1)(c)">identified as the father through genetic testing under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-505">81-5-505</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-616(1)(d)">an alleged father who has failed to submit to genetic testing;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-616(1)(e)">shown by clear and convincing evidence to be the father of the child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-616(1)(f)">the birth mother of the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-616(2)">A temporary tribunal order may include provisions for custody and visitation as provided by other laws of this state.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-617"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Requirements for adjudication of parentage.</catchline><tab/><subsection number="81-5-617(1)">In an adjudication of the parentage of a child, the tribunal may only disprove the parentage of a child having a presumed father, declarant father, or adjudicated father if there are admissible results of genetic testing excluding that man as the father of the child or identifying another man as the father of the child.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-617(2)">Unless the results of genetic testing are admitted to rebut other results of genetic testing, or except as provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-608">81-5-608</xref>, the tribunal shall adjudicate a man identified as the father of a child under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-505">81-5-505</xref> as the father of the child.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-617(3)">If the tribunal finds that genetic testing under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-505">81-5-505</xref> does not identify or exclude a man as the father of a child, the tribunal:<subsection number="81-5-617(3)(a)">may not dismiss the proceeding; and </subsection><subsection number="81-5-617(3)(b)">shall order further testing.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-617(4)">Unless the results of genetic testing are admitted to rebut other results of genetic testing, or except as provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-608">81-5-608</xref>, the tribunal shall adjudicate a man properly excluded as the father of a child by genetic testing to not be the father of the child.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-618"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Adjudication of parentage -- Jury trial prohibited.</catchline><tab/>A jury trial is prohibited to adjudicate parentage of a child.</section><section number="81-5-619"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Adjudication of parentage -- Hearings -- Inspection of records.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-619(1)">On request of a party and for good cause shown, the tribunal may close a proceeding under this part.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-619(2)">A final order in a proceeding under this part is available for public inspection. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-619(3)">Other papers and records are available only with the consent of the parties or on order of the tribunal for good cause.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-620"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Adjudication of parentage -- Order on default.</catchline><tab/>The tribunal shall issue an order adjudicating the parentage of a man who:<subsection number="81-5-620(1)">after service of process, is in default; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-620(2)">is found by the tribunal to be the father of a child.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-621"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Adjudication of parentage -- Dismissal for want of prosecution.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-621(1)">The tribunal may issue an order dismissing a proceeding commenced under this chapter for want of prosecution only without prejudice. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-621(2)">An order of dismissal for want of prosecution purportedly with prejudice is void and has only the effect of a dismissal without prejudice.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-622"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Order adjudicating parentage.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-622(1)">The tribunal shall issue an order adjudicating whether a man alleged or claiming to be the father is the parent of the child.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-622(2)">An order adjudicating parentage must identify the child by name and date of birth.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-622(3)"><subsection number="81-5-622(3)(a)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-15-S622_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-622(4)" start="0">(4)</xref>, the tribunal may assess filing fees, reasonable attorney fees, fees for genetic testing, other costs, necessary travel, and other reasonable expenses incurred in a proceeding under this part. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-622(3)(b)">The tribunal may award attorney fees, which may be paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's own name.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-622(4)">The tribunal may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against the child support services agency of this state or another state, except as provided by law.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-622(5)">On request of a party and for good cause shown, the tribunal may order that the name of the child be changed.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-622(6)">If the order of the tribunal is at variance with the child's birth certificate, the tribunal shall order the Office of Vital Records and Statistics to issue an amended birth registration.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-623"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Binding effect of determination of parentage.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-623(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (2), a determination of parentage is binding on:<subsection number="81-5-623(1)(a)">all signatories to a declaration or denial of paternity as provided in Part 3, Voluntary Declaration of Paternity; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-623(1)(b)">all parties to an adjudication by a tribunal acting under circumstances that satisfy the jurisdictional requirements of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-201">81-8-201</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-623(2)">A child is not bound by a determination of parentage under this chapter unless:<subsection number="81-5-623(2)(a)">the determination was based on an unrescinded declaration of paternity and the declaration is consistent with the results of genetic testing;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-623(2)(b)">the adjudication of parentage was based on a finding consistent with the results of genetic testing and the consistency is declared in the determination or is otherwise shown; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-623(2)(c)">the child was a party or was represented in the proceeding determining parentage by a guardian ad litem.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-623(3)">In a proceeding to dissolve a marriage, the tribunal is considered to have made an adjudication of the parentage of a child if the question of parentage is raised and the tribunal adjudicates according to this part and the final order:<subsection number="81-5-623(3)(a)">expressly identifies a child as a "child of the marriage," "issue of the marriage," or similar words indicating that the husband is the father of the child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-5-623(3)(b)">provides for support of the child by the husband unless parentage is specifically disclaimed in the order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-623(4)">The tribunal is not considered to have made an adjudication of the parentage of a child if the child was born at the time of entry of the order and other children are named as children of the marriage, but that child is specifically not named.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-623(5)">Once the parentage of a child has been adjudicated, an individual who was not a party to the parentage proceeding may not challenge the parentage, unless:<subsection number="81-5-623(5)(a)">the party seeking to challenge can demonstrate a fraud upon the tribunal;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-623(5)(b)">the challenger can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the challenger did not know about the adjudicatory proceeding or did not have a reasonable opportunity to know of the proceeding; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-623(5)(c)">there would be harm to the child to leave the order in place.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-623(6)">A party to an adjudication of parentage may challenge the adjudication only under law of this state relating to appeal, vacation of judgments, or other judicial review.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-623(7)">A party to an adjudication may not bring a challenge under Subsection (6) if the party committed the fraud.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-5-7"><catchline>Assisted Reproduction</catchline><section number="81-5-701"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Scope.</catchline><tab/>This part does not apply to the birth of a child conceived by means of sexual intercourse or as result of a gestational agreement described in <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-15-P8_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-8" start="2">Part 8, Gestational Agreement</xref>.</section><section number="81-5-702"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Parental status of donor.</catchline><tab/>A donor is not a parent of a child conceived by means of assisted reproduction.</section><section number="81-5-703"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Husband's parentage of child of assisted reproduction.</catchline><tab/>If a husband provides sperm for, or consents to, assisted reproduction by his wife as provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-704">81-5-704</xref>, the husband is the father of a resulting child born to his wife.</section><section number="81-5-704"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Consent to assisted reproduction.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-704(1)"><subsection number="81-5-704(1)(a)">A consent to assisted reproduction by a married woman must be in a record signed by the woman and her husband. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-704(1)(b)">The requirement described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-15-704(1)(a)" depth="4">(1)(a)</xref> does not apply to the donation of eggs for assisted reproduction by another woman.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-704(2)">Failure of the husband to sign a consent required by Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-15-S704_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-704(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>, before or after the birth of the child, does not preclude a finding that the husband is the father of a child born to the married woman if the married woman and the married woman's husband openly treat the child as their own.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-705"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Limitation on husband's dispute of paternity.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-705(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-15-S705_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-705(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>, the husband of a wife who gives birth to a child by means of assisted reproduction may not challenge the husband's paternity of the child unless:<subsection number="81-5-705(1)(a)">within two years after learning of the birth of the child the husband commences a proceeding to adjudicate the husband's paternity; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-705(1)(b)">the tribunal finds that the husband did not consent to the assisted reproduction, before or after the birth of the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-705(2)">A proceeding to adjudicate paternity may be maintained at any time if the tribunal determines that:<subsection number="81-5-705(2)(a)">the husband did not provide sperm for, or before or after the birth of the child consent to, assisted reproduction by the husband's wife;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-705(2)(b)">the husband and the birth mother of the child have not cohabited since the probable time of assisted reproduction; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-705(2)(c)">the husband never openly treated the child as the husband's own.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-705(3)">The limitation provided in this section applies to a marriage declared invalid after assisted reproduction.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-706"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Effect of dissolution of marriage.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-706(1)">If a marriage is dissolved before placement of eggs, sperm, or an embryo, the former spouse is not a parent of the resulting child unless the former spouse consented in a record that if assisted reproduction were to occur after a divorce, the former spouse would be a parent of the child.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-706(2)">The consent of the former spouse to assisted reproduction may be revoked by that individual in a record at any time before placement of eggs, sperm, or embryos.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-707"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Parental status of deceased spouse.</catchline><tab/>If a spouse dies before placement of eggs, sperm, or an embryo, the deceased spouse is not a parent of the resulting child unless the deceased spouse consented in a record that if assisted reproduction were to occur after death, the deceased spouse would be a parent of the child.</section><section number="81-5-708"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Access to identifying information and medical history.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-708(1)">A person conceived through assisted reproduction who is at least 18 years old shall be provided, upon the person's request, access to the nonidentifying medical history of the donor who assisted in the reproduction process that resulted in the person's birth.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-708(2)">Under no circumstance may a person who donated to a fertility clinic for the purpose of assisted reproduction be liable for financial support to the child conceived through assisted reproduction or the child's parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-708(3)">Except as provided in this section, a donor's request to remain anonymous shall be given full deference.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-5-8"><catchline>Gestational Agreement</catchline><section number="81-5-801"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Gestational agreement authorized.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-801(1)">A prospective gestational mother, the prospective gestational mother's spouse if the prospective gestational mother is married, a donor or the donors, and the intended parents may enter into a written agreement providing that:<subsection number="81-5-801(1)(a)">the prospective gestational mother agrees to pregnancy by means of assisted reproduction;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-801(1)(b)">the prospective gestational mother, the prospective gestational mother's spouse if the prospective gestational mother is married, and the donors relinquish all rights and duties as the parents of a child conceived through assisted reproduction; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-801(1)(c)">the intended parents become the parents of the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-801(2)">The intended gestational mother may not currently be receiving Medicaid or any other state assistance.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-801(3)"><subsection number="81-5-801(3)(a)">The intended parents shall be married.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-801(3)(b)">Both intended parents must be parties to the gestational agreement.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-801(4)">A gestational agreement is enforceable only if validated as provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-803">81-5-803</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-801(5)">A gestational agreement does not apply:<subsection number="81-5-801(5)(a)">to the birth of a child conceived by means of sexual intercourse; or </subsection><subsection number="81-5-801(5)(b)"> if neither intended parent is a donor.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-801(6)">The parties to a gestational agreement shall be 21 years old or older.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-801(7)">The gestational mother's eggs may not be used in the assisted reproduction procedure.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-801(8)">If the gestational mother is married, the gestational mother's spouse's sperm or eggs may not be used in the assisted reproduction procedure.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-802"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Requirements of petition.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-802(1)">The intended parents and the prospective gestational mother may file a petition in the district tribunal to validate a gestational agreement.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-802(2)">A petition to validate a gestational agreement may not be maintained unless either the mother or intended parents have been residents of this state for at least 90 days.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-802(3)">The prospective gestational mother's spouse, if the prospective gestational mother is married, must join in the petition.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-802(4)">A copy of the gestational agreement must be attached to the petition.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-803"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Hearing to validate gestational agreement.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-803(1)">If the requirements of Subsection (2) are satisfied, a tribunal may issue an order validating the gestational agreement and declaring that the intended parents will be the parents of a child born during the term of the agreement.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-803(2)">The tribunal may issue an order under Subsection (1) only on finding that:<subsection number="81-5-803(2)(a)">the residence requirements of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-802">81-5-802</xref> have been satisfied and the parties have submitted to the jurisdiction of the tribunal under the jurisdictional standards of this part;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-803(2)(b)">unless waived by the tribunal, a home study of the intended parents has been conducted in accordance with Chapter 13, Part 4, Placement of a Minor Child or Vulnerable Adult for Adoption, and the intended parents meet the standards of fitness applicable to adoptive parents;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-803(2)(c)">all parties have participated in counseling with a licensed mental health professional as evidenced by a certificate:<subsection number="81-5-803(2)(c)(i)">signed by the licensed mental health professional that affirms that all parties have discussed options and consequences of the agreement; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-803(2)(c)(ii)">presented to the tribunal;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-803(2)(d)">all parties have voluntarily entered into the agreement and understand the agreement's terms;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-803(2)(e)">the prospective gestational mother has had at least one pregnancy and delivery and the prospective gestational mother's bearing another child will not pose an unreasonable health risk to the unborn child or to the physical or mental health of the prospective gestational mother;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-803(2)(f)">adequate provision has been made for all reasonable health-care expense associated with the gestational agreement until the birth of the child, including responsibility for all reasonable health-care expense if the agreement is terminated;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-803(2)(g)">the consideration, if any, paid to the prospective gestational mother is reasonable;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-803(2)(h)">all the parties to the agreement are 21 years old or older;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-803(2)(i)">the gestational mother's eggs are not being used in the assisted reproduction procedure; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-803(2)(j)">if the gestational mother is married, the gestational mother's spouse's sperm or eggs are not being used in the assisted reproduction procedure.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-803(3)">Whether to validate a gestational agreement is within the discretion of the tribunal, subject only to review for abuse of discretion.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-804"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Inspection of records.</catchline><tab/>The proceedings, records, and identities of the individuals to a gestational agreement under this part are subject to inspection under the confidentiality standards applicable to adoptions as provided under other laws of this state.</section><section number="81-5-805"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction.</catchline><tab/>Subject to the jurisdictional standards of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-201">81-11-201</xref>, the tribunal conducting a proceeding under this part has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction of all matters arising out of the gestational agreement until a child born to the gestational mother during the period governed by the agreement attains the age of 180 days.</section><section number="81-5-806"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Termination of gestational agreement.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-806(1)">After issuance of an order under this part, but before the prospective gestational mother becomes pregnant by means of assisted reproduction, the prospective gestational mother, the prospective gestational mother's spouse, or either of the intended parents may terminate the gestational agreement only by giving written notice of termination to all other parties.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-806(2)">The tribunal for good cause shown also may terminate the gestational agreement.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-806(3)"><subsection number="81-5-806(3)(a)">An individual who terminates an agreement shall file notice of the termination with the tribunal. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-806(3)(b)">On receipt of the notice, the tribunal shall vacate the order issued under this part. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-806(3)(c)">An individual who does not notify the tribunal of the termination of the agreement is subject to appropriate sanctions.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-806(4)">A prospective gestational mother, or the prospective gestational mother's spouse if married, is not liable to the intended parents for terminating an agreement in accordance with this section.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-807"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Parentage under validated gestational agreement.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-807(1)"><subsection number="81-5-807(1)(a)">Upon birth of a child to a gestational mother, the intended parents shall file notice with the tribunal that a child has been born to the gestational mother within 300 days after assisted reproduction. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-807(1)(b)">If the intended parents file a notice described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-15-807(1)(a)" depth="4">(1)(a)</xref>, the tribunal shall issue an order:<subsection number="81-5-807(1)(b)(i)">confirming that the intended parents are the parents of the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-5-807(1)(b)(ii)">if necessary, ordering that the child be surrendered to the intended parents; and</subsection><subsection number="81-5-807(1)(b)(iii)">directing the Office of Vital Records and Statistics to issue a birth certificate naming the intended parents as parents of the child.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-5-807(2)">If the parentage of a child born to the gestational mother is in dispute as not the result of an assisted reproduction, the tribunal shall order genetic testing to determine the parentage of the child.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-808"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Gestational agreement -- Miscellaneous provisions.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-808(1)">A gestational agreement may provide for payment of consideration.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-808(2)">A gestational agreement may not limit the right of the gestational mother to make decisions to safeguard the gestational mother's health or that of the embryo or fetus.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-808(3)">After the issuance of an order under this part, subsequent marriage of the gestational mother does not affect the validity of a gestational agreement, and the gestational mother's spouse's consent to the agreement is not required, nor is the gestational mother's spouse a presumed parent of the resulting child.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-809"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Effect of nonvalidated gestational agreement.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-809(1)">A gestational agreement, whether in a record or not, which is not validated by a tribunal is not enforceable.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-809(2)">If a birth results under a gestational agreement that is not judicially validated as provided in this part, the parent-child relationship is determined as provided in <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-15-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-2" start="2">Part 2, Parent and Child Relationship</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-5-809(3)"><subsection number="81-5-809(3)(a)">The individuals who are parties to a nonvalidated gestational agreement as intended parents may be held liable for support of the resulting child, even if the agreement is otherwise unenforceable. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-809(3)(b)">The liability under this Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-15-S809_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-15-809(3)" start="0">(3)</xref> includes assessing all expenses and fees as provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-622">81-5-622</xref>.</subsection></subsection></section></part><part number="81-5-9"><catchline>Applicability Provisions</catchline><section number="81-5-901"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Uniformity of application and construction of this chapter.</catchline><subsection number="81-5-901(1)">This chapter is a uniform law. </subsection><subsection number="81-5-901(2)">In applying and construing this chapter, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to the uniform law's subject matter among the states that enact this uniform law.</subsection></section><section number="81-5-902"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Transitional provision.</catchline><tab/>A proceeding to adjudicate parentage that was commenced before May 1, 2005, is governed by the law in effect at the time the proceeding was commenced.</section></part></chapter><chapter number="81-6"><catchline>Child Support</catchline><part number="81-6-1"><catchline>General Provisions</catchline><section number="81-6-101"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for chapter.</catchline><tab/>As used in this chapter:<subsection number="81-6-101(1)">"Administrative agency" means the Office of Recovery Services or the Department of Health and Human Services.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(2)">"Administrative order" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-9-201">26B-9-201</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(3)">"Alimony" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-4-101">81-4-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(4)">"Base child support award" means the award that may be ordered and is calculated using the child support guidelines before additions for medical expenses and work-related child care costs.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(5)">"Base combined child support obligation" means the presumed amount of child support that the parents should provide for their child as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-204(1)">81-6-204(1)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(6)">"Base combined child support obligation table" means the table described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-304">81-6-304</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(7)">"Child" means:<subsection number="81-6-101(7)(a)">a son or daughter who is under 18 years old and who is not otherwise emancipated, self-supporting, married, or a member of the armed forces of the United States;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(7)(b)">a son or daughter who is 18 years old or older 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</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(7)(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.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(8)"><subsection number="81-6-101(8)(a)">"Child support" means a base child support award, or a monthly financial award for uninsured medical expenses, ordered by a tribunal for the support of a child.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(8)(b)">"Child support" includes current periodic payments, arrearages that accrue under an order for current periodic payments, and sum certain judgments awarded for arrearages, medical expenses, and child care costs.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(9)">"Child support guidelines" means the calculation and application of child support as described in Part <xref depth="2" refnumber="81-6-2">2, Calculation and Adjustment of Child Support</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(10)">"Child support order" means a judgment, decree, or order issued by a tribunal whether temporary, final, or subject to modification, that:<subsection number="81-6-101(10)(a)">establishes or modifies child support;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(10)(b)">reduces child support arrearages to judgment; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(10)(c)">establishes child support or registers a child support order under Chapter 8, Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(11)">"Child support tables" means the tables described in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-304">81-6-304</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-305">81-6-305</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(12)">"Child support services" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-9-101">26B-9-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(13)">"Gross income" means the amount of income calculated for a parent as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-203">81-6-203</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(14)">"Health care coverage" means coverage under which medical services are provided to a child through:<subsection number="81-6-101(14)(a)">fee for service;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(14)(b)">a health maintenance organization;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(14)(c)">a preferred provider organization;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(14)(d)">any other type of private health insurance; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(14)(e)">public health care coverage.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(15)"><subsection number="81-6-101(15)(a)">"Incarceration" means the placement of an obligor who has been ordered to pay child support into a carceral setting in which the obligor is not permitted to earn wages from employment outside of the carceral setting.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(15)(b)">"Incarceration" does not include being placed on probation, parole, or work release.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(16)"><subsection number="81-6-101(16)(a)">"Income" means earnings, compensation, or other payment due to an individual, regardless of source, whether denominated as wages, salary, commission, bonus, pay, allowances, contract payment, or otherwise, including severance pay, sick pay, and incentive pay.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(16)(b)">"Income" includes:<subsection number="81-6-101(16)(b)(i)">all gain derived from capital assets, labor, or both, including profit gained through sale or conversion of capital assets;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(16)(b)(ii)">interest and dividends;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(16)(b)(iii)">periodic payments made under pension or retirement programs or insurance policies of any type;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(16)(b)(iv)">unemployment compensation benefits;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(16)(b)(v)">workers' compensation benefits; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(16)(b)(vi)">disability benefits.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(17)">"Joint physical custody" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-101">81-9-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(18)">"Low income table" means the table described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-305">81-6-305</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(19)">"Medical expenses" means health and dental expenses and related insurance costs.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(20)">"Minimal child care award" means a minimum amount that an obligor has to pay each month for the monthly expense of child care.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(21)">"Minor child" means a child who is younger than 18 years old.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(22)">"Obligee" means an individual, this state, another state, or another comparable jurisdiction to whom child support is owed or who is entitled to reimbursement of child support or public assistance.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(23)">"Obligor" means a person owing a duty of support.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(24)">"Office" means the Office of Recovery Services within the Department of Health and Human Services.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(25)">"Ongoing expense for child care" means a periodic payment that an administrative agency or court orders an obligor parent to pay to assist with the child care expenses of the obligor parent's child.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(26)">"Pregnancy expenses" means an amount equal to:<subsection number="81-6-101(26)(a)">the sum of a pregnant mother's:<subsection number="81-6-101(26)(a)(i)">health insurance premiums while pregnant that are not paid by an employer or government program; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(26)(a)(ii)">medical costs related to the pregnancy, incurred after the date of conception and before the pregnancy ends; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(26)(b)">minus any portion of the amount described in Subsection (26)(a) that a court determines is equitable based on the totality of the circumstances, not including any amount paid by the mother or father of the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(27)">"Split custody" means that each parent has physical custody of at least one of the children.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(28)">"State" means 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.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(29)">"Support" means past-due, present, and future obligations to provide for the financial support, maintenance, or medical expenses of a child.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(30)">"Support order" means:<subsection number="81-6-101(30)(a)">a child support order; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(30)(b)">a judgment, decree, or order by a tribunal, whether temporary, final, or subject to modification, for alimony.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(31)">"Suspension" means adjusting a child support order to zero dollars during the period of an obligor's incarceration.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(32)">"Temporary" means a period of time that is projected to be less than 12 months in duration.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(33)">"Third party" means an agency or a person other than a parent or a child who provides care, maintenance, and support to a child.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(34)">"Tribunal" means the district court, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Recovery Services, or court or administrative agency of 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.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(35)">"Work-related child care expenses" means reasonable child care costs for up to a full-time work week or training schedule as necessitated by the employment or training of a parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-101(36)">"Worksheet" means a form used to aid in calculating the base child support award.</subsection></section><section number="81-6-102"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Application of chapter.</catchline><tab/>This chapter applies to any judicial or administrative order establishing or modifying an award of child support entered on or after July 1, 1989.</section><section number="81-6-103"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Jurisdiction over a child support proceeding -- Appeals.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-103(1)">A court has jurisdiction over a proceeding brought under this chapter in accordance with Title 78A, Judiciary and Judicial Administration.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-103(2)">An appeal may be taken from an order or judgment under this part as in other civil actions.</subsection></section><section number="81-6-104"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Duty of parents to provide support for a child -- Support follows the child.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-104(1)"><subsection number="81-6-104(1)(a)">Every child is presumed to be in need of the support of the child's parents.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-104(1)(b)">Every parent shall support their child.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-104(1)(c)">Nothing in this chapter relieves a parent of the primary obligation of support for the parent's child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-104(2)">Except as limited in a court order under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-208">81-6-208</xref>:<subsection number="81-6-104(2)(a)">the expenses incurred on behalf of a minor child for reasonable and necessary medical and dental expenses and other necessities are chargeable upon the property of both parents, regardless of the marital status of the parents; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-104(2)(b)">a creditor may sue a parent for the expenses described in Subsection (2)(a) incurred on behalf of a minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-104(3)"><subsection number="81-6-104(3)(a)">A parent whose minor child has become a ward of this or any other state is not relieved of the primary obligation to support that child until the minor child is 18 years old or is legally married, regardless of any agreements or legal defenses that exist between the parents or other care providers.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-104(3)(b)">Any state that provides support for a child shall have the right to reimbursement.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-104(3)(c)">A third party has a right to recover support from a parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-104(4)">An obligation ordered for child support and medical expenses:<subsection number="81-6-104(4)(a)">are for the use and benefit of the child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-104(4)(b)">shall follow the child in a case in which a parent, or another person, is awarded sole physical custody of the child as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-205(8)">81-6-205(8)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-104(5)">The rights created in this chapter are in addition to and not in substitution to any other rights.</subsection></section><section number="81-6-105"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Duty of biological father to share pregnancy expenses.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-105(1)">Except as otherwise provided in this section, a biological father of a child has a duty to pay 50% of the mother's pregnancy expenses.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-105(2)"><subsection number="81-6-105(2)(a)">If paternity is disputed, a biological father owes no duty under this section until the biological father's paternity is established.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-105(2)(b)">Once paternity is established, the biological father is subject to Subsection (1).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-105(3)"><subsection number="81-6-105(3)(a)">Any portion of a mother's pregnancy expenses paid by the mother or the biological father reduces that parent's 50% share under Subsection (1), not the total amount of pregnancy expenses.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-105(3)(b)">Subsection (3)(a) applies regardless of when the mother or biological father pays the pregnancy expense.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-105(4)">If a mother receives an abortion, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-7-301">76-7-301</xref>, without the biological father's consent, the biological father owes no duty under this section, unless:<subsection number="81-6-105(4)(a)">the abortion is necessary to avert the death of the mother; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-105(4)(b)">the mother was pregnant as a result of:<subsection number="81-6-105(4)(b)(i)">rape, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-402">76-5-402</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-105(4)(b)(ii)">rape of a child, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-402.1">76-5-402.1</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-105(4)(b)(iii)">incest, as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="76-5-406(2)(j)">76-5-406(2)(j)</xref> or Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-7-102">76-7-102</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-105(5)">Subsection (1) does not apply if a court apportions pregnancy expenses in a divorce decree under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-4-406">81-4-406</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-105(6)"><subsection number="81-6-105(6)(a)">A person who seeks payment under this section for pregnancy expenses shall provide documentation of payments, medical expenses, and insurance premiums to the court.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-105(6)(b)">The court shall order the payment of the expenses after a review of the documentation described in Subsection (6)(a).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-105(7)">Nothing in this section requires a person to separately bill a biological father for pregnancy expenses.</subsection></section><section number="81-6-106"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Duty of obligor -- Enforcement of right of support.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-106(1)"><subsection number="81-6-106(1)(a)">An obligor who is present in, or a resident of, this state has the duty to provide support to the child regardless of the presence or residence of the obligee.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(1)(b)">The obligee may enforce the obligee's right of support against the obligor. </subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(2)"><subsection number="81-6-106(2)(a)">The office may proceed pursuant to this part or any other applicable statute on behalf of:<subsection number="81-6-106(2)(a)(i)">the Department of Health and Human Services;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(2)(a)(ii)">any other department or agency of this state that provides public assistance, as defined by Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-9-101">26B-9-101</xref>, to enforce the right to recover public assistance; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(2)(a)(iii)">the obligee, to enforce the obligee's right of support against the obligor.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(2)(b)">Whenever any court action is commenced by the office to enforce payment of the obligor's support obligation, the attorney general or the county attorney of the county of residence of the obligee shall represent the office.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(2)(c)">The attorney general or the county attorney does not represent or have an attorney-client relationship with the obligee or the obligor in carrying out the duties under this chapter.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(3)"><subsection number="81-6-106(3)(a)">A person may not commence an action, file a pleading, or submit a written stipulation to the court, without complying with Subsection (3)(b), if the purpose or effect of the action, pleading, or stipulation is to:<subsection number="81-6-106(3)(a)(i)">establish paternity;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(3)(a)(ii)">establish or modify a support obligation;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(3)(a)(iii)">change the court-ordered manner of payment of support;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(3)(a)(iv)">recover support due or owing; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(3)(a)(v)">appeal issues regarding child support laws.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(3)(b)"><subsection number="81-6-106(3)(b)(i)">When taking an action described in Subsection (3)(a), a person must file an affidavit with the court at the time the action is commenced, the pleading is filed, or the stipulation is submitted stating whether child support services have been or are being provided under Part IV of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C., Section 601 et seq., on behalf of a child who is a subject of the action, pleading, or stipulation.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(3)(b)(ii)">If child support services have been or are being provided, under Part IV of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C., Section 601 et seq., the person shall mail a copy of the affidavit and a copy of the pleading or stipulation to the child and family support division of the Office of the Attorney General.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(3)(b)(iii)"><subsection number="81-6-106(3)(b)(iii)(A)">If notice is not given in accordance with this Subsection (3), the office is not bound by any decision, judgment, agreement, or compromise rendered in the action. </subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(3)(b)(iii)(B)"> For purposes of appeals, service must be made on the Office of the Director for the Office of Recovery Services.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(3)(c)">If child support services have been or are being provided, that person shall join the office as a party to the action, or mail or deliver a written request to the child and family support division of the Office of the Attorney General, asking the office to join as a party to the action. </subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(3)(d)">A copy of the request described in Subsection (3)(c), along with proof of service, shall be filed with the court. </subsection><subsection number="81-6-106(3)(e)"> The office shall be represented as provided in Subsection (2)(b).</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-6-107"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Procedure for child support proceeding -- Documentation.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-107(1)">In any matter in which child support is ordered, the moving party shall submit:<subsection number="81-6-107(1)(a)">a completed worksheet;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-107(1)(b)">the financial verification required by Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-203">81-6-203</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-107(1)(c)">a written statement indicating whether or not the amount of child support requested is consistent with the child support guidelines; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-107(1)(d)">the information required under Subsection (3).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-107(2)"><subsection number="81-6-107(2)(a)">If the documentation of income required under Subsection (1) is not available, the moving party may submit a verified representation of the other party's income based on the best evidence available.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-107(2)(b)">The moving party shall provide the evidence described in Subsection (2)(a) in affidavit form.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-107(2)(c)">The moving party may only offer the evidence described in Subsection (2)(a) after a copy is provided to the other party in accordance with Utah Rules of Civil Procedure or Title 63G, Chapter 4, Administrative Procedures Act, in an administrative proceeding.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-107(3)"><subsection number="81-6-107(3)(a)">Upon the entry of an order in a proceeding to establish paternity or to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order, each party shall:<subsection number="81-6-107(3)(a)(i)">file identifying information; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-107(3)(a)(ii)">update that information as changes occur with the court that conducted the proceeding.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-107(3)(b)">The required identifying information shall include the person's social security number, driver's license number, residential and mailing addresses, telephone numbers, the name, address and telephone number of employers, and any other data required by the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-107(3)(c)">An attorney representing the office in child support services cases is not required to file the identifying information required by Subsection (3)(b).</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-6-108"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Waiver and estoppel.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-108(1)">Waiver and estoppel shall apply only to the obligee when there is no order already established by a tribunal if the obligee freely and voluntarily waives support specifically and in writing.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-108(2)">Waiver and estoppel may not be applied against any third party or public entity that may provide support for the child.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-108(3)">An obligor, or alleged biological father in a paternity action, may not rely on statements made by the obligee concerning child support unless the statements are reduced to writing and signed by both parties.</subsection></section><section number="81-6-109"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Spousal privilege -- Competency of spouses.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-109(1)">A law attaching a privilege against the disclosure of communications between spouses is are inapplicable under this chapter. </subsection><subsection number="81-6-109(2)"> Spouses are competent witnesses to testify to any relevant matter, including marriage and parentage.</subsection></section><section number="81-6-110"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>County attorney to assist obligee.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-110(1)">The county attorney's office shall provide assistance to an obligee desiring to proceed under this part in the following manner:<subsection number="81-6-110(1)(a)">provide forms, approved by the Judicial Council, for an order of wage assignment if the obligee is not represented by legal counsel;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-110(1)(b)">inform the obligee of the right to file indigently if the obligee is unable to bear the expenses of the action and assist the obligee with such filing;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-110(1)(c)">advise the obligee of the available methods for service of process; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-110(1)(d)">assist the obligee in expeditiously scheduling a hearing before the court.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-110(2)">The county attorney's office may charge a fee not to exceed $25 for providing assistance to an obligee under Subsection (1).</subsection></section></part><part number="81-6-2"><catchline>Calculation and Adjustment of Child Support</catchline><section number="81-6-201"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>Reserved.</section><section number="81-6-202"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Determination of amount of child support -- Application of child support guidelines -- Requirements for child support order.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-202(1)"><subsection number="81-6-202(1)(a)">If a prior child support order does not exist, a substantial change in circumstances has occurred, or a petition to modify a child support order as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-212">81-6-212</xref> is filed, the court determining the amount of prospective child support shall require each party to file a proposed award of child support using the child support guidelines before the court enters or modifies a child support order.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(1)(b)">When no prior child support order exists, the court or administrative agency shall determine and assess all arrearages based upon the child support guidelines.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(2)"><subsection number="81-6-202(2)(a)">The court or administrative agency shall apply the child support guidelines as a rebuttable presumption in establishing or modifying the amount of temporary or permanent child support.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(2)(b)">The rebuttable presumption means the provisions and considerations required by the child support guidelines, the award amounts resulting from the application of the child support guidelines, and the use of worksheets consistent with the child support guidelines are presumed to be correct, unless the child support guidelines are rebutted in accordance with this section.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(3)"><subsection number="81-6-202(3)(a)">A written finding or specific finding on the record supporting the conclusion that complying with a provision of the child support guidelines or ordering an award amount resulting from use of the child support guidelines would be unjust, inappropriate, or not in the best interest of a child in a particular case is sufficient to rebut the presumption in that case. </subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(3)(b)"> If an order rebuts the presumption through findings, the order is considered a deviated order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(4)">The following are considered deviations from the child support guidelines, if:<subsection number="81-6-202(4)(a)">the order includes a written finding that the order is a deviation from the child support guidelines;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(4)(b)">the worksheet has:<subsection number="81-6-202(4)(b)(i)">the box checked for a deviation; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(4)(b)(ii)">an explanation as to the reason; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(4)(c)">the deviation is made because there were more children than provided for in the child support tables.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(5)">If the amount in the order and the amount on the worksheet differ by $10 or more:<subsection number="81-6-202(5)(a)">the order is considered deviated; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(5)(b)">the incomes listed on the worksheet may not be used in adjusting support for emancipation as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-213">81-6-213</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(6)">If the court finds sufficient evidence to rebut the guidelines as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-202(3)">(3)</xref>, the court shall establish child support after considering all relevant factors, including:<subsection number="81-6-202(6)(a)">the standard of living and situation of the parties;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(6)(b)">the relative wealth and income of the parties;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(6)(c)">the ability of the obligor to earn;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(6)(d)">the ability of the obligee to earn;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(6)(e)">the ability of an incapacitated adult child to earn, or other benefits received by the adult child or on the adult child's behalf including Supplemental Security Income;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(6)(f)">the needs of the obligee, the obligor, and the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(6)(g)">the ages of the parties; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(6)(h)">the responsibilities of the obligor and the obligee for the support of others.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(7)"><subsection number="81-6-202(7)(a)">If there are children of either parent who live in the home of that parent and are not children in common to both parties, the court or administrative agency, at the option of either party, may take into account the children under the child support guidelines in setting a base child support award as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-202(8)">(8)</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(7)(b)">Additional worksheets shall be prepared that calculate the base child support award of the respective parents for the additional children. </subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(7)(c)">The court or administrative agency shall subtract the base child support award calculated under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-202(7)(b)">(7)(b)</xref> from the appropriate parent's income before determining the award in the case described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-202(7)(a)">(7)(a)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(8)">In a proceeding to adjust or modify a child support order, the court or administrative agency may consider children, who are born after the entry of the child support order and are not in common to both parties, to mitigate an increase in the award, but the court or administrative agency may not consider the children:<subsection number="81-6-202(8)(a)">for the benefit of the obligee if the credit would increase the support obligation of the obligor from the most recent child support order; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(8)(b)">for the benefit of the obligor if the amount of support received by the obligee would be decreased from the most recent child support order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(9)">A stipulated amount for child support or combined child support and alimony is adequate under the child support guidelines if the stipulated child support amount or combined amount equals or exceeds the base child support award required by the child support guidelines.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(10)">The court shall include the following provisions in a child support order:<subsection number="81-6-202(10)(a)">a provision establishing the monthly amount of child support obligation for each parent in accordance with the child support guidelines;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(10)(b)">a provision assigning responsibility for the payment of reasonable and necessary medical expenses for the child as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-208">81-6-208</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(10)(c)">a provision requiring the purchase and maintenance of appropriate health care insurance for the medical expenses of the child as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-208">81-6-208</xref> if health care insurance is or becomes available at a reasonable cost;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(10)(d)">a provision regarding the child care expenses as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-209">81-6-209</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(10)(e)">a provision regarding each parent's right to claim a child as a tax exemption for federal and state income tax purposes in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-210">81-6-210</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(10)(f)">provisions for income withholding as a means of collecting child support, in accordance with Title 26B, Chapter 9, Part 3, Income Withholding in IV-D Cases, and Title 26B, Chapter 9, Part 4, Income Withholding in Non IV-D Cases; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(10)(g)">a provision regarding a parent's opportunity to adjust a child support order as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-212">81-6-212</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-202(11)">The office shall include the provisions described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-9-224">26B-9-224</xref> in a child support order.</subsection></section><section number="81-6-203"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Determination of gross income for child support -- Imputing income to a parent.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-203(1)"><subsection number="81-6-203(1)(a)">Each parent shall provide verification of current income to the court or administrative agency.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(1)(b)">Each parent shall provide year-to-date pay stubs or employer statements and complete copies of tax returns from at least the most recent year, unless the court finds the verification is not reasonably available.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(1)(c)">Verification of income from records maintained by the Department of Workforce Services may be substituted for pay stubs, employer statements, and income tax returns.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(2)"><subsection number="81-6-203(2)(a)">To calculate gross income of a parent, the court or administrative agency may include:<subsection number="81-6-203(2)(a)(i)">prospective income of the parent, including income from earned and nonearned sources, such as salaries, wages, commissions, royalties, bonuses, rents, gifts from anyone, prizes, dividends, severance pay, pensions, interest, trust income, alimony from previous marriages, annuities, capital gains, Social Security benefits, worker compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, income replacement disability insurance benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance, and payments from nonmeans-tested government programs; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(2)(a)(ii)">income imputed to the parent as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-203(6)">(6)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(2)(b)">Income from earned income sources is limited to the equivalent of one full-time 40-hour job. </subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(2)(c)">If and only if during the time before the original support order, the parent normally and consistently worked more than 40 hours at the parent's job, the court may consider this extra time as a pattern in calculating the parent's ability to provide child support.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(3)"><subsection number="81-6-203(3)(a)">The court or administrative agency shall use historical and current earnings to determine whether an underemployment or overemployment situation exists.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(3)(b)">When establishing or modifying a child support order for an obligor who is a parent and incarcerated, the office shall follow the requirements of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-211.5">81-6-211.5</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(4)"><subsection number="81-6-203(4)(a)">To calculate income from self-employment or operation of a business, the court or administrative agency:<subsection number="81-6-203(4)(a)(i)">shall calculate gross income from self-employment or operation of a business by subtracting necessary expenses required for self-employment or business operation from gross receipts;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(4)(a)(ii)">shall review income and expenses from self-employment or operation of a business to determine an appropriate level of gross income available to the parent to satisfy a child support award; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(4)(a)(iii)">may only deduct those expenses necessary to allow the business to operate at a reasonable level from gross receipts.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(4)(b)">Gross income determined under this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-203(4)">(4)</xref> may differ from the amount of business income determined for tax purposes.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(5)">When possible, the court or administrative agency shall determine the average monthly gross income for each parent by:<subsection number="81-6-203(5)(a)">calculating the gross income of each parent on an annual basis; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(5)(b)">dividing the annual gross income for each parent by 12.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)"><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(a)">The court or administrative agency may not impute income to a parent unless the parent stipulates to the amount imputed, the parent defaults, or, in contested cases, a hearing is held and the court or administrative agency enters findings of fact as to the evidentiary basis for the imputation.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(b)">If income is imputed to a parent, the court or administrative agency shall base income upon employment potential and probable earnings considering, to the extent known:<subsection number="81-6-203(6)(b)(i)">employment opportunities;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(b)(ii)">work history;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(b)(iii)">occupation qualifications;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(b)(iv)">educational attainment;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(b)(v)">literacy;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(b)(vi)">age;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(b)(vii)">health;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(b)(viii)">criminal record;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(b)(ix)">other employment barriers and background factors; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(b)(x)">prevailing earnings and job availability for persons of similar backgrounds in the community.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(c)">If a parent has no recent work history or a parent's occupation is unknown, the court or administrative agency may impute an income to that parent at the federal minimum wage for a 40-hour work week. </subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(d)">To impute a greater or lesser income, the court or administrative agency shall enter specific findings of fact as to the evidentiary basis for the imputation.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(e)">The court or administrative agency may not impute income to a parent if any of the following conditions exist and the condition is not of a temporary nature:<subsection number="81-6-203(6)(e)(i)">the reasonable costs of child care for the parents' minor child approach or equal the amount of income the custodial parent can earn;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(e)(ii)">a parent is physically or mentally unable to earn minimum wage;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(e)(iii)">a parent is engaged in career or occupational training to establish basic job skills; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(6)(e)(iv)">unusual emotional or physical needs of a child require the custodial parent's presence in the home.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(7)">Notwithstanding Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-203(2)">(2)</xref>, the court or administrative agency may not include the following sources of income when calculating the gross income of a parent:<subsection number="81-6-203(7)(a)">cash assistance provided under Title 35A, Chapter 3, Part 3, Family Employment Program;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(7)(b)">benefits received under a housing subsidy program, the Job Training Partnership Act, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, SNAP benefits, or General Assistance;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(7)(c)">other similar means-tested welfare benefits received by a parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(7)(d)">the earned income of a child who is the subject of a child support award; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(7)(e)">except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-203(8)">(8)</xref>, the benefits to a child in the child's own right, such as Supplemental Security Income.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(8)"><subsection number="81-6-203(8)(a)">The court or administrative agency shall credit, as child support, the amount of social security benefits received by a child due to the earnings of the parent on whose earning record the social security benefits are based by crediting the amount against the potential obligation of that parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-203(8)(b)">The court or administrative agency may consider other unearned income of a child as income of a parent depending upon the circumstances of each case.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-6-204"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>General provisions for calculating child support -- Determination of base combined child support obligation.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-204(1)">To calculate child support, the court or administrative agency shall determine the base combined child support obligation for the parents by:<subsection number="81-6-204(1)(a)">except as provided in Subsection (3), adjusting the average monthly gross income for each parent by subtracting any alimony previously ordered and paid and any child support previously ordered for that parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(1)(b)">adjusting the average monthly gross income for each parent by subtracting any credits deemed appropriate under Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-202(7)">81-6-202(7)</xref> and (8);</subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(1)(c)">combining the adjusted average monthly gross incomes for both parents; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(1)(d)">locating the base combined child support obligation in the base combined child support obligation table by finding:<subsection number="81-6-204(1)(d)(i)">the combined adjusted average monthly gross incomes of the parents in the table; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(1)(d)(ii)">the total number of children in common to the parents.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(2)">The court or administrative agency may only use the income of the parents of the child to determine the base child support award.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(3)">The court or administrative agency may not subtract any alimony ordered in the pending proceeding from the gross incomes of the parents as described in Subsection (1)(a).</subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(4)">If there is no amount listed for the base combined child support obligation in the base combined child support obligation table, the base combined support obligation for the parents is $0.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(5)">Upon determining the base combined child support obligation, the court or administrative agency shall make additional calculations as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-205">81-6-205</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-206">81-6-206</xref>, or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-207">81-6-207</xref> to determine the base child support award.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(6)"><subsection number="81-6-204(6)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection (6)(b), the court may consider any amount that an incapacitated adult child can contribute to the child's support and use the amount to justify a reduction in the amount of support ordered.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(6)(b)">If the case described in Subsection (6)(a) involves more than one child, the reduction may not be greater than the effect of reducing the total number of children by one.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(7)"><subsection number="81-6-204(7)(a)">The base combined child support obligation table provides combined child support obligations for up to six children.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(7)(b)">If a case involves more than six children, the court may add additional amounts to the base child support obligation shown in the base combined child support obligation table.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(7)(c)">Unless rebutted by Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-202(3)">81-6-202(3)</xref>, the court or administrative agency may not order an amount less than the amount that would be ordered for up to six children.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(8)"><subsection number="81-6-204(8)(a)">If the combined adjusted gross income exceeds the highest level specified in the base combined child support obligation table, the court shall order an appropriate and just amount of child support on a case-by-case basis, except that the court may not order an amount that is less than the highest level specified in the table for the number of children due child support.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(8)(b)">There is no maximum limit on the base child support award that a court may order using the child support tables.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(9)">The amount shown in a child support table is the child support amount for the total number of children not an amount per child.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-204(10)">For all worksheets, income and child support award figures are rounded to the nearest dollar.</subsection></section><section number="81-6-205"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Sole physical custody -- Obligation calculations -- Change in physical custody.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-205(1)">This section applies to a case in which a parent, or another person, is awarded sole physical custody of the children.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(2)">Except as provided in Subsections (3) and (4), the court or administrative agency shall determine the base child support award for each parent by:<subsection number="81-6-205(2)(a)">dividing each parent's monthly adjusted gross income by the combined monthly adjusted gross income to determine each parent's percentage; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(2)(b)">multiplying each parent's percentage by the base combined child support obligation that is calculated as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-204(1)">81-6-204(1)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(3)"><subsection number="81-6-205(3)(a)">If the base combined child support obligation is $0, the court or administrative agency shall establish the base child support award for each parent by:<subsection number="81-6-205(3)(a)(i)">determining the individual monthly adjusted gross income for the parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(3)(a)(ii)">locating the amount of the base child support award in the low income table by finding:<subsection number="81-6-205(3)(a)(ii)(A)">the monthly adjusted gross income for the parent in the low income table; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(3)(a)(ii)(B)">the number of children in common with the parents.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(3)(b)">The corresponding amount in the low income table is the base child support award for that parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(4)"><subsection number="81-6-205(4)(a)">If a parent's individual monthly adjusted gross income is less than the highest amount of monthly adjusted gross income shown in the low income table, the court or administrative agency shall determine that the base child support award is the lesser of:<subsection number="81-6-205(4)(a)(i)">the amount calculated using the base combined child support obligation table as described in Subsection (2); and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(4)(a)(ii)">the amount calculated using the low income table as described in Subsection (3).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(4)(b)">If the monthly adjusted gross income of a parent is found in an area of the low income table in which no amount is shown, the court or administrative agency shall determine the base child support award by using the amount listed in the base combined child support obligation table and calculated as described in Subsection (2).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(5)">A base child support award in a sole physical custody case may not be less than $30.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(6)">The amounts calculated under this section are rebuttable as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-202">81-6-202</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(7)">A parent without sole physical custody of the children is an obligor and is required to pay the amount of child support calculated under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(8)"><subsection number="81-6-205(8)(a)">When physical custody of a child changes after the original child support order, the parent without physical custody of the child is required to pay the amount of child support calculated under this section, without the need to modify the order, to:<subsection number="81-6-205(8)(a)(i)">the parent who has physical custody of the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(8)(a)(ii)">a relative to whom physical custody of the child has been voluntarily given; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(8)(a)(iii)">the state when the child is residing outside of the home in the protective custody, temporary custody, or care of the state or a state-licensed facility for at least 30 days.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-205(8)(b)">When physical custody of a child changes from the physical custody that is assumed in the original child support order calculated under this section, the modification of the child support order is not necessary even if only one parent is specifically ordered to pay in the child support order.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-6-206"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Joint physical custody -- Obligation calculations.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-206(1)">This section applies to a case in which the parents are awarded joint physical custody of the children.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-206(2)">If the base combined child support obligation that is calculated as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-204(1)">81-6-204(1)</xref> is $0, the base child support award for each parent is $0.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-206(3)">If the base combined child support obligation that is calculated as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-204(1)">81-6-204(1)</xref> is greater than $0, the court or administrative agency shall determine each parent's share of the base combined child support obligation by:<subsection number="81-6-206(3)(a)">dividing each parent's monthly adjusted gross income by the combined monthly adjusted gross income to determine each parent's percentage; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-206(3)(b)">multiplying each parent's percentage by the base combined child support obligation.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-206(4)">The court or administrative agency shall determine the base child support award for the parent with the lesser number of overnights by:<subsection number="81-6-206(4)(a)">multiplying the number of overnights over 110 and under 131 for that parent by .0027;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-206(4)(b)">multiplying the number calculated under Subsection (4)(a) by the base combined child support obligation;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-206(4)(c)">multiplying the number of overnights over 130 for that parent by .0084;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-206(4)(d)">multiplying the number calculated under Subsection (4)(c) by the base combined child support obligation; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-206(4)(e)">subtracting the numbers calculated in Subsections (4)(b) and (4)(d) from that parent's share of the base combined child support obligation calculated under Subsection (3).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-206(5)">If the base child support award calculated under Subsection (4) is greater than $0, the parent with the lesser number of overnights is the obligor and is required to pay child support.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-206(6)">If the base child support award calculated under Subsection (4) is less than $0:<subsection number="81-6-206(6)(a)">the parent with the lesser number of overnights is the obligee; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-206(6)(b)">the parent with the greater number of overnights is the obligor and is required to pay child support.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-206(7)">If the parents have an equal parent-time schedule under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-305">81-9-305</xref>, the amount of time to be spent with the parent who has the lower monthly adjusted gross income is considered 183 overnights, regardless of whether the parent receives 182 overnights or 183 overnights under the equal parent-time schedule.</subsection></section><section number="81-6-207"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Split physical custody -- Obligation calculations.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-207(1)">This section applies to a case in which the parents are awarded split physical custody of the children.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-207(2)">If the base combined child support obligation that is calculated as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-204(1)">81-6-204(1)</xref> is $0, the base child support award for each parent is $0.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-207(3)">If the base combined child support obligation that is calculated as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-204(1)">81-6-204(1)</xref> is greater than $0, the court shall determine the base child support award by:<subsection number="81-6-207(3)(a)">dividing the number of children with each parent by the combined number of children to calculate each parent's percentage of children;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-207(3)(b)">dividing each parent's monthly adjusted gross income by the combined monthly adjusted gross income to calculate each parent's percentage of the combined monthly adjusted gross income;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-207(3)(c)">multiplying each parent's percentage of the combined monthly adjusted gross income by the base combined child support obligation to calculate each parent's share of the base combined child support obligation;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-207(3)(d)">multiplying each parent's share of the base combined child support obligation by the other parent's percentage of children to determine the individual child support obligations for each parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-207(3)(e)">subtracting the lesser individual child support obligation from the higher individual child support obligation to reach the base child support award.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-207(4)">The parent with the higher individual child support obligation is the parent required to pay the base child support award calculated under Subsection (3).</subsection></section><section number="81-6-208"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Requirements for a child support order regarding medical expenses -- Determination of parental liability for medical expenses.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-208(1)">As used in this section, "health insurance" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="31A-1-301">31A-1-301</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(2)">Except as provided in Subsection (4), a child support order issued or modified in this state on or after May 3, 2023, shall require compliance with the requirements described in Subsection (3) as of the effective date of the child support order.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(3)">A child support order shall:<subsection number="81-6-208(3)(a)">require the parents provide health care coverage for the medical expenses of a child;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(3)(b)">require the parents provide health insurance for the medical expenses of a child if health insurance is available to the parents at a reasonable cost;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(3)(c)">designate which health insurance plan is primary and which health insurance plan is secondary if, at any time, a child is covered by both parents' health insurance plans as described in Subsection (7);</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(3)(d)">require each parent to share equally the out-of-pocket costs of the premium actually paid by a parent for the child's portion of health insurance; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(3)(e)">include a provision that requires each parent to equally share all reasonable and necessary uninsured and unreimbursed medical and dental expenses incurred for a child, including co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(4)">The court may deviate from the requirements described in Subsection (3) if:<subsection number="81-6-208(4)(a)">the court makes specific findings establishing good cause for the deviation; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(4)(b)">subject to the court's approval, the parents agree which parent shall provide health insurance for the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(5)">In determining whether to take the action described in Subsection (4), the court may consider:<subsection number="81-6-208(5)(a)">the reasonableness of the cost;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(5)(b)">the availability of a group insurance policy;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(5)(c)">the coverage of the policy; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(5)(d)">the preference of the custodial parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(6)">Subject to Subsection (4), if a child support order does not contain the requirements described in Subsection (3):<subsection number="81-6-208(6)(a)">the parents are nonetheless subject to the requirements described in Subsection (3), as applicable; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(6)(b)">for purposes of Subsection (3)(c), the health insurance plan of the parent whose birthday falls first in the calendar year is primary, and the health insurance plan of the parent whose birthday falls second in the calendar year is secondary.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(7)"><subsection number="81-6-208(7)(a)">The provisions of an order under Subsection (3)(c) shall:<subsection number="81-6-208(7)(a)(i)">take effect if at any time a child is covered by both parents' health insurance plans; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(7)(a)(ii)">include the following language: "If, at any point in time, a child is covered by the health insurance plans of both parents, the health insurance plan of (Parent's Name) shall be primary coverage for the child and the health insurance plan of (Other Parent's Name) shall be secondary coverage for the child. If a parent remarries and the child is not covered by that parent's health insurance plan but is covered by a step-parent's plan, the health insurance plan of the step-parent shall be treated as if it is the plan of the remarried parent and shall retain the same designation as the primary or secondary plan of the child."</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(7)(b)">A court or administrative agency may not modify the language required by Subsection (7)(a)(ii).</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(7)(c)">Notwithstanding Subsection (7)(b), the court may allocate the payment of medical expenses including co-payments, deductibles, and co-insurance not covered by health insurance between the parents.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(7)(d)">In designating primary coverage pursuant to Subsection (3)(c), the court may take into account:<subsection number="81-6-208(7)(d)(i)">the birth dates of the parents;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(7)(d)(ii)">a requirement in a court order, if any, for one of the parents to maintain health insurance coverage for a child;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(7)(d)(iii)">the parent with physical custody of the child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(7)(d)(iv)">any other factor the court considers relevant.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(8)"><subsection number="81-6-208(8)(a)">The parent who provides health insurance may receive credit against the base child support award or recover the other parent's share of the child's portion of the premium.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(8)(b)">If the parent does not have health insurance but another member of the parent's household provides health insurance for the child, the parent may receive credit against the base child support award or recover the other parent's share of the child's portion of the premium.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(9)"><subsection number="81-6-208(9)(a)">The child's portion of the premium is a per capita share of the premium actually paid.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(9)(b)">The premium expense for a child shall be calculated by dividing the premium amount by the number of persons covered under the policy and multiplying the result by the number of children in the instant case.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(10)"><subsection number="81-6-208(10)(a)">The parent maintaining health care coverage or insurance shall provide verification of coverage to the other parent, or to the office under Title IV of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 601 et seq., upon initial enrollment of the child, and after initial enrollment on or before January 2 of each calendar year.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(10)(b)">The parent shall notify the other parent, or the office under Title IV of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 601 et seq., of any change of insurance carrier, premium, or benefits within 30 calendar days of the date the parent first knew or should have known of the change.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(10)(c)">A parent who incurs medical expenses shall provide written verification of the cost and payment of medical expenses to the other parent within 30 days of payment.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(10)(d)">The court may deny a parent incurring medical expenses the right to receive credit for the expenses or to recover the other parent's share of the expenses if that parent fails to comply with this Subsection (10).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(11)"><subsection number="81-6-208(11)(a)">The court or administrative agency may issue an order determining the amount of a parent's liability for medical expenses of a child when the parent:<subsection number="81-6-208(11)(a)(i)">is required by a prior court or administrative order to:<subsection number="81-6-208(11)(a)(i)(A)">share those expenses with the other parent of the child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(11)(a)(i)(B)">obtain insurance for medical expenses but fails to do so; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(11)(a)(ii)">receives direct payment from an insurer under insurance coverage obtained after the prior court or administrative order was issued.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(11)(b)">If the prior court or administrative order does not specify what proportions of the expenses are to be shared:<subsection number="81-6-208(11)(b)(i)">the court may determine the amount of liability as may be reasonable and necessary; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(11)(b)(ii)">the administrative agency may determine the amount of liability in accordance with established rules.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-208(11)(c)">This Subsection (11) applies to an order without regard to when the order was issued.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-6-209"><histories><history>Repealed and Re-enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Requirements for a child support order regarding child care expenses -- Actual expenses.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-209(1)"><subsection number="81-6-209(1)(a)">Except as otherwise provided in this section, the court or administrative agency shall require in a child support order that:<subsection number="81-6-209(1)(a)(i)">each parent share equally the reasonable work-related child care expenses of the parents; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(1)(a)(ii)">the obligor pay a minimal child care award to the obligee if the court or administrative agency is entering or modifying the child support order on or after January 1, 2027.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(1)(b)">The court or administrative agency may not order a minimal child care award under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-209(1)(a)(ii)">(1)(a)(ii)</xref> if the obligor's child support obligation is calculated using the low income table.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(2)"><subsection number="81-6-209(2)(a)">The court or administrative agency shall presume under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-209(1)">(1)</xref> that work-related child care expenses should be included in a child support order if a parent, during extended parent-time, is working and actually incurring expenses for child care.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(2)(b)">The presumption under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-209(2)(a)">(2)(a)</xref> is rebutted if:<subsection number="81-6-209(2)(b)(i)">the obligor's base child support award, in combination with the award of medical expenses, exceeds 50% of the obligor's adjusted gross income; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(2)(b)(ii)">by adding the child care expenses, the obligor's child support obligation would exceed 50% of the obligor's adjusted gross income.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(3)"><subsection number="81-6-209(3)(a)">The court or administrative agency may award child care expenses on a case-by-case basis if the child care expenses are related to the employment and occupational training of the custodial parent or the child care expenses would be in the interest of justice.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(3)(b)">The court or administrative agency may assign financial responsibility in a child support order for all or a portion of child care expenses incurred on behalf of a child due to the employment or occupational training of the custodial parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(4)"><subsection number="81-6-209(4)(a)">The court or administrative agency may impute a monthly obligation for child care expenses when the court imputes income to a parent who is providing child care for the child so that the parties are not incurring child care expenses for the child.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(4)(b)">The court shall apply any monthly obligation imputed under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-209(4)(a)">(4)(a)</xref> towards any actual child care expenses incurred within the same month for the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(5)"><subsection number="81-6-209(5)(a)">The court shall require each party to file a proposed minimal child care award before the court makes a determination under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-209(1)(a)(ii)">(1)(a)(ii)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(5)(b)">To calculate a minimal child care award under Subsection (1)(a)(ii), the court or administrative agency shall:<subsection number="81-6-209(5)(b)(i)">use the combined adjusted average monthly gross income of the parents as calculated for the base child support award under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-204">81-6-204</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(5)(b)(ii)">locate the minimal child care award for each child in the minimal child care award table in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-306">81-6-306</xref> by finding:<subsection number="81-6-209(5)(b)(ii)(A)">the combined adjusted average monthly gross income in the table;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(5)(b)(ii)(B)">the age of the child in the table; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(5)(b)(ii)(C)">combining the amounts in the table for each child to determine the minimal child care award.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(5)(c)">The court or administrative agency shall presume that the amount calculated under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-209(5)(b)">(5)(b)</xref> for the minimal child care award is the amount that the obligor should pay under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-209(1)(a)(ii)">(1)(a)(ii)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(5)(d)">The presumption described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-209(5)(c)">(5)(c)</xref> is rebuttable upon:<subsection number="81-6-209(5)(d)(i)">an agreement of the parties that is acceptable to the court or administrative agency;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(5)(d)(ii)">the court or administrative agency determining that the evidence presented favors a different minimal child care award; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(5)(d)(iii)">a showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that a different minimal child care award is in the best interest of the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(5)(e)">Notwithstanding Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-209(5)(b)">(5)(b)</xref> or <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-209(c)">(c)</xref>, the court or administrative agency may set the minimal child care award under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-209(1)(a)(ii)">(1)(a)(ii)</xref> at zero dollars upon a showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that child care expenses will not be incurred.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(5)(f)">If a child is in the custody of the state and placed in a facility that is managed by the state, the obligor does not owe the child's portion of the minimal child care award for any month that the child is in the facility.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(5)(g)">If a minimal child care award is calculated using the minimal child care award table in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-306">81-6-306</xref>, the minimal child care award in a child support order shall be automatically adjusted to the appropriate amount in the minimal child care award table as the child ages without the need of the court or administrative agency to modify the order.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(5)(h)">The minimal child care award for a child shall terminate at the earlier of:<subsection number="81-6-209(5)(h)(i)">the child turning 13 years old; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(5)(h)(ii)">the child becoming emancipated as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-213">81-6-213</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(6)">In the absence of a court order to the contrary, a parent who incurs a child care expense shall provide written verification of the expense and identity of a child care provider to the other parent upon initial engagement of a provider and thereafter on the request of the other parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(7)"><subsection number="81-6-209(7)(a)">In the absence of a court order to the contrary, the parent shall notify the other parent of any change of a child care provider, any change in the monthly expense of child care, or the termination of child care within 30 calendar days after the day on which the change occurred.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(7)(b)">The notification requirement described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-6-209(7)(a)">(7)(a)</xref> does not apply if there is a protective order or stalking injunction in effect that prohibits a parent from contacting the other parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-209(8)">The court may deny a parent incurring work-related child care expenses the right to receive credit for the expenses or to recover the other parent's share of the expenses if the parent incurring the expenses fails to comply with this section.</subsection></section><section number="81-6-210"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Award of tax exemption for a child.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-210(1)">There is no presumption as to which parent should be awarded the right to claim a child as an exemption for federal and state income tax purposes. </subsection><subsection number="81-6-210(2)">Unless the parties otherwise stipulate in writing, the court shall award in any final order the exemption on a case-by-case basis.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-210(3)">In awarding the exemption, the court shall consider:<subsection number="81-6-210(3)(a)">as the primary factor, the relative contribution of each parent to the cost of raising the child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-210(3)(b)">among other factors, the relative tax benefit to each parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-210(4)"><subsection number="81-6-210(4)(a)">Notwithstanding Subsection (3), the court may not award any exemption to a parent if the parent is not current in the parent's child support obligation.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-210(4)(b)">If a parent is not current in the parent's child support obligation under Subsection (4)(a), the court may award an exemption to the other parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-210(5)">An exemption may not be awarded to a parent unless the award will result in a tax benefit to that parent.</subsection></section><section number="81-6-211"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Reduction for extended parent-time.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-211(1)">The base child support award is:<subsection number="81-6-211(1)(a)">reduced by 50% for each child for time periods during which the child is with the noncustodial parent by order of the court or by written agreement of the parties for at least 25 of any 30 consecutive days of extended parent-time; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-211(1)(b)">reduced by 25% for each child for time periods during which the child is with the noncustodial parent by order of the court or by written agreement of the parties for at least 12 of any 30 consecutive days of extended parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-211(2)">If the child is a client of cash assistance provided under Title 35A, Chapter 3, Part 3, Family Employment Program, the administrative agency shall approve any agreement by the parties for reduction of child support during extended parent-time.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-211(3)">For purposes of this section, normal parent-time and holiday visits to the custodial parent are not considered extended parent-time.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-211(4)">For cases receiving child support services in accordance with Title 26B, Chapter 9, Recovery Services and Administration of Child Support, the noncustodial parent shall provide written documentation to the office of the extended parent-time schedule to receive the adjustment under Subsection (1), including the beginning and ending dates, in the form of a court order or a voluntary written agreement between the parties.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-211(5)">If the noncustodial parent complies with Subsection (4), owes no past-due support, and pays the full, unadjusted amount of current child support due for the month of scheduled extended parent-time and the following month, the office shall refund the difference from the child support due to the custodial parent or the state, between the full amount of current child support received during the month of extended parent-time and the adjusted amount of current child support due:<subsection number="81-6-211(5)(a)">from current child support received in the month following the month of scheduled extended parent-time; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-211(5)(b)">from current child support received in the month following the month written documentation of the scheduled extended parent-time is provided to the office, whichever occurs later.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-211(6)">If the noncustodial parent complies with Subsection (4), owes past-due support, and pays the full, unadjusted amount of current child support due for the month of scheduled extended parent-time, the office shall apply the difference, from the child support due to the custodial parent or the state, between the full amount of current child support received during the month of extended parent-time and the adjusted amount of current child support due, to the past-due support obligation in the case.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-211(7)">For cases not receiving child support services in accordance with Title 26B, Chapter 9, Recovery Services and Administration of Child Support, the court or the parents shall resolve, without involvement by the office, any potential adjustment of the child support payment during the month of extended visitation or any refund that is due to the noncustodial parent from the custodial parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-211(8)">For purposes of this section, the per child amount to which the abatement applies is calculated by dividing the base child support award by the number of children included in the award.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-211(9)">The reduction in this section does not apply to parents with joint physical custody obligations calculated in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-206">81-6-206</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-6-211.5"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">86</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Child support orders for an incarcerated obligor -- Suspension -- Exceptions.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-211.5(1)">The office may not treat incarceration of 90 or more consecutive days as voluntary unemployment in establishing or modifying a child support order.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-211.5(2)"><subsection number="81-6-211.5(2)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref refnumber="81-6-211.5(2)(c)" depth="4">(2)(c)</xref>, for any period of 90 or more consecutive days of the obligor's incarceration, suspension of a money judgment or support order issued in this state for an obligor ordered to pay child support shall occur by operation of law.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-211.5(2)(b)">For a suspension under Subsection <xref refnumber="81-6-211.5(2)(a)" depth="4">(2)(a)</xref>, the office shall:<subsection number="81-6-211.5(2)(b)(i)"> retroactively date the period of suspension to the date on which the office notified the required parties of the suspension, with the eligible period beginning on the first day of the first full month of the date that the office provided the parties with the notification;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-211.5(2)(b)(ii)">issue a balance credit for any funds collected during the period of suspension, unless the funds have already been distributed, in which case, the funds may not be credited or otherwise recovered; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-211.5(2)(b)(iii)">resume the obligation described in Subsection (2)(a) on the first day of the first full month that occurs once 90 days have passed after the day on which the obligor is released from incarceration.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-211.5(2)(c)">The office may not suspend an obligation under Subsection <xref refnumber="81-6-211.5(2)(a)" depth="4">(2)(a)</xref> if the obligor is incarcerated for:<subsection number="81-6-211.5(2)(c)(i)">criminal non-payment of a child support order; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-211.5(2)(c)(ii)">an offense against the inmate's child or custodial parent of the inmate's child.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-211.5(3)">The suspension described in Subsection (2)(a) is only applicable for an obligor whose term of incarceration begins on or after January 1, 2027.</subsection></section><section number="81-6-212"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Modification of child support order -- Adjustment of child support.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-212(1)">The amount of prospective child support is equal to the amount granted by a prior child support order unless:<subsection number="81-6-212(1)(a)">there is a substantial change of circumstances on the part of the obligor or obligee as described in this section; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(1)(b)">an adjustment is made as described in this section or Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-213">81-6-213</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(2)">If the prior child support order contains a stipulated provision for the automatic adjustment for prospective child support, the prospective child support is the amount as stated in the order, without a showing of a substantial change of circumstances, if the stipulated provision:<subsection number="81-6-212(2)(a)">is clear and unambiguous;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(2)(b)">is self-executing;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(2)(c)">provides for child support that equals or exceeds the base child support award required by the child support guidelines; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(2)(d)">does not allow a decrease in child support as a result of the obligor's voluntary reduction of income.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(3)"><subsection number="81-6-212(3)(a)">A parent, legal guardian, or the office may, at any time, petition the court to adjust the amount of a child support order if there has been a substantial change in circumstances.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(3)(b)">A change in the child support tables is not a substantial change in circumstances for the purposes of Subsection (3)(a).</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(3)(c)">For purposes of this Subsection (3)(a), a substantial change in circumstances may include:<subsection number="81-6-212(3)(c)(i)">material changes in custody;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(3)(c)(ii)">material changes in the relative wealth or assets of the parties;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(3)(c)(iii)">material changes of 30% or more in the income of a parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(3)(c)(iv)">material changes in the employment potential and ability of a parent to earn;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(3)(c)(v)">material changes in the medical needs of the child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(3)(c)(vi)">material changes in the legal responsibilities of either parent for the support of others.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(4)">Upon receiving a petition under Subsection (3)(a), the court shall, taking into account the best interests of the child:<subsection number="81-6-212(4)(a)">determine whether a substantial change has occurred;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(4)(b)">if a substantial change has occurred, determine whether the change results in a difference of 15% or more between the obligor's ordered support amount and the obligor's support amount that would be required under the child support guidelines; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(4)(c)">adjust the obligor's ordered support amount to that which is provided for in the child support guidelines if:<subsection number="81-6-212(4)(c)(i)">there is a difference of 15% or more; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(4)(c)(ii)">the difference is not of a temporary nature.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(5)"><subsection number="81-6-212(5)(a)">If a child support order has not been issued or modified within the previous three years, a parent, legal guardian, or the office may move the court to adjust the amount of a child support order.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(5)(b)">Upon receiving a motion under Subsection (5)(a), the court shall, taking into account the best interests of the child:<subsection number="81-6-212(5)(b)(i)">determine whether there is a difference between the obligor's ordered support amount and the obligor's support amount that would be required under the child support guidelines; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(5)(b)(ii)">if there is a difference as described in Subsection (5)(b)(i), adjust the obligor's ordered support amount to the obligor's support amount provided in the child support guidelines if:<subsection number="81-6-212(5)(b)(ii)(A)">the difference is 10% or more;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(5)(b)(ii)(B)">the difference is not of a temporary nature; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(5)(b)(ii)(C)">the order adjusting the obligor's ordered support amount does not deviate from the child support guidelines.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-212(5)(c)">A showing of a substantial change in circumstances is not necessary for an adjustment under this Subsection (5).</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-6-213"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Automatic adjustment of base child support award.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-213(1)">As used in this section, "emancipated" means:<subsection number="81-6-213(1)(a)">the child becomes 18 years old or graduates from high school during the child's normal and expected year of graduation, whichever occurs later;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-213(1)(b)">the child dies, marries, or becomes a member of the armed forces of the United States;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-213(1)(c)">the child is emancipated in accordance with Title 80, Chapter 7, Emancipation; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-213(1)(d)">the obligor's parental rights are terminated by a court in accordance with Title 80, Chapter 4, Termination and Restoration of Parental Rights.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-213(2)">Except as otherwise provided in the child support order, the base child support award is automatically adjusted to the base child support award for the remaining number of children due child support, without the need to modify the most recent child support order by a court, when a child is emancipated.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-213(3)">The base child support award is adjusted as described in Subsection (2) by using: <subsection number="81-6-213(3)(a)">the child support table that was used to establish the most recent child support order; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-213(3)(b)">the income of the parties as specified in the most recent child support order or the worksheets.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-6-213(4)">The base child support award may not be reduced by a per child amount derived from the base child support award originally ordered.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-213(5)">If the incomes of the parties are not specified in the most recent child support order or the worksheets, the information regarding the incomes is not consistent, or the order deviates from the child support guidelines, the base child support award is not automatically adjusted under Subsection (2) and the child support order will continue until modified by the issuing tribunal.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-213(6)">If the child support order is deviated and the parties subsequently obtain a court order that adjusts the amount of child support back to the date of the emancipation of the child, the office may not be required to repay any difference in the child support collected during the interim.</subsection></section><section number="81-6-214"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Accountability of support provided to benefit child -- Accounting.</catchline><subsection number="81-6-214(1)">The court or administrative agency that issues the initial or modified order for child support may, upon the petition of the obligor, order prospectively the obligee to furnish an accounting of amounts provided for the child's benefit to the obligor, including an accounting or receipts.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-214(2)">The court or administrative agency may prescribe the frequency and the form of the accounting, including receipts.</subsection><subsection number="81-6-214(3)">The obligor may petition for the accounting only if current on all child support that has been ordered.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-6-3"><catchline>Child Support Tables</catchline><section number="81-6-301"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>Reserved.</section><section number="81-6-304"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Base combined child support obligation table -- Both parents -- Child support orders entered on or after January 1, 2023.</catchline><tab/>The following table is used to:<subsection number="81-6-304(1)">establish a child support order entered for the first time on or after January 1, 2023;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-304(2)">modify a child support order entered for the first time on or after January 1, 2023;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-304(3)">modify a temporary judicial child support order established on or before December 31, 2022, if the new order is entered on or after January 1, 2023; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-304(4)">modify a final child support order entered on or before December 31, 2022, if the modification is made on or after January 1, 2025.<tbl colwidths="0,12,13,12,12,12,13,13,13" border="line"><row><cell/><cell colspan="2" align="center">Combined Monthly Adjusted Gross Income</cell><cell colspan="6" align="center">Number of Children</cell></row><row><cell/><cell colspan="2" align="right"/><cell align="center">1</cell><cell align="center">2</cell><cell align="center">3</cell><cell align="center">4</cell><cell align="center">5</cell><cell align="center">6</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="center">From</cell><cell align="center">To</cell><cell/><cell/><cell/><cell/><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">1,951 -</cell><cell>2,000</cell><cell align="right">366</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">2,001 -</cell><cell>2,100</cell><cell align="right">385</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">2,101 -</cell><cell>2,200</cell><cell align="right">399</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">2,201 -</cell><cell>2,300</cell><cell align="right">410</cell><cell align="right"> 628</cell><cell align="right">728</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">2,301 -</cell><cell>2,400</cell><cell align="right">420</cell><cell align="right"> 652</cell><cell align="right">756</cell><cell align="right"> 843</cell><cell align="right">927</cell><cell align="right"/></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">2,401 -</cell><cell>2,500</cell><cell align="right">431</cell><cell align="right"> 676</cell><cell align="right">784</cell><cell align="right"> 874</cell><cell align="right">961</cell><cell align="right">1,046</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">2,501 -</cell><cell>2,600</cell><cell align="right">443</cell><cell align="right"> 700</cell><cell align="right">811</cell><cell align="right"> 904</cell><cell align="right">995</cell><cell align="right">1,082</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">2,601 -</cell><cell>2,700</cell><cell align="right">453</cell><cell align="right"> 723</cell><cell align="right">838</cell><cell align="right"> 934</cell><cell align="right">1,028</cell><cell align="right">1,118</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">2,701 -</cell><cell>2,800</cell><cell align="right">464</cell><cell align="right"> 747</cell><cell align="right">865</cell><cell align="right"> 964</cell><cell align="right">1,060</cell><cell align="right">1,154</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">2,801 -</cell><cell>2,900</cell><cell align="right">475</cell><cell align="right"> 770</cell><cell align="right">891</cell><cell align="right"> 994</cell><cell align="right">1,093</cell><cell align="right">1,189</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">2,901 -</cell><cell>3,000</cell><cell align="right">485</cell><cell align="right"> 794</cell><cell align="right">918</cell><cell align="right">1,024</cell><cell align="right">1,126</cell><cell align="right">1,225</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">3,001 -</cell><cell>3,100</cell><cell align="right">496</cell><cell align="right"> 817</cell><cell align="right">945</cell><cell align="right">1,054</cell><cell align="right">1,159</cell><cell align="right">1,261</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">3,101 -</cell><cell>3,200</cell><cell align="right">508</cell><cell align="right"> 838</cell><cell align="right">970</cell><cell align="right">1,081</cell><cell align="right">1,189</cell><cell align="right">1,294</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">3,201 -</cell><cell>3,300</cell><cell align="right">518</cell><cell align="right"> 859</cell><cell align="right">994</cell><cell align="right">1,108</cell><cell align="right">1,219</cell><cell align="right">1,326</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">3,301 -</cell><cell>3,400</cell><cell align="right">529</cell><cell align="right"> 881</cell><cell align="right"> 1,018</cell><cell align="right">1,135</cell><cell align="right">1,248</cell><cell align="right">1,358</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">3,401 -</cell><cell>3,500</cell><cell align="right">539</cell><cell align="right"> 902</cell><cell align="right"> 1,042</cell><cell align="right">1,162</cell><cell align="right">1,278</cell><cell align="right">1,391</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">3,501 -</cell><cell>3,600</cell><cell align="right">548</cell><cell align="right"> 923</cell><cell align="right"> 1,066</cell><cell align="right">1,189</cell><cell align="right">1,308</cell><cell align="right">1,423</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">3,601 -</cell><cell>3,700</cell><cell align="right">555</cell><cell align="right"> 944</cell><cell align="right"> 1,090</cell><cell align="right">1,216</cell><cell align="right">1,337</cell><cell align="right">1,455</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">3,701 -</cell><cell>3,800</cell><cell align="right">564</cell><cell align="right"> 965</cell><cell align="right"> 1,115</cell><cell align="right">1,243</cell><cell align="right">1,367</cell><cell align="right">1,487</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">3,801 -</cell><cell>3,900</cell><cell align="right">573</cell><cell align="right"> 985</cell><cell align="right"> 1,138</cell><cell align="right">1,269</cell><cell align="right">1,396</cell><cell align="right">1,519</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">3,901 -</cell><cell>4,000</cell><cell align="right">581</cell><cell align="right">1,004</cell><cell align="right"> 1,160</cell><cell align="right">1,294</cell><cell align="right">1,423</cell><cell align="right">1,548</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">4,001 -</cell><cell>4,100</cell><cell align="right">590</cell><cell align="right">1,024</cell><cell align="right"> 1,182</cell><cell align="right">1,318</cell><cell align="right">1,450</cell><cell align="right">1,577</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">4,101 -</cell><cell>4,200</cell><cell align="right">599</cell><cell align="right">1,043</cell><cell align="right"> 1,204</cell><cell align="right">1,342</cell><cell align="right">1,477</cell><cell align="right">1,607</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">4,201 -</cell><cell>4,300</cell><cell align="right">608</cell><cell align="right">1,062</cell><cell align="right"> 1,226</cell><cell align="right">1,367</cell><cell align="right">1,503</cell><cell align="right">1,636</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">4,301 -</cell><cell>4,400</cell><cell align="right">616</cell><cell align="right">1,081</cell><cell align="right"> 1,248</cell><cell align="right">1,391</cell><cell align="right">1,530</cell><cell align="right">1,665</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">4,401 -</cell><cell>4,500</cell><cell align="right">624</cell><cell align="right">1,101</cell><cell align="right"> 1,270</cell><cell align="right">1,416</cell><cell align="right">1,557</cell><cell align="right">1,694</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">4,501 -</cell><cell>4,600</cell><cell align="right">633</cell><cell align="right">1,119</cell><cell align="right"> 1,291</cell><cell align="right">1,439</cell><cell align="right">1,583</cell><cell align="right">1,722</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">4,601 -</cell><cell>4,700</cell><cell align="right">641</cell><cell align="right">1,133</cell><cell align="right"> 1,306</cell><cell align="right">1,456</cell><cell align="right">1,601</cell><cell align="right">1,742</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">4,701 -</cell><cell>4,800</cell><cell align="right">650</cell><cell align="right">1,147</cell><cell align="right"> 1,321</cell><cell align="right">1,473</cell><cell align="right">1,620</cell><cell align="right">1,762</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">4,801 -</cell><cell>4,900</cell><cell align="right">659</cell><cell align="right">1,161</cell><cell align="right"> 1,336</cell><cell align="right">1,489</cell><cell align="right">1,638</cell><cell align="right">1,783</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">4,901 -</cell><cell>5,000</cell><cell align="right">668</cell><cell align="right">1,175</cell><cell align="right"> 1,351</cell><cell align="right">1,506</cell><cell align="right">1,657</cell><cell align="right">1,803</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">5,001 -</cell><cell>5,100</cell><cell align="right">676</cell><cell align="right">1,189</cell><cell align="right"> 1,366</cell><cell align="right">1,523</cell><cell align="right">1,675</cell><cell align="right">1,823</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">5,101 -</cell><cell>5,200</cell><cell align="right">684</cell><cell align="right">1,203</cell><cell align="right"> 1,381</cell><cell align="right">1,540</cell><cell align="right">1,694</cell><cell align="right">1,843</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">5,201 -</cell><cell>5,300</cell><cell align="right">693</cell><cell align="right">1,217</cell><cell align="right"> 1,396</cell><cell align="right">1,557</cell><cell align="right">1,712</cell><cell align="right">1,863</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">5,301 -</cell><cell>5,400</cell><cell align="right">701</cell><cell align="right">1,227</cell><cell align="right"> 1,408</cell><cell align="right">1,570</cell><cell align="right">1,726</cell><cell align="right">1,878</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">5,401 -</cell><cell>5,500</cell><cell align="right">710</cell><cell align="right">1,238</cell><cell align="right"> 1,419</cell><cell align="right">1,582</cell><cell align="right">1,741</cell><cell align="right">1,894</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">5,501 -</cell><cell>5,600</cell><cell align="right">719</cell><cell align="right">1,248</cell><cell align="right"> 1,431</cell><cell align="right">1,595</cell><cell align="right">1,755</cell><cell align="right">1,909</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">5,601 -</cell><cell>5,700</cell><cell align="right">728</cell><cell align="right">1,259</cell><cell align="right"> 1,442</cell><cell align="right">1,608</cell><cell align="right">1,769</cell><cell align="right">1,925</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">5,701 -</cell><cell>5,800</cell><cell align="right">733</cell><cell align="right">1,269</cell><cell align="right"> 1,454</cell><cell align="right">1,621</cell><cell align="right">1,783</cell><cell align="right">1,940</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">5,801 -</cell><cell>5,900</cell><cell align="right">739</cell><cell align="right">1,280</cell><cell align="right"> 1,465</cell><cell align="right">1,634</cell><cell align="right">1,797</cell><cell align="right">1,956</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">5,901 -</cell><cell>6,000</cell><cell align="right">745</cell><cell align="right">1,290</cell><cell align="right"> 1,477</cell><cell align="right">1,647</cell><cell align="right">1,812</cell><cell align="right">1,971</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">6,001 -</cell><cell>6,100</cell><cell align="right">751</cell><cell align="right">1,302</cell><cell align="right"> 1,490</cell><cell align="right">1,661</cell><cell align="right">1,827</cell><cell align="right">1,988</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">6,101 -</cell><cell>6,200</cell><cell align="right">756</cell><cell align="right">1,313</cell><cell align="right"> 1,503</cell><cell align="right">1,676</cell><cell align="right">1,843</cell><cell align="right">2,005</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">6,201 -</cell><cell>6,300</cell><cell align="right">763</cell><cell align="right">1,325</cell><cell align="right"> 1,516</cell><cell align="right">1,690</cell><cell align="right">1,859</cell><cell align="right">2,023</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">6,301 -</cell><cell>6,400</cell><cell align="right">769</cell><cell align="right">1,336</cell><cell align="right"> 1,528</cell><cell align="right">1,704</cell><cell align="right">1,874</cell><cell align="right">2,039</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">6,401 -</cell><cell>6,500</cell><cell align="right">775</cell><cell align="right">1,347</cell><cell align="right"> 1,540</cell><cell align="right">1,717</cell><cell align="right">1,889</cell><cell align="right">2,055</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">6,501 -</cell><cell>6,600</cell><cell align="right">780</cell><cell align="right">1,358</cell><cell align="right"> 1,553</cell><cell align="right">1,731</cell><cell align="right">1,904</cell><cell align="right">2,072</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">6,601 -</cell><cell>6,700</cell><cell align="right">786</cell><cell align="right">1,369</cell><cell align="right"> 1,565</cell><cell align="right">1,745</cell><cell align="right">1,919</cell><cell align="right">2,088</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">6,701 -</cell><cell>6,800</cell><cell align="right">786</cell><cell align="right">1,380</cell><cell align="right"> 1,577</cell><cell align="right">1,759</cell><cell align="right">1,934</cell><cell align="right">2,105</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">6,801 -</cell><cell>6,900</cell><cell align="right">841</cell><cell align="right">1,391</cell><cell align="right"> 1,590</cell><cell align="right">1,772</cell><cell align="right">1,950</cell><cell align="right">2,121</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">6,901 -</cell><cell>7,000</cell><cell align="right">850</cell><cell align="right">1,402</cell><cell align="right"> 1,602</cell><cell align="right">1,786</cell><cell align="right">1,965</cell><cell align="right">2,138</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">7,001 -</cell><cell>7,100</cell><cell align="right">859</cell><cell align="right">1,413</cell><cell align="right"> 1,614</cell><cell align="right">1,800</cell><cell align="right">1,980</cell><cell align="right">2,154</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">7,101 -</cell><cell>7,200</cell><cell align="right">868</cell><cell align="right">1,417</cell><cell align="right"> 1,618</cell><cell align="right">1,804</cell><cell align="right">1,985</cell><cell align="right">2,159</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">7,201 -</cell><cell>7,300</cell><cell align="right">876</cell><cell align="right">1,420</cell><cell align="right"> 1,621</cell><cell align="right">1,807</cell><cell align="right">1,988</cell><cell align="right">2,163</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">7,301 -</cell><cell>7,400</cell><cell align="right">883</cell><cell align="right">1,423</cell><cell align="right"> 1,624</cell><cell align="right">1,811</cell><cell align="right">1,992</cell><cell align="right">2,167</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">7,401 -</cell><cell>7,500</cell><cell align="right">888</cell><cell align="right">1,426</cell><cell align="right"> 1,627</cell><cell align="right">1,814</cell><cell align="right">1,996</cell><cell align="right">2,171</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">7,501 -</cell><cell>7,600</cell><cell align="right">894</cell><cell align="right">1,429</cell><cell align="right"> 1,630</cell><cell align="right">1,818</cell><cell align="right">1,999</cell><cell align="right">2,175</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">7,601 -</cell><cell>7,700</cell><cell align="right">899</cell><cell align="right">1,432</cell><cell align="right"> 1,633</cell><cell align="right">1,821</cell><cell align="right">2,003</cell><cell align="right">2,179</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">7,701 -</cell><cell>7,800</cell><cell align="right">904</cell><cell align="right">1,436</cell><cell align="right"> 1,636</cell><cell align="right">1,824</cell><cell align="right">2,007</cell><cell align="right">2,184</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">7,801 -</cell><cell>7,900</cell><cell align="right">910</cell><cell align="right">1,439</cell><cell align="right"> 1,639</cell><cell align="right">1,828</cell><cell align="right">2,011</cell><cell align="right">2,188</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">7,901 -</cell><cell>8,000</cell><cell align="right">915</cell><cell align="right">1,442</cell><cell align="right"> 1,642</cell><cell align="right">1,831</cell><cell align="right">2,014</cell><cell align="right">2,192</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">8,001 -</cell><cell>8,100</cell><cell align="right">921</cell><cell align="right">1,445</cell><cell align="right"> 1,646</cell><cell align="right">1,835</cell><cell align="right">2,018</cell><cell align="right">2,196</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">8,101 -</cell><cell>8,200</cell><cell align="right">926</cell><cell align="right">1,448</cell><cell align="right"> 1,649</cell><cell align="right">1,838</cell><cell align="right">2,022</cell><cell align="right">2,200</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">8,201 -</cell><cell>8,300</cell><cell align="right">933</cell><cell align="right">1,451</cell><cell align="right"> 1,652</cell><cell align="right">1,842</cell><cell align="right">2,026</cell><cell align="right">2,204</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">8,301 -</cell><cell>8,400</cell><cell align="right">938</cell><cell align="right">1,454</cell><cell align="right"> 1,655</cell><cell align="right">1,845</cell><cell align="right">2,029</cell><cell align="right">2,208</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">8,401 -</cell><cell>8,500</cell><cell align="right">944</cell><cell align="right">1,460</cell><cell align="right"> 1,661</cell><cell align="right">1,852</cell><cell align="right">2,037</cell><cell align="right">2,216</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">8,501 -</cell><cell>8,600</cell><cell align="right">949</cell><cell align="right">1,475</cell><cell align="right"> 1,678</cell><cell align="right">1,871</cell><cell align="right">2,058</cell><cell align="right">2,240</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">8,601 -</cell><cell>8,700</cell><cell align="right">954</cell><cell align="right">1,491</cell><cell align="right"> 1,696</cell><cell align="right">1,891</cell><cell align="right">2,080</cell><cell align="right">2,263</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">8,701 -</cell><cell>8,800</cell><cell align="right">960</cell><cell align="right">1,506</cell><cell align="right"> 1,714</cell><cell align="right">1,911</cell><cell align="right">2,102</cell><cell align="right">2,287</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">8,801 -</cell><cell>8,900</cell><cell align="right">965</cell><cell align="right">1,522</cell><cell align="right"> 1,732</cell><cell align="right">1,931</cell><cell align="right">2,124</cell><cell align="right">2,311</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">8,901 -</cell><cell>9,000</cell><cell align="right">971</cell><cell align="right">1,537</cell><cell align="right"> 1,749</cell><cell align="right">1,951</cell><cell align="right">2,146</cell><cell align="right">2,334</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">9,001 -</cell><cell>9,100</cell><cell align="right">976</cell><cell align="right">1,553</cell><cell align="right"> 1,767</cell><cell align="right">1,970</cell><cell align="right">2,167</cell><cell align="right">2,358</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">9,101 -</cell><cell>9,200</cell><cell align="right">983</cell><cell align="right">1,568</cell><cell align="right"> 1,785</cell><cell align="right">1,990</cell><cell align="right">2,189</cell><cell align="right">2,382</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">9,201 -</cell><cell>9,300</cell><cell align="right">988</cell><cell align="right">1,584</cell><cell align="right"> 1,803</cell><cell align="right">2,010</cell><cell align="right">2,211</cell><cell align="right">2,405</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">9,301 -</cell><cell>9,400</cell><cell align="right">994</cell><cell align="right">1,599</cell><cell align="right"> 1,820</cell><cell align="right">2,030</cell><cell align="right">2,233</cell><cell align="right">2,429</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">9,401 -</cell><cell>9,500</cell><cell align="right">999</cell><cell align="right">1,614</cell><cell align="right"> 1,838</cell><cell align="right">2,049</cell><cell align="right">2,254</cell><cell align="right">2,453</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">9,501 -</cell><cell>9,600</cell><cell align="right">1,004</cell><cell align="right">1,630</cell><cell align="right"> 1,856</cell><cell align="right">2,069</cell><cell align="right">2,276</cell><cell align="right">2,477</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">9,601 -</cell><cell>9,700</cell><cell align="right">1,010</cell><cell align="right">1,645</cell><cell align="right"> 1,874</cell><cell align="right">2,089</cell><cell align="right">2,298</cell><cell align="right">2,500</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">9,701 -</cell><cell>9,800</cell><cell align="right">1,015</cell><cell align="right">1,661</cell><cell align="right"> 1,891</cell><cell align="right">2,109</cell><cell align="right">2,320</cell><cell align="right">2,524</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">9,801 -</cell><cell>9,900</cell><cell align="right">1,021</cell><cell align="right">1,673</cell><cell align="right"> 1,905</cell><cell align="right">2,124</cell><cell align="right">2,336</cell><cell align="right">2,542</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">9,901 -</cell><cell> 10,000</cell><cell align="right">1,026</cell><cell align="right">1,683</cell><cell align="right"> 1,917</cell><cell align="right">2,137</cell><cell align="right">2,351</cell><cell align="right">2,557</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">10,001 -</cell><cell> 10,100</cell><cell align="right">1,033</cell><cell align="right">1,694</cell><cell align="right"> 1,928</cell><cell align="right">2,150</cell><cell align="right">2,365</cell><cell align="right">2,573</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">10,101 -</cell><cell> 10,200</cell><cell align="right">1,039</cell><cell align="right">1,704</cell><cell align="right"> 1,940</cell><cell align="right">2,163</cell><cell align="right">2,379</cell><cell align="right">2,589</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">10,201 -</cell><cell> 10,300</cell><cell align="right">1,045</cell><cell align="right">1,715</cell><cell align="right"> 1,951</cell><cell align="right">2,176</cell><cell align="right">2,394</cell><cell align="right">2,604</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">10,301 -</cell><cell> 10,400</cell><cell align="right">1,051</cell><cell align="right">1,725</cell><cell align="right"> 1,963</cell><cell align="right">2,189</cell><cell align="right">2,408</cell><cell align="right">2,620</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">10,401 -</cell><cell> 10,500</cell><cell align="right">1,058</cell><cell align="right">1,736</cell><cell align="right"> 1,975</cell><cell align="right">2,202</cell><cell align="right">2,422</cell><cell align="right">2,635</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">10,501 -</cell><cell> 10,600</cell><cell align="right">1,064</cell><cell align="right">1,746</cell><cell align="right"> 1,986</cell><cell align="right">2,215</cell><cell align="right">2,436</cell><cell align="right">2,651</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">10,601 -</cell><cell> 10,700</cell><cell align="right">1,070</cell><cell align="right">1,757</cell><cell align="right"> 1,998</cell><cell align="right">2,228</cell><cell align="right">2,451</cell><cell align="right">2,666</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">10,701 -</cell><cell> 10,800</cell><cell align="right">1,077</cell><cell align="right">1,767</cell><cell align="right"> 2,010</cell><cell align="right">2,241</cell><cell align="right">2,465</cell><cell align="right">2,682</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">10,801 -</cell><cell> 10,900</cell><cell align="right">1,083</cell><cell align="right">1,778</cell><cell align="right"> 2,021</cell><cell align="right">2,254</cell><cell align="right">2,479</cell><cell align="right">2,697</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">10,901 -</cell><cell> 11,000</cell><cell align="right">1,090</cell><cell align="right">1,788</cell><cell align="right"> 2,033</cell><cell align="right">2,267</cell><cell align="right">2,494</cell><cell align="right">2,713</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">11,001 -</cell><cell> 11,100</cell><cell align="right">1,096</cell><cell align="right">1,799</cell><cell align="right"> 2,045</cell><cell align="right">2,280</cell><cell align="right">2,508</cell><cell align="right">2,729</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">11,101 -</cell><cell> 11,200</cell><cell align="right">1,103</cell><cell align="right">1,809</cell><cell align="right"> 2,056</cell><cell align="right">2,293</cell><cell align="right">2,522</cell><cell align="right">2,744</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">11,201 -</cell><cell> 11,300</cell><cell align="right">1,109</cell><cell align="right">1,820</cell><cell align="right"> 2,068</cell><cell align="right">2,306</cell><cell align="right">2,537</cell><cell align="right">2,760</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">11,301 -</cell><cell> 11,400</cell><cell align="right">1,116</cell><cell align="right">1,830</cell><cell align="right"> 2,080</cell><cell align="right">2,319</cell><cell align="right">2,551</cell><cell align="right">2,775</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">11,401 -</cell><cell> 11,500</cell><cell align="right">1,123</cell><cell align="right">1,841</cell><cell align="right"> 2,091</cell><cell align="right">2,332</cell><cell align="right">2,565</cell><cell align="right">2,791</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">11,501 -</cell><cell> 11,600</cell><cell align="right">1,129</cell><cell align="right">1,851</cell><cell align="right"> 2,103</cell><cell align="right">2,345</cell><cell align="right">2,579</cell><cell align="right">2,806</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">11,601 -</cell><cell> 11,700</cell><cell align="right">1,136</cell><cell align="right">1,862</cell><cell align="right"> 2,115</cell><cell align="right">2,358</cell><cell align="right">2,594</cell><cell align="right">2,822</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">11,701 -</cell><cell> 11,800</cell><cell align="right">1,143</cell><cell align="right">1,872</cell><cell align="right"> 2,126</cell><cell align="right">2,371</cell><cell align="right">2,608</cell><cell align="right">2,838</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">11,801 -</cell><cell> 11,900</cell><cell align="right">1,150</cell><cell align="right">1,882</cell><cell align="right"> 2,138</cell><cell align="right">2,383</cell><cell align="right">2,622</cell><cell align="right">2,852</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">11,901 -</cell><cell> 12,000</cell><cell align="right">1,157</cell><cell align="right">1,892</cell><cell align="right"> 2,148</cell><cell align="right">2,395</cell><cell align="right">2,635</cell><cell align="right">2,867</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">12,001 -</cell><cell> 12,100</cell><cell align="right">1,164</cell><cell align="right">1,901</cell><cell align="right"> 2,159</cell><cell align="right">2,407</cell><cell align="right">2,648</cell><cell align="right">2,881</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">12,101 -</cell><cell> 12,200</cell><cell align="right">1,171</cell><cell align="right">1,910</cell><cell align="right"> 2,170</cell><cell align="right">2,419</cell><cell align="right">2,661</cell><cell align="right">2,895</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">12,201 -</cell><cell> 12,300</cell><cell align="right">1,178</cell><cell align="right">1,919</cell><cell align="right"> 2,180</cell><cell align="right">2,431</cell><cell align="right">2,674</cell><cell align="right">2,910</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">12,301 -</cell><cell> 12,400</cell><cell align="right">1,185</cell><cell align="right">1,929</cell><cell align="right"> 2,191</cell><cell align="right">2,443</cell><cell align="right">2,687</cell><cell align="right">2,924</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">12,401 -</cell><cell> 12,500</cell><cell align="right">1,192</cell><cell align="right">1,938</cell><cell align="right"> 2,202</cell><cell align="right">2,455</cell><cell align="right">2,700</cell><cell align="right">2,938</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">12,501 -</cell><cell> 12,600</cell><cell align="right">1,199</cell><cell align="right">1,947</cell><cell align="right"> 2,212</cell><cell align="right">2,467</cell><cell align="right">2,714</cell><cell align="right">2,952</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">12,601 -</cell><cell> 12,700</cell><cell align="right">1,206</cell><cell align="right">1,956</cell><cell align="right"> 2,223</cell><cell align="right">2,479</cell><cell align="right">2,727</cell><cell align="right">2,967</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">12,701 -</cell><cell> 12,800</cell><cell align="right">1,213</cell><cell align="right">1,966</cell><cell align="right"> 2,234</cell><cell align="right">2,491</cell><cell align="right">2,740</cell><cell align="right">2,981</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">12,801 -</cell><cell> 12,900</cell><cell align="right">1,220</cell><cell align="right">1,975</cell><cell align="right"> 2,245</cell><cell align="right">2,503</cell><cell align="right">2,753</cell><cell align="right">2,995</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">12,901 -</cell><cell> 13,000</cell><cell align="right">1,227</cell><cell align="right">1,984</cell><cell align="right"> 2,255</cell><cell align="right">2,514</cell><cell align="right">2,766</cell><cell align="right">3,009</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">13,001 -</cell><cell> 13,100</cell><cell align="right">1,233</cell><cell align="right">1,993</cell><cell align="right"> 2,265</cell><cell align="right">2,525</cell><cell align="right">2,778</cell><cell align="right">3,022</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">13,101 -</cell><cell> 13,200</cell><cell align="right">1,239</cell><cell align="right">2,001</cell><cell align="right"> 2,275</cell><cell align="right">2,536</cell><cell align="right">2,790</cell><cell align="right">3,035</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">13,201 -</cell><cell> 13,300</cell><cell align="right">1,245</cell><cell align="right">2,010</cell><cell align="right"> 2,285</cell><cell align="right">2,547</cell><cell align="right">2,802</cell><cell align="right">3,049</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">13,301 -</cell><cell> 13,400</cell><cell align="right">1,250</cell><cell align="right">2,018</cell><cell align="right"> 2,294</cell><cell align="right">2,558</cell><cell align="right">2,814</cell><cell align="right">3,062</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">13,401 -</cell><cell> 13,500</cell><cell align="right">1,256</cell><cell align="right">2,027</cell><cell align="right"> 2,304</cell><cell align="right">2,569</cell><cell align="right">2,826</cell><cell align="right">3,075</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">13,501 -</cell><cell> 13,600</cell><cell align="right">1,262</cell><cell align="right">2,035</cell><cell align="right"> 2,314</cell><cell align="right">2,580</cell><cell align="right">2,838</cell><cell align="right">3,088</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">13,601 -</cell><cell> 13,700</cell><cell align="right">1,267</cell><cell align="right">2,044</cell><cell align="right"> 2,324</cell><cell align="right">2,591</cell><cell align="right">2,850</cell><cell align="right">3,101</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">13,701 -</cell><cell> 13,800</cell><cell align="right">1,273</cell><cell align="right">2,052</cell><cell align="right"> 2,334</cell><cell align="right">2,602</cell><cell align="right">2,862</cell><cell align="right">3,114</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">13,801 -</cell><cell> 13,900</cell><cell align="right">1,279</cell><cell align="right">2,061</cell><cell align="right"> 2,344</cell><cell align="right">2,613</cell><cell align="right">2,875</cell><cell align="right">3,127</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">13,901 -</cell><cell> 14,000</cell><cell align="right">1,284</cell><cell align="right">2,069</cell><cell align="right"> 2,354</cell><cell align="right">2,624</cell><cell align="right">2,887</cell><cell align="right">3,141</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">14,001 -</cell><cell> 14,100</cell><cell align="right">1,290</cell><cell align="right">2,078</cell><cell align="right"> 2,363</cell><cell align="right">2,635</cell><cell align="right">2,899</cell><cell align="right">3,154</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">14,101 -</cell><cell> 14,200</cell><cell align="right">1,296</cell><cell align="right">2,087</cell><cell align="right"> 2,373</cell><cell align="right">2,646</cell><cell align="right">2,911</cell><cell align="right">3,167</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">14,201 -</cell><cell> 14,300</cell><cell align="right">1,301</cell><cell align="right">2,095</cell><cell align="right"> 2,383</cell><cell align="right">2,657</cell><cell align="right">2,923</cell><cell align="right">3,180</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">14,301 -</cell><cell> 14,400</cell><cell align="right">1,306</cell><cell align="right">2,104</cell><cell align="right"> 2,393</cell><cell align="right">2,668</cell><cell align="right">2,935</cell><cell align="right">3,193</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">14,401 -</cell><cell> 14,500</cell><cell align="right">1,312</cell><cell align="right">2,112</cell><cell align="right"> 2,403</cell><cell align="right">2,679</cell><cell align="right">2,947</cell><cell align="right">3,206</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">14,501 -</cell><cell> 14,600</cell><cell align="right">1,317</cell><cell align="right">2,121</cell><cell align="right"> 2,413</cell><cell align="right">2,690</cell><cell align="right">2,959</cell><cell align="right">3,220</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">14,601 -</cell><cell> 14,700</cell><cell align="right">1,323</cell><cell align="right">2,129</cell><cell align="right"> 2,423</cell><cell align="right">2,701</cell><cell align="right">2,971</cell><cell align="right">3,233</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">14,701 -</cell><cell> 14,800</cell><cell align="right">1,329</cell><cell align="right">2,138</cell><cell align="right"> 2,432</cell><cell align="right">2,712</cell><cell align="right">2,983</cell><cell align="right">3,246</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">14,801 -</cell><cell> 14,900</cell><cell align="right">1,334</cell><cell align="right">2,146</cell><cell align="right"> 2,442</cell><cell align="right">2,723</cell><cell align="right">2,995</cell><cell align="right">3,259</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">14,901 -</cell><cell> 15,000</cell><cell align="right">1,340</cell><cell align="right">2,155</cell><cell align="right"> 2,452</cell><cell align="right">2,734</cell><cell align="right">3,008</cell><cell align="right">3,272</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">15,001 -</cell><cell> 15,100</cell><cell align="right">1,345</cell><cell align="right">2,163</cell><cell align="right"> 2,461</cell><cell align="right">2,744</cell><cell align="right">3,018</cell><cell align="right">3,284</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">15,101 -</cell><cell> 15,200</cell><cell align="right">1,351</cell><cell align="right">2,170</cell><cell align="right"> 2,469</cell><cell align="right">2,752</cell><cell align="right">3,028</cell><cell align="right">3,294</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">15,201 -</cell><cell> 15,300</cell><cell align="right">1,357</cell><cell align="right">2,177</cell><cell align="right"> 2,476</cell><cell align="right">2,761</cell><cell align="right">3,037</cell><cell align="right">3,304</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">15,301 -</cell><cell> 15,400</cell><cell align="right">1,362</cell><cell align="right">2,184</cell><cell align="right"> 2,484</cell><cell align="right">2,769</cell><cell align="right">3,046</cell><cell align="right">3,314</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">15,401 -</cell><cell> 15,500</cell><cell align="right">1,368</cell><cell align="right">2,191</cell><cell align="right"> 2,491</cell><cell align="right">2,778</cell><cell align="right">3,056</cell><cell align="right">3,325</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">15,501 -</cell><cell> 15,600</cell><cell align="right">1,373</cell><cell align="right">2,198</cell><cell align="right"> 2,499</cell><cell align="right">2,786</cell><cell align="right">3,065</cell><cell align="right">3,335</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">15,601 -</cell><cell> 15,700</cell><cell align="right">1,379</cell><cell align="right">2,205</cell><cell align="right"> 2,507</cell><cell align="right">2,795</cell><cell align="right">3,074</cell><cell align="right">3,345</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">15,701 -</cell><cell> 15,800</cell><cell align="right">1,384</cell><cell align="right">2,211</cell><cell align="right"> 2,514</cell><cell align="right">2,803</cell><cell align="right">3,084</cell><cell align="right">3,355</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">15,801 -</cell><cell> 15,900</cell><cell align="right">1,390</cell><cell align="right">2,218</cell><cell align="right"> 2,522</cell><cell align="right">2,812</cell><cell align="right">3,093</cell><cell align="right">3,365</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">15,901 -</cell><cell> 16,000</cell><cell align="right">1,395</cell><cell align="right">2,225</cell><cell align="right"> 2,529</cell><cell align="right">2,820</cell><cell align="right">3,102</cell><cell align="right">3,375</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">16,001 -</cell><cell> 16,100</cell><cell align="right">1,401</cell><cell align="right">2,232</cell><cell align="right"> 2,537</cell><cell align="right">2,829</cell><cell align="right">3,112</cell><cell align="right">3,385</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">16,101 -</cell><cell> 16,200</cell><cell align="right">1,407</cell><cell align="right">2,239</cell><cell align="right"> 2,545</cell><cell align="right">2,837</cell><cell align="right">3,121</cell><cell align="right">3,396</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">16,201 -</cell><cell> 16,300</cell><cell align="right">1,412</cell><cell align="right">2,246</cell><cell align="right"> 2,552</cell><cell align="right">2,846</cell><cell align="right">3,130</cell><cell align="right">3,406</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">16,301 -</cell><cell> 16,400</cell><cell align="right">1,418</cell><cell align="right">2,253</cell><cell align="right"> 2,560</cell><cell align="right">2,854</cell><cell align="right">3,140</cell><cell align="right">3,416</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">16,401 -</cell><cell> 16,500</cell><cell align="right">1,423</cell><cell align="right">2,260</cell><cell align="right"> 2,567</cell><cell align="right">2,863</cell><cell align="right">3,149</cell><cell align="right">3,426</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">16,501 -</cell><cell> 16,600</cell><cell align="right">1,429</cell><cell align="right">2,267</cell><cell align="right"> 2,575</cell><cell align="right">2,871</cell><cell align="right">3,158</cell><cell align="right">3,436</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">16,601 -</cell><cell> 16,700</cell><cell align="right">1,434</cell><cell align="right">2,274</cell><cell align="right"> 2,583</cell><cell align="right">2,880</cell><cell align="right">3,168</cell><cell align="right">3,446</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">16,701 -</cell><cell> 16,800</cell><cell align="right">1,440</cell><cell align="right">2,281</cell><cell align="right"> 2,590</cell><cell align="right">2,888</cell><cell align="right">3,177</cell><cell align="right">3,457</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">16,801 -</cell><cell> 16,900</cell><cell align="right">1,445</cell><cell align="right">2,288</cell><cell align="right"> 2,598</cell><cell align="right">2,897</cell><cell align="right">3,186</cell><cell align="right">3,467</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">16,901 -</cell><cell> 17,000</cell><cell align="right">1,451</cell><cell align="right">2,295</cell><cell align="right"> 2,605</cell><cell align="right">2,905</cell><cell align="right">3,196</cell><cell align="right">3,477</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">17,001 -</cell><cell> 17,100</cell><cell align="right">1,456</cell><cell align="right">2,302</cell><cell align="right"> 2,613</cell><cell align="right">2,914</cell><cell align="right">3,205</cell><cell align="right">3,487</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">17,101 -</cell><cell> 17,200</cell><cell align="right">1,462</cell><cell align="right">2,309</cell><cell align="right"> 2,621</cell><cell align="right">2,922</cell><cell align="right">3,214</cell><cell align="right">3,497</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">17,201 -</cell><cell> 17,300</cell><cell align="right">1,467</cell><cell align="right">2,316</cell><cell align="right"> 2,628</cell><cell align="right">2,931</cell><cell align="right">3,224</cell><cell align="right">3,507</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">17,301 -</cell><cell> 17,400</cell><cell align="right">1,473</cell><cell align="right">2,323</cell><cell align="right"> 2,636</cell><cell align="right">2,939</cell><cell align="right">3,233</cell><cell align="right">3,517</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">17,401 -</cell><cell> 17,500</cell><cell align="right">1,478</cell><cell align="right">2,330</cell><cell align="right"> 2,643</cell><cell align="right">2,947</cell><cell align="right">3,242</cell><cell align="right">3,528</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">17,501 -</cell><cell> 17,600</cell><cell align="right">1,483</cell><cell align="right">2,337</cell><cell align="right"> 2,651</cell><cell align="right">2,956</cell><cell align="right">3,252</cell><cell align="right">3,538</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">17,601 -</cell><cell> 17,700</cell><cell align="right">1,489</cell><cell align="right">2,344</cell><cell align="right"> 2,659</cell><cell align="right">2,964</cell><cell align="right">3,261</cell><cell align="right">3,548</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">17,701 -</cell><cell> 17,800</cell><cell align="right">1,494</cell><cell align="right">2,351</cell><cell align="right"> 2,666</cell><cell align="right">2,973</cell><cell align="right">3,270</cell><cell align="right">3,558</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">17,801 -</cell><cell> 17,900</cell><cell align="right">1,499</cell><cell align="right">2,358</cell><cell align="right"> 2,674</cell><cell align="right">2,981</cell><cell align="right">3,280</cell><cell align="right">3,568</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">17,901 -</cell><cell> 18,000</cell><cell align="right">1,505</cell><cell align="right">2,365</cell><cell align="right"> 2,682</cell><cell align="right">2,990</cell><cell align="right">3,289</cell><cell align="right">3,578</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">18,001 -</cell><cell> 18,100</cell><cell align="right">1,510</cell><cell align="right">2,372</cell><cell align="right"> 2,689</cell><cell align="right">2,998</cell><cell align="right">3,298</cell><cell align="right">3,588</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">18,101 -</cell><cell> 18,200</cell><cell align="right">1,516</cell><cell align="right">2,379</cell><cell align="right"> 2,697</cell><cell align="right">3,007</cell><cell align="right">3,308</cell><cell align="right">3,599</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">18,201 -</cell><cell> 18,300</cell><cell align="right">1,520</cell><cell align="right">2,386</cell><cell align="right"> 2,704</cell><cell align="right">3,015</cell><cell align="right">3,317</cell><cell align="right">3,609</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">18,301 -</cell><cell> 18,400</cell><cell align="right">1,525</cell><cell align="right">2,392</cell><cell align="right"> 2,712</cell><cell align="right">3,024</cell><cell align="right">3,326</cell><cell align="right">3,619</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">18,401 -</cell><cell> 18,500</cell><cell align="right">1,530</cell><cell align="right">2,399</cell><cell align="right"> 2,720</cell><cell align="right">3,032</cell><cell align="right">3,336</cell><cell align="right">3,629</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">18,501 -</cell><cell> 18,600</cell><cell align="right">1,535</cell><cell align="right">2,406</cell><cell align="right"> 2,727</cell><cell align="right">3,041</cell><cell align="right">3,345</cell><cell align="right">3,639</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">18,601 -</cell><cell> 18,700</cell><cell align="right">1,540</cell><cell align="right">2,413</cell><cell align="right"> 2,735</cell><cell align="right">3,049</cell><cell align="right">3,354</cell><cell align="right">3,649</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">18,701 -</cell><cell> 18,800</cell><cell align="right">1,545</cell><cell align="right">2,420</cell><cell align="right"> 2,742</cell><cell align="right">3,058</cell><cell align="right">3,364</cell><cell align="right">3,659</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">18,801 -</cell><cell> 18,900</cell><cell align="right">1,550</cell><cell align="right">2,427</cell><cell align="right"> 2,750</cell><cell align="right">3,066</cell><cell align="right">3,373</cell><cell align="right">3,670</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">18,901 -</cell><cell> 19,000</cell><cell align="right">1,555</cell><cell align="right">2,434</cell><cell align="right"> 2,758</cell><cell align="right">3,075</cell><cell align="right">3,382</cell><cell align="right">3,680</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">19,001 -</cell><cell> 19,100</cell><cell align="right">1,560</cell><cell align="right">2,441</cell><cell align="right"> 2,765</cell><cell align="right">3,083</cell><cell align="right">3,391</cell><cell align="right">3,690</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">19,101 -</cell><cell> 19,200</cell><cell align="right">1,565</cell><cell align="right">2,448</cell><cell align="right"> 2,773</cell><cell align="right">3,092</cell><cell align="right">3,401</cell><cell align="right">3,700</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">19,201 -</cell><cell> 19,300</cell><cell align="right">1,570</cell><cell align="right">2,455</cell><cell align="right"> 2,780</cell><cell align="right">3,100</cell><cell align="right">3,410</cell><cell align="right">3,710</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">19,301 -</cell><cell> 19,400</cell><cell align="right">1,575</cell><cell align="right">2,462</cell><cell align="right"> 2,788</cell><cell align="right">3,109</cell><cell align="right">3,419</cell><cell align="right">3,720</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">19,401 -</cell><cell> 19,500</cell><cell align="right">1,580</cell><cell align="right">2,469</cell><cell align="right"> 2,796</cell><cell align="right">3,117</cell><cell align="right">3,429</cell><cell align="right">3,731</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">19,501 -</cell><cell> 19,600</cell><cell align="right">1,585</cell><cell align="right">2,476</cell><cell align="right"> 2,803</cell><cell align="right">3,126</cell><cell align="right">3,438</cell><cell align="right">3,741</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">19,601 -</cell><cell> 19,700</cell><cell align="right">1,590</cell><cell align="right">2,483</cell><cell align="right"> 2,811</cell><cell align="right">3,134</cell><cell align="right">3,447</cell><cell align="right">3,751</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">19,701 -</cell><cell> 19,800</cell><cell align="right">1,595</cell><cell align="right">2,490</cell><cell align="right"> 2,818</cell><cell align="right">3,143</cell><cell align="right">3,457</cell><cell align="right">3,761</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">19,801 -</cell><cell> 19,900</cell><cell align="right">1,600</cell><cell align="right">2,497</cell><cell align="right"> 2,826</cell><cell align="right">3,151</cell><cell align="right">3,466</cell><cell align="right">3,771</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">19,901 -</cell><cell> 20,000</cell><cell align="right">1,605</cell><cell align="right">2,504</cell><cell align="right"> 2,834</cell><cell align="right">3,159</cell><cell align="right">3,475</cell><cell align="right">3,781</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">20,001 -</cell><cell> 22,000</cell><cell align="right"> 1,766</cell><cell align="right">2,754</cell><cell align="right"> 3,117</cell><cell align="right">3,475</cell><cell align="right">3,822</cell><cell align="right">4,159</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">22,001 -</cell><cell> 24,000</cell><cell align="right"> 1,926</cell><cell align="right">3,005</cell><cell align="right"> 3,401</cell><cell align="right">3,791</cell><cell align="right">4,170</cell><cell align="right">4,537</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">24,001 -</cell><cell> 26,000</cell><cell align="right"> 2,087</cell><cell align="right">3,255</cell><cell align="right"> 3,684</cell><cell align="right">4,107</cell><cell align="right">4,518</cell><cell align="right">4,915</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">26,001 -</cell><cell> 28,000</cell><cell align="right"> 2,247</cell><cell align="right">3,506</cell><cell align="right"> 3,968</cell><cell align="right">4,423</cell><cell align="right">4,865</cell><cell align="right">5,293</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">28,001 -</cell><cell> 30,000</cell><cell align="right"> 2,408</cell><cell align="right">3,756</cell><cell align="right"> 4,251</cell><cell align="right">4,739</cell><cell align="right">5,213</cell><cell align="right">5,672</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">30,001 -</cell><cell> 32,000</cell><cell align="right"> 2,508</cell><cell align="right">3,916</cell><cell align="right"> 4,451</cell><cell align="right">4,979</cell><cell align="right">5,473</cell><cell align="right">5,952</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">32,001 -</cell><cell> 34,000</cell><cell align="right"> 2,608</cell><cell align="right">4,076</cell><cell align="right"> 4,651</cell><cell align="right">5,219</cell><cell align="right">5,733</cell><cell align="right">6,232</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">34,001 -</cell><cell> 36,000</cell><cell align="right"> 2,708</cell><cell align="right">4,236</cell><cell align="right"> 4,851</cell><cell align="right">5,459</cell><cell align="right">5,993</cell><cell align="right">6,512</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">36,001 -</cell><cell> 38,000</cell><cell align="right"> 2,808</cell><cell align="right">4,396</cell><cell align="right"> 5,051</cell><cell align="right">5,699</cell><cell align="right">6,253</cell><cell align="right">6,792</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">38,001 -</cell><cell> 40,000</cell><cell align="right"> 2,908</cell><cell align="right">4,556</cell><cell align="right"> 5,251</cell><cell align="right">5,939</cell><cell align="right">6,513</cell><cell align="right">7,072</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">40,001 -</cell><cell> 42,000</cell><cell align="right"> 3,008</cell><cell align="right">4,716</cell><cell align="right"> 5,451</cell><cell align="right">6,179</cell><cell align="right">6,773</cell><cell align="right">7,352</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">42,001 -</cell><cell> 44,000</cell><cell align="right"> 3,108</cell><cell align="right">4,876</cell><cell align="right"> 5,651</cell><cell align="right">6,419</cell><cell align="right">7,033</cell><cell align="right">7,632</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">44,001 -</cell><cell> 46,000</cell><cell align="right"> 3,208</cell><cell align="right">5,036</cell><cell align="right"> 5,851</cell><cell align="right">6,659</cell><cell align="right">7,293</cell><cell align="right">7,912</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">46,001 -</cell><cell> 48,000</cell><cell align="right"> 3,308</cell><cell align="right">5,196</cell><cell align="right"> 6,051</cell><cell align="right">6,899</cell><cell align="right">7,553</cell><cell align="right">8,192</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">48,001 -</cell><cell> 50,000</cell><cell align="right"> 3,408</cell><cell align="right">5,356</cell><cell align="right"> 6,251</cell><cell align="right">7,139</cell><cell align="right">7,813</cell><cell align="right">8,472</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">50,001 -</cell><cell> 52,000</cell><cell align="right"> 3,508</cell><cell align="right">5,476</cell><cell align="right"> 6,391</cell><cell align="right">7,299</cell><cell align="right">7,993</cell><cell align="right">8,672</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">52,001 -</cell><cell> 54,000</cell><cell align="right"> 3,608</cell><cell align="right">5,596</cell><cell align="right"> 6,531</cell><cell align="right">7,459</cell><cell align="right">8,173</cell><cell align="right">8,872</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">54,001 -</cell><cell> 56,000</cell><cell align="right"> 3,708</cell><cell align="right">5,716</cell><cell align="right"> 6,671</cell><cell align="right">7,619</cell><cell align="right">8,353</cell><cell align="right">9,072</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">56,001 -</cell><cell> 58,000</cell><cell align="right"> 3,808</cell><cell align="right">5,836</cell><cell align="right"> 6,811</cell><cell align="right">7,779</cell><cell align="right">8,533</cell><cell align="right">9,272</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">58,001 -</cell><cell> 60,000</cell><cell align="right"> 3,908</cell><cell align="right">5,956</cell><cell align="right"> 6,951</cell><cell align="right">7,939</cell><cell align="right">8,713</cell><cell align="right">9,472</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">60,001 -</cell><cell> 62,000</cell><cell align="right"> 4,008</cell><cell align="right">6,076</cell><cell align="right"> 7,091</cell><cell align="right">8,099</cell><cell align="right">8,893</cell><cell align="right">9,672</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">62,001 -</cell><cell> 64,000</cell><cell align="right"> 4,108</cell><cell align="right">6,196</cell><cell align="right"> 7,231</cell><cell align="right">8,259</cell><cell align="right">9,073</cell><cell align="right">9,872</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">64,001 -</cell><cell> 66,000</cell><cell align="right"> 4,208</cell><cell align="right">6,316</cell><cell align="right"> 7,371</cell><cell align="right">8,419</cell><cell align="right">9,253</cell><cell align="right">10,072</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">66,001 -</cell><cell> 68,000</cell><cell align="right"> 4,308</cell><cell align="right">6,436</cell><cell align="right"> 7,511</cell><cell align="right">8,579</cell><cell align="right">9,433</cell><cell align="right">10,272</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">68,001 -</cell><cell> 70,000</cell><cell align="right"> 4,408</cell><cell align="right">6,556</cell><cell align="right"> 7,651</cell><cell align="right">8,739</cell><cell align="right">9,613</cell><cell align="right">10,472</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">70,001 -</cell><cell> 72,000</cell><cell align="right"> 4,508</cell><cell align="right">6,676</cell><cell align="right"> 7,791</cell><cell align="right">8,899</cell><cell align="right">9,793</cell><cell align="right">10,672</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">72,001 -</cell><cell> 74,000</cell><cell align="right"> 4,608</cell><cell align="right">6,796</cell><cell align="right"> 7,931</cell><cell align="right">9,059</cell><cell align="right">9,973</cell><cell align="right">10,872</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">74,001 -</cell><cell> 76,000</cell><cell align="right"> 4,708</cell><cell align="right">6,916</cell><cell align="right"> 8,071</cell><cell align="right">9,219</cell><cell align="right"> 10,153</cell><cell align="right">11,072</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">76,001 -</cell><cell> 78,000</cell><cell align="right"> 4,808</cell><cell align="right">7,036</cell><cell align="right"> 8,211</cell><cell align="right">9,379</cell><cell align="right"> 10,333</cell><cell align="right">11,272</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">78,001 -</cell><cell> 80,000</cell><cell align="right"> 4,908</cell><cell align="right">7,156</cell><cell align="right"> 8,351</cell><cell align="right">9,539</cell><cell align="right"> 10,513</cell><cell align="right">11,472</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">80,001 -</cell><cell> 82,000</cell><cell align="right"> 5,008</cell><cell align="right">7,276</cell><cell align="right"> 8,491</cell><cell align="right">9,699</cell><cell align="right"> 10,693</cell><cell align="right">11,672</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">82,001 -</cell><cell> 84,000</cell><cell align="right"> 5,108</cell><cell align="right">7,396</cell><cell align="right"> 8,631</cell><cell align="right">9,859</cell><cell align="right"> 10,873</cell><cell align="right">11,872</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">84,001 -</cell><cell> 86,000</cell><cell align="right"> 5,208</cell><cell align="right">7,516</cell><cell align="right"> 8,771</cell><cell align="right">10,019</cell><cell align="right"> 11,053</cell><cell align="right">12,072</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">86,001 -</cell><cell> 88,000</cell><cell align="right"> 5,308</cell><cell align="right">7,636</cell><cell align="right"> 8,911</cell><cell align="right">10,179</cell><cell align="right"> 11,233</cell><cell align="right">12,272</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">88,001 -</cell><cell> 90,000</cell><cell align="right"> 5,408</cell><cell align="right">7,756</cell><cell align="right"> 9,051</cell><cell align="right">10,339</cell><cell align="right"> 11,413</cell><cell align="right">12,472</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">90,001 -</cell><cell> 92,000</cell><cell align="right"> 5,508</cell><cell align="right">7,876</cell><cell align="right"> 9,191</cell><cell align="right">10,499</cell><cell align="right"> 11,593</cell><cell align="right">12,672</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">92,001 -</cell><cell> 94,000</cell><cell align="right"> 5,608</cell><cell align="right">7,996</cell><cell align="right"> 9,331</cell><cell align="right">10,659</cell><cell align="right"> 11,773</cell><cell align="right">12,872</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">94,001 -</cell><cell> 96,000</cell><cell align="right"> 5,708</cell><cell align="right">8,116</cell><cell align="right"> 9,471</cell><cell align="right">10,819</cell><cell align="right"> 11,953</cell><cell align="right">13,072</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">96,001 -</cell><cell> 98,000</cell><cell align="right"> 5,808</cell><cell align="right">8,236</cell><cell align="right"> 9,611</cell><cell align="right">10,979</cell><cell align="right"> 12,133</cell><cell align="right">13,272</cell></row><row><cell/><cell align="right">98,001 -</cell><cell> 100,000</cell><cell align="right"> 5,908</cell><cell align="right">8,356</cell><cell align="right"> 9,751</cell><cell align="right">11,139</cell><cell align="right"> 12,313</cell><cell align="right">13,472</cell></row></tbl></subsection></section><section number="81-6-305"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Low income table -- Obligor parent only -- Child support orders entered on or after January 1, 2023.</catchline><tab/>The following table is used to:<subsection number="81-6-305(1)">establish a child support order entered for the first time on or after January 1, 2023;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-305(2)">modify a child support order entered for the first time on or after January 1, 2023;</subsection><subsection number="81-6-305(3)">modify a temporary judicial child support order established on or before December 31, 2022, if the new order is entered on or after January 1, 2023; or</subsection><subsection number="81-6-305(4)">modify a final child support order entered on or before December 31, 2022, if the modification is made on or after January 1, 2025.<tbl colwidths="0,13,12,10,12,14,14,13,12" border="line"><row><cell align="center"/><cell colspan="2" align="center">Individual Monthly Adjusted Gross Income</cell><cell colspan="6" align="center">Number of Children</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell colspan="2" align="right"/><cell align="center">1</cell><cell align="center">2</cell><cell align="center">3</cell><cell align="center">4</cell><cell align="center">5</cell><cell align="center">6</cell></row><row><cell align="center"/><cell align="center">From</cell><cell align="center">To</cell><cell/><cell/><cell/><cell/><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">0 - </cell><cell>50</cell><cell align="right">30</cell><cell align="right">30</cell><cell align="right">30</cell><cell align="right">30</cell><cell align="right">30</cell><cell align="right">30</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">51 -</cell><cell>100</cell><cell align="right">30</cell><cell align="right">40</cell><cell align="right">50</cell><cell align="right">50</cell><cell align="right">50</cell><cell align="right">50</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">101 -</cell><cell>150</cell><cell align="right">30</cell><cell align="right">50</cell><cell align="right">75</cell><cell align="right">75</cell><cell align="right">75</cell><cell align="right">75</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">151 -</cell><cell>750</cell><cell align="right">30</cell><cell align="right">55</cell><cell align="right">75</cell><cell align="right">90</cell><cell align="right">100</cell><cell align="right">105</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">751 -</cell><cell>1,256</cell><cell align="right">60</cell><cell align="right">111</cell><cell align="right">151</cell><cell align="right">181</cell><cell align="right">201</cell><cell align="right">211</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,257 -</cell><cell>1,270</cell><cell align="right">75</cell><cell align="right">138</cell><cell align="right">189</cell><cell align="right">226</cell><cell align="right">251</cell><cell align="right">264</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,271 -</cell><cell>1,280</cell><cell align="right">76</cell><cell align="right">140</cell><cell align="right">191</cell><cell align="right">229</cell><cell align="right">254</cell><cell align="right">267</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,281 -</cell><cell>1,290</cell><cell align="right">77</cell><cell align="right">141</cell><cell align="right">192</cell><cell align="right">231</cell><cell align="right">256</cell><cell align="right">269</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,291 -</cell><cell>1,300</cell><cell align="right">77</cell><cell align="right">142</cell><cell align="right">194</cell><cell align="right">232</cell><cell align="right">258</cell><cell align="right">271</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,301 -</cell><cell>1,310</cell><cell align="right">78</cell><cell align="right">143</cell><cell align="right">195</cell><cell align="right">234</cell><cell align="right">260</cell><cell align="right">273</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,311 -</cell><cell>1,320</cell><cell align="right">79</cell><cell align="right">144</cell><cell align="right">197</cell><cell align="right">236</cell><cell align="right">262</cell><cell align="right">275</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,321 -</cell><cell>1,330</cell><cell align="right">79</cell><cell align="right">145</cell><cell align="right">198</cell><cell align="right">238</cell><cell align="right">264</cell><cell align="right">277</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,331 -</cell><cell>1,340</cell><cell align="right">80</cell><cell align="right">146</cell><cell align="right">200</cell><cell align="right">240</cell><cell align="right">266</cell><cell align="right">280</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,341 -</cell><cell>1,350</cell><cell align="right">80</cell><cell align="right">148</cell><cell align="right">201</cell><cell align="right">241</cell><cell align="right">268</cell><cell align="right">282</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,351 -</cell><cell>1,360</cell><cell align="right">95</cell><cell align="right">162</cell><cell align="right">216</cell><cell align="right">257</cell><cell align="right">284</cell><cell align="right">297</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,361 -</cell><cell>1,370</cell><cell align="right">95</cell><cell align="right">163</cell><cell align="right">218</cell><cell align="right">259</cell><cell align="right">286</cell><cell align="right">299</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,371 -</cell><cell>1,380</cell><cell align="right">96</cell><cell align="right">165</cell><cell align="right">219</cell><cell align="right">260</cell><cell align="right">288</cell><cell align="right">302</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,381 -</cell><cell>1,390</cell><cell align="right">97</cell><cell align="right">166</cell><cell align="right">221</cell><cell align="right">262</cell><cell align="right">290</cell><cell align="right">304</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,391 -</cell><cell>1,400</cell><cell align="right">97</cell><cell align="right">167</cell><cell align="right">223</cell><cell align="right">264</cell><cell align="right">292</cell><cell align="right">306</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,401 -</cell><cell>1,410</cell><cell align="right">98</cell><cell align="right">168</cell><cell align="right">224</cell><cell align="right">266</cell><cell align="right">294</cell><cell align="right">308</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,411 -</cell><cell>1,420</cell><cell align="right">113</cell><cell align="right">183</cell><cell align="right">240</cell><cell align="right">282</cell><cell align="right">310</cell><cell align="right">325</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,421 -</cell><cell>1,430</cell><cell align="right">114</cell><cell align="right">185</cell><cell align="right">242</cell><cell align="right">284</cell><cell align="right">313</cell><cell align="right">327</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,431 -</cell><cell>1,440</cell><cell align="right">114</cell><cell align="right">186</cell><cell align="right">243</cell><cell align="right">286</cell><cell align="right">315</cell><cell align="right">329</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,441 -</cell><cell>1,450</cell><cell align="right">115</cell><cell align="right">187</cell><cell align="right">245</cell><cell align="right">288</cell><cell align="right">317</cell><cell align="right">331</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,451 -</cell><cell>1,460</cell><cell align="right">116</cell><cell align="right">189</cell><cell align="right">247</cell><cell align="right">290</cell><cell align="right">319</cell><cell align="right">334</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,461 -</cell><cell>1,470</cell><cell align="right">131</cell><cell align="right">205</cell><cell align="right">263</cell><cell align="right">307</cell><cell align="right">336</cell><cell align="right">351</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,471 -</cell><cell>1,480</cell><cell align="right">132</cell><cell align="right">206</cell><cell align="right">265</cell><cell align="right">309</cell><cell align="right">338</cell><cell align="right">353</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,481 -</cell><cell>1,490</cell><cell align="right">133</cell><cell align="right">207</cell><cell align="right">267</cell><cell align="right">311</cell><cell align="right">341</cell><cell align="right">355</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,491 -</cell><cell>1,500</cell><cell align="right">134</cell><cell align="right">209</cell><cell align="right">268</cell><cell align="right">313</cell><cell align="right">343</cell><cell align="right">358</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,501 -</cell><cell>1,510</cell><cell align="right">135</cell><cell align="right">210</cell><cell align="right">270</cell><cell align="right">315</cell><cell align="right">345</cell><cell align="right">360</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,511 -</cell><cell>1,520</cell><cell align="right">151</cell><cell align="right">227</cell><cell align="right">287</cell><cell align="right">332</cell><cell align="right">363</cell><cell align="right">378</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,521 -</cell><cell>1,530</cell><cell align="right">152</cell><cell align="right">228</cell><cell align="right">289</cell><cell align="right">335</cell><cell align="right">365</cell><cell align="right">380</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,531 -</cell><cell>1,540</cell><cell align="right">153</cell><cell align="right">230</cell><cell align="right">291</cell><cell align="right">337</cell><cell align="right">367</cell><cell align="right">383</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,541 -</cell><cell>1,550</cell><cell align="right">154</cell><cell align="right">231</cell><cell align="right">293</cell><cell align="right">339</cell><cell align="right">370</cell><cell align="right">385</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,551 -</cell><cell>1,560</cell><cell align="right">155</cell><cell align="right">233</cell><cell align="right">295</cell><cell align="right">341</cell><cell align="right">372</cell><cell align="right">388</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,561 -</cell><cell>1,570</cell><cell align="right">172</cell><cell align="right">250</cell><cell align="right">312</cell><cell align="right">359</cell><cell align="right">390</cell><cell align="right">406</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,571 -</cell><cell>1,580</cell><cell align="right">173</cell><cell align="right">251</cell><cell align="right">314</cell><cell align="right">361</cell><cell align="right">393</cell><cell align="right">408</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,581 -</cell><cell>1,590</cell><cell align="right">174</cell><cell align="right">253</cell><cell align="right">316</cell><cell align="right">364</cell><cell align="right">395</cell><cell align="right">411</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,591 -</cell><cell>1,600</cell><cell align="right">175</cell><cell align="right">255</cell><cell align="right">318</cell><cell align="right">366</cell><cell align="right">398</cell><cell align="right">414</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,601 -</cell><cell>1,610</cell><cell align="right">176</cell><cell align="right">256</cell><cell align="right">320</cell><cell align="right">368</cell><cell align="right">400</cell><cell align="right">416</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,611 -</cell><cell>1,620</cell><cell align="right">193</cell><cell align="right">274</cell><cell align="right">338</cell><cell align="right">387</cell><cell align="right">419</cell><cell align="right">435</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,621 -</cell><cell>1,630</cell><cell align="right">195</cell><cell align="right">276</cell><cell align="right">340</cell><cell align="right">389</cell><cell align="right">421</cell><cell align="right">438</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,631 -</cell><cell>1,640</cell><cell align="right">196</cell><cell align="right">277</cell><cell align="right">343</cell><cell align="right">391</cell><cell align="right">424</cell><cell align="right">440</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,641 -</cell><cell>1,650</cell><cell align="right">197</cell><cell align="right">279</cell><cell align="right">345</cell><cell align="right">394</cell><cell align="right">427</cell><cell align="right">443</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,651 -</cell><cell>1,660</cell><cell align="right">198</cell><cell align="right">281</cell><cell align="right">347</cell><cell align="right">396</cell><cell align="right">429</cell><cell align="right">446</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,661 -</cell><cell>1,670</cell><cell align="right">216</cell><cell align="right">299</cell><cell align="right">365</cell><cell align="right">415</cell><cell align="right">448</cell><cell align="right">465</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,671 -</cell><cell>1,680</cell><cell align="right">217</cell><cell align="right">301</cell><cell align="right">368</cell><cell align="right">418</cell><cell align="right">451</cell><cell align="right">468</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,681 -</cell><cell>1,690</cell><cell align="right">219</cell><cell align="right">303</cell><cell align="right">370</cell><cell align="right">420</cell><cell align="right">454</cell><cell align="right">471</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,691 -</cell><cell>1,700</cell><cell align="right">220</cell><cell align="right">304</cell><cell align="right">372</cell><cell align="right">423</cell><cell align="right">457</cell><cell align="right">473</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,701 -</cell><cell>1,710</cell><cell align="right">221</cell><cell align="right">306</cell><cell align="right">374</cell><cell align="right">425</cell><cell align="right">459</cell><cell align="right">476</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,711 -</cell><cell>1,720</cell><cell align="right">240</cell><cell align="right">325</cell><cell align="right">394</cell><cell align="right">445</cell><cell align="right">479</cell><cell align="right">496</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,721 -</cell><cell>1,730</cell><cell align="right">241</cell><cell align="right">327</cell><cell align="right">396</cell><cell align="right">447</cell><cell align="right">482</cell><cell align="right">499</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,731 -</cell><cell>1,740</cell><cell align="right">242</cell><cell align="right">329</cell><cell align="right">398</cell><cell align="right">450</cell><cell align="right">485</cell><cell align="right">502</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,741 -</cell><cell>1,750</cell><cell align="right">244</cell><cell align="right">331</cell><cell align="right">400</cell><cell align="right">453</cell><cell align="right">487</cell><cell align="right">505</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,751 -</cell><cell>1,760</cell><cell align="right">245</cell><cell align="right">333</cell><cell align="right">403</cell><cell align="right">455</cell><cell align="right">490</cell><cell align="right">508</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,761 -</cell><cell>1,770</cell><cell align="right">264</cell><cell align="right">352</cell><cell align="right">423</cell><cell align="right">475</cell><cell align="right">511</cell><cell align="right">528</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,771 -</cell><cell>1,780</cell><cell align="right">266</cell><cell align="right">354</cell><cell align="right">425</cell><cell align="right">478</cell><cell align="right">514</cell><cell align="right">531</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,781 -</cell><cell>1,790</cell><cell align="right">267</cell><cell align="right">356</cell><cell align="right">427</cell><cell align="right">481</cell><cell align="right">516</cell><cell align="right">534</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,791 -</cell><cell>1,800</cell><cell align="right">269</cell><cell align="right">358</cell><cell align="right">430</cell><cell align="right">484</cell><cell align="right">519</cell><cell align="right">537</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,801 -</cell><cell>1,810</cell><cell align="right">270</cell><cell align="right">360</cell><cell align="right">432</cell><cell align="right">486</cell><cell align="right">522</cell><cell align="right">540</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,811 -</cell><cell>1,820</cell><cell align="right">290</cell><cell align="right">380</cell><cell align="right">453</cell><cell align="right">507</cell><cell align="right">543</cell><cell align="right">561</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,821 -</cell><cell>1,830</cell><cell align="right">291</cell><cell align="right">382</cell><cell align="right">455</cell><cell align="right">510</cell><cell align="right">546</cell><cell align="right">565</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,831 -</cell><cell>1,840</cell><cell align="right">293</cell><cell align="right">385</cell><cell align="right">458</cell><cell align="right">513</cell><cell align="right">549</cell><cell align="right">568</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,841 -</cell><cell>1,850</cell><cell align="right">295</cell><cell align="right">387</cell><cell align="right">460</cell><cell align="right">515</cell><cell align="right">552</cell><cell align="right">571</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,851 -</cell><cell>1,860</cell><cell align="right">296</cell><cell align="right">389</cell><cell align="right">463</cell><cell align="right">518</cell><cell align="right">555</cell><cell align="right">574</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,861 -</cell><cell>1,870</cell><cell align="right">316</cell><cell align="right">409</cell><cell align="right">484</cell><cell align="right">540</cell><cell align="right">577</cell><cell align="right">596</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,871 -</cell><cell>1,880</cell><cell align="right">318</cell><cell align="right">412</cell><cell align="right">486</cell><cell align="right">543</cell><cell align="right">580</cell><cell align="right">599</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"> 1,881 -</cell><cell>1,890</cell><cell align="right">320</cell><cell align="right">414</cell><cell align="right">489</cell><cell align="right">545</cell><cell align="right">583</cell><cell align="right">602</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,891 -</cell><cell>1,900</cell><cell align="right">321</cell><cell align="right">416</cell><cell align="right">492</cell><cell align="right">548</cell><cell align="right">586</cell><cell align="right">605</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,901 -</cell><cell>1,910</cell><cell align="right">323</cell><cell align="right">418</cell><cell align="right">494</cell><cell align="right">551</cell><cell align="right">589</cell><cell align="right">608</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,911 -</cell><cell>1,920</cell><cell align="right">344</cell><cell align="right">440</cell><cell align="right">516</cell><cell align="right">573</cell><cell align="right">612</cell><cell align="right">631</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"> 1,921 -</cell><cell>1,930</cell><cell align="right">346</cell><cell align="right">442</cell><cell align="right">519</cell><cell align="right">576</cell><cell align="right">615</cell><cell align="right">634</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"> 1,931 -</cell><cell>1,940</cell><cell align="right">348</cell><cell align="right">444</cell><cell align="right">521</cell><cell align="right">579</cell><cell align="right">618</cell><cell align="right">637</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,941 -</cell><cell>1,950</cell><cell align="right">349</cell><cell align="right">446</cell><cell align="right">524</cell><cell align="right">582</cell><cell align="right">621</cell><cell align="right">641</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,951 -</cell><cell>1,960</cell><cell align="right">351</cell><cell align="right">449</cell><cell align="right">527</cell><cell align="right">585</cell><cell align="right">624</cell><cell align="right">644</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,961 -</cell><cell>1,970</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">471</cell><cell align="right">549</cell><cell align="right">608</cell><cell align="right">647</cell><cell align="right">667</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,971 -</cell><cell>1,980</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">473</cell><cell align="right">552</cell><cell align="right">611</cell><cell align="right">650</cell><cell align="right">670</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,981 -</cell><cell>1,990</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">475</cell><cell align="right">555</cell><cell align="right">614</cell><cell align="right">654</cell><cell align="right">674</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,991 -</cell><cell>2,000</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">478</cell><cell align="right">557</cell><cell align="right">617</cell><cell align="right">657</cell><cell align="right">677</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">2,001 -</cell><cell>2,050</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">480</cell><cell align="right">560</cell><cell align="right">620</cell><cell align="right">660</cell><cell align="right">680</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">2,051 -</cell><cell>2,100</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">513</cell><cell align="right">595</cell><cell align="right">656</cell><cell align="right">697</cell><cell align="right">718</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">2,101 -</cell><cell>2,150</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">546</cell><cell align="right">630</cell><cell align="right">693</cell><cell align="right">735</cell><cell align="right">756</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">2,151 -</cell><cell>2,200</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">581</cell><cell align="right">667</cell><cell align="right">731</cell><cell align="right">774</cell><cell align="right">796</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">2,201 -</cell><cell>2,250</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">616</cell><cell align="right">704</cell><cell align="right">770</cell><cell align="right">814</cell><cell align="right">836</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">2,251 -</cell><cell>2,300</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">810</cell><cell align="right">855</cell><cell align="right">878</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">2,301 -</cell><cell>2,350</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">897</cell><cell align="right">920</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">2,351 -</cell><cell>2,400</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">964</cell></row><row><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">2,401 -</cell><cell>2,450</cell><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right"/><cell align="right">1,008</cell></row></tbl></subsection></section><section number="81-6-306"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Minimal child care award table -- Child support orders on or after January 1, 2027.</catchline>The following table is used to:<subsection number="81-6-306(1)">establish a minimal child care award for a child support order established on or after January 1, 2027, if the low income table was not used in the calculation of child support; and</subsection><subsection number="81-6-306(2)">modify a minimal child care award for a child support order modified on or after January 1, 2027.<tbl colwidths="0,16.666666666666668,16.666666666666668,16.666666666666668,16.666666666666668,16.666666666666668,16.666666666666668"><row><cell/><cell>Combined Monthly Adjusted Gross Income</cell><cell/><cell>Age of the Child</cell><cell/><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell/><cell/><cell>0 to 23 Months Old</cell><cell>2 to 3 Years Old</cell><cell>4 to 5 Years Old</cell><cell>6 to 12 Years Old</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>From</cell><cell>To</cell><cell/><cell/><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell>$0-</cell><cell>$4,752</cell><cell>$225</cell><cell>$263</cell><cell>$263</cell><cell>$204</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>$4,573-</cell><cell>$6,911</cell><cell>$325</cell><cell>$313</cell><cell>$300</cell><cell>$300</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>$6,912-</cell><cell>$10,140</cell><cell>$410</cell><cell>$338</cell><cell>$338</cell><cell>$305</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>$10,141-</cell><cell>$14,999</cell><cell>$420</cell><cell>$345</cell><cell>$345</cell><cell>$325</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>$15,000-</cell><cell>More than $15,000</cell><cell>$450</cell><cell>$375</cell><cell>$375</cell><cell>$363</cell></row></tbl></subsection></section></part></chapter><chapter number="81-7"><catchline>Payment and Enforcement of Spousal and Child Support</catchline><section number="81-7-101"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">83</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for chapter.</catchline><tab/>As used in this chapter:<subsection number="81-7-101(1)">"Alimony" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-4-101">81-4-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-7-101(2)">"Child support" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-7-101(3)">"Child support services" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-9-101">26B-9-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-7-101(4)">"Delinquent" means a payment for child support that is overdue.</subsection><subsection number="81-7-101(5)">"Obligee" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-7-101(6)">"Obligor" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-7-101(7)">"Support order" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-7-101(8)">"Tribunal" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-7-102"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">83</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Payment under child support or alimony order -- Judgment.</catchline><subsection number="81-7-102(1)">All monthly payments of child support and alimony are due on the 1st day of each month in accordance with Title 26B, Chapter 9, Recovery Services and Administration of Child Support.</subsection><subsection number="81-7-102(2)">For purposes of child support services and income withholding described in Title 26B, Chapter 9, Part 2, Child Support Services, and Title 26B, Chapter 9, Part 3, Income Withholding in IV-D Cases, child support is not considered past due until the 1st day of the following month. </subsection><subsection number="81-7-102(3)">For purposes other than those specified in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-7-102(1)">(1)</xref>, child support is payable 1/2 by the 5th day of each month and 1/2 by the 20th day of that month, unless the order or decree provides for a different time for payment.</subsection><subsection number="81-7-102(4)">Each payment or installment of child support or alimony under any support order is, on and after the date the payment or installment is due:<subsection number="81-7-102(4)(a)">a judgment with the same attributes and effect of any judgment of a district court, except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-7-102(5)">(5)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-7-102(4)(b)">entitled, as a judgment, to full faith and credit in this and in any other jurisdiction; and</subsection><subsection number="81-7-102(4)(c)">not subject to retroactive modification by this or any other jurisdiction, except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-7-102(5)">(5)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-7-102(5)"><subsection number="81-7-102(5)(a)">A child support or alimony payment under a support order may be modified with respect to any period during which a modification is pending, but only from the date of service of the pleading on:<subsection number="81-7-102(5)(a)(i)">the obligee if the obligor is the petitioner; or</subsection><subsection number="81-7-102(5)(a)(ii)">the obligor if the obligee is the petitioner. </subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-7-102(5)(b)"> If the tribunal orders that the support order should be modified, the effective date of the modification shall be the month following service on the party whose support is affected. </subsection><subsection number="81-7-102(5)(c)"> Once the tribunal determines that a modification is appropriate, the tribunal shall order a judgment to be entered for any difference in the original order and the modified amount for the period from the service of the pleading until the final order of modification is entered.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-7-102(6)">The judgment provided for in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-7-102(4)(a)">(4)(a)</xref>, to be effective and enforceable as a lien against the real property interest of any third party relying on the public record, shall be docketed in the district court in accordance with Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="78B-5-202">78B-5-202</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-9-214">26B-9-214</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-7-102(7)"><subsection number="81-7-102(7)(a)">On and after July 1, 2027, interest shall accrue on a child support payment that is delinquent:<subsection number="81-7-102(7)(a)(i)">at a rate of 6%; and</subsection><subsection number="81-7-102(7)(a)(ii)">from the date on which the child support payment becomes delinquent until the date on which the child support payment is paid.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-7-102(7)(b)">Interest only accrues under Subsection <xref refnumber="1-17">(7)(a)</xref> on the principal amount owed for child support.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-7-103"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Collection fee for past due child support or alimony.</catchline><subsection number="81-7-103(1)">As used in this section:<subsection number="81-7-103(1)(a)">"Debtor" means a person obligated or allegedly obligated to pay a domestic relations debt.</subsection><subsection number="81-7-103(1)(b)">"Domestic relations debt" means an obligation or alleged obligation to pay past due child support or alimony.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-7-103(2)"><subsection number="81-7-103(2)(a)">A court shall order the amounts described in Subsection (2)(b) be paid, if:<subsection number="81-7-103(2)(a)(i)">the court issues a judgment requiring the payment of a domestic relations debt by the debtor;</subsection><subsection number="81-7-103(2)(a)(ii)">imposing a collection fee on the debtor or in relation to the domestic relations debt is not prohibited or otherwise restricted by another federal or state law; and</subsection><subsection number="81-7-103(2)(a)(iii)">the person owed the domestic relations debt has a contingency arrangement with an attorney to collect the domestic relations debt.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-7-103(2)(b)">If the conditions of Subsection (2)(a) are met, a court shall order payment of:<subsection number="81-7-103(2)(b)(i)">the principal amount due;</subsection><subsection number="81-7-103(2)(b)(ii)">applicable interest;</subsection><subsection number="81-7-103(2)(b)(iii)">a collection fee equal to the amount provided in the contingency agreement, except that the collection fee may not exceed the lesser of:<subsection number="81-7-103(2)(b)(iii)(A)">the actual amount the person owed the domestic relations debt is required to pay for collection costs, regardless of whether that amount is a specific dollar amount or a percentage of the principal amount owed for the domestic relations debt; or</subsection><subsection number="81-7-103(2)(b)(iii)(B)">40% of the principal amount owed to the person for the domestic relations debt;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-7-103(2)(b)(iv)">reasonable attorney fees; and</subsection><subsection number="81-7-103(2)(b)(v)">costs, if any, related to obtaining the judgment described in Subsection (2)(a)(i).</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-7-103(3)">The obligation to pay a collection fee described in Subsection (2)(b)(iii) is incurred at the time the person owed a domestic relations debt enters into an agreement with an attorney to collect the domestic relations debt.</subsection><subsection number="81-7-103(4)">An obligation to pay a collection fee imposed under this section is in addition to any obligation to pay reasonable attorney fees that may exist.</subsection><subsection number="81-7-103(5)">The Office of Recovery Services may not collect an order issued pursuant to Subsection (2).</subsection></section></chapter><chapter number="81-8"><catchline>Uniform Interstate Family Support Act</catchline><part number="81-8-1"><catchline>General Provisions</catchline><section number="81-8-101"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Reserved.</catchline><tab/>Reserved.</section><section number="81-8-102"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for chapter.</catchline><tab/>As used in this chapter:<subsection number="81-8-102(1)">"Alleged father" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-102">81-5-102</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(2)">"Birth mother" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-102">81-5-102</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(3)">"Child" means an individual, whether over or under the age of majority, who is or is alleged to be owed a duty of support by the individual's parent or who is or is alleged to be the beneficiary of a support order directed to the parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(4)">"Child support order" means a support order for a child, including a child who has attained the age of majority under the law of the issuing state or foreign country.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(5)">"Child support services agency" means a public official, governmental entity, or private agency authorized to:<subsection number="81-8-102(5)(a)">seek enforcement of support orders or laws relating to the duty of support;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(5)(b)">seek establishment or modification of child support;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(5)(c)">request determination of parentage of a child;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(5)(d)">attempt to locate obligors or their assets; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(5)(e)">request determination of the controlling child support order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(6)">"Convention" means the convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance, concluded at The Hague on November 23, 2007.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(7)">"Duty of support" means an obligation imposed or imposable by law to provide support for a child, spouse, or former spouse, including an unsatisfied obligation to provide support.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(8)">"Foreign country" means a country, including a political subdivision thereof, other than the United States, that authorizes the issuance of support orders and:<subsection number="81-8-102(8)(a)">which has been declared under the law of the United States to be a foreign reciprocating country;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(8)(b)">which has established a reciprocal arrangement for child support with this state as provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-308">81-8-308</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(8)(c)">which has enacted a law or established procedures for the issuance and enforcement of support orders which are substantially similar to the procedures under this chapter; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(8)(d)">in which the convention is in force with respect to the United States.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(9)">"Foreign support order" means a support order of a foreign tribunal.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(10)"><subsection number="81-8-102(10)(a)">"Foreign tribunal" means a court, administrative agency, or quasi-judicial entity of a foreign country which is authorized to establish, enforce, or modify support orders or to determine parentage of a child. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(10)(b)">"Foreign tribunal" includes a competent authority under the convention.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(11)">"Home state" means the state or foreign country in which a child lived with a parent or a person acting as parent for at least six consecutive months immediately preceding the time of filing of a petition or comparable pleading for support and, if a child is less than six months old, the state or foreign country in which the child lived from birth with any of them. A period of temporary absence of any of them is counted as part of the six-month or other period.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(12)">"Income" includes earnings or other periodic entitlements to money from any source and any other property subject to withholding for support under the law of this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(13)">"Income-withholding order" means an order or other legal process directed to an obligor's employer or other source of income as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-9-101">26B-9-101</xref>, to withhold support from the income of the obligor.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(14)">"Initiating tribunal" means the tribunal of a state or foreign country from which a petition or comparable pleading is forwarded or in which a petition or comparable pleading is filed for forwarding to another state or foreign country.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(15)">"Issuing foreign country" means the foreign country in which a tribunal issues a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(16)">"Issuing state" means the state in which a tribunal issues a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(17)">"Issuing tribunal" means the tribunal of a state or foreign country that issues a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(18)">"Law" includes decisional and statutory law and rules and regulations having the force of law.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(19)">"Obligee" means:<subsection number="81-8-102(19)(a)">an individual to whom a duty of support is or is alleged to be owed or in whose favor a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child has been issued;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(19)(b)">a foreign country, state, or political subdivision of a state to which the rights under a duty of support or support order have been assigned or which has independent claims based on financial assistance provided to an individual obligee in place of child support;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(19)(c)">an individual seeking a judgment determining parentage of the individual's child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(19)(d)">a person who is a creditor in a proceeding under Part 7, Support Proceedings Under Convention.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(20)">"Obligor" means an individual who, or the estate of a decedent that:<subsection number="81-8-102(20)(a)">owes or is alleged to owe a duty of support;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(20)(b)">is alleged but has not been adjudicated to be a parent of a child;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(20)(c)">is liable under a support order; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(20)(d)">is a debtor in a proceeding under Part 7, Support Proceedings Under Convention.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(21)">"Outside this state" means a location in another state or a country other than the United States, whether or not the country is a foreign country.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(22)">"Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, government, governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, public corporation, or any other legal or commercial entity.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(23)">"Presumed father" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-102">81-5-102</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(24)">"Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(25)">"Register" means to file in a tribunal of this state a support order or judgment determining parentage of a child issued in another state or a foreign country.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(26)">"Registering tribunal" means a tribunal in which a support order or judgment determining parentage of a child is registered.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(27)">"Responding state" means a state in which a petition or comparable pleading for support or to determine parentage of a child is filed or to which a petition or comparable pleading is forwarded for filing from another state or a foreign country.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(28)">"Responding tribunal" means the authorized tribunal in a responding state or foreign country.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(29)">"Spousal support order" means a support order for a spouse or former spouse of the obligor.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(30)"><subsection number="81-8-102(30)(a)">"State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(30)(b)">"State" includes an Indian nation or tribe.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(31)"><subsection number="81-8-102(31)(a)">"Support order" means a judgment, decree, order, decision, or directive, whether temporary, final, or subject to modification, issued in a state or foreign country for the benefit of a child, a spouse, or a former spouse, which provides for monetary support, health care, arrearages, retroactive support, or reimbursement for financial assistance provided to an individual obligee in place of child support. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(31)(b)">"Support order" includes related costs and fees, interest, income withholding, automatic adjustment, reasonable attorney fees, and other relief.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-102(32)">"Tribunal" means a court, administrative agency, or quasi-judicial entity authorized to establish, enforce, or modify support orders or to determine parentage of a child.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-103"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>State tribunal and child support services agency.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-103(1)">A court with jurisdiction under Title 78A, Judiciary and Judicial Administration, and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services are the tribunals of this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-103(2)">The Utah Department of Health and Human Services is the state child support services agency.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-104"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Remedies cumulative.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-104(1)">Remedies provided by this chapter are cumulative and do not affect the availability of remedies under other law or the recognition of a foreign support order on the basis of comity.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-104(2)">This chapter does not:<subsection number="81-8-104(2)(a)">provide the exclusive method of establishing or enforcing a support order under the law of this state; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-104(2)(b)">grant a tribunal of this state jurisdiction to render judgment or issue an order relating to child custody or parent-time in a proceeding under this chapter.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-8-105"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Application of chapter to residents of foreign countries and foreign support proceedings.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-105(1)">A tribunal of this state shall apply <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-1" start="2">Part 1, General Provisions</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-3" start="2">Part 3, Civil Provisions of General Application</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-4" start="2">Part 4, Establishment of Support Order or Determination of Parentage</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-5" start="2">Part 5, Enforcement of Support Order Without Registration</xref>, and <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-6" start="0">Part 6, Registration, Enforcement, and Modification of Support Order</xref> and, as applicable, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-7" start="2">Part 7, Support Proceedings Under Convention</xref>, to a support proceeding involving:<subsection number="81-8-105(1)(a)">a foreign support order;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-105(1)(b)">a foreign tribunal; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-105(1)(c)">an obligee, obligor, or child residing in a foreign country.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-105(2)">A tribunal of this state that is requested to recognize and enforce a support order on the basis of comity may apply the procedural and substantive provisions of <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-1" start="2">Part 1, General Provisions</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-3" start="2">Part 3, Civil Provisions of General Application</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-4" start="2">Part 4, Establishment of Support Order or Determination of Parentage</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-5" start="2">Part 5, Enforcement of Support Order Without Registration</xref>, and <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-6" start="0">Part 6, Registration, Enforcement, and Modification of Support Order</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-105(3)"><subsection number="81-8-105(3)(a)"><xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-7" start="2">Part 7, Support Proceedings Under Convention</xref>, applies only to a support proceeding under the convention. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-105(3)(b)">In a proceeding, if a provision of <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-7" start="2">Part 7, Support Proceedings Under Convention</xref> is inconsistent with <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-1" start="2">Part 1, General Provisions</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-3" start="2">Part 3, Civil Provisions of General Application</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-4" start="2">Part 4, Establishment of Support Order or Determination of Parentage</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-5" start="2">Part 5, Enforcement of Support Order Without Registration</xref>, and <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-6" start="0">Part 6, Registration, Enforcement, and Modification of Support Order</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-7" start="2">Part 7, Support Proceedings Under Convention</xref>, controls.</subsection></subsection></section></part><part number="81-8-2"><catchline>Jurisdiction</catchline><section number="81-8-201"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Bases for jurisdiction over nonresident.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-201(1)">In a proceeding to establish or enforce a support order or to determine parentage of a child, a tribunal of this state may exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident individual, or the individual's guardian or conservator, if:<subsection number="81-8-201(1)(a)">the individual is personally served with notice within this state;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-201(1)(b)">the individual submits to the jurisdiction of this state by consent in a record, by entering a general appearance, or by filing a responsive document having the effect of waiving any contest to personal jurisdiction;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-201(1)(c)">the individual resided with the child in this state;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-201(1)(d)">the individual resided in this state and provided prenatal expenses or support for the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-201(1)(e)">the child resides in this state as a result of the acts or directives of the individual;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-201(1)(f)">the individual engaged in sexual intercourse in this state and the child may have been conceived by that act of intercourse;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-201(1)(g)">the individual asserted parentage of a child in the putative father registry maintained in this state by the Office of Vital Records and Statistics in accordance with Chapter 13, Adoption; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-201(1)(h)">there is any other basis consistent with the constitutions of this state and the United States for the exercise of personal jurisdiction.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-201(2)">The bases of personal jurisdiction set forth in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-201(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> or in any other law of this state may not be used to acquire personal jurisdiction for a tribunal of this state to modify a child support order of another state unless the requirements of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-611">81-8-611</xref> are met, or, in the case of a foreign support order, unless the requirements of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-615">81-8-615</xref> are met.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-202"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Duration of personal jurisdiction.</catchline><tab/>Personal jurisdiction acquired by a tribunal of this state in a proceeding under this chapter or other law of this state relating to a support order continues as long as a tribunal of this state has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify the tribunal's order or continuing jurisdiction to enforce the tribunal's order as described in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-205">81-8-205</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-206">81-8-206</xref>, and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-211">81-8-211</xref>.</section><section number="81-8-203"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Initiating and responding tribunal of state.</catchline><tab/>Under this chapter, a tribunal of this state may serve as an initiating tribunal to forward proceedings to a tribunal of another state and as a responding tribunal for proceedings initiated in another state or a foreign country.</section><section number="81-8-204"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Simultaneous proceedings in another state.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-204(1)">A tribunal of this state may exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the petition or comparable pleading is filed after a pleading is filed in another state or a foreign country only if:<subsection number="81-8-204(1)(a)">the petition or comparable pleading in this state is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in the other state or the foreign country for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by the other state or the foreign country;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-204(1)(b)">the contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in the other state or the foreign country; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-204(1)(c)">if relevant, this state is the home state of the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-204(2)">A tribunal of this state may not exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the petition or comparable pleading is filed before a petition or comparable pleading is filed in another state or a foreign country if:<subsection number="81-8-204(2)(a)">the petition or comparable pleading in the other state or foreign country is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in this state for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by this state;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-204(2)(b)">the contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in this state; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-204(2)(c)">if relevant, the other state or foreign country is the home of the child.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-8-205"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify child support order.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-205(1)">A tribunal of this state that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of this state has and shall exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify its child support order if the order is the controlling order, and:<subsection number="81-8-205(1)(a)">at the time of the filing of a request for modification, this state is the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee, or the child for whose benefit the support order is issued; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-205(1)(b)">even if this state is not the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee, or the child for whose benefit the support order is issued, the parties consent in a record or in open court that the tribunal of this state may continue to exercise jurisdiction to modify the tribunal's order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-205(2)">A tribunal of this state that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of this state may not exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify the order if:<subsection number="81-8-205(2)(a)">all of the parties who are individuals file consent in a record with the tribunal of this state that a tribunal of another state that has jurisdiction over at least one of the parties who is an individual or that is located in the state of residence of the child may modify the order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-205(2)(b)">the tribunal's order is not the controlling order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-205(3)">If a tribunal of another state has issued a child support order in accordance with the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act or a law substantially similar to the act, that modifies a child support order of a tribunal of this state, a tribunal of this state shall recognize the continuing, exclusive jurisdiction of the tribunal of the other state.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-205(4)">A tribunal of this state that lacks continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify a child support order may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to modify a support order issued in that state.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-205(5)">A temporary support order issued ex parte or pending resolution of a jurisdictional conflict does not create continuing, exclusive jurisdiction in the issuing tribunal.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-206"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Continuing jurisdiction to enforce child support order.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-206(1)">A tribunal of this state that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of this state may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to enforce:<subsection number="81-8-206(1)(a)">the order if the order is the controlling order and has not been modified by a tribunal of another state that assumed jurisdiction in accordance with the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-206(1)(b)">a money judgment for arrears of support and interest on the order accrued before a determination that an order of a tribunal of another state is the controlling order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-206(2)">A tribunal of this state having continuing jurisdiction over a support order may act as a responding tribunal to enforce the order.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-207"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Determination of controlling child-support order.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-207(1)">If a proceeding is brought under this chapter and only one tribunal has issued a child support order, the order of that tribunal controls and shall be so recognized.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(2)">If a proceeding is brought under this chapter, and two or more child support orders have been issued by tribunals of this state, another state, or a foreign country with regard to the same obligor and same child, a tribunal of this state having personal jurisdiction over both the obligor and individual obligee shall apply the following rules and by order shall determine which order controls and shall be recognized:<subsection number="81-8-207(2)(a)">If only one of the tribunals would have continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this chapter, the order of that tribunal controls.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(2)(b)">If more than one of the tribunals would have continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this chapter, an order issued by a tribunal in the current home state of the child controls, or if an order has not been issued in the current home state of the child, the order most recently issued controls.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(2)(c)">If none of the tribunals would have continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this chapter, the tribunal of this state shall issue a child support order, which controls.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(3)"><subsection number="81-8-207(3)(a)">If two or more child support orders have been issued for the same obligor and same child, upon request of a party who is an individual or that is a child support services agency, a tribunal of this state having personal jurisdiction over both the obligor and the obligee who is an individual shall determine which order controls under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-207(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(3)(b)">The request under Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-14-207(3)(a)" depth="4">(3)(a)</xref> may be filed with a registration for enforcement or registration for modification pursuant to <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-6" start="2">Part 6, Registration, Enforcement, and Modification of Support Order</xref>, or may be filed as a separate proceeding.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(4)"><subsection number="81-8-207(4)(a)">A request to determine which is the controlling order shall be accompanied by a copy of every child support order in effect and the applicable record of payments. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(4)(b)">The requesting party shall give notice of the request to each party whose rights may be affected by the determination.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(5)">The tribunal that issued the controlling order under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-207(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>, <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-207(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>, or <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-207(3)" start="0">(3)</xref> has continuing jurisdiction to the extent provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-205">81-8-205</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-206">81-8-206</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(6)">A tribunal of this state that determines by order which is the controlling order under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-207(2)(a)" start="0">(2)(a)</xref>, <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-207(2)(b)" start="0">(b)</xref>, or <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-207(3)" start="0">(3)</xref> that issues a new controlling order under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-207(2)(c)" start="0">(2)(c)</xref>, shall state in that order:<subsection number="81-8-207(6)(a)">the basis upon which the tribunal made the tribunal's determination;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(6)(b)">the amount of prospective support, if any; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(6)(c)">the total amount of consolidated arrears and accrued interest, if any, under all of the orders after all payments made are credited as provided by Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-209">81-8-209</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(7)"><subsection number="81-8-207(7)(a)">Within 30 days after issuance of an order determining which is the controlling order, the party obtaining the order shall file a certified copy of the order in each tribunal that issued or registered an earlier order of child support. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(7)(b)">A party or child support services agency obtaining the order that fails to file a certified copy is subject to appropriate sanctions by a tribunal in which the issue of failure to file arises. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(7)(c)">The failure to file does not affect the validity or enforceability of the controlling order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-207(8)">An order that has been determined to be the controlling order, or a judgment for consolidated arrears of support and interest, if any, made in accordance with this section shall be recognized in proceedings under this chapter.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-208"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Child support orders for two or more obligees.</catchline><tab/>In responding to registrations or petitions for enforcement of two or more child support orders in effect at the same time with regard to the same obligor and different individual obligees, at least one of which was issued by a tribunal of another state or a foreign country, a tribunal of this state shall enforce those orders in the same manner as if the orders had been issued by a tribunal of this state.</section><section number="81-8-209"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Credit for payments.</catchline><tab/>A tribunal of this state shall credit amounts collected for a particular period pursuant to any child support order against the amounts owed for the same period under any other child support order for support of the same child issued by a tribunal of this or another state or foreign country.</section><section number="81-8-210"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Application of chapter to nonresident subject to personal jurisdiction.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-210(1)">A tribunal of this state exercising personal jurisdiction over a nonresident in a proceeding under this chapter, under other law of this state relating to a support order, or recognizing a foreign support order may:<subsection number="81-8-210(1)(a)"> receive evidence from outside this state in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-316">81-8-316</xref>; </subsection><subsection number="81-8-210(1)(b)">communicate with a tribunal outside this state in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-317">81-8-317</xref>; and </subsection><subsection number="81-8-210(1)(c)">obtain discovery through a tribunal outside this state in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-318">81-8-318</xref>. </subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-210(2)">In all other respects, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-3" start="2">Part 3, Civil Provisions of General Application</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-4" start="2">Part 4, Establishment of Support Order or Determination of Parentage</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-5" start="2">Part 5, Enforcement of Support Order Without Registration</xref>, and <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-6" start="2">Part 6, Registration, Enforcement, and Modification of Support Order</xref>, do not apply and the tribunal shall apply the procedural and substantive law of this state.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-211"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify spousal support order.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-211(1)">A tribunal of this state issuing a spousal support order consistent with the law of this state has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify the spousal support order throughout the existence of the support obligation.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-211(2)">A tribunal of this state may not modify a spousal support order issued by a tribunal of another state or foreign country having continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over that order under the law of that state or foreign country.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-211(3)">A tribunal of this state that has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over a spousal support order may serve as:<subsection number="81-8-211(3)(a)">an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to enforce the spousal support order issued in this state; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-211(3)(b)">a responding tribunal to enforce or modify the tribunal's own spousal support order.</subsection></subsection></section></part><part number="81-8-3"><catchline>Civil Provisions of General Application</catchline><section number="81-8-301"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Proceedings under chapter.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-301(1)">Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, this part applies to all proceedings under this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-301(2)">An individual petitioner or a child support services agency may initiate a proceeding authorized under this chapter by filing a petition in an initiating tribunal for forwarding to a responding tribunal or by filing a petition or a comparable pleading directly in a tribunal of another state or a foreign country that has or can obtain personal jurisdiction over the respondent.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-302"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Action by parent who is under 18 years old.</catchline><tab/>A parent who is under 18 years old, or a guardian or other legal representative of the parent, may maintain a proceeding on behalf of or for the benefit of the parent's child.</section><section number="81-8-303"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Application of law of state.</catchline><tab/>Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a responding tribunal of this state shall:<subsection number="81-8-303(1)">apply the procedural and substantive law generally applicable to similar proceedings originating in this state and may exercise all powers and provide all remedies available in those proceedings; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-303(2)">determine the duty of support and the amount payable in accordance with the law and support guidelines of this state.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-304"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Duties of initiating tribunal.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-304(1)">Upon the filing of a petition authorized by this chapter, an initiating tribunal of this state shall forward the petition and its accompanying documents:<subsection number="81-8-304(1)(a)">to the responding tribunal or appropriate child support services agency in the responding state; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-304(1)(b)">if the identity of the responding tribunal is unknown, to the state information agency of the responding state with a request that they be forwarded to the appropriate tribunal and that receipt be acknowledged.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-304(2)"><subsection number="81-8-304(2)(a)">If requested by the responding tribunal, a tribunal of this state shall issue a certificate or other document and make findings required by the law of the responding state. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-304(2)(b)">If the responding tribunal is in a foreign country, upon request, the tribunal of this state shall specify the amount of support sought, convert that amount into the equivalent amount in the foreign currency under applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported, and provide any other documents necessary to satisfy the requirements of the responding foreign tribunal.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-8-305"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Duties and powers of responding tribunal.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-305(1)">When a responding tribunal of this state receives a petition or comparable pleading from an initiating tribunal or directly in accordance with Subsection <xref refnumber="81-8-301(2)" depth="4">81-8-301(2)</xref>, the responding tribunal shall cause the petition or pleading to be filed and notify the petitioner where and when the petition or pleading was filed.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(2)">A responding tribunal of this state, to the extent not prohibited by other law, may do one or more of the following:<subsection number="81-8-305(2)(a)">establish or enforce a support order, modify a child support order, determine the controlling child support order, or determine parentage of a child;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(2)(b)">order an obligor to comply with a support order, specifying the amount and the manner of compliance;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(2)(c)">order income withholding;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(2)(d)">determine the amount of any arrearages and specify a method of payment;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(2)(e)">enforce orders by civil or criminal contempt, or both;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(2)(f)">set aside property for satisfaction of the support order;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(2)(g)">place liens and order execution on the obligor's property;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(2)(h)">order an obligor to keep the tribunal informed of the obligor's current residential address, electronic mail address, telephone number, employer, address of employment, and telephone number at the place of employment;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(2)(i)">issue a bench warrant for an obligor who has failed after proper notice to appear at a hearing ordered by the tribunal and enter the bench warrant in any local and state computer systems for criminal warrants;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(2)(j)">order the obligor to seek appropriate employment by specified methods;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(2)(k)">award reasonable attorney fees and other fees and costs; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(2)(l)">grant any other available remedy.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(3)">A responding tribunal of this state shall include in a support order issued under this chapter, or in the documents accompanying the order, the calculations on which the support order is based.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(4)">A responding tribunal of this state may not condition the payment of a support order issued under this chapter upon compliance by a party with provisions for parent-time.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(5)">If a responding tribunal of this state issues an order under this chapter, the tribunal shall send a copy of the order to the petitioner and the respondent and to the initiating tribunal, if any.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-305(6)">If requested to enforce a support order, arrears, or judgment or modify a support order stated in a foreign currency, a responding tribunal of this state shall convert the amount stated in the foreign currency to the equivalent amount in dollars under the applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-306"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Inappropriate tribunal.</catchline><tab/>If a petition or comparable pleading is received by an inappropriate tribunal of this state, the tribunal shall forward the pleading and accompanying documents to an appropriate tribunal in this state or another state and notify the petitioner where and when the pleading was sent.</section><section number="81-8-307"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Duties of child support services agency.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-307(1)">A child support services agency of this state, upon request, shall provide services to a petitioner in a proceeding under this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-307(2)">A child support services agency of this state that is providing services to the petitioner shall:<subsection number="81-8-307(2)(a)">take all steps necessary to enable an appropriate tribunal of this state, another state, or a foreign country to obtain jurisdiction over the respondent;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-307(2)(b)">request an appropriate tribunal to set a date, time, and place for a hearing;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-307(2)(c)">make a reasonable effort to obtain all relevant information, including information as to income and property of the parties;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-307(2)(d)">within 10 days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after receipt of notice in a record from an initiating, responding, or registering tribunal, send a copy of the notice to the petitioner;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-307(2)(e)">within 10 days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after receipt of communication in a record from the respondent or the respondent's attorney, send a copy of the communication to the petitioner; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-307(2)(f)">notify the petitioner if jurisdiction over the respondent cannot be obtained.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-307(3)">A child support services agency of this state that requests registration of a child support order in this state for enforcement or for modification shall make reasonable efforts:<subsection number="81-8-307(3)(a)">to ensure that the order to be registered is the controlling order; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-307(3)(b)">if two or more child support orders exist and the identity of the controlling order has not been determined, to ensure that a request for such a determination is made in a tribunal having jurisdiction to do so.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-307(4)">A child support services agency of this state that requests registration and enforcement of a support order, arrears, or judgment stated in a foreign currency shall convert the amounts stated in the foreign currency into the equivalent amounts in dollars under the applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-307(5)">A child support services agency of this state shall issue or request a tribunal of this state to issue a child support order and an income-withholding order that redirects payment of current support, arrears, and interest if requested to do so by a child support services agency of another state in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-319">81-8-319</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-307(6)">This chapter does not create or negate a relationship of attorney and client or other fiduciary relationship between a child support services agency or the attorney for the agency and the individual being assisted by the agency.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-308"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Duty of attorney general.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-308(1)">If the attorney general determines that the child support services agency is neglecting or refusing to provide services to an individual, the attorney general may order the agency to perform the agency's duties under this chapter or may provide those services directly to the individual.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-308(2)">The attorney general may determine that a foreign country has established a reciprocal arrangement for child support with this state and take appropriate action for notification of the determination.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-309"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Private counsel.</catchline><tab/>An individual may employ private counsel to represent the individual in proceedings authorized by this chapter.</section><section number="81-8-310"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Duties of state information agency.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-310(1)">The Office of Recovery Services is the state information agency under this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-310(2)">The state information agency shall:<subsection number="81-8-310(2)(a)">compile and maintain a current list, including addresses, of the tribunals in this state which have jurisdiction under this chapter and any support enforcement agencies in this state and transmit a copy to the state information agency of every other state;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-310(2)(b)">maintain a register of names and addresses of tribunals and support enforcement agencies received from other states;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-310(2)(c)">forward to the appropriate tribunal in the county in this state in which the obligee who is an individual or the obligor resides, or in which the obligor's property is believed to be located, all documents concerning a proceeding under this chapter received from another state or a foreign country; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-310(2)(d)">obtain information concerning the location of the obligor and the obligor's property within this state not exempt from execution, by such means as postal verification and federal or state locator services, examination of telephone directories, requests for the obligor's address from employers, and examination of governmental records, including, to the extent not prohibited by law, those relating to real property, vital statistics, law enforcement, taxation, motor vehicles, driver licenses, and Social Security.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-8-311"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Pleadings and accompanying documents.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-311(1)"><subsection number="81-8-311(1)(a)">In a proceeding under this chapter, a petitioner seeking to establish a support order, to determine parentage of a child, or to register and modify a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country shall file a petition. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-311(1)(b)">Unless otherwise ordered under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-312">81-8-312</xref>, the petition or accompanying documents shall provide, so far as known, the name, residential address, and social security numbers of the obligor and the obligee or the parent and alleged parent, and the name, sex, residential address, social security number, and date of birth of each child for whose benefit support is sought or whose parentage is to be determined. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-311(1)(c)">Unless filed at the time of registration, the petition shall be accompanied by a copy of any support order known to have been issued by another tribunal. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-311(1)(d)">The petition may include any other information that may assist in locating or identifying the respondent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-311(2)"><subsection number="81-8-311(2)(a)">The petition shall specify the relief sought. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-311(2)(b)">The petition and accompanying documents shall conform substantially with the requirements imposed by the forms mandated by federal law for use in cases filed by a child support services agency.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-8-312"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Nondisclosure of information in exceptional circumstances.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-312(1)">If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of specific identifying information, that information must be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-312(2)">After a hearing in which a tribunal takes into consideration the health, safety, or liberty of the party or child, the tribunal may order disclosure of information that the tribunal determines to be in the interest of justice.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-313"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Costs and fees.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-313(1)">The petitioner may not be required to pay a filing fee or other costs.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-313(2)"><subsection number="81-8-313(2)(a)">If an obligee prevails, a responding tribunal of this state may assess against an obligor filing fees, reasonable attorney fees, other costs, and necessary travel and other reasonable expenses incurred by the obligee and the obligee's witnesses. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-313(2)(b)">The tribunal may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against the obligee or the child support services agency of either the initiating or the responding state or a foreign country, except as provided by law. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-313(2)(c)">Attorney fees may be taxed as costs, and may be ordered paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's own name. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-313(2)(d)">Payment of support owed to the obligee has priority over fees, costs, and expenses.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-313(3)"><subsection number="81-8-313(3)(a)">The tribunal shall order the payment of costs and reasonable attorney fees if it determines that a hearing was requested primarily for delay. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-313(3)(b)">In a proceeding under <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-6" start="2">Part 6, Registration, Enforcement, and Modification of Support Order</xref>, a hearing is presumed to have been requested primarily for delay if a registered support order is confirmed or enforced without change.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-8-314"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Limited immunity of petitioner.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-314(1)">Participation by a petitioner in a proceeding under this chapter before a responding tribunal, whether in person, by private attorney, or through services provided by the child support services agency, does not confer personal jurisdiction over the petitioner in another proceeding.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-314(2)">A petitioner is not amenable to service of civil process while physically present in this state to participate in a proceeding under this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-314(3)">The immunity granted by this section does not extend to civil litigation based on acts unrelated to a proceeding under this chapter committed by a party while present in this state to participate in the proceeding.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-315"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Nonparentage as defense.</catchline><tab/>A party whose parentage of a child has been previously determined by or pursuant to law may not plead nonparentage as a defense to a proceeding under this chapter.</section><section number="81-8-316"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Special rules of evidence and procedure.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-316(1)">The physical presence of a nonresident party who is an individual in a tribunal of this state is not required for the establishment, enforcement, or modification of a support order or the rendition of a judgment determining parentage of a child.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-316(2)">An affidavit, a document substantially complying with federally mandated forms, or a document incorporated by reference in any of them, which would not be excluded under the hearsay rule if given in person, is admissible in evidence if given under penalty of perjury by a party or witness residing outside this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-316(3)"><subsection number="81-8-316(3)(a)">A copy of the record of child support payments certified as a true copy of the original by the custodian of the record may be forwarded to a responding tribunal. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-316(3)(b)">The copy is evidence of facts asserted in it and is admissible to show whether payments were made.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-316(4)">Copies of bills for testing for parentage of a child, and for prenatal and postnatal health care of the birth mother and child, furnished to the adverse party at least 10 days before trial, are admissible in evidence to prove the amount of the charges billed and that the charges were reasonable, necessary, and customary.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-316(5)">Documentary evidence transmitted from outside this state to a tribunal of this state by telephone, telecopier, or other electronic means that do not provide an original record may not be excluded from evidence on an objection based on the means of transmission.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-316(6)"><subsection number="81-8-316(6)(a)">In a proceeding under this chapter, a tribunal of this state shall permit a party or witness residing outside this state to be deposed or to testify under penalty of perjury by telephone, audiovisual means, or other electronic means at a designated tribunal or other location. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-316(6)(b)">A tribunal of this state shall cooperate with other tribunals in designating an appropriate location for the deposition or testimony.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-316(7)">If a party called to testify at a civil hearing refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the trier of fact may draw an adverse inference from the refusal.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-316(8)">A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses does not apply in a proceeding under this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-316(9)">The defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child does not apply in a proceeding under this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-316(10)">A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, certified as a true copy, is admissible to establish parentage of the child.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-317"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Communications between tribunals.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-317(1)">A tribunal of this state may communicate with a tribunal outside this state in a record, or by telephone, electronic mail, or other means, to obtain information concerning the laws, the legal effect of a judgment, decree, or order of that tribunal, and the status of a proceeding. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-317(2)">A tribunal of this state may furnish similar information by similar means to a tribunal outside this state.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-318"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Assistance with discovery.</catchline><tab/>A tribunal of this state may:<subsection number="81-8-318(1)">request a tribunal outside this state to assist in obtaining discovery; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-318(2)">upon request, compel a person over whom it has jurisdiction to respond to a discovery order issued by a tribunal outside this state.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-319"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Receipt and disbursement of payments.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-319(1)"><subsection number="81-8-319(1)(a)">A child support services agency or tribunal of this state shall disburse promptly any amounts received pursuant to a support order, as directed by the order. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-319(1)(b)">The agency or tribunal shall furnish to a requesting party or tribunal of another state or a foreign country a certified statement by the custodian of the record of the amounts and dates of all payments received.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-319(2)">If neither the obligor, nor the obligee who is an individual, nor the child resides in this state, upon request from the child support services agency of this state or another state, the Office of Recovery Services or a tribunal of this state shall:<subsection number="81-8-319(2)(a)">direct that the support payment be made to the child support services agency in the state in which the obligee is receiving services; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-319(2)(b)">issue and send to the obligor's employer a conforming income-withholding order or an administrative notice of change of payee, reflecting the redirected payments.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-319(3)">The child support services agency of this state receiving redirected payments from another state pursuant to a law similar to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-319(2)" start="0">(2)</xref> shall furnish to a requesting party or tribunal of the other state a certified statement by the custodian of the record of the amount and dates of all payments received.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-8-4"><catchline>Establishment of Support Order or Determination of Parentage</catchline><section number="81-8-401"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Establishment of support order.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-401(1)">If a support order entitled to recognition under this chapter has not been issued, a responding tribunal of this state with personal jurisdiction over the parties may issue a support order if:<subsection number="81-8-401(1)(a)">the individual seeking the order resides outside this state; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-401(1)(b)">the child support services agency seeking the order is located outside this state.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-401(2)">The tribunal may issue a temporary child support order if the tribunal determines that an order is appropriate and the individual ordered to pay is:<subsection number="81-8-401(2)(a)">a presumed father of the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-401(2)(b)">petitioning to have the individual's parentage adjudicated;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-401(2)(c)">identified as the father of the child through genetic testing;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-401(2)(d)">an alleged father who has declined to submit to genetic testing;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-401(2)(e)">shown by clear and convincing evidence to be the father of the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-401(2)(f)">a declarant father, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-102">81-5-102</xref>, determined in accordance with Chapter 5, Part 3, Voluntary Declaration of Paternity;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-401(2)(g)">the birth mother of the child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-401(2)(h)">an individual who has been ordered to pay child support in a previous proceeding and the order has not been reversed or vacated.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-401(3)">Upon finding, after notice and opportunity to be heard, that an obligor owes a duty of support, the tribunal shall issue a support order directed to the obligor and may issue other orders in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-305">81-8-305</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-402"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Proceeding to determine parentage.</catchline><tab/>A tribunal of this state authorized to determine parentage of a child may serve as a responding tribunal in a proceeding to determine parentage brought under this chapter or a law or procedure substantially similar to this chapter.</section></part><part number="81-8-5"><catchline>Enforcement of Support Order Without Registration</catchline><section number="81-8-501"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Employer's receipt of income-withholding order of another state.</catchline><tab/>An income-withholding order issued in another state may be sent by or on behalf of the obligee, or by the child support services agency, to the person defined as the obligor's employer under <xref depth="2" refnumber="26B-9-3" start="0">Title 26B, Chapter 9, Part 3, Income Withholding in IV-D Cases</xref>, and <xref depth="2" refnumber="26B-9-4" start="0">Title 26B, Chapter 9, Part 4, Income Withholding in Non IV-D Cases</xref>, without first filing a petition or comparable pleading or registering the order with a tribunal of this state.</section><section number="81-8-502"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Employer's compliance with income-withholding order of another state.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-502(1)">Upon receipt of an income-withholding order, the obligor's employer shall immediately provide a copy of the order to the obligor.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-502(2)">The employer shall treat an income-withholding order issued in another state which appears regular on its face as if it had been issued by a tribunal of this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-502(3)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-502(4)" start="0">(4)</xref> and Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-503">81-8-503</xref>, the employer shall withhold and distribute the funds as directed in the withholding order by complying with terms of the order which specify:<subsection number="81-8-502(3)(a)">the duration and amount of periodic payments of current child support, stated as a sum certain;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-502(3)(b)">the person designated to receive payments and the address to which the payments are to be forwarded;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-502(3)(c)">medical support, whether in the form of periodic cash payment, stated as a sum certain, or ordering the obligor to provide health care coverage for the child under a policy available through the obligor's employment;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-502(3)(d)">the amount of periodic payments of fees and costs for a child support services agency, the issuing tribunal, and the obligee's attorney, stated as sums certain; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-502(3)(e)">the amount of periodic payments of arrearages and interest on arrearages, stated as sums certain.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-502(4)">An employer shall comply with the law of the state of the obligor's principal place of employment for withholding from income with respect to:<subsection number="81-8-502(4)(a)">the employer's fee for processing an income withholding order;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-502(4)(b)">the maximum amount permitted to be withheld from the obligor's income; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-502(4)(c)">the times within which the employer must implement the withholding order and forward the child support payment.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-8-503"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Employer's compliance with two or more income-withholding orders.</catchline><tab/>If an obligor's employer receives two or more income-withholding orders with respect to the earnings of the same obligor, the employer satisfies the terms of the multiple orders if the employer complies with the law of the state of the obligor's principal place of employment to establish the priorities for the withholding and allocating income withheld for two or more child support obligees.</section><section number="81-8-504"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Immunity from civil liability.</catchline><tab/>An employer that complies with an income withholding order issued in another state in accordance with this part is not subject to civil liability to an individual or agency with regard to the employer's withholding of child support from the obligor's income.</section><section number="81-8-505"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Penalties for noncompliance.</catchline><tab/>An employer that willfully fails to comply with an income withholding order issued in another state and received for enforcement is subject to the same penalties that may be imposed for noncompliance with an order issued by a tribunal of this state.</section><section number="81-8-506"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Contest by obligor.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-506(1)">An obligor may contest the validity or enforcement of an income-withholding order issued in another state and received directly by an employer in this state by registering the order in a tribunal of this state and filing a contest to that order as provided in <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-14-P6_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-14-6" start="2">Part 6, Registration, Enforcement, and Modification of Support Order</xref>, or otherwise contesting the order in the same manner as if the order had been issued by a tribunal of this state. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-506(2)">The obligor shall give notice of the contest to:<subsection number="81-8-506(2)(a)">a child support services agency providing services to the obligee;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-506(2)(b)">each employer that has directly received an income-withholding order relating to the obligor; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-506(2)(c)">the person designated to receive payments in the income-withholding order or if no person is designated, to the obligee.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-8-507"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Administrative enforcement of orders.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-507(1)">A party or child support services agency seeking to enforce a support order or an income-withholding order, or both, issued in another state, or seeking to enforce a foreign support order, may send the documents required for registering the order to a child support services agency of this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-507(2)"><subsection number="81-8-507(2)(a)"><subsection number="81-8-507(2)(a)(i)">Upon receipt of the documents, the child support services agency, without initially seeking to register the order, shall consider and, if appropriate, use any administrative procedure authorized by the law of this state to enforce a support order or an income-withholding order, or both. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-507(2)(a)(ii)">If the obligor does not contest administrative enforcement, the order need not be registered. </subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-507(2)(b)">If the obligor contests the validity or administrative enforcement of the order, the child support services agency shall register the order in accordance with this chapter.</subsection></subsection></section></part><part number="81-8-6"><catchline>Registration, Enforcement, and Modification of Support Order</catchline><section number="81-8-601"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Registration of order for enforcement.</catchline><tab/>A support order or income-withholding order issued in another state, or a foreign support order, may be registered in this state for enforcement.</section><section number="81-8-602"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Procedure to register order for enforcement.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-602(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-706">81-8-706</xref>, a support order or income-withholding order of another state, or a foreign support order, may be registered in this state by sending the following records to the appropriate tribunal in this state:<subsection number="81-8-602(1)(a)">a letter of transmittal to the tribunal requesting registration and enforcement;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-602(1)(b)">two copies, including one certified copy, of the order to be registered, including any modification of the order;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-602(1)(c)">a sworn statement by the person requesting registration or a certified statement by the custodian of the records showing the amount of any arrearage;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-602(1)(d)">the name of the obligor and, if known:<subsection number="81-8-602(1)(d)(i)">the obligor's address and social security number;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-602(1)(d)(ii)">the name and address of the obligor's employer and any other source of income of the obligor; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-602(1)(d)(iii)">a description and the location of property of the obligor in this state not exempt from execution; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-602(1)(e)">except as otherwise provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-312">81-8-312</xref>, the name and address of the obligee and, if applicable, the person to whom support payments are to be remitted.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-602(2)">On receipt of a request for registration, the registering tribunal shall cause the order to be filed as an order of a tribunal of another state, or a foreign support order, together with one copy of the documents and information, regardless of their form.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-602(3)"><subsection number="81-8-602(3)(a)">A petition or comparable pleading seeking a remedy that shall be affirmatively sought under law of this state may be filed at the same time as the request for registration or later. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-602(3)(b)">The pleading shall specify the grounds for the remedy sought.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-602(4)">If two or more orders are in effect, the person requesting registration shall:<subsection number="81-8-602(4)(a)">furnish to the tribunal a copy of every support order asserted to be in effect in addition to the documents specified in this section;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-602(4)(b)">specify the order alleged to be the controlling order, if any; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-602(4)(c)">specify the amount of consolidated arrears, if any.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-602(5)"><subsection number="81-8-602(5)(a)">A request for a determination of which is the controlling order may be filed separately or with a request for registration and enforcement or for registration and modification. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-602(5)(b)">The person requesting registration shall give notice of the request to each party whose rights may be affected by the determination.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-8-603"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Effect of registration for enforcement.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-603(1)">A support order or income-withholding order issued in another state, or a foreign support order, is registered when the order is filed in the registering tribunal of this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-603(2)">A registered support order issued in another state or a foreign country is enforceable in the same manner and is subject to the same procedures as an order issued by a tribunal of this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-603(3)">Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a tribunal of this state shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify, a registered support order if the issuing tribunal had jurisdiction.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-604"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Choice of law.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-604(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-604(4)" start="0">(4)</xref>, the law of the issuing state or foreign country governs:<subsection number="81-8-604(1)(a)">the nature, extent, amount, and duration of current payments under a registered support order;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-604(1)(b)">the computation and payment of arrearages and accrual of interest on the arrearages under the support order; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-604(1)(c)">the existence and satisfaction of other obligations under the support order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-604(2)">In a proceeding for arrears under a registered support order, the statute of limitation of this state or of the issuing state or foreign country, whichever is longer, applies.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-604(3)">A responding tribunal of this state shall apply the procedures and remedies of this state to enforce current support and collect arrears and interest due on a support order of another state or a foreign country registered in this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-604(4)">After a tribunal of this or another state determines which is the controlling order and issues an order consolidating arrears, if any, a tribunal of this state shall prospectively apply the law of the state or foreign country issuing the controlling order, including its law on interest on arrears, on current and future support, and on consolidated arrears.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-605"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Notice of registration of order.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-605(1)"><subsection number="81-8-605(1)(a)">When a support order or income-withholding order issued in another state, or a foreign support order, is registered, the registering tribunal of this state shall notify the nonregistering party. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-605(1)(b)">The notice shall be accompanied by a copy of the registered order and the documents and relevant information accompanying the order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-605(2)">A notice shall inform the nonregistering party:<subsection number="81-8-605(2)(a)">that a registered order is enforceable as of the date of registration in the same manner as an order issued by a tribunal of this state;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-605(2)(b)">that a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order shall be requested within 20 days after notice, unless the registered order is under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-707">81-8-707</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-605(2)(c)">that failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order in a timely manner will result in confirmation of the order and enforcement of the order and the alleged arrearages; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-605(2)(d)">of the amount of any alleged arrearages.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-605(3)">If the registering party asserts that two or more orders are in effect, a notice shall also:<subsection number="81-8-605(3)(a)">identify the two or more orders and the order alleged by the registering party to be the controlling order and the consolidated arrears, if any;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-605(3)(b)">notify the nonregistering party of the right to a determination of which is the controlling order;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-605(3)(c)">state that the procedures provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-605(2)" start="0">(2)</xref> apply to the determination of which is the controlling order; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-605(3)(d)">state that failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the order alleged to be the controlling order in a timely manner may result in confirmation that the order is the controlling order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-605(4)">Upon registration of an income-withholding order for enforcement, the child support services agency or the registering tribunal shall notify the obligor's employer in accordance with <xref depth="2" refnumber="26B-9-3" start="0">Title 26B, Chapter 9, Part 3, Income Withholding in IV-D Cases</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-606"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Procedure to contest validity or enforcement of registered support order.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-606(1)"><subsection number="81-8-606(1)(a)">A nonregistering party seeking to contest the validity or enforcement of a registered support order in this state shall request a hearing within the time required by Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-605">81-8-605</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-606(1)(b)">The nonregistering party may seek to vacate the registration, to assert any defense to an allegation of noncompliance with the registered order, or to contest the remedies being sought or the amount of any alleged arrearages pursuant to Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-607">81-8-607</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-606(2)">If the nonregistering party fails to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered support order in a timely manner, the order is confirmed by operation of law.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-606(3)">If a nonregistering party requests a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered support order, the registering tribunal shall schedule the matter for hearing and give notice to the parties of the date, time, and place of the hearing.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-607"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Contest of registration or enforcement.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-607(1)">A party contesting the validity or enforcement of a registered support order or seeking to vacate the registration has the burden of proving one or more of the following defenses:<subsection number="81-8-607(1)(a)">the issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction over the contesting party;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-607(1)(b)">the order was obtained by fraud;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-607(1)(c)">the order has been vacated, suspended, or modified by a later order;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-607(1)(d)">the issuing tribunal has stayed the order pending appeal;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-607(1)(e)">there is a defense under the law of this state to the remedy sought;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-607(1)(f)">full or partial payment has been made;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-607(1)(g)">the statute of limitation under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-604">81-8-604</xref> precludes enforcement of some or all of the alleged arrearages; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-607(1)(h)">the alleged controlling order is not the controlling order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-607(2)"><subsection number="81-8-607(2)(a)">If a party presents evidence establishing a full or partial defense under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-607(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>, a tribunal may stay enforcement of a registered support order, continue the proceeding to permit production of additional relevant evidence, and issue other appropriate orders. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-607(2)(b)">An uncontested portion of the registered support order may be enforced by all remedies available under the law of this state.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-607(3)">If the contesting party does not establish a defense under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-607(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> to the validity or enforcement of a registered support order, the registering tribunal shall issue an order confirming the order.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-608"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Confirmed order.</catchline><tab/>Confirmation of a registered support order, whether by operation of law or after notice and hearing, precludes further contest of the order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted at the time of registration.</section><section number="81-8-609"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Procedure to register child support order of another state for modification.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-609(1)">A party or child support services agency seeking to modify, or to modify and enforce, a child support order issued in another state shall register that order in this state in the same manner provided in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-601">81-8-601</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-608">81-8-608</xref> if the order has not been registered. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-609(2)">A petition for modification may be filed at the same time as a request for registration, or later. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-609(3)">The pleading shall specify the grounds for modification.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-610"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Effect of registration for modification.</catchline><tab/>A tribunal of this state may enforce a child support order of another state registered for purposes of modification, in the same manner as if the order had been issued by a tribunal of this state, but the registered support order may be modified only if the requirements of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-611">81-8-611</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-613">81-8-613</xref> have been met.</section><section number="81-8-611"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Modification of child support order of another state.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-611(1)">If Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-613">81-8-613</xref> does not apply, upon petition a tribunal of this state may modify a child support order issued in another state which is registered in this state if, after notice and hearing, the tribunal finds that:<subsection number="81-8-611(1)(a)">the following requirements are met:<subsection number="81-8-611(1)(a)(i)">neither the child, nor the obligee who is an individual, nor the obligor resides in the issuing state;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-611(1)(a)(ii)">a petitioner who is a nonresident of this state seeks modification; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-611(1)(a)(iii)">the respondent is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal of this state; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-611(1)(b)">this state is the residence of the child, or a party who is an individual, is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal of this state and all of the parties who are individuals have filed consents in a record in the issuing tribunal for a tribunal of this state to modify the support order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-611(2)">Modification of a registered child support order is subject to the same requirements, procedures, and defenses that apply to the modification of an order issued by a tribunal of this state and the order may be enforced and satisfied in the same manner.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-611(3)"><subsection number="81-8-611(3)(a)">A tribunal of this state may not modify any aspect of a child support order that may not be modified under the law of the issuing state, including the duration of the obligation of support. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-611(3)(b)">If two or more tribunals have issued child support orders for the same obligor and same child, the order that controls and shall be so recognized under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-207">81-8-207</xref> establishes the aspects of the support order that are nonmodifiable.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-611(4)"><subsection number="81-8-611(4)(a)">In a proceeding to modify a child support order, the law of the state that is determined to have issued the initial controlling order governs the duration of the obligation of support. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-611(4)(b)">The obligor's fulfillment of the duty of support established by that order precludes imposition of a further obligation of support by a tribunal of this state.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-611(5)">On issuance of an order by a tribunal of this state modifying a child support order issued in another state, the tribunal of this state becomes the tribunal of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-611(6)">Notwithstanding Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-611(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> through <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-611(5)" start="0">(5)</xref> and Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-8-201(2)">81-8-201(2)</xref>, a tribunal of this state retains jurisdiction to modify an order issued by a tribunal of this state if:<subsection number="81-8-611(6)(a)">one party resides in another state; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-611(6)(b)">the other party resides outside the United States.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-8-612"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Recognition of order modified in another state.</catchline><tab/>If a child support order issued by a tribunal of this state is modified by a tribunal of another state that assumed jurisdiction in accordance with the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, a tribunal of this state:<subsection number="81-8-612(1)">may enforce the tribunal's order that was modified only as to arrears and interest accruing before the modification;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-612(2)">may provide appropriate relief for violations of the tribunal's order which occurred before the effective date of the modification; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-612(3)">shall recognize the modifying order of the other state, upon registration, for the purpose of enforcement.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-613"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Jurisdiction to modify child support order of another state when individual parties reside in this state.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-613(1)">If all of the parties who are individuals reside in this state and the child does not reside in the issuing state, a tribunal of this state has jurisdiction to enforce and to modify the issuing state's child support order in a proceeding to register that order.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-613(2)">A tribunal of this state exercising jurisdiction under this section shall apply the provisions of this part, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-1" start="2">Part 1, General Provisions</xref>, and <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>, and the procedural and substantive law of this state to the proceeding for enforcement or modification. <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-3" start="2">Part 3, Civil Provisions of General Application</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-4" start="2">Part 4, Establishment of Support Order or Determination of Parentage</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-5" start="2">Part 5, Enforcement of Support Order Without Registration</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-7" start="2">Part 7, Support Proceedings Under Convention</xref>, and <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-8" start="2">Part 8, Rendition</xref>, do not apply.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-614"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Notice to issuing tribunal of modification.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-614(1)">Within 30 days after issuance of a modified child support order, the party obtaining the modification shall file a certified copy of the order with the issuing tribunal that had continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over the earlier order, and in each tribunal in which the party knows the earlier order has been registered. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-614(2)">A party who obtains the order and fails to file a certified copy is subject to appropriate sanctions by a tribunal in which the issue of failure to file arises. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-614(3)">The failure to file does not affect the validity or enforceability of the modified order of the new tribunal having continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-615"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Jurisdiction to modify child support order of foreign country.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-615(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-711">81-8-711</xref>, if a foreign country lacks or refuses to exercise jurisdiction to modify its child support order pursuant to its laws, a tribunal of this state may assume jurisdiction to modify the child support order and bind all individuals subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal whether or not the consent to modification of a child support order otherwise required of the individual in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-611">81-8-611</xref> has been given or whether the individual seeking modification is a resident of this state or of the foreign country.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-615(2)">An order issued by a tribunal of this state modifying a foreign child support order in accordance with this section is the controlling order.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-616"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Procedure to register child support order of foreign country for modification.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-616(1)">A party or child support services agency seeking to modify, or to modify and enforce, a foreign child support order not under the convention may register that order in this state under Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-601">81-8-601</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-608">81-8-608</xref> if the order has not been registered. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-616(2)">A petition for modification may be filed at the same time as a request for registration, or at another time. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-616(3)">The petition shall specify the grounds for modification.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-8-7"><catchline>Support Proceedings Under Convention</catchline><section number="81-8-701"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>As used in this part:<subsection number="81-8-701(1)">"Application" means a request under the convention by an obligee or obligor, or on behalf of a child, made through a central authority for assistance from another central authority.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-701(2)">"Central authority" means the entity designated by the United States or a foreign country described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-8-102(8)(d)">81-8-102(8)(d)</xref> to perform the functions specified in the convention.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-701(3)">"Convention support order" means a support order of a tribunal of a foreign country described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-8-102(8)(d)">81-8-102(8)(d)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-701(4)">"Direct request" means a petition filed by an individual in a tribunal of this state in a proceeding involving an obligee, obligor, or child residing outside the United States.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-701(5)">"Foreign central authority" means the entity designated by a foreign country described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-8-102(8)(d)">81-8-102(8)(d)</xref> to perform the functions specified in the convention.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-701(6)">"Foreign support agreement":<subsection number="81-8-701(6)(a)">means an agreement for support in a record that:<subsection number="81-8-701(6)(a)(i)">is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-701(6)(a)(ii)">has been:<subsection number="81-8-701(6)(a)(ii)(A)">formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-701(6)(a)(ii)(B)">authenticated by, or concluded, registered, or filed with a foreign tribunal; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-701(6)(a)(iii)">may be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-701(6)(b)">includes a maintenance arrangement or authentic instrument under the convention.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-701(7)">"United States central authority" means the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-702"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Applicability.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-702(1)">This part applies only to a support proceeding under the convention. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-702(2)">In such a proceeding, if a provision of this part is inconsistent with <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-1" start="2">Part 1, General Provisions</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-3" start="2">Part 3, Civil Provisions of General Application</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-4" start="2">Part 4, Establishment of Support Order or Determination of Parentage</xref>, <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-5" start="2">Part 5, Enforcement of Support Order Without Registration</xref>, and <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-6" start="0">Part 6, Registration, Enforcement, and Modification of Support Order</xref>, this part controls.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-703"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Relationship of Department of Health and Human Services to United States central authority.</catchline><tab/>The Utah Department of Health and Human Services is recognized as the agency designated by the United States central authority to perform specific functions under the convention.</section><section number="81-8-704"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Initiation by Department of Health and Human Services of support proceeding under convention.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-704(1)">In a support proceeding under this part, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services shall:<subsection number="81-8-704(1)(a)">transmit and receive applications; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-704(1)(b)">initiate or facilitate the institution of a proceeding regarding an application in a tribunal of this state.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-704(2)">The following support proceedings are available to an obligee under the convention:<subsection number="81-8-704(2)(a)">recognition or recognition and enforcement of a foreign support order;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-704(2)(b)">enforcement of a support order issued or recognized in this state;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-704(2)(c)">establishment of a support order if there is no existing order, including, if necessary, determination of parentage of a child;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-704(2)(d)">establishment of a support order if recognition of a foreign support order is refused under Subsection <xref refnumber="81-8-708(2)(b)" depth="4">81-8-708(2)(b)</xref>, <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-708(2)(d)" start="0">(d)</xref>, or <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-708(2)(i)" start="0">(i)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-704(2)(e)">modification of a support order of a tribunal of this state; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-704(2)(f)">modification of a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-704(3)">The following support proceedings are available under the convention to an obligor against which there is an existing support order:<subsection number="81-8-704(3)(a)">recognition of an order suspending or limiting enforcement of an existing support order of a tribunal of this state;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-704(3)(b)">modification of a support order of a tribunal of this state; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-704(3)(c)">modification of a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-704(4)">A tribunal of this state may not require security, bond, or deposit, however described, to guarantee the payment of costs and expenses in proceedings under the convention.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-705"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Direct request.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-705(1)"><subsection number="81-8-705(1)(a)">A petitioner may file a direct request seeking establishment or modification of a support order or determination of parentage of a child. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-705(1)(b)">In the proceeding, the law of this state applies.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-705(2)"><subsection number="81-8-705(2)(a)">A petitioner may file a direct request seeking recognition and enforcement of a support order or support agreement. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-705(2)(b)">In the proceeding, Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-706">81-8-706</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-713">81-8-713</xref> apply.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-705(3)">In a direct request for recognition and enforcement of a convention support order or foreign support agreement:<subsection number="81-8-705(3)(a)">a security, bond, or deposit is not required to guarantee the payment of costs and expenses; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-705(3)(b)">an obligee or obligor that in the issuing country has benefitted from free legal assistance is entitled to benefit, at least to the same extent, from any free legal assistance provided for by the law of this state under the same circumstances.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-705(4)">A petitioner filing a direct request is not entitled to assistance from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-705(5)">This part does not prevent the application of laws of this state that provide simplified, more expeditious rules regarding a direct request for recognition and enforcement of a foreign support order or foreign support agreement.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-706"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Registration of convention support order.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-706(1)">Except as otherwise provided in this part, a party who is an individual or a child support services agency seeking recognition of a convention support order shall register the order in this state as provided in <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-14-6" start="2">Part 6, Registration, Enforcement, and Modification of Support Order</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-706(2)">Notwithstanding Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-311">81-8-311</xref> and Subsection <xref refnumber="81-8-602(1)" depth="4">81-8-602(1)</xref>, a request for registration of a convention support order shall be accompanied by:<subsection number="81-8-706(2)(a)">a complete text of the support order or an abstract or extract of the support order drawn up by the issuing foreign tribunal, which may be in the form recommended by the Hague Conference on Private International Law;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-706(2)(b)">a record stating that the support order is enforceable in the issuing country;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-706(2)(c)">if the respondent did not appear and was not represented in the proceedings in the issuing country, a record attesting, as appropriate, either that the respondent had proper notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard or that the respondent had proper notice of the support order and an opportunity to be heard in a challenge or appeal on fact or law before a tribunal;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-706(2)(d)">a record showing the amount of arrears, if any, and the date the amount was calculated;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-706(2)(e)">a record showing a requirement for automatic adjustment of the amount of support, if any, and the information necessary to make the appropriate calculations; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-706(2)(f)">if necessary, a record showing the extent to which the applicant received free legal assistance in the issuing country.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-706(3)">A request for registration of a convention support order may seek recognition and partial enforcement of the order.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-706(4)">A tribunal of this state may vacate the registration of a convention support order without the filing of a contest under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-707">81-8-707</xref> only if, acting on its own motion, the tribunal finds that recognition and enforcement of the order would be manifestly incompatible with public policy.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-706(5)">The tribunal shall promptly notify the parties of the registration or the order vacating the registration of a convention support order.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-707"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Contest of registered convention support order.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-707(1)">Except as otherwise provided in this part, Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-605">81-8-605</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-608">81-8-608</xref> apply to a contest of a registered convention support order.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-707(2)">A party contesting a registered convention support order shall file a contest not later than 30 days after notice of the registration, but if the contesting party does not reside in the United States, the contest shall be filed not later than 60 days after notice of the registration.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-707(3)">If the nonregistering party fails to contest the registered convention support order by the time specified in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-707(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>, the order is enforceable.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-707(4)"><subsection number="81-8-707(4)(a)">A contest of a registered convention support order may be based only on grounds set forth in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-708">81-8-708</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-707(4)(b)">The contesting party bears the burden of proof.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-707(5)">In a contest of a registered convention support order, a tribunal of this state:<subsection number="81-8-707(5)(a)">is bound by the findings of fact on which the foreign tribunal based its jurisdiction; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-707(5)(b)">may not review the merits of the order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-707(6)">A tribunal of this state deciding a contest of a registered convention support order shall promptly notify the parties of the tribunal's decision.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-707(7)">A challenge or appeal, if any, does not stay the enforcement of a convention support order unless there are exceptional circumstances.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-708"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Recognition and enforcement of registered convention support order.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-708(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-708(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>, a tribunal of this state shall recognize and enforce a registered convention support order.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-708(2)">The following grounds are the only grounds on which a tribunal of this state may refuse recognition and enforcement of a registered convention support order:<subsection number="81-8-708(2)(a)">recognition and enforcement of the order is manifestly incompatible with public policy, including the failure of the issuing tribunal to observe minimum standards of due process, which include notice and an opportunity to be heard;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-708(2)(b)">the issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction consistent with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-201">81-8-201</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-708(2)(c)">the order is not enforceable in the issuing country;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-708(2)(d)">the order was obtained by fraud in connection with a matter of procedure;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-708(2)(e)">a record transmitted in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-706">81-8-706</xref> lacks authenticity or integrity;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-708(2)(f)">a proceeding between the same parties and having the same purpose is pending before a tribunal of this state and that proceeding was the first to be filed;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-708(2)(g)">the order is incompatible with a more recent support order involving the same parties and having the same purpose if the more recent support order is entitled to recognition and enforcement under this chapter in this state;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-708(2)(h)">payment, to the extent alleged arrears have been paid in whole or in part;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-708(2)(i)">in a case in which the respondent neither appeared nor was represented in the proceeding in the issuing foreign country:<subsection number="81-8-708(2)(i)(i)">if the law of that country provides for prior notice of proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-708(2)(i)(ii)">if the law of that country does not provide for prior notice of the proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the order and an opportunity to be heard in a challenge or appeal on fact or law before a tribunal; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-708(2)(j)">the order was made in violation of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-711">81-8-711</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-708(3)">If a tribunal of this state does not recognize a convention support order under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-708(2)(b)" start="0">(2)(b)</xref>, <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-708(2)(d)" start="0">(d)</xref>, or <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-708(2)(i)" start="0">(i)</xref>:<subsection number="81-8-708(3)(a)">the tribunal may not dismiss the proceeding without allowing a reasonable time for a party to request the establishment of a new convention support order; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-708(3)(b)">the Utah Department of Health and Human Services shall take all appropriate measures to request a child support order for the obligee if the application for recognition and enforcement was received under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-8-704">81-8-704</xref>.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-8-709"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Partial enforcement.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-709(1)">If a tribunal of this state does not recognize and enforce a convention support order in its entirety, the tribunal shall enforce any severable part of the order. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-709(2)">An application or direct request may seek recognition and partial enforcement of a convention support order.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-710"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Foreign support agreement.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-710(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-710(3)" start="0">(3)</xref> and <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-710(4)" start="0">(4)</xref>, a tribunal of this state shall recognize and enforce a foreign support agreement registered in this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-710(2)">An application or direct request for recognition and enforcement of a foreign support agreement shall be accompanied by:<subsection number="81-8-710(2)(a)">a complete text of the foreign support agreement; and</subsection><subsection number="81-8-710(2)(b)">a record stating that the foreign support agreement is enforceable as an order of support in the issuing country.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-710(3)">A tribunal of this state may vacate the registration of a foreign support agreement only if, acting on its own motion, the tribunal finds that recognition and enforcement would be manifestly incompatible with public policy.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-710(4)">In a contest of a foreign support agreement, a tribunal of this state may refuse recognition and enforcement of the agreement if the tribunal finds:<subsection number="81-8-710(4)(a)">recognition and enforcement of the agreement is manifestly incompatible with public policy;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-710(4)(b)">the agreement was obtained by fraud or falsification;</subsection><subsection number="81-8-710(4)(c)">the agreement is incompatible with a support order involving the same parties and having the same purpose in this state, another state, or a foreign country if the support order is entitled to recognition and enforcement under this chapter in this state; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-710(4)(d)">the record submitted under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-14-710(2)" start="0">(2)</xref> lacks authenticity or integrity.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-710(5)">A proceeding for recognition and enforcement of a foreign support agreement shall be suspended during the pendency of a challenge to or appeal of the agreement before a tribunal of another state or a foreign country.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-711"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Modification of convention child support order.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-711(1)">A tribunal of this state may not modify a convention child support order if the obligee remains a resident of the foreign country where the support order was issued unless:<subsection number="81-8-711(1)(a)">the obligee submits to the jurisdiction of a tribunal of this state, either expressly or by defending on the merits of the case without objecting to the jurisdiction at the first available opportunity; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-711(1)(b)">the foreign tribunal lacks or refuses to exercise jurisdiction to modify the foreign tribunal's support order or issue a new support order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-711(2)">If a tribunal of this state does not modify a convention child support order because the order is not recognized in this state, Subsection <xref tempid="141" depth="4" refnumber="81-8-708(3)">81-8-708(3)</xref> applies.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-712"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Personal information -- Limit on use.</catchline><tab/>Personal information gathered or transmitted under this part may be used only for the purposes for which it was gathered or transmitted.</section><section number="81-8-713"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Record in original language -- English translation.</catchline><tab/>A record filed with a tribunal of this state under this part shall be in the original language and, if not in English, shall be accompanied by an English translation.</section></part><part number="81-8-8"><catchline>Rendition</catchline><section number="81-8-801"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part -- Grounds for rendition.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-801(1)">As used in this part, "governor" includes an individual performing the functions of governor or the executive authority of a state covered by this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-801(2)">The governor of this state may:<subsection number="81-8-801(2)(a)">demand that the governor of another state surrender an individual found in the other state who is charged criminally in this state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-801(2)(b)">on the demand of the governor of another state, surrender an individual found in this state who is charged criminally in the other state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-801(3)">A provision for extradition of individuals not inconsistent with this chapter applies to the demand even if the individual whose surrender is demanded was not in the demanding state when the crime was allegedly committed and has not fled therefrom.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-802"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Conditions of rendition.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-802(1)">Before making demand that the governor of another state surrender an individual charged criminally in this state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee, the governor of this state may require a prosecutor of this state to demonstrate that at least 60 days previously the obligee had initiated proceedings for support pursuant to this chapter or that the proceeding would be of no avail.</subsection><subsection number="81-8-802(2)"><subsection number="81-8-802(2)(a)">If, under this chapter or a law substantially similar to this chapter, the governor of another state makes a demand that the governor of this state surrender an individual charged criminally in that state with having failed to provide for the support of a child or other individual to whom a duty of support is owed, the governor may require a prosecutor to investigate the demand and report whether a proceeding for support has been initiated or would be effective. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-802(2)(b)">If it appears that a proceeding would be effective but has not been initiated, the governor may delay honoring the demand for a reasonable time to permit the initiation of a proceeding.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-8-802(3)"><subsection number="81-8-802(3)(a)">If a proceeding for support has been initiated and the individual whose rendition is demanded prevails, the governor may decline to honor the demand. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-802(3)(b)">If the petitioner prevails and the individual whose rendition is demanded is subject to a support order, the governor may decline to honor the demand if the individual is complying with the support order.</subsection></subsection></section></part><part number="81-8-9"><catchline>Applicability Provisions</catchline><section number="81-8-901"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Uniformity of application and construction.</catchline><subsection number="81-8-901(1)">This chapter is a uniform act. </subsection><subsection number="81-8-901(2)">In applying and construing this chapter, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to this uniform law's subject matter among states that enact this uniform law.</subsection></section><section number="81-8-902"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Transitional provision.</catchline><tab/>This chapter applies to proceedings begun on or after July 1, 2015:<subsection number="81-8-902(1)">to establish a support order or determine parentage of a child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-8-902(2)">to register, recognize, enforce, or modify a prior support order, determination, or agreement, whenever issued or entered.</subsection></section></part></chapter><chapter number="81-9"><catchline>Custody, Parent-time, and Visitation</catchline><part number="81-9-1"><catchline>General Provisions</catchline><section number="81-9-101"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">309</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for chapter.</catchline><tab/>As used in this chapter:<subsection number="81-9-101(1)">"Abuse" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-1-102">80-1-102</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(2)"><subsection number="81-9-101(2)(a)">"Coercive control" means an individual's pattern of behavior that, intentionally or in effect, unreasonably interferes with another individual's ability to make or act on independent decisions.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(2)(b)">"Coercive control" includes a pattern of:<subsection number="81-9-101(2)(b)(i)">isolating another individual from friends, relatives, or sources of support;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(2)(b)(ii)">depriving another individual of basic necessities;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(2)(b)(iii)">controlling, regulating, or excessively monitoring another individual's movements, communications, daily behavior, or access to services;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(2)(b)(iv)">controlling, regulating, excessively monitoring, depriving, or limiting another individual's finances, access to finances, or economic resources;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(2)(b)(v)">threatening to harm or kill another individual, a relative of the individual, or a household animal that is owned or kept by the individual;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(2)(b)(vi)">threatening self-harm if another individual does not comply with the individual's demands;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(2)(b)(vii)">threatening to publish information with the intent to harass or intimidate another individual;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(2)(b)(viii)">damaging property or household goods; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(2)(b)(ix)">compelling another individual by force, threat of force, or intimidation to:<subsection number="81-9-101(2)(b)(ix)(A)">engage in conduct from which the other individual has a right to abstain; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(2)(b)(ix)(B)">abstain from conduct in which the other individual has a right to engage.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(2)(c)">"Coercive control" does not include reasonable and appropriate parental conduct undertaken in the care of a minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(3)"><subsection number="81-9-101(3)(a)">"Custodial responsibility" means all powers and duties relating to caretaking authority and decision-making authority for a minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(3)(b)">"Custodial responsibility" includes physical custody, legal custody, parenting time, right to access, parent-time, and authority to grant limited contact with a minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(4)">"Domestic violence" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="77-36-1">77-36-1</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(5)">"Gender identity" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="34A-5-102">34A-5-102</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(6)">"Household animal" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78B-7-102">78B-7-102</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(7)">"Joint legal custody" means the sharing of the rights, privileges, duties, and powers of a parent by both parents, where specified.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(8)">"Joint physical custody" means the minor child stays with each parent overnight for more than 30% of the year and both parents contribute to the expenses of the minor child in addition to paying child support.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(9)"><subsection number="81-9-101(9)(a)">"Parenting functions" means those aspects of the parent-child relationship in which the parent makes decisions and performs functions necessary for the care and growth of the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(9)(b)">"Parenting functions" include:<subsection number="81-9-101(9)(b)(i)">maintaining a loving, stable, consistent, and nurturing relationship with the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(9)(b)(ii)">attending to the daily needs of the minor child, such as feeding, clothing, physical care, grooming, supervision, health care, day care, and engaging in other activities which are appropriate to the developmental level of the minor child and that are within the social and economic circumstances of the particular family;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(9)(b)(iii)">attending to adequate education for the minor child, including remedial or other education essential to the best interest of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(9)(b)(iv)">assisting the minor child in developing and maintaining appropriate interpersonal relationships;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(9)(b)(v)">exercising appropriate judgment regarding the minor child's welfare, consistent with the minor child's developmental level and family social and economic circumstances; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(9)(b)(vi)">providing for the financial support of the minor child.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(10)"><subsection number="81-9-101(10)(a)">"Parenting plan" means a plan for parenting a minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(10)(b)">"Parenting plan" includes the allocation of parenting functions that are incorporated in any final decree or decree of modification including an action for dissolution of marriage, annulment, legal separation, or paternity.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(11)">"Protective order" means:<subsection number="81-9-101(11)(a)">a civil protective order, as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78B-7-102">78B-7-102</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(11)(b)">an ex parte civil protective order, as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78B-7-102">78B-7-102</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(11)(c)">a foreign protection order, as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78B-7-302">78B-7-302</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(12)">"Psychological maltreatment" means a repeated pattern or extreme incident of caretaker behavior that:<subsection number="81-9-101(12)(a)">intentionally thwarts a minor child's basic psychological needs, including physical and psychological safety, cognitive stimulation, and respect;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(12)(b)">conveys that a minor child is worthless, defective, or expendable; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(12)(c)">may terrorize a minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(13)">"Service member" means a member of a uniformed service.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(14)">"Sexual abuse" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-1-102">80-1-102</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(15)">"Supervised parent-time" means parent-time that requires the noncustodial parent to be accompanied during parent-time by an individual approved by the court.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(16)">"Surrogate care" means care by any individual other than the parent of the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(17)">"Uniformed service" means:<subsection number="81-9-101(17)(a)">active and reserve components of the United States Armed Forces;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(17)(b)">the United States Merchant Marine;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(17)(c)">the commissioned corps of the United States Public Health Service;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(17)(d)">the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(17)(e)">the National Guard of a state.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(18)">"Uninterrupted time" means parent-time exercised by one parent without interruption at any time by the presence of the other parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-101(19)">"Virtual parent-time" means parent-time facilitated by tools such as telephone, email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and other wired or wireless technologies over the internet or other communication media, to supplement in-person visits between a noncustodial parent and a minor child or between a minor child and the custodial parent when the minor child is staying with the noncustodial parent.</subsection></section><section number="81-9-102"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Expedited Parent-time Enforcement Program.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-102(1)">As used in this section:<subsection number="81-9-102(1)(a)">"Mediator" means a person who:<subsection number="81-9-102(1)(a)(i)">is qualified to mediate parent-time disputes under criteria established by the Administrative Office of the Courts; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(1)(a)(ii)">agrees to follow billing guidelines established by the Administrative Office of the Courts and this section.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(1)(b)">"Services to facilitate parent-time" or "services" means services designed to assist families in resolving parent-time problems through:<subsection number="81-9-102(1)(b)(i)">counseling;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(1)(b)(ii)">supervised parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(1)(b)(iii)">neutral drop-off and pick-up;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(1)(b)(iv)">educational classes; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(1)(b)(v)">other related activities.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(2)">The Administrative Office of the Courts shall administer an Expedited Parent-time Enforcement Program in the third judicial district.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)"><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(a)">If a parent files a motion in the third district court alleging that court-ordered parent-time rights are being violated, the clerk of the court, after assigning the case to a judge, shall refer the case to the administrator of this program for assignment to a mediator, unless a parent is incarcerated or otherwise unavailable. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(b)">Unless the court rules otherwise, a parent residing outside of the state is not unavailable. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(c)"> The director of the program for the courts, the court, or the mediator may excuse either party from the requirement to mediate for good cause.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(d)">Upon receipt of a case, the mediator shall:<subsection number="81-9-102(3)(d)(i)">meet with the parents to address parent-time issues within 15 days of the motion being filed;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(d)(ii)">assess the situation;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(d)(iii)">facilitate an agreement on parent-time between the parents; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(d)(iv)">determine whether a referral to a service provider under Subsection (3)(e) is warranted.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(e)">While a case is in mediation, a mediator may refer the parents to a service provider designated by the Department of Health and Human Services for services to facilitate parent-time if:<subsection number="81-9-102(3)(e)(i)">the services may be of significant benefit to the parents; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(e)(ii)"><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(e)(ii)(A)">a mediated agreement between the parents is unlikely; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(e)(ii)(B)">the services may facilitate an agreement.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(f)">At any time during mediation, a mediator shall terminate mediation and transfer the case to the administrator of the program for referral to the court to whom the case was assigned under Subsection (3)(a) if:<subsection number="81-9-102(3)(f)(i)">a written agreement between the parents is reached; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(f)(ii)">the parents are unable to reach an agreement through mediation and:<subsection number="81-9-102(3)(f)(ii)(A)">the parents have received services to facilitate parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(f)(ii)(B)">both parents object to receiving services to facilitate parent-time; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(f)(ii)(C)">the parents are unlikely to benefit from receiving services to facilitate parent-time.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(g)">Upon receiving a case from the administrator of the program, a court may:<subsection number="81-9-102(3)(g)(i)">review the agreement of the parents and, if acceptable, sign it as an order;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(g)(ii)">order the parents to receive services to facilitate parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(g)(iii)">proceed with the case; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(3)(g)(iv)">take other appropriate action.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(4)"><subsection number="81-9-102(4)(a)">If a parent makes a particularized allegation of physical or sexual abuse of a minor child who is the subject of a parent-time order against the other parent or a member of the other parent's household to a mediator or service provider, the mediator or service provider shall immediately report that information to:<subsection number="81-9-102(4)(a)(i)">the court, which may immediately issue orders and take other appropriate action to resolve the allegation and protect the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(4)(a)(ii)">the Division of Child and Family Services within the Department of Health and Human Services in the manner required by Title 80, Chapter 2, Part 6, Child Abuse and Neglect Reports.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(4)(b)">If an allegation under Subsection (4)(a) is made against a parent with parent-time rights or a member of that parent's household, parent-time by that parent shall, pursuant to an order of the court, be supervised until:<subsection number="81-9-102(4)(b)(i)">the allegation has been resolved; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(4)(b)(ii)">a court orders otherwise.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(4)(c)">Notwithstanding an allegation under Subsection (4)(a), a mediator may continue to mediate parent-time problems and a service provider may continue to provide services to facilitate parent-time unless otherwise ordered by a court.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(5)"><subsection number="81-9-102(5)(a)">The Department of Health and Human Services may contract with one or more entities in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code, to provide:<subsection number="81-9-102(5)(a)(i)">services to facilitate parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(5)(a)(ii)">case management services; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(5)(a)(iii)">administrative services.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(5)(b)">An entity who contracts with the Department of Health and Human Services under Subsection (5)(a) shall:<subsection number="81-9-102(5)(b)(i)">be qualified to provide one or more of the services listed in Subsection (5)(a); and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(5)(b)(ii)">agree to follow billing guidelines established by the Department of Health and Human Services and this section.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(6)"><subsection number="81-9-102(6)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection (6)(b), the cost of mediation shall be:<subsection number="81-9-102(6)(a)(i)">reduced to a sum certain;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(6)(a)(ii)">divided equally between the parents; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(6)(a)(iii)">charged against each parent taking into account the ability of that parent to pay under billing guidelines adopted in accordance with this section.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(6)(b)">A court may order a parent to pay an amount in excess of that provided for in Subsection (6)(a) if the parent:<subsection number="81-9-102(6)(b)(i)">failed to participate in good faith in mediation or services to facilitate parent-time; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(6)(b)(ii)">made an unfounded assertion or claim of physical or sexual abuse of a minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(6)(c)"><subsection number="81-9-102(6)(c)(i)">The cost of mediation and services to facilitate parent-time may be charged to parents at periodic intervals.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(6)(c)(ii)">Mediation and services to facilitate parent-time may only be terminated on the ground of nonpayment if both parents are delinquent.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(7)"><subsection number="81-9-102(7)(a)">The Judicial Council may make rules to implement and administer the provisions of this program related to mediation.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(7)(b)">The Department of Health and Human Services may make rules to implement and administer the provisions of this program related to services to facilitate parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(8)"><subsection number="81-9-102(8)(a)"><subsection number="81-9-102(8)(a)(i)">The Administrative Office of the Courts shall adopt outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the mediation component of this program. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(8)(a)(ii)">The Administrative Office of the Courts shall provide progress reports to the Judiciary Interim Committee as requested by the committee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(8)(b)"><subsection number="81-9-102(8)(b)(i)">The Department of Health and Human Services shall adopt outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the services component of this program. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(8)(b)(ii)">The Department of Health and Human Services shall provide progress reports to the Judiciary Interim Committee as requested by the committee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(8)(c)">The Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Health and Human Services may adopt joint outcome measures and file joint reports to satisfy the requirements of Subsections (8)(a) and (b).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-102(9)">The Department of Health and Human Services shall, by following the procedures and requirements of Title 63J, Chapter 5, Federal Funds Procedures Act, apply for federal funds as available.</subsection></section><section number="81-9-103"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter , 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Mandatory parenting course for parties in a divorce or parentage action.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-103(1)">The Judicial Council shall approve and implement:<subsection number="81-9-103(1)(a)"> a mandatory parenting course in all judicial districts for married parties in a divorce action determining issues of child custody and parent-time; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(1)(b)">a mandatory parenting course in all judicial districts for unmarried parties in a parentage action determining issues of child custody and parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(2)">The Judicial Council shall adopt rules to implement and administer the mandatory parenting courses described in Subsection <xref tempid="492" depth="4" refnumber="81-9-103(1)">(1)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(3)">The mandatory parenting courses shall educate and sensitize parties to the needs of the parties' minor child during and after the court process, including instructing the parties:<subsection number="81-9-103(3)(a)">about the impact of the court process, and its outcome, on:<subsection number="81-9-103(3)(a)(i)">the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(3)(a)(ii)">the family relationship; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(3)(a)(iii)">the financial responsibilities of the parties to the minor child; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(3)(b)">that domestic violence has a harmful effect on a minor child and family relationships.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(4)"><subsection number="81-9-103(4)(a)">The mandatory parenting course may be provided through live instruction, video instruction, or an online provider.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(4)(b)">The online and video options under Subsection <xref tempid="177" depth="4" refnumber="81-9-103(4)(a)">(4)(a)</xref> must be formatted as interactive presentations that ensure active participation and learning by the party.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(5)"><subsection number="81-9-103(5)(a)">The Administrative Office of the Courts shall administer the mandatory parenting courses, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code, through private or public contracts and organize the program in each of Utah's judicial districts.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(5)(b)">The contracts shall provide for the recoupment of administrative expenses through the costs charged to individual partiesas described in Subsection (7).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(6)">A certificate of completion constitutes evidence to the court of completion of a parenting course under this section by the parties.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(7)"><subsection number="81-9-103(7)(a)">Each party shall pay the cost of the parenting course to the independent contractor providing the course at the time and place of the course.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(7)(b)">A fee of $8 shall be collected, as part of a parenting course fee paid by each participant, and deposited in the Children's Legal Defense Account, described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="51-9-408">51-9-408</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(7)(c)">Each party who is unable to pay the cost of a parenting course may attend the parenting course, without payment, upon a prima facie showing of indigency as evidenced by an affidavit of indigency filed in the court in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78A-2-302">78A-2-302</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(7)(d)">The Administrative Office of the Courts shall use appropriations from the Children's Legal Defense Account to reimburse an independent contractor for the costs of a party who is unable to pay for a parenting course under Subsection <xref tempid="945" depth="4" refnumber="81-9-103(7)(c)">(7)(c)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(8)">The Administrative Office of the Courts shall:<subsection number="81-9-103(8)(a)">adopt a program to evaluate the effectiveness of the mandatory parenting courses; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-103(8)(b)">provide progress reports to the Judiciary Interim Committee if requested.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-9-104"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">309</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Expert evidence -- Violence or abuse findings -- Child relationship and reunification -- Court-ordered mental health treatment.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-104(1)">As used in this section:<subsection number="81-9-104(1)(a)"><subsection number="81-9-104(1)(a)(i)">"Child custody proceeding" means a civil proceeding between the parents of a minor child that involves the care or custody of the minor child, including proceedings involving:<subsection number="81-9-104(1)(a)(i)(A)">divorce;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(1)(a)(i)(B)">separation;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(1)(a)(i)(C)">parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(1)(a)(i)(D)">paternity;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(1)(a)(i)(E)">child support; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(1)(a)(i)(F)">legal or physical custody of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(1)(a)(ii)">"Child custody proceeding" does not include:<subsection number="81-9-104(1)(a)(ii)(A)">a child protective, abuse, or neglect proceeding;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(1)(a)(ii)(B)">a juvenile justice proceeding; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(1)(a)(ii)(C)">a child placement proceeding in which a state, local, or tribal government, a designee of such a government, or any contracted child welfare agency or child protective services agency of such a government is a party to the proceeding.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(1)(b)">"Forensic" means professional activities undertaken in accordance with a court order or for use in litigation, including the evaluation or treatment of a parent, minor child, or other individual who is involved in a child custody proceeding.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(1)(c)">"Reunification treatment" means a treatment or therapy aimed at reuniting or reestablishing a relationship between a minor child and an estranged or rejected parent or other family member of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(2)">In a child custody proceeding, if a parent is alleged to have committed domestic violence or abuse, including sexual abuse:<subsection number="81-9-104(2)(a)">the court may admit expert evidence from a court-appointed or outside professional relating to alleged domestic violence or abuse only if the professional possesses demonstrated expertise and adequate experience in working with victims of domestic violence or abuse, including sexual abuse, that is not solely of a forensic nature; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(2)(b)">in making a finding regarding an allegation of domestic violence or abuse, including sexual abuse, the court shall consider evidence of past domestic violence, sexual violence, or abuse committed by the accused parent, including:<subsection number="81-9-104(2)(b)(i)">any past or current protective order against the accused parent; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(2)(b)(ii)">any charge, arrest, or conviction of the accused parent for domestic violence, sexual violence, or abuse.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(3)">Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-104(2)">(2)</xref> does not preclude the court from:<subsection number="81-9-104(3)(a)">admitting expert evidence, subject to rules of evidence, from a court-appointed or outside professional relating to issues other than alleged domestic violence or abuse; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(3)(b)">admitting evidence, subject to rules of evidence, that is discovered or otherwise becomes available through treatment or therapy after the court enters an order of custody or parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(4)">As part of a child custody proceeding, a court may not, solely to improve a deficient relationship between a parent and a minor child, including in the context of reunification treatment:<subsection number="81-9-104(4)(a)">remove the minor child from a parent or litigating party:<subsection number="81-9-104(4)(a)(i)">who is competent and not physically or sexually abusive; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(4)(a)(ii)">with whom the minor child is bonded; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(4)(b)">restrict reasonable contact between the minor child and a parent or litigating party:<subsection number="81-9-104(4)(b)(i)">who is competent and not physically or sexually abusive; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(4)(b)(ii)">with whom the minor child is bonded.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(5)">As part of a child custody proceeding where the court has reasonable cause to believe that there is domestic violence, child abuse, or an ongoing risk to the child:<subsection number="81-9-104(5)(a)">a court may not order a reunification treatment or program unless there is generally accepted proof:<subsection number="81-9-104(5)(a)(i)">of the physical and psychological safety, effectiveness, and therapeutic value of the reunification treatment; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(5)(a)(ii)">that the reunification treatment is not associated with causing harm to a child;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(5)(b)">a court may not order a reunification treatment that is predicated on cutting off a minor child from a parent:<subsection number="81-9-104(5)(b)(i)">who is competent and not physically or sexually abusive; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(5)(b)(ii)">with whom the minor child is bonded;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(5)(c)">any order to remediate the resistance of a minor child to have contact with a violent or abusive parent shall primarily address the behavior of that parent or the contributions of that parent to the resistance of the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(5)(d)">any order to a parent who meets the criteria in Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-104(5)(b)(i)">(5)(b)(i)</xref> and <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-104(ii)">(ii)</xref>, and that requires the parent to take steps to potentially improve the minor child's relationship with a violent or abusive parent, shall:<subsection number="81-9-104(5)(d)(i)">prioritize the minor child's physical and psychological safety and needs; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(5)(d)(ii)">be narrowly tailored to address specific behavior.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(6)">Subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-104(4)">(4)</xref>, Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-104(5)">(5)</xref> does not preclude the court from ordering mental health treatment by a licensed mental health professional that is generally accepted by and meets the standards of practice for mental health professions if:<subsection number="81-9-104(6)(a)">the court does not have reasonable cause to believe that there is domestic violence, child abuse, or an ongoing risk to the child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(6)(b)">the treatment does not pose a risk to the child or parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(7)"><subsection number="81-9-104(7)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-104(7)(b)">(7)(b)</xref>, the parents shall, by mutual agreement, select a licensed mental health professional to provide mental health treatment if the court orders mental health treatment that includes treatment of a minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(7)(b)">If the parents cannot agree on a licensed mental health professional to provide mental health treatment ordered by the court:<subsection number="81-9-104(7)(b)(i)">each parent shall submit to the court:<subsection number="81-9-104(7)(b)(i)(A)">a list of three licensed mental health professionals the parent recommends to provide the mental health treatment;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(7)(b)(i)(B)">a brief statement explaining each mental health professional's qualifications to provide the mental health treatment; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(7)(b)(i)(C)">a brief statement verifying that, to the best of the parent's knowledge, the mental health professional does not have a conflict of interest with either parent or counsel for either parent; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(7)(b)(ii)">the court shall select a licensed mental health professional from the lists to provide the mental health treatment.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(7)(c)"><subsection number="81-9-104(7)(c)(i)">When a court is required to select a licensed mental health professional as described in Subsection <xref refnumber="6-70">(7)(b)</xref>, the court shall:<subsection number="81-9-104(7)(c)(i)(A)">consider the financial ability of each parent required to participate in or pay for the mental health treatment;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(7)(c)(i)(B)">order mental health treatment with an in-network provider if coverage is available through an in-network provider under a health insurance plan of the minor child required to participate in mental health treatment; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(7)(c)(i)(C)">to the extent practicable, select a mental health professional located near the minor child ordered to participate in mental health treatment, or near the parent primarily responsible for transporting the minor child to mental health treatment.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(7)(c)(ii)">If the court has previously granted one of the parents exclusive or primary authority to make medical decisions for the minor child, the court shall select a mental health professional recommended by that parent, unless the court finds good cause not to give preference to that parent's recommended mental health professional.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(8)"><subsection number="81-9-104(8)(a)">When ordering mental health treatment that includes treatment of a minor child:<subsection number="81-9-104(8)(a)(i)">the court may not require:<subsection number="81-9-104(8)(a)(i)(A)">the mental health professional ordered to provide the mental health treatment to be affiliated with a specific professional organization; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(8)(a)(i)(B)">a minor child to miss school during regular school hours to attend mental health treatment, unless the court determines no reasonable alternative exists; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(8)(a)(ii)">the court may require the mental health professional to have the training necessary to maintain the state licensure required to provide the mental health treatment.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(9)"><subsection number="81-9-104(9)(a)">A mental health professional who provides mental health treatment to a minor child involved in a child custody proceeding may not serve in any other professional capacity in the child custody proceeding if doing so creates, or appears to create, a conflict of interest.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-104(9)(b)">Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-104(9)(a)">(9)(a)</xref> applies regardless of whether the mental health treatment was ordered by the court or obtained without a court order.</subsection></subsection></section></part><part number="81-9-2"><catchline>Custody and Parent-time Between Parents</catchline><section number="81-9-201"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>Reserved.</section><section number="81-9-202"><enddate type="SC">1/1/2027</enddate><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Advisory guidelines for a custody and parent-time arrangement.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-202(1)">In addition to the parent-time schedules provided in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-302">81-9-302</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-304">81-9-304</xref>, the following advisory guidelines are suggested to govern a custody and parent-time arrangement between parents.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(2)">A parent-time schedule mutually agreed upon by both parents is preferable to a court-imposed solution.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(3)">A parent-time schedule shall be used to maximize the continuity and stability of the minor child's life.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(4)">Each parent shall give special consideration to make the minor child available to attend family functions including funerals, weddings, family reunions, religious holidays, important ceremonies, and other significant events in the life of the minor child or in the life of either parent which may inadvertently conflict with the parent-time schedule.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(5)"><subsection number="81-9-202(5)(a)">The court shall determine the responsibility for the pick up, delivery, and return of the minor child when the parent-time order is entered.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(5)(b)">The court may change the responsibility described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-202(5)(a)">(5)(a)</xref> at any time a subsequent modification is made to the parent-time order.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(5)(c)">If the noncustodial parent will be providing transportation, the custodial parent shall:<subsection number="81-9-202(5)(c)(i)">have the minor child ready for parent-time at the time the minor child is to be picked up; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(5)(c)(ii)">be present at the custodial home or make reasonable alternate arrangements to receive the minor child at the time the minor child is returned.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(5)(d)">If the custodial parent will be transporting the minor child, the noncustodial parent shall:<subsection number="81-9-202(5)(d)(i)">be at the appointed place at the time the noncustodial parent is to receive the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(5)(d)(ii)">have the minor child ready to be picked up at the appointed time and place or have made reasonable alternate arrangements for the custodial parent to pick up the minor child.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(6)">A parent may not interrupt regular school hours for a school-age minor child for the exercise of parent-time.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(7)">The court may:<subsection number="81-9-202(7)(a)">make alterations in the parent-time schedule to reasonably accommodate the work schedule of both parents; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(7)(b)">increase the parent-time allowed to the noncustodial parent but may not diminish the standardized parent-time provided in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-302">81-9-302</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-304">81-9-304</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(8)">The court may make alterations in the parent-time schedule to reasonably accommodate the distance between the parties and the expense of exercising parent-time.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(9)">A parent may not withhold parent-time or child support due to the other parent's failure to comply with a court-ordered parent-time schedule.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(10)"><subsection number="81-9-202(10)(a)">The custodial parent shall notify the noncustodial parent within 24 hours of receiving notice of all significant school, social, sports, and community functions in which the minor child is participating or being honored.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(10)(b)">The noncustodial parent is entitled to attend and participate fully in the functions described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-202(10)(a)">(10)(a)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(10)(c)">The noncustodial parent shall have access directly to all school reports including preschool and daycare reports and medical records.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(10)(d)">A parent shall immediately notify the other parent in the event of a medical emergency.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(11)">Each parent shall provide the other with the parent's current address and telephone number, email address, and other virtual parent-time access information within 24 hours of any change.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(12)"><subsection number="81-9-202(12)(a)">Each parent shall permit and encourage, during reasonable hours, reasonable and uncensored communications with the minor child, in the form of mail privileges and virtual parent-time if the equipment is reasonably available.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(12)(b)">If the parents cannot agree on whether the equipment is reasonably available, the court shall decide whether the equipment for virtual parent-time is reasonably available by taking into consideration:<subsection number="81-9-202(12)(b)(i)">the best interests of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(12)(b)(ii)">each parent's ability to handle any additional expenses for virtual parent-time; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(12)(b)(iii)">any other factors the court considers material.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(13)"><subsection number="81-9-202(13)(a)">Parental care is presumed to be better care for the minor child than surrogate care.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(13)(b)">The court shall encourage the parties to cooperate in allowing the noncustodial parent, if willing and able to transport the minor child, to provide the child care. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(13)(c)"> Child care arrangements existing during the marriage are preferred as are child care arrangements with nominal or no charge.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(14)">Each parent shall:<subsection number="81-9-202(14)(a)">provide all surrogate care providers with the name, current address, and telephone number of the other parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(14)(b)">provide the noncustodial parent with the name, current address, and telephone number of all surrogate care providers unless the court for good cause orders otherwise.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(15)"><subsection number="81-9-202(15)(a)">Each parent is entitled to an equal division of major religious holidays celebrated by the parents.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(15)(b)">The parent who celebrates a religious holiday that the other parent does not celebrate shall have the right to be together with the minor child on the religious holiday.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(16)">If the minor child is on a different parent-time schedule than a sibling, based on Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-302">81-9-302</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-304">81-9-304</xref>, the parents should consider if an upward deviation for parent-time with all the minor children so that parent-time is uniform between school aged and nonschool aged children, is appropriate.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(17)"><subsection number="81-9-202(17)(a)">When one or both parents are servicemembers or contemplating joining a uniformed service, the parents should resolve issues of custodial responsibility in the event of deployment as soon as practicable through reaching a voluntary agreement pursuant to Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-201">81-10-201</xref> or through court order obtained pursuant to this part. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(17)(b)"> Service members shall ensure their family care plan reflects orders and agreements entered and filed pursuant to Chapter 10, Uniform Deployed Parents Custody, Parent-Time, and Visitation Act.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)">A parent shall immediately notify the other parent if:<subsection number="81-9-202(18)(a)">the parent resides with an individual or provides an individual with access to the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)">the parent knows that the individual:<subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(i)">is required to register as a sex offender, a kidnap offender, or a child abuse offender for an offense committed against a minor child under Title 53, Chapter 29, Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registry; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)">has been convicted of an offense described in:<subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(A)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109">76-5-109</xref>, child abuse;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(B)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-6-109.2">76-6-109.2</xref>, aggravated child abuse;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(C)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.3">76-5-109.3</xref>, child abandonment;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(D)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.4">76-5-109.4</xref>, child torture;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(E)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-114">76-5-114</xref>, commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(F)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-208">76-5-208</xref>, child abuse homicide;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(G)">Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 3, Kidnapping, Trafficking, and Smuggling, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(H)">Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(I)">Title 76, Chapter 5b, Sexual Exploitation Act, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(iii)">has been convicted of an offense that is substantially similar to an offense under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)">(18)(b)(ii)</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(19)"><subsection number="81-9-202(19)(a)">For emergency purposes, whenever the minor child travels with a parent, the parent shall provide the following information to the other parent:<subsection number="81-9-202(19)(a)(i)">an itinerary of travel dates;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(19)(a)(ii)">destinations;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(19)(a)(iii)">places where the minor child or traveling parent can be reached; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(19)(a)(iv)">the name and telephone number of an available third person who would be knowledgeable of the minor child's location.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(19)(b)">The notification requirement described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-202(19)(a)">(19)(a)</xref> does not apply if there is a protective order or stalking injunction in effect that prohibits a parent from contacting the other parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(19)(c)">Unchaperoned travel of a minor child under five years old is not recommended.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-9-202"><effdate>1/1/2027</effdate><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">445</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Advisory guidelines for a custody and parent-time arrangement.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-202(1)">In addition to the parent-time schedules provided in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-302">81-9-302</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-304">81-9-304</xref>, the following advisory guidelines are suggested to govern a custody and parent-time arrangement between parents.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(2)">A parent-time schedule mutually agreed upon by both parents is preferable to a court-imposed solution.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(3)">A parent-time schedule shall be used to maximize the continuity and stability of the minor child's life.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(4)">Each parent shall give special consideration to make the minor child available to attend family functions including funerals, weddings, family reunions, religious holidays, important ceremonies, and other significant events in the life of the minor child or in the life of either parent which may inadvertently conflict with the parent-time schedule.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(5)"><subsection number="81-9-202(5)(a)">The court shall determine the responsibility for the pick up, delivery, and return of the minor child when the parent-time order is entered.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(5)(b)">The court may change the responsibility described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-202(5)(a)">(5)(a)</xref> at any time a subsequent modification is made to the parent-time order.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(5)(c)">If the noncustodial parent will be providing transportation, the custodial parent shall:<subsection number="81-9-202(5)(c)(i)">have the minor child ready for parent-time at the time the minor child is to be picked up; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(5)(c)(ii)">be present at the custodial home or make reasonable alternate arrangements to receive the minor child at the time the minor child is returned.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(5)(d)">If the custodial parent will be transporting the minor child, the noncustodial parent shall:<subsection number="81-9-202(5)(d)(i)">be at the appointed place at the time the noncustodial parent is to receive the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(5)(d)(ii)">have the minor child ready to be picked up at the appointed time and place or have made reasonable alternate arrangements for the custodial parent to pick up the minor child.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(6)">A parent may not interrupt regular school hours for a school-age minor child for the exercise of parent-time.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(7)">The court may:<subsection number="81-9-202(7)(a)">make alterations in the parent-time schedule to reasonably accommodate the work schedule of both parents; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(7)(b)">increase the parent-time allowed to the noncustodial parent but may not diminish the standardized parent-time provided in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-302">81-9-302</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-304">81-9-304</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(8)">The court may make alterations in the parent-time schedule to reasonably accommodate the distance between the parties and the expense of exercising parent-time.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(9)">A parent may not withhold parent-time or child support due to the other parent's failure to comply with a court-ordered parent-time schedule.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(10)"><subsection number="81-9-202(10)(a)">The custodial parent shall notify the noncustodial parent within 24 hours of receiving notice of all significant school, social, sports, and community functions in which the minor child is participating or being honored.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(10)(b)">The noncustodial parent is entitled to attend and participate fully in the functions described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-202(10)(a)">(10)(a)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(10)(c)">The noncustodial parent shall have access directly to all school reports including preschool and daycare reports and medical records.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(10)(d)">A parent shall immediately notify the other parent in the event of a medical emergency.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(11)">Each parent shall provide the other with the parent's current address and telephone number, email address, and other virtual parent-time access information within 24 hours of any change.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(12)"><subsection number="81-9-202(12)(a)">Each parent shall permit and encourage, during reasonable hours, reasonable and uncensored communications with the minor child, in the form of mail privileges and virtual parent-time if the equipment is reasonably available.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(12)(b)">If the parents cannot agree on whether the equipment is reasonably available, the court shall decide whether the equipment for virtual parent-time is reasonably available by taking into consideration:<subsection number="81-9-202(12)(b)(i)">the best interests of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(12)(b)(ii)">each parent's ability to handle any additional expenses for virtual parent-time; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(12)(b)(iii)">any other factors the court considers material.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(13)"><subsection number="81-9-202(13)(a)">Parental care is presumed to be better care for the minor child than surrogate care.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(13)(b)">The court shall encourage the parties to cooperate in allowing the noncustodial parent, if willing and able to transport the minor child, to provide the child care. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(13)(c)"> Child care arrangements existing during the marriage are preferred as are child care arrangements with nominal or no charge.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(14)">Each parent shall:<subsection number="81-9-202(14)(a)">provide all surrogate care providers with the name, current address, and telephone number of the other parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(14)(b)">provide the noncustodial parent with the name, current address, and telephone number of all surrogate care providers unless the court for good cause orders otherwise.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(15)"><subsection number="81-9-202(15)(a)">Each parent is entitled to an equal division of major religious holidays celebrated by the parents.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(15)(b)">The parent who celebrates a religious holiday that the other parent does not celebrate shall have the right to be together with the minor child on the religious holiday.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(16)">If the minor child is on a different parent-time schedule than a sibling, based on Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-302">81-9-302</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-304">81-9-304</xref>, the parents should consider if an upward deviation for parent-time with all the minor children so that parent-time is uniform between school aged and nonschool aged children, is appropriate.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(17)"><subsection number="81-9-202(17)(a)">When one or both parents are servicemembers or contemplating joining a uniformed service, the parents should resolve issues of custodial responsibility in the event of deployment as soon as practicable through reaching a voluntary agreement pursuant to Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-201">81-10-201</xref> or through court order obtained pursuant to this part. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(17)(b)"> Service members shall ensure their family care plan reflects orders and agreements entered and filed pursuant to Chapter 10, Uniform Deployed Parents Custody, Parent-Time, and Visitation Act.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)">A parent shall immediately notify the other parent if:<subsection number="81-9-202(18)(a)">the parent resides with an individual or provides an individual with access to the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)">the parent knows that the individual:<subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(i)">is required to register as a sex offender, a kidnap offender, or a child abuse offender for an offense committed against a minor child under Title 53, Chapter 29, Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registry; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)">has been convicted of an offense described in:<subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(A)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109">76-5-109</xref>, child abuse;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(B)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-6-109.2">76-6-109.2</xref>, aggravated child abuse;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(C)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.3">76-5-109.3</xref>, child abandonment;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(D)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.4">76-5-109.4</xref>, child torture;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(E)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-114">76-5-114</xref>, commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(F)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-208">76-5-208</xref>, child abuse homicide;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(G)">Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 3, Kidnapping, Trafficking, and Smuggling, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(H)">Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)(I)">Title 76, Chapter 5b, Sexual Exploitation Act, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(18)(b)(iii)">has been convicted of an offense that is substantially similar to an offense under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-202(18)(b)(ii)">(18)(b)(ii)</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(19)"><subsection number="81-9-202(19)(a)">For emergency purposes, whenever the minor child travels with a parent, the parent shall provide the following information to the other parent:<subsection number="81-9-202(19)(a)(i)">an itinerary of travel dates;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(19)(a)(ii)">destinations;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(19)(a)(iii)">places where the minor child or traveling parent can be reached; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(19)(a)(iv)">the name and telephone number of an available third person who would be knowledgeable of the minor child's location.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(19)(b)">The notification requirement described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-202(19)(a)">(19)(a)</xref> does not apply if there is a protective order or stalking injunction in effect that prohibits a parent from contacting the other parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-202(19)(c)">Unchaperoned travel of a minor child under five years old is not recommended.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-9-203"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Custody and parent-time proceedings -- Requirements for parenting plan.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-203(1)">In a custody or parent-time proceeding that is not a divorce action, the court may require the parents to attend the mandatory educational course described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-4-105">81-4-105</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(2)"><subsection number="81-9-203(2)(a)">In a proceeding between parents regarding the custody or parent-time for a minor child, the parent shall file and serve a proposed parenting plan at the time of the filing of the parent's original petition or at the time of filing the parent's answer or counterclaim.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(2)(b)">In a proceeding in which a parent seeks to modify custody provisions or a parenting plan, the parent shall file the proposed parenting plan with the petition to modify or the answer or counterclaim to the petition to modify.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(2)(c)">A parent who desires joint legal custody shall file a proposed parenting plan in accordance with this section.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(3)">If a parent files a proposed parenting plan in compliance with this section, the parent may move the court for an order of default to adopt the plan if the other parent fails to file a proposed parenting plan as required by this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(4)">A parent may file and serve an amended proposed parenting plan according to the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(5)">The parent submitting a proposed parenting plan shall attach a verified statement that the plan is proposed by that parent in good faith.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(6)"><subsection number="81-9-203(6)(a)">Both parents may submit a parenting plan which has been agreed upon.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(6)(b)">The parents shall attach a verified statement to the parenting plan that is signed by both parents.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(7)">If the parents file inconsistent parenting plans, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of the minor child, who may, if necessary, file a separate parenting plan reflecting the best interests of the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(8)"><subsection number="81-9-203(8)(a)">If a parent is a service member, the parenting plan shall be consistent with Subsection (16).</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(8)(b)">If a parent becomes a service member after a parenting plan is adopted, the parents shall amend the existing parenting plan as soon as practical to comply with Subsection (16).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(9)">The objectives of a parenting plan are to:<subsection number="81-9-203(9)(a)">provide for the minor child's physical care;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(9)(b)">maintain the minor child's emotional stability;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(9)(c)">provide for the minor child's changing needs as the minor child grows and matures in a way that minimizes the need for future modifications to the parenting plan;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(9)(d)">set forth the authority and responsibilities of each parent with respect to the minor child consistent with the definitions outlined in this chapter;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(9)(e)">minimize the minor child's exposure to harmful parental conflict;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(9)(f)">encourage the parents, where appropriate, to meet the responsibilities to their minor child through agreements in the parenting plan rather than relying on judicial intervention; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(9)(g)">protect the best interests of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(10)"><subsection number="81-9-203(10)(a)">The parenting plan shall contain:<subsection number="81-9-203(10)(a)(i)">provisions for resolution of future disputes between the parents, allocation of decision-making authority, and residential provisions for the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(10)(a)(ii)">provisions addressing notice and parent-time responsibilities in the event of the relocation of a party; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(10)(a)(iii)">a process for resolving disputes, unless precluded or limited by statute.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(10)(b)">A dispute resolution process under Subsection (10)(a)(iii) may include:<subsection number="81-9-203(10)(b)(i)">counseling;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(10)(b)(ii)">mediation or arbitration by a specified individual or agency; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(10)(b)(iii)">court action.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(10)(c)">In the dispute resolution process under Subsection (10)(b):<subsection number="81-9-203(10)(c)(i)">preference shall be given to the provisions in the parenting plan;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(10)(c)(ii)">parents shall use the designated process to resolve disputes relating to implementation of the plan, except those related to financial support, unless an emergency exists;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(10)(c)(iii)">a written record shall be prepared of any agreement reached in counseling or mediation and provided to each party;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(10)(c)(iv)">if arbitration becomes necessary, a written record shall be prepared and a copy of the arbitration award shall be provided to each party;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(10)(c)(v)">if the court finds that a parent has used or frustrated the dispute resolution process without good reason, the court may award attorney fees and financial sanctions to the prevailing parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(10)(c)(vi)">the district court has the right of review from the dispute resolution process; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(10)(c)(vii)">the provisions of this Subsection (10)(c) shall be set forth in any final decree or order.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(11)"><subsection number="81-9-203(11)(a)">Subject to the other provisions of this Subsection (11), the parenting plan shall allocate decision-making authority to one or both parties regarding the minor child's education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(11)(b)">The parties may incorporate an agreement related to the care and growth of the minor child in these specified areas or in other areas into the plan that are consistent with parenting functions and the criteria outlined in Subsection (9). </subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(11)(c)"> Regardless of the allocation of decision-making in the parenting plan, a parent may make emergency decisions affecting the health or safety of the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(11)(d)">A minor child's education plan shall designate the following:<subsection number="81-9-203(11)(d)(i)">the home residence for purposes of identifying the appropriate school or another specific plan that provides for where the minor child will attend school;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(11)(d)(ii)">which parent has authority to make education decisions for the minor child if the parents cannot agree; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(11)(d)(iii)">whether one or both parents have access to the minor child during school and authority to check the minor child out of school.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(11)(e)">If an education provision is not included in the parenting plan:<subsection number="81-9-203(11)(e)(i)">a parent with sole physical custody shall make the decisions listed in Subsection (11)(d);</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(11)(e)(ii)">in the event of joint physical custody when one parent has custody a majority of the time as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-205(10)">81-9-205(10)</xref>:<subsection number="81-9-203(11)(e)(ii)(A)">the parent having the minor child the majority of the time shall make the decisions listed in Subsections (11)(d)(i) and (ii); and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(11)(e)(ii)(B)">both parents with joint physical custody shall have access to the minor child during school and authority to check the child out of school; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(11)(e)(iii)">in the event of joint physical custody when the parents have custody an equal amount of time:<subsection number="81-9-203(11)(e)(iii)(A)">the court shall determine how the decisions listed in Subsections (11)(d)(i) and (ii) are made; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(11)(e)(iii)(B)">both parents with joint physical custody shall have access to the minor child during school and authority to check the minor child out of school.</subsection></subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(12)">Each parent may make decisions regarding the day-to-day care and control of the minor child while the minor child is residing with that parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(13)">When mutual decision-making is designated but cannot be achieved, the parties shall make a good faith effort to resolve the issue through the dispute resolution process.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(14)">The parenting plan shall include a residential schedule that designates in which parent's home a minor child shall reside on given days of the year, including provisions for holidays, birthdays of family members, vacations, and other special occasions.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(15)"><subsection number="81-9-203(15)(a)">If a parent fails to comply with a provision of the parenting plan or a child support order, the other parent's obligations under the parenting plan or the child support order are not affected. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(15)(b)"> Failure to comply with a provision of the parenting plan or a child support order may result in a finding of contempt of court.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(16)"><subsection number="81-9-203(16)(a)">If a parent is a service member, the parenting plan shall contain provisions that address the foreseeable parenting and custodial issues likely to arise in the event of notification of deployment or other contingency, including long-term deployments, short-term deployments, death, incapacity, and noncombatant evacuation operations.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-203(16)(b)">The provisions in the parenting plan described in Subsection (16)(a) shall comport substantially with the requirements of an agreement made pursuant to Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-201">81-10-201</xref>.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-9-204"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">362</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Custody and parent-time of a minor child -- Custody factors -- Preferences.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-204(1)">In a proceeding between parents in which the custody and parent-time of a minor child is at issue, the court shall consider the best interests of the minor child in determining any form of custody and parent-time.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(2)">The court shall determine whether an order for custody or parent-time is in the best interests of the minor child by a preponderance of the evidence.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(3)">In determining any form of custody and parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-204(1)">(1)</xref>, the court shall consider:<subsection number="81-9-204(3)(a)">for each parent, and in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-104">81-9-104</xref>, evidence of domestic violence, physical abuse, or sexual abuse involving the minor child, the parent, or a household member of the parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(3)(b)">whether the parent has intentionally exposed the minor child to: <subsection number="81-9-204(3)(b)(i)">pornography; or </subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(3)(b)(ii)">material harmful to minors, as "material" and "harmful to minors" are defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5c-101">76-5c-101</xref>; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(3)(c)">whether custody and parent-time would endanger the minor child's health or physical or psychological safety.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)">In determining the form of custody and parent-time that is in the best interests of the minor child, the court may consider, among other factors the court finds relevant, the following for each parent:<subsection number="81-9-204(4)(a)">evidence of coercive control;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(b)">evidence of psychological maltreatment;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(c)">the parent's demonstrated understanding of, responsiveness to, and ability to meet the developmental needs of the minor child, including the minor child's:<subsection number="81-9-204(4)(c)(i)">physical needs;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(c)(ii)">emotional needs;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(c)(iii)">educational needs;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(c)(iv)">medical needs; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(c)(v)">any special needs;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(d)">the parent's capacity and willingness to function as a parent, including:<subsection number="81-9-204(4)(d)(i)">parenting skills;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(d)(ii)">co-parenting skills, including:<subsection number="81-9-204(4)(d)(ii)(A)">ability to appropriately communicate with the other parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(d)(ii)(B)">ability to encourage the sharing of love and affection; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(d)(ii)(C)">willingness to allow frequent and continuous contact between the minor child and the other parent, except that, if the court determines that the parent is acting to protect the minor child from domestic violence, neglect, or abuse, the parent's protective actions may be taken into consideration; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(d)(iii)">ability to provide personal care rather than surrogate care;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(e)">the past conduct and demonstrated moral character of the parent as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-204(9)">(9)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(f)">the emotional stability of the parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(g)">the parent's inability to function as a parent because of drug abuse, excessive drinking, or other causes;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(h)">the parent's reason for having relinquished custody or parent-time in the past;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(i)">duration and depth of desire for custody or parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(j)">the parent's religious compatibility with the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(k)">the parent's financial responsibility;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(l)">the child's interaction and relationship with step-parents, extended family members, or other individuals who may significantly affect the minor child's best interests;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(m)">who has been the primary caretaker of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(n)">previous parenting arrangements in which the minor child has been happy and well-adjusted in the home, school, and community;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(o)">the relative benefit of keeping siblings together;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(p)">the stated wishes and concerns of the minor child, taking into consideration the minor child's cognitive ability and emotional maturity;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(q)">the relative strength of the minor child's bond with the parent, meaning the depth, quality, and nature of the relationship between the parent and the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(4)(r)">any other factor the court finds relevant.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(5)"><subsection number="81-9-204(5)(a)">A minor child may not be required by either party to testify unless the trier of fact determines that extenuating circumstances exist that would necessitate the testimony of the minor child be heard and there is no other reasonable method to present the minor child's testimony.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(5)(b)"><subsection number="81-9-204(5)(b)(i)">The court may inquire and take into consideration the minor child's desires regarding future custody or parent-time schedules, but the expressed desires are not controlling and the court may determine the minor child's custody or parent-time otherwise.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(5)(b)(ii)">The desires of a minor child who is 14 years old or older shall be given added weight, but is not the single controlling factor.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(5)(c)"><subsection number="81-9-204(5)(c)(i)">If an interview with a minor child is conducted by the court in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-204(5)(b)">(5)(b)</xref>, the interview shall be conducted by the court in camera.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(5)(c)(ii)">The prior consent of the parties may be obtained but is not necessary if the court finds that an interview with a minor child is the only method to ascertain the minor child's desires regarding custody.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(6)"><subsection number="81-9-204(6)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-204(6)(b)">(6)(b)</xref>, a court may not discriminate against a parent due to a disability, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="57-21-2">57-21-2</xref>, in awarding custody or determining whether a substantial change has occurred for the purpose of modifying an award of custody.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(6)(b)">The court may not consider the disability of a parent as a factor in awarding custody or modifying an award of custody based on a determination of a substantial change in circumstances, unless the court makes specific findings that:<subsection number="81-9-204(6)(b)(i)">the disability significantly or substantially inhibits the parent's ability to provide for the physical and emotional needs of the minor child at issue; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(6)(b)(ii)">the parent with a disability lacks sufficient human, monetary, or other resources available to supplement the parent's ability to provide for the physical and emotional needs of the minor child at issue.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(6)(c)">Nothing in this section may be construed to apply to adoption proceedings under Chapter 13, Adoption.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(7)">This section does not establish:<subsection number="81-9-204(7)(a)">a preference for either parent solely because of the gender of the parent; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(7)(b)">a preference for or against joint physical custody or sole physical custody, but allows the court and the family the widest discretion to choose a parenting plan that is in the best interest of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(8)">When an issue before the court involves custodial responsibility in the event of a deployment of a parent who is a service member and the service member has not yet been notified of deployment, the court shall resolve the issue based on the standards in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-306">81-10-306</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-309">81-10-309</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(9)">In considering the past conduct and demonstrated moral standards of each party under Subsection (4)(e) or any other factor a court finds relevant, the court may not:<subsection number="81-9-204(9)(a)"><subsection number="81-9-204(9)(a)(i)">consider or treat a parent's lawful possession or use of cannabis in a medicinal dosage form, a cannabis product in a medicinal dosage form, or a medical cannabis device, in accordance with Title 4, Chapter 41a, Cannabis Production Establishments and Pharmacies, Title 26B, Chapter 4, Part 2, Cannabinoid Research and Medical Cannabis, or Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="58-37-404(2)">58-37-404(2)</xref> or <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-204(3)">(3)</xref> any differently than the court would consider or treat the lawful possession or use of any prescribed controlled substance; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(9)(a)(ii)">discriminate against a parent because of the parent's status as a:<subsection number="81-9-204(9)(a)(ii)(A)">cannabis production establishment agent, as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="4-41a-102">4-41a-102</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(9)(a)(ii)(B)">medical cannabis pharmacy agent, as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-4-201">26B-4-201</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(9)(a)(ii)(C)">medical cannabis courier agent, as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="4-41a-102">4-41a-102</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(9)(a)(ii)(D)">medical cannabis cardholder in accordance with Title 26B, Chapter 4, Part 2, Cannabinoid Research and Medical Cannabis; or</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(9)(b)">discriminate against a parent based upon the parent's agreement or disagreement with a minor child of the couple's:<subsection number="81-9-204(9)(b)(i)">assertion that the minor child's gender identity is different from the minor child's biological sex;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(9)(b)(ii)">practice of having or expressing a different gender identity than the minor child's biological sex; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(9)(b)(iii)">sexual orientation.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(10)"><subsection number="81-9-204(10)(a)">The court shall consider evidence of domestic violence if evidence of domestic violence is presented.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(10)(b)">The court shall consider as primary, the safety and well-being of the minor child and the parent who experiences domestic violence.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(10)(c)">A court shall consider an order issued by a court in accordance with Title 78B, Chapter 7, Part 6, Cohabitant Abuse Protective Orders, as evidence of real harm or substantiated potential harm to the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(10)(d)">If a parent relocates because of an act of domestic violence or family violence by the other parent: <subsection number="81-9-204(10)(d)(i)">the court shall make specific findings and orders with regards to the application of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-209">81-9-209</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(10)(d)(ii)">the court may not require the parent to disclose the parent's address to the other parent.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(11)">Absent a showing by a preponderance of evidence of real harm or substantiated potential harm to the minor child:<subsection number="81-9-204(11)(a)">it is in the best interest of the minor child to have frequent, meaningful, and continuing access to each parent following separation or divorce;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(11)(b)">each parent is entitled to and responsible for frequent, meaningful, and continuing access with the parent's minor child consistent with the minor child's best interests; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(11)(c)">it is in the best interest of the minor child to have both parents actively involved in parenting the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(12)">Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the court may not grant custody or parent-time of a minor child to a parent convicted of a sexual offense, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="77-37-2">77-37-2</xref>, that resulted in the conception of the minor child unless:<subsection number="81-9-204(12)(a)">the nonconvicted biological parent, or the legal guardian of the minor child, consents to custody or parent-time and the court determines it is in the best interest of the minor child to award custody or parent-time to the convicted parent; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(12)(b)">after the date of the conviction, the convicted parent and the nonconvicted parent cohabit and establish a mutual custodial environment for the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(13)">A denial of custody or parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-204(12)">(12)</xref> does not:<subsection number="81-9-204(13)(a)">terminate the parental rights of the parent denied parent-time or custody; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-204(13)(b)">affect the obligation of the convicted parent to financially support the minor child.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-9-205"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Presumption of joint legal custody -- Joint custody factors -- Order for joint custody.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-205(1)">The court may order joint legal custody or joint physical custody or both joint legal custody and joint physical custody if:<subsection number="81-9-205(1)(a)">one or both parents have filed a parenting plan as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-203">81-9-203</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(1)(b)">the court determines that, by a preponderance of the evidence, joint legal custody or joint physical custody or both joint legal custody and joint physical custody is in the best interest of the minor child in accordance with Subsection (5) and Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-204">81-9-204</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(2)"><subsection number="81-9-205(2)(a)">There is a rebuttable presumption that joint legal custody is in the best interest of the minor child, except in cases when there is:<subsection number="81-9-205(2)(a)(i)">evidence of domestic violence, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse involving the minor child, a parent, or a household member of the parent in accordance with Section 81-9-104;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(2)(a)(ii)">special physical or mental needs of a parent or minor child, making joint legal custody unreasonable;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(2)(a)(iii)">physical distance between the residences of the parents, making joint decision making impractical in certain circumstances; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(2)(a)(iv)">any other factor the court considers relevant, including the factors described in Subsection (5) and Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-204">81-9-204</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(2)(b)">A presumption for joint legal custody may be rebutted by showing by a preponderance of the evidence that it is not in the best interest of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(3)"><subsection number="81-9-205(3)(a)">Joint legal custody does not affect the physical custody of the minor child except as specified in the order of joint legal custody.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(3)(b)">Joint legal custody is not based on awarding equal or nearly equal periods of physical custody of and access to the minor child to each of the parents because the best interest of the minor child often requires that a primary physical residence for the minor child be designated.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(3)(c)">In ordering joint legal custody, the court:<subsection number="81-9-205(3)(c)(i)">may include an award of exclusive authority by the court to one parent to make specific decisions regarding the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(3)(c)(ii)">is not prohibited from specifying one parent as the primary caretaker and one home as the primary residence of the minor child.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(4)"><subsection number="81-9-205(4)(a)">Joint physical custody may result in equal or nearly equal periods of physical custody of and access to the minor child by each of the parents to meet the best interest of the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(4)(b)">Joint physical custody may require that a physical residence for the minor child be designated.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(4)(c)">In ordering joint physical custody, the court is not prohibited from specifying one parent as the primary caretaker and one home as the primary residence of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(5)">In addition to the factors described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-204">81-9-204</xref>, the court shall consider the following factors in determining whether joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or both joint legal custody and joint physical custody, is in the best interest of the minor child:<subsection number="81-9-205(5)(a)">whether the physical, psychological, and emotional needs and development of the minor child will benefit from joint legal custody or joint physical custody or both joint legal custody and joint physical custody;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(5)(b)">the ability of the parents to give first priority to the welfare of the minor child and reach shared decisions in the minor child's best interest;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(5)(c)">co-parenting skills, including:<subsection number="81-9-205(5)(c)(i)">ability to appropriately communicate with the other parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(5)(c)(ii)">ability to encourage the sharing of love and affection; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(5)(c)(iii)">willingness to allow frequent and continuous contact between the minor child and the other parent, except that, if the court determines that the parent is acting to protect the minor child from domestic violence, neglect, or abuse, the parent's protective actions may be taken into consideration;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(5)(d)">whether both parents participated in raising the minor child before the divorce;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(5)(e)">the geographical proximity of the homes of the parents;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(5)(f)">the preference of the minor child if the minor child is of sufficient age and capacity to reason so as to form an intelligent preference as to joint legal custody or joint physical custody or both joint legal custody and joint physical custody;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(5)(g)">the maturity of the parents and their willingness and ability to protect the minor child from conflict that may arise between the parents;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(5)(h)">the past and present ability of the parents to cooperate with each other and make decisions jointly; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(5)(i)">any other factor the court finds relevant.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(6)">The court shall inform both parties that an order for joint physical custody may preclude eligibility for cash assistance provided under Title 35A, Chapter 3, Employment Support Act.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(7)">An order of joint legal custody or joint physical custody shall provide terms the court determines appropriate, which may include specifying:<subsection number="81-9-205(7)(a)">the county of residence of the minor child, until altered by further order of the court, or the custodian who has the sole legal right to determine the residence of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(7)(b)">that the parents shall exchange information concerning the health, education, and welfare of the minor child, and where possible, confer before making decisions concerning any of these areas;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(7)(c)">the rights and duties of each parent regarding the minor child's present and future physical care, support, and education;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(7)(d)">provisions to minimize disruption of the minor child's attendance at school and other activities, the minor child's daily routine, and the minor child's association with friends; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(7)(e)">as necessary, the remaining parental rights, privileges, duties, and powers to be exercised by the parents solely, concurrently, or jointly.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(8)">An order of joint legal custody or joint physical custody shall require the parenting plan contain a dispute resolution procedure that the parties agree to use:<subsection number="81-9-205(8)(a)">in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-203(10)">81-9-203(10)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(8)(b)">before seeking enforcement or modification of the terms and conditions of the order of joint legal custody or joint physical custody through litigation, except in emergency situations requiring ex parte orders to protect the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(9)">The court shall, where possible, include in the order the terms of the parenting plan provided in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-203">81-9-203</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(10)">Any parental rights not specifically addressed by the court order may be exercised by the parent having physical custody of the minor child the majority of the time.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(11)">The appointment of joint legal or physical custodians does not impair or limit the authority of the court to order support of the child, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-101">81-6-101</xref>, including payments by one custodian to the other.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(12)">An order of joint legal custody, in itself, is not grounds for modifying a support order.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-205(13)">The court may order that when possible the parties attempt to settle future disputes by a dispute resolution method before seeking enforcement or modification of the terms and conditions of the order of joint legal custody or joint physical custody through litigation, except in emergency situations requiring ex parte orders to protect the minor child.</subsection></section><section number="81-9-206"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Determination of parent-time schedule -- Parent-time factors.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-206(1)">If the parties are unable to agree on a parent-time schedule, the court may:<subsection number="81-9-206(1)(a)">establish a parent-time schedule; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(1)(b)">order a parent-time schedule described in Part 3, Parent-time Schedules.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(2)">There is a presumption that the advisory guidelines described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-202">81-9-202</xref> and the parent-time schedules described in Part 3, Parent-time Schedules, are the minimum parent-time to which the noncustodial parent and the minor child are entitled.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(3)">In accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-104">81-9-104</xref>, when ordering a parent-time schedule a court shall consider:<subsection number="81-9-206(3)(a)">evidence of domestic violence, physical abuse, or sexual abuse involving the minor child, a parent, or a household member of the parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(3)(b)">whether parent-time is likely to endanger the minor child's health or physical or psychological safety.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)">A court may consider the following when ordering a parent-time schedule:<subsection number="81-9-206(4)(a)">evidence of coercive control;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)(b)">evidence of psychological maltreatment;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)(c)">the distance between the residency of the minor child and the noncustodial parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)(d)">the lack of demonstrated parenting skills without safeguards to ensure the minor child's well-being during parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)(e)">the financial inability of the noncustodial parent to provide adequate food and shelter for the minor child during periods of parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)(f)">the preference of the minor child if the court determines the minor child is of sufficient maturity;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)(g)">the incarceration of the noncustodial parent in a county jail, secure youth corrections facility, or an adult corrections facility;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)(h)">shared interests between the minor child and the noncustodial parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)(i)">the involvement or lack of involvement of the noncustodial parent in the school, community, religious, or other related activities of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)(j)">the availability of the noncustodial parent to care for the minor child when the custodial parent is unavailable to do so because of work or other circumstances;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)(k)">a substantial and chronic pattern of missing, canceling, or denying regularly scheduled parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)(l)">the minimal duration of and lack of significant bonding in the parents' relationship before the conception of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)(m)">the parent-time schedule of siblings;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)(n)">the lack of reasonable alternatives to the needs of a nursing minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(4)(o)">any other criteria the court determines relevant to the best interests of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(5)">The court shall enter the reasons underlying the court's order for parent-time that:<subsection number="81-9-206(5)(a)">incorporates a parent-time schedule described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-302">81-9-302</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-304">81-9-304</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(5)(b)">provides more or less parent-time than a parent-time schedule described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-302">81-9-302</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-304">81-9-304</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(6)">A court may not order a parent-time schedule unless the court determines by a preponderance of the evidence that the parent-time schedule is in the best interest of the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(7)"><subsection number="81-9-206(7)(a)">If the court orders parent-time and a protective order or stalking injunction is still in place, the court shall consider whether to order the parents to conduct parent-time pick-up and transfer through a third party.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(7)(b)">The parent who is the stated victim in the protective order or stalking injunction may submit to the court, and the court shall consider, the name of a person considered suitable to act as the third party.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(7)(c)">If the court orders the parents to conduct parent-time through a third party, the parenting plan shall specify the time, day, place, manner, and the third party to be used to implement the exchange.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(8)">If there is a protective order, stalking injunction, or the court finds that a parent has committed domestic violence, the court shall:<subsection number="81-9-206(8)(a)">consider the impact of domestic violence in awarding parent-time; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(8)(b)">make specific findings regarding the award of parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(9)">Upon a specific finding by the court of the need for peace officer enforcement, the court may include a provision in an order for parent-time that authorizes a peace officer to enforce the order for parent-time.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(10)">When parent-time has not taken place for an extended period of time and the minor child lacks an appropriate bond with the noncustodial parent, both parents shall: <subsection number="81-9-206(10)(a)">consider the possible adverse effects upon the minor child; and </subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(10)(b)">gradually reintroduce an appropriate parent-time plan for the noncustodial parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(11)">If a court enters an order establishing a parent-time schedule for a minor child:<subsection number="81-9-206(11)(a)">the court order governs the parent-time schedule for the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(11)(b)">an amendment to this chapter does not modify the parent-time schedule unless the court orders otherwise.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(12)">Once a parent-time schedule has been established for a minor child, the parties may only modify the parent-time schedule if:<subsection number="81-9-206(12)(a)">there is mutual consent of the parties to the modification that is in writing and signed by both parties; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-206(12)(b)">the court modifies the parent-time schedule in a new order.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-9-207"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Supervised parent-time.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-207(1)">As used in this section:<subsection number="81-9-207(1)(a)">"Abuse" means the same as that term is defined in Section 80-1-102.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(1)(b)">"Abuse" includes an offense described in:<subsection number="81-9-207(1)(b)(i)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109">76-5-109</xref>, child abuse;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(1)(b)(ii)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-6-109.2">76-6-109.2</xref>, aggravated child abuse;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(1)(b)(iii)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.3">76-5-109.3</xref>, child abandonment;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(1)(b)(iv)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.4">76-5-109.4</xref>, child torture;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(1)(b)(v)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-114">76-5-114</xref>, commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(1)(b)(vi)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-208">76-5-208</xref>, child abuse homicide.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(2)">A court may order supervised parent-time of a minor child in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-104">81-9-104</xref> if the court finds:<subsection number="81-9-207(2)(a)">evidence that the minor child is likely to be subject to physical harm, emotional harm, or abuse from the noncustodial parent if left unsupervised with the noncustodial parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(2)(b)">it is necessary to protect the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(2)(c)">there are no less restrictive means reasonably available.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(3)">If the court finds evidence of domestic violence, child abuse, or an ongoing risk to a child, and orders supervised parent-time, the court shall give preference to supervision by a professional individual or private agency trained in child abuse reporting laws, the developmental needs of a child, and the dynamics of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, and substance abuse. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(4)">If a professional individual or private agency described in Subsection (3) is not available, affordable, or practicable under the circumstances, a court shall give preference to supervision by an individual who is:<subsection number="81-9-207(4)(a)">capable and willing to provide physical and psychological safety and security to the minor child, and to assist in the avoidance and prevention of domestic and family violence; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(4)(b)">is trained in child abuse reporting laws, the developmental needs of a child, and the dynamics of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, and substance abuse.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(5)"> If an individual described in Subsection (3) or <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-207(4)">(4)</xref> is not available, affordable, or practicable under the circumstances, or if the court does not find evidence of domestic violence, child abuse, or an ongoing risk to a minor child, a court may order supervised parent-time that is supervised by an individual who is willing to supervise, and is capable of protecting the minor child from physical or emotional harm, or child abuse, and the court shall give preference to individuals suggested by the parties, including relatives.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(6)">At the time supervised parent-time is imposed, the court shall consider:<subsection number="81-9-207(6)(a)">whether the cost of professional or agency services is likely to prevent the noncustodial parent from exercising parent-time; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(6)(b)">whether the requirement for supervised parent-time should expire after a set period of time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(7)"><subsection number="81-9-207(7)(a)">Except when the court makes a finding that, due to abuse by or the incapacity of the noncustodial parent, supervised parent-time will be necessary indefinitely to ensure the physical or psychological safety and protection of the minor child, the court shall, in the court's order for supervised parent-time, provide specific goals and expectations for the noncustodial parent to accomplish before unsupervised parent-time may be granted. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(7)(b)">The court shall schedule one or more follow-up hearings to revisit the issue of supervised parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-207(8)">A noncustodial parent may, at any time, petition the court to modify the order for supervised parent-time if the noncustodial parent can demonstrate that the specific goals and expectations set by the court as described in Subsection (7) have been accomplished.</subsection></section><section number="81-9-208"><enddate type="SC">1/1/2027</enddate><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Modification or termination of a custody or parent-time order -- Noncompliance with a parent-time order -- Denial of access due to investigation.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-208(1)">The court has continuing jurisdiction to make subsequent changes to modify:<subsection number="81-9-208(1)(a)">custody of a minor child if there is a showing of a substantial and material change in circumstances since the entry of the order; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(1)(b)">parent-time for a minor child if there is a showing that there is a change in circumstances since the entry of the order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)">A substantial and material change in circumstances under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(1)(a)">(1)(a)</xref> includes a showing by a parent that the other parent:<subsection number="81-9-208(2)(a)">resides with an individual or provides an individual with access to the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)">knows that the individual:<subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(i)">is required to register as a sex offender, a kidnap offender, or a child abuse offender for an offense committed against a minor child under Title 53, Chapter 29, Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registry; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)">has been convicted of an offense described in:<subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(A)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109">76-5-109</xref>, child abuse;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(B)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-6-109.2">76-6-109.2</xref>, aggravated child abuse;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(C)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.3">76-5-109.3</xref>, child abandonment;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(D)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.4">76-5-109.4</xref>, child torture;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(E)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-114">76-5-114</xref>, commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(F)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-208">76-5-208</xref>, child abuse homicide;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(G)">Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 3, Kidnapping, Trafficking, and Smuggling, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(H)">Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(I)">Title 76, Chapter 5b, Sexual Exploitation Act, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(iii)">has been convicted of an offense that is substantially similar to an offense under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)">(2)(b)(ii)</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(3)"><subsection number="81-9-208(3)(a)">For a custody order that is entered on or after May 6, 2026, a minor child turning five years old constitutes a substantial and material change in circumstances under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(1)(a)">(1)(a)</xref>, unless the order addresses custody of the minor child upon the minor child turning five years old.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(3)(b)">For a parent-time order that is entered on or after May 6, 2026, a minor child turning five years old constitutes a change in circumstances under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(1)(b)">(1)(b)</xref>, unless the order addresses parent-time for the minor child upon the minor child turning five years old.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(4)">On the petition of one or both of the parents, or the joint legal or physical custodians if they are not the parents, the court may, after a hearing, modify or terminate an order that established joint legal custody or joint physical custody if:<subsection number="81-9-208(4)(a)">the verified petition or accompanying affidavit initially alleges that admissible evidence will show that there has been a substantial and material change in the circumstances of the minor child or one or both parents or joint legal or physical custodians since the entry of the order to be modified;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(4)(b)">a modification of the terms and conditions of the order would be an improvement for and in the best interest of the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(4)(c)"><subsection number="81-9-208(4)(c)(i)">both parents have complied in good faith with the dispute resolution procedure in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-205(8)">81-9-205(8)</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(4)(c)(ii)">if no dispute resolution procedure is contained in the order that established joint legal custody or joint physical custody, the court orders the parents to participate in a dispute resolution procedure in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-205(13)">81-9-205(13)</xref> unless the parents certify that, in good faith, they have used a dispute resolution procedure to resolve their dispute.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(5)"><subsection number="81-9-208(5)(a)">In determining whether the best interest of a minor child will be served by either modifying or terminating the joint legal custody or joint physical custody order, the court shall, in addition to other factors the court considers relevant, consider the factors described in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-204">81-9-204</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-205">81-9-205</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(5)(b)">A court order modifying or terminating an existing joint legal custody or joint physical custody order shall contain written findings that:<subsection number="81-9-208(5)(b)(i)">a substantial and material change of circumstance has occurred; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(5)(b)(ii)">a modification of the terms and conditions of the order would be an improvement for and in the best interest of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(5)(c)">The court shall give substantial weight to the existing joint legal custody or joint physical custody order when the minor child is thriving, happy, and well-adjusted.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(6)">The court shall, in every case regarding a petition for termination of a joint legal custody or joint physical custody order, consider reasonable alternatives to preserve the existing order in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-204">81-9-204</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(7)">The court may modify the terms and conditions of the existing order in accordance with this chapter and may order the parents to file a parenting plan in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-203">81-9-203</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(8)">A parent requesting a modification from sole custody to joint legal custody or joint physical custody or both, or any other type of shared parenting arrangement, shall file and serve a proposed parenting plan with the petition to modify in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-203">81-9-203</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(9)">If an issue before the court involves custodial responsibility in the event of deployment of one or both parents who are service members, and the service member has not yet been notified of deployment, the court shall resolve the issue based on the standards in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-306">81-10-306</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-309">81-10-309</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(10)">If the court finds that an action to modify custody or parent-time is filed or answered frivolously and, in a manner, designed to harass the other party, the court shall assess attorney fees as costs against the offending party.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(11)">If a petition to modify custody or parent-time provisions of a court order is made and denied, the court shall order the petitioner to pay the reasonable attorney fees expended by the prevailing party in that action if the court determines that the petition was without merit and not asserted or defended against in good faith.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)">If a motion or petition alleges noncompliance with a parent-time order by a parent, or a visitation order by a grandparent or other member of the immediate family where a visitation or parent-time right has been previously granted by the court, the court:<subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)">may award to the prevailing party:<subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(i)">actual attorney fees incurred;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)">the costs incurred by the prevailing party because of the other party's failure to provide or exercise court-ordered visitation or parent-time, including:<subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(A)">court costs;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(B)">child care expenses;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(C)">transportation expenses actually incurred;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(D)">lost wages, if ascertainable; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(E)">counseling for a parent or a minor child if ordered or approved by the court; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(iii)">any other appropriate equitable remedy; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(b)">shall award reasonable make-up parent-time to the prevailing party, unless make-up parent-time is not in the best interest of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)"><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(13)(b)">(13)(b)</xref>, the court shall award make-up parent-time to a parent, upon a motion or petition from the parent, if:<subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(i)">the parent was denied parent-time with a minor child due to an investigation by the Division of Child and Family Services and the investigation did not result in a finding of abuse, neglect, or dependency; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(ii)"><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(ii)(A)">the parent can show that a court determined the other parent knowingly falsified a material statement or material information during a protective order proceeding as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78B-7-208">78B-7-208</xref> and the court dismissed the underlying protective order on the merits after providing the parties to the protective order with notice and an opportunity to be heard;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(ii)(B)">the parent lost parent-time as a result of the other parent's falsification of a material statement or material information during the protective order proceeding; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(ii)(C)">there has not been a finding of abuse or neglect against the parent.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(b)">A court may deny a motion or petition for make-up parent-time based on Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(13)(a)(i)">(13)(a)(i)</xref> if:<subsection number="81-9-208(13)(b)(i)">the parent did not diligently exercise parent-time with the child before the investigation by the Division of Child and Family Services; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(b)(ii)">a party shows good cause for denying the motion or petition.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)">When a court orders make-up parent-time under this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(13)">(13)</xref>:<subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)(i)">the court shall order:<subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)(i)(A)">parent-time that is the same type and duration of the parent-time that was denied; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)(i)(B)">that the make-up parent-time occur within two years from the day on which the court enters the order for make-up parent-time; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)(ii)">the court may include weekend or holiday parent-time or extended parent-time that was denied to the parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(d)">This Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(13)">(13)</xref> does not create a right of action against the Division of Child and Family Services.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-9-208"><effdate>1/1/2027</effdate><enddate type="SC">5/5/2027</enddate><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">445</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Modification or termination of a custody or parent-time order -- Noncompliance with a parent-time order. -- Denial of access due to investigation.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-208(1)">The court has continuing jurisdiction to make subsequent changes to modify:<subsection number="81-9-208(1)(a)">custody of a minor child if there is a showing of a substantial and material change in circumstances since the entry of the order; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(1)(b)">parent-time for a minor child if there is a showing that there is a change in circumstances since the entry of the order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)">A substantial and material change in circumstances under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(1)(a)">(1)(a)</xref> includes a showing by a parent that the other parent:<subsection number="81-9-208(2)(a)">resides with an individual or provides an individual with access to the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)">knows that the individual:<subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(i)">is required to register as a sex offender, a kidnap offender, or a child abuse offender for an offense committed against a minor child under Title 53, Chapter 29, Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registry; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)">has been convicted of an offense described in:<subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(A)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109">76-5-109</xref>, child abuse;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(B)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-6-109.2">76-6-109.2</xref>, aggravated child abuse;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(C)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.3">76-5-109.3</xref>, child abandonment;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(D)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.4">76-5-109.4</xref>, child torture;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(E)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-114">76-5-114</xref>, commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(F)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-208">76-5-208</xref>, child abuse homicide;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(G)">Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 3, Kidnapping, Trafficking, and Smuggling, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(H)">Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(I)">Title 76, Chapter 5b, Sexual Exploitation Act, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(iii)">has been convicted of an offense that is substantially similar to an offense under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)">(2)(b)(ii)</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(3)"><subsection number="81-9-208(3)(a)">For a custody order that is entered on or after May 6, 2026, a minor child turning five years old constitutes a substantial and material change in circumstances under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(1)(a)">(1)(a)</xref>, unless the order addresses custody of the minor child upon the minor child turning five years old.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(3)(b)">For a parent-time order that is entered on or after May 6, 2026, a minor child turning five years old constitutes a change in circumstances under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(1)(b)">(1)(b)</xref>, unless the order addresses parent-time for the minor child upon the minor child turning five years old.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(4)">On the petition of one or both of the parents, or the joint legal or physical custodians if they are not the parents, the court may, after a hearing, modify or terminate an order that established joint legal custody or joint physical custody if:<subsection number="81-9-208(4)(a)">the verified petition or accompanying affidavit initially alleges that admissible evidence will show that there has been a substantial and material change in the circumstances of the minor child or one or both parents or joint legal or physical custodians since the entry of the order to be modified;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(4)(b)">a modification of the terms and conditions of the order would be an improvement for and in the best interest of the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(4)(c)"><subsection number="81-9-208(4)(c)(i)">both parents have complied in good faith with the dispute resolution procedure in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-205(8)">81-9-205(8)</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(4)(c)(ii)">if no dispute resolution procedure is contained in the order that established joint legal custody or joint physical custody, the court orders the parents to participate in a dispute resolution procedure in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-205(13)">81-9-205(13)</xref> unless the parents certify that, in good faith, they have used a dispute resolution procedure to resolve their dispute.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(5)"><subsection number="81-9-208(5)(a)">In determining whether the best interest of a minor child will be served by either modifying or terminating the joint legal custody or joint physical custody order, the court shall, in addition to other factors the court considers relevant, consider the factors described in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-204">81-9-204</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-205">81-9-205</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(5)(b)">A court order modifying or terminating an existing joint legal custody or joint physical custody order shall contain written findings that:<subsection number="81-9-208(5)(b)(i)">a substantial and material change of circumstance has occurred; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(5)(b)(ii)">a modification of the terms and conditions of the order would be an improvement for and in the best interest of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(5)(c)">The court shall give substantial weight to the existing joint legal custody or joint physical custody order when the minor child is thriving, happy, and well-adjusted.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(6)">The court shall, in every case regarding a petition for termination of a joint legal custody or joint physical custody order, consider reasonable alternatives to preserve the existing order in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-204">81-9-204</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(7)">The court may modify the terms and conditions of the existing order in accordance with this chapter and may order the parents to file a parenting plan in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-203">81-9-203</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(8)">A parent requesting a modification from sole custody to joint legal custody or joint physical custody or both, or any other type of shared parenting arrangement, shall file and serve a proposed parenting plan with the petition to modify in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-203">81-9-203</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(9)">If an issue before the court involves custodial responsibility in the event of deployment of one or both parents who are service members, and the service member has not yet been notified of deployment, the court shall resolve the issue based on the standards in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-306">81-10-306</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-309">81-10-309</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(10)">If the court finds that an action to modify custody or parent-time is filed or answered frivolously and, in a manner, designed to harass the other party, the court shall assess attorney fees as costs against the offending party.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(11)">If a petition to modify custody or parent-time provisions of a court order is made and denied, the court shall order the petitioner to pay the reasonable attorney fees expended by the prevailing party in that action if the court determines that the petition was without merit and not asserted or defended against in good faith.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)">If a motion or petition alleges noncompliance with a parent-time order by a parent, or a visitation order by a grandparent or other member of the immediate family where a visitation or parent-time right has been previously granted by the court, the court:<subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)">may award to the prevailing party:<subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(i)">actual attorney fees incurred;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)">the costs incurred by the prevailing party because of the other party's failure to provide or exercise court-ordered visitation or parent-time, including:<subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(A)">court costs;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(B)">child care expenses;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(C)">transportation expenses actually incurred;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(D)">lost wages, if ascertainable; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(E)">counseling for a parent or a minor child if ordered or approved by the court; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(iii)">any other appropriate equitable remedy; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(b)">shall award reasonable make-up parent-time to the prevailing party, unless make-up parent-time is not in the best interest of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)"><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(13)(b)">(13)(b)</xref>, the court shall award make-up parent-time to a parent, upon a motion or petition from the parent, if:<subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(i)">the parent was denied parent-time with a minor child due to an investigation by the Division of Child and Family Services and the investigation did not result in a finding of abuse, neglect, or dependency; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(ii)"><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(ii)(A)">the parent can show that a court determined the other parent knowingly falsified a material statement or material information during a protective order proceeding as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78B-7-208">78B-7-208</xref> and the court dismissed the underlying protective order on the merits after providing the parties to the protective order with notice and an opportunity to be heard;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(ii)(B)">the parent lost parent-time as a result of the other parent's falsification of a material statement or material information during the protective order proceeding; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(ii)(C)">there has not been a finding of abuse or neglect against the parent.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(b)">A court may deny a motion or petition for make-up parent-time based on Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(13)(a)(i)">(13)(a)(i)</xref> if:<subsection number="81-9-208(13)(b)(i)">the parent did not diligently exercise parent-time with the child before the investigation by the Division of Child and Family Services; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(b)(ii)">a party shows good cause for denying the motion or petition.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)">When a court orders make-up parent-time under this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(13)">(13)</xref>:<subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)(i)">the court shall order:<subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)(i)(A)">parent-time that is the same type and duration of the parent-time that was denied; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)(i)(B)">that the make-up parent-time occur within two years from the day on which the court enters the order for make-up parent-time; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)(ii)">the court may include weekend or holiday parent-time or extended parent-time that was denied to the parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(d)">This Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(13)">(13)</xref> does not create a right of action against the Division of Child and Family Services.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-9-208"><effdate>5/5/2027</effdate><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">287</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Modification or termination of a custody or parent-time order -- Noncompliance with a parent-time order. -- Denial of access due to investigation.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-208(1)">The court has continuing jurisdiction to make subsequent changes to modify:<subsection number="81-9-208(1)(a)">custody of a minor child if there is a showing of a substantial and material change in circumstances since the entry of the order; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(1)(b)">parent-time for a minor child if there is a showing that there is a change in circumstances since the entry of the order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)">A substantial and material change in circumstances under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(1)(a)">(1)(a)</xref> includes a showing by a parent that the other parent:<subsection number="81-9-208(2)(a)">resides with an individual or provides an individual with access to the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)">knows that the individual:<subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(i)">is required to register as a sex offender, a kidnap offender, or a child abuse offender for an offense committed against a minor child under Title 53, Chapter 29, Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registry; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)">has been convicted of an offense described in:<subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(A)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109">76-5-109</xref>, child abuse;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(B)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-6-109.2">76-6-109.2</xref>, aggravated child abuse;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(C)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.3">76-5-109.3</xref>, child abandonment;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(D)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.4">76-5-109.4</xref>, child torture;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(E)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-114">76-5-114</xref>, commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(F)">Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-208">76-5-208</xref>, child abuse homicide;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(G)">Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 3, Kidnapping, Trafficking, and Smuggling, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(H)">Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)(I)">Title 76, Chapter 5b, Sexual Exploitation Act, for which the victim was younger than 18 years old; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(2)(b)(iii)">has been convicted of an offense that is substantially similar to an offense under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(2)(b)(ii)">(2)(b)(ii)</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(3)"><subsection number="81-9-208(3)(a)">For a custody order that is entered on or after May 6, 2026, a minor child turning five years old constitutes a substantial and material change in circumstances under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(1)(a)">(1)(a)</xref>, unless the order addresses custody of the minor child upon the minor child turning five years old.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(3)(b)">For a parent-time order that is entered on or after May 6, 2026, a minor child turning five years old constitutes a change in circumstances under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(1)(b)">(1)(b)</xref>, unless the order addresses parent-time for the minor child upon the minor child turning five years old.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(4)">On the petition of one or both of the parents, or the joint legal or physical custodians if they are not the parents, the court may, after a hearing, modify or terminate an order that established joint legal custody or joint physical custody if:<subsection number="81-9-208(4)(a)">the verified petition or accompanying affidavit initially alleges that admissible evidence will show that there has been a substantial and material change in the circumstances of the minor child or one or both parents or joint legal or physical custodians since the entry of the order to be modified;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(4)(b)">a modification of the terms and conditions of the order would be an improvement for and in the best interest of the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(4)(c)"><subsection number="81-9-208(4)(c)(i)">both parents have complied in good faith with the dispute resolution procedure in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-205(8)">81-9-205(8)</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(4)(c)(ii)">if no dispute resolution procedure is contained in the order that established joint legal custody or joint physical custody, the court orders the parents to participate in a dispute resolution procedure in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-205(13)">81-9-205(13)</xref> unless the parents certify that, in good faith, they have used a dispute resolution procedure to resolve their dispute.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(5)"><subsection number="81-9-208(5)(a)">In determining whether the best interest of a minor child will be served by either modifying or terminating the joint legal custody or joint physical custody order, the court shall, in addition to other factors the court considers relevant, consider the factors described in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-204">81-9-204</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-205">81-9-205</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(5)(b)">A court order modifying or terminating an existing joint legal custody or joint physical custody order shall contain written findings that:<subsection number="81-9-208(5)(b)(i)">a substantial and material change of circumstance has occurred; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(5)(b)(ii)">a modification of the terms and conditions of the order would be an improvement for and in the best interest of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(5)(c)">The court shall give substantial weight to the existing joint legal custody or joint physical custody order when the minor child is thriving, happy, and well-adjusted.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(6)">The court shall, in every case regarding a petition for termination of a joint legal custody or joint physical custody order, consider reasonable alternatives to preserve the existing order in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-204">81-9-204</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(7)">The court may modify the terms and conditions of the existing order in accordance with this chapter and may order the parents to file a parenting plan in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-203">81-9-203</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(8)">A parent requesting a modification from sole custody to joint legal custody or joint physical custody or both, or any other type of shared parenting arrangement, shall file and serve a proposed parenting plan with the petition to modify in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-203">81-9-203</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(9)">If an issue before the court involves custodial responsibility in the event of deployment of one or both parents who are service members, and the service member has not yet been notified of deployment, the court shall resolve the issue based on the standards in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-306">81-10-306</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-309">81-10-309</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(10)">If the court finds that an action to modify custody or parent-time is filed or answered frivolously and, in a manner, designed to harass the other party, the court shall assess attorney fees as costs against the offending party.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(11)">If a petition to modify custody or parent-time provisions of a court order is made and denied, the court shall order the petitioner to pay the reasonable attorney fees expended by the prevailing party in that action if the court determines that the petition was without merit and not asserted or defended against in good faith.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)">If a motion or petition alleges noncompliance with a parent-time order by a parent, or a visitation order by a grandparent or other member of the immediate family where a visitation or parent-time right has been previously granted by the court, the court:<subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)">may award to the prevailing party:<subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(i)">actual attorney fees incurred;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)">the costs incurred by the prevailing party because of the other party's failure to provide or exercise court-ordered visitation or parent-time, including:<subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(A)">court costs;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(B)">child care expenses;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(C)">transportation expenses actually incurred;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(D)">lost wages, if ascertainable; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(ii)(E)">counseling for a parent or a minor child if ordered or approved by the court; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(a)(iii)">any other appropriate equitable remedy; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(12)(b)">shall award reasonable make-up parent-time to the prevailing party, unless make-up parent-time is not in the best interest of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)"><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(13)(b)">(13)(b)</xref>, the court shall award make-up parent-time to a parent, upon a motion or petition from the parent, if:<subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(i)">the parent was denied parent-time with a minor child due to an investigation by the Division of Child and Family Services and the investigation did not result in a finding of abuse, neglect, or dependency; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(ii)"><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(ii)(A)">the parent can show that a court determined the other parent knowingly falsified a material statement or material information during a protective order proceeding as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78B-7-208">78B-7-208</xref> and the court dismissed the underlying protective order on the merits after providing the parties to the protective order with notice and an opportunity to be heard;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(ii)(B)">the parent lost parent-time as a result of the other parent's falsification of a material statement or material information during the protective order proceeding; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(a)(ii)(C)">there has not been a finding of abuse or neglect against the parent.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(b)">A court may deny a motion or petition for make-up parent-time based on Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(13)(a)(i)">(13)(a)(i)</xref> if:<subsection number="81-9-208(13)(b)(i)">the parent did not diligently exercise parent-time with the child before the investigation by the Division of Child and Family Services; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(b)(ii)">a party shows good cause for denying the motion or petition.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)">When a court orders make-up parent-time under this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(13)">(13)</xref>:<subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)(i)">the court shall order:<subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)(i)(A)">parent-time that is the same type and duration of the parent-time that was denied; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)(i)(B)">that the make-up parent-time occur within two years from the day on which the court enters the order for make-up parent-time; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(c)(ii)">the court may include weekend or holiday parent-time or extended parent-time that was denied to the parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-208(13)(d)">This Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-208(13)">(13)</xref> does not create a right of action against the Division of Child and Family Services.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-9-209"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Notice of relocation -- Effect of relocation on parent-time schedule.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-209(1)">As used in this section, "relocation" means moving 150 miles or more from the residence of the other parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(2)">The relocating parent shall provide written notice to the other parent at least 60 days before the day on which the relocating parent intends to relocate. </subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(3)">The written notice of relocation described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-209(2)">(2)</xref> shall contain statements affirming:<subsection number="81-9-209(3)(a)">the parent-time provisions in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-209(9)">(9)</xref> or a parent-time schedule approved by both parties will be followed; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(3)(b)">that a parent will not interfere with the other's parental rights pursuant to court ordered parent-time arrangements or the parent-time schedule approved by both parties.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(4)">Upon a motion of any party or upon the court's own motion, the court shall schedule a hearing with notice to:<subsection number="81-9-209(4)(a)">review the notice of relocation and the relevant parent-time schedule under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-302">81-9-302</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-304">81-9-304</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(4)(b)"> make appropriate orders regarding the parent-time schedule and costs for parent-time transportation.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(5)">In a hearing to review the notice of relocation, the court shall, in determining if the relocation of a custodial parent is in the best interest of the minor child, consider any other factors that the court considers relevant to the determination.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(6)">If the court determines that relocation is not in the best interest of the minor child, and the custodial parent relocates, the court may order a change of custody.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(7)"><subsection number="81-9-209(7)(a)">If the court finds that the relocation is in the best interest of the minor child, the court shall determine the parent-time schedule and allocate the transportation costs that will be incurred for the minor child to visit the noncustodial parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(7)(b)">In making a determination under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-209(7)(a)">(7)(a)</xref>, the court shall consider:<subsection number="81-9-209(7)(b)(i)">the reason for the parent's relocation;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(7)(b)(ii)">the additional costs or difficulty to both parents in exercising parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(7)(b)(iii)">the economic resources of both parents; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(7)(b)(iv)">other factors the court considers necessary and relevant.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(8)">If a parent relocates because of an act of domestic violence or family violence by the other parent, the court shall make specific findings and orders with regard to the application of this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(9)">Unless otherwise ordered by the court, and upon the relocation of one of the parties, the following schedule is the minimum parent-time that the noncustodial parent is entitled to a minor child who is five to 18 years old:<subsection number="81-9-209(9)(a)">in years ending in an odd number, the minor child shall spend the following holidays with the noncustodial parent:<subsection number="81-9-209(9)(a)(i)"><subsection number="81-9-209(9)(a)(i)(A)">fall break if the minor child's school dismisses for a fall break, beginning on the day that school dismisses for fall break and ending on the day before school resumes; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(9)(a)(i)(B)">Labor Day if the minor child's school does not dismiss for a fall break, beginning on the day that school dismisses for Labor Day and ending on the day before school resumes; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(9)(a)(ii)">the entire winter break period, beginning on the day that school dismisses for the winter break and ending on the day before school resumes;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(9)(b)">in years ending in an even number, the minor child shall spend the following holidays with the noncustodial parent:<subsection number="81-9-209(9)(b)(i)"><subsection number="81-9-209(9)(b)(i)(A)">spring break, beginning on the day that school dismisses for the spring break and ending on the day before school resumes; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(9)(b)(i)(B)">Presidents' Day if the minor child's school does not dismiss for a spring break, beginning on the day that school dismisses for Presidents' Day and ending on the day before school resumes; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(9)(b)(ii)">Thanksgiving, beginning on the day that school dismisses for Thanksgiving and ending on the day before school resumes;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(9)(c)">extended parent-time equal to 1/2 of the summer or off-track time for consecutive weeks with:<subsection number="81-9-209(9)(c)(i)">the noncustodial parent entitled to the first 1/2 of the summer or off-track time in years ending in an odd number; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(9)(c)(ii)">the noncustodial parent entitled to the second 1/2 of the summer or off-track time in years ending in an even number; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(9)(d)">one weekend per month, at the option and expense of the noncustodial parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(10)">For extended parent-time described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-209(9)(c)">(9)(c)</xref>, the noncustodial parent shall return the minor child to the custodial home no later than seven days before school begins, except that this week is counted when determining the amount of parent-time to be divided between the parents for the summer or off-track period.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(11)"><subsection number="81-9-209(11)(a)">Upon relocation of one of the parties, the court may also set a parent-time schedule for a minor child who is younger than five years old.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(11)(b)">The schedule described in Subsection <xref refnumber="8-null-30">(11)(a)</xref> shall take into consideration the following:<subsection number="81-9-209(11)(b)(i)">the age of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(11)(b)(ii)">the developmental needs of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(11)(b)(iii)">the distance between the parents' homes;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(11)(b)(iv)">the travel arrangements and cost;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(11)(b)(v)">the level of attachment between the minor child and the noncustodial parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(11)(b)(vi)">any other factors relevant to the best interest of the minor child.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(12)"><subsection number="81-9-209(12)(a)"><subsection number="81-9-209(12)(a)(i)">If the noncustodial parent has not designated a specific weekend on which the noncustodial parent will exercise parent-time under Subsection <xref refnumber="8-null-27">(9)(d)</xref>, the noncustodial parent shall receive the last weekend of each month.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(12)(a)(ii)">If a holiday assigned to the custodial parent falls on a weekend on which the noncustodial parent normally exercises parent-time under Subsection <xref refnumber="8-null-27">(9)(d)</xref>, the noncustodial parent is entitled to the weekend before the holiday.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(12)(b)">If a noncustodial parent's extended parent-time or parent-time over a holiday extends into or through the first weekend of the next month, that weekend is considered the noncustodial parent's monthly weekend entitlement under Subsection <xref refnumber="8-null-27">(9)(d)</xref> for that month.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(12)(c)">If a minor child is out of school for teacher development days or snow days after the minor child begins the school year, or other days not included in the list of holidays in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-209(9)">(9)</xref>, and those days are contiguous with the noncustodial parent's monthly weekend or holiday parent-time, those days shall be included in the weekend or holiday parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(13)"><subsection number="81-9-209(13)(a)">In addition to the parent-time for which a noncustodial parent is entitled under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-209(9)">(9)</xref>, the noncustodial parent is entitled to, at least two times a week:<subsection number="81-9-209(13)(a)(i)">brief telephone contact with the minor child at reasonable hours and for a reasonable duration; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(13)(a)(ii)">virtual parent-time if the equipment is reasonably available at reasonable hours and for reasonable duration.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(13)(b)">If the parties cannot agree on whether the equipment is reasonably available, the court shall decide whether the equipment for virtual parent-time is reasonably available, taking into consideration:<subsection number="81-9-209(13)(b)(i)">the best interest of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(13)(b)(ii)">each parent's ability to handle any additional expenses for virtual parent-time; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(13)(b)(iii)">any other factors the court considers material.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(13)(c)">Virtual parent-time supplements, but does not replace, the in-person parent-time described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-209(9)">(9)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(14)">The custodial parent is entitled to all parent-time not specifically allocated to the noncustodial parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(15)">In the event finances and distance preclude the exercise of minimum parent-time for the noncustodial parent during the school year, the court should consider awarding more time for the noncustodial parent during the summer time if it is in the best interests of the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(16)"><subsection number="81-9-209(16)(a)">Upon the motion of any party, the court may order uninterrupted parent-time with the noncustodial parent for a minimum of 30 days during extended parent-time, unless the court finds it is not in the best interest of the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(16)(b)">If the court orders uninterrupted parent-time during a period not covered by this section, the court shall specify in the court's order which parent is responsible for the minor child's travel expenses.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(17)"><subsection number="81-9-209(17)(a)">Unless otherwise ordered by the court the relocating party shall be responsible for all the minor child's travel expenses relating to Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-209(9)(a)">(9)(a)</xref> and <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-209(b)">(b)</xref> and 1/2 of the minor child's travel expenses relating to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-209(9)(c)">(9)(c)</xref>, provided the noncustodial parent is current on all support obligations.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(17)(b)">If the noncustodial parent has been found in contempt for not being current on all support obligations, the noncustodial parent is responsible for all of the minor child's travel expenses under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-209(9)">(9)</xref>, unless the court rules otherwise.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(17)(c)">A responsible party shall make a reimbursement to the other for the minor child's travel expenses within 30 days of receipt of documents detailing those expenses.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(18)">The court may apply this provision to any preexisting decree of divorce.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(19)">Any action under this section may be set for an expedited hearing.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-209(20)">A parent who fails to comply with the notice of relocation in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-209(2)">(2)</xref> is in contempt of the court's order.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-9-3"><catchline>Parent-time Schedules</catchline><section number="81-9-301"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>As used in this part:<subsection number="81-9-301(1)">"Juneteenth National Freedom Day" means the day on which the Juneteenth National Freedom Day holiday is celebrated in this state in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="63G-1-301">63G-1-301</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-301(2)">"Weekends" include, for a parent-time schedule under Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-302">81-9-302</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-303">81-9-303</xref>, any snow days, teacher development days, or other days when school is not scheduled and that are contiguous to the weekend period.</subsection></section><section number="81-9-302"><enddate type="SC">1/1/2027</enddate><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Minimum schedule for parent-time for a minor child five to 18 years old.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-302(1)">The parent-time schedule in this section applies when establishing a parent-time schedule for a minor child who is five to 18 years old.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)">If the parties do not agree to a parent-time schedule for a minor child who is five to 18 years old, the following schedule is considered the minimum parent-time to which the noncustodial parent is entitled to the minor child:<subsection number="81-9-302(2)(a)"><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(a)(i)">one weekday evening to be specified by the noncustodial parent or the court or Wednesday evening if not specified, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m.; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(a)(ii)">at the election of the noncustodial parent, one weekday to be specified by the noncustodial parent or the court:<subsection number="81-9-302(2)(a)(ii)(A)">beginning at the time that the minor child's school is regularly dismissed and ending at 8:30 p.m.; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(a)(ii)(B)">if school is not in session, the noncustodial parent is available to be with the minor child, and in accommodation with the custodial parent's work schedule, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m.;</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(b)"><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(b)(i)">beginning on the first weekend after entry of the decree, alternating weekends beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and ending on Sunday at 8:30 p.m.; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(b)(ii)">at the election of the noncustodial parent and beginning on the first weekend after the entry of the decree, alternating weekends:<subsection number="81-9-302(2)(b)(ii)(A)">beginning at the time that the minor child's school is regularly dismissed on Friday and ending on Sunday at 8:30 p.m.; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(b)(ii)(B)">if school is not in session, the noncustodial parent is available to be with the minor child, and in accommodation with the custodial parent's work schedule, beginning on Friday at 8 a.m. and ending on Sunday at 8:30 p.m.;</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(c)">each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in accordance with the holiday schedule described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(12)">(12)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(d)">extended parent-time with the minor child when school is not in session for summer break in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(3)">(3)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(3)"><subsection number="81-9-302(3)(a)">For extended parent-time with the minor child described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(2)(d)">(2)(d)</xref> and at the election of the noncustodial parent, the noncustodial parent is entitled up to four weeks of parent-time with the minor child when school is not in session for summer break, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 8:30 p.m. on the last day.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(3)(b)">For the four weeks of extended parent-time for a noncustodial parent under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(3)(a)">(3)(a)</xref>:<subsection number="81-9-302(3)(b)(i)">two weeks shall be uninterrupted parent-time for the noncustodial parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(3)(b)(ii)">two weeks may be interrupted by the custodial parent for a weekday visit on the same day on which the noncustodial parent is granted weekday day parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(3)(c)">A custodial parent is entitled to uninterrupted parent-time with the minor child for two weeks when school is not in session for summer break, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 8:30 p.m. on the last day.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(3)(d)">Extended parent-time described in this Subsection <xref refnumber="81-9-302(3)" depth="4">(3)</xref> shall be consecutive, except that the four weeks of extended parent-time for the noncustodial parent may be divided into two separate 14-day periods that are not consecutive.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)"><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(a)">Each parent shall provide notification to the other parent of the parent's plans for the exercise of extended parent-time for summer break under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(3)">(3)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(b)">For the notification requirement described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(4)(a)">(4)(a)</xref>:<subsection number="81-9-302(4)(b)(i)">in odd-numbered years:<subsection number="81-9-302(4)(b)(i)(A)">the noncustodial parent shall provide notice to the custodial parent by May 1; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(b)(i)(B)">the custodial parent shall provide notice to the noncustodial parent by May 15; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(b)(ii)">in even-numbered years:<subsection number="81-9-302(4)(b)(ii)(A)">the custodial parent shall provide notice to the noncustodial parent by May 1; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(b)(ii)(B)">the noncustodial parent shall provide notice to the custodial parent by May 15.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(c)"><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(c)(i)">If a parent fails to provide a notification within the time periods described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(4)(b)">(4)(b)</xref>, the complying parent may determine the schedule for summer break for the noncomplying parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(c)(ii)">If both parents fail to provide notice within the time periods described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(4)(b)">(4)(b)</xref>, the first parent to provide notice may determine the schedule for summer break for that parent and the other parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(d)">If a custodial parent intends to interrupt a noncustodial parent's parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(3)(b)(ii)">(3)(b)(ii)</xref>, the custodial parent shall provide notification to the noncustodial parent of the intent to interrupt parent-time within 10 days after the day on which the custodial parent receives notification of the noncustodial parent's plans for the exercise of interrupted extended parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(5)"><subsection number="81-9-302(5)(a)">An election should be made by the noncustodial parent at the time of entry of the divorce decree or court order, except that the election may be changed by mutual agreement, court order, or by the noncustodial parent in the event of a change in the minor child's schedule.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(5)(b)">An election by either parent concerning parent-time shall be made a part of the decree and made a part of the parent-time order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(6)"><subsection number="81-9-302(6)(a)">Changes may not be made to the parent-time schedule under this section, except that if a conflict arises in the parent-time schedule, the following order of precedence shall be applied when determining which parent is entitled to parent-time:<subsection number="81-9-302(6)(a)(i)">the holiday schedule for Mother's Day or Father's Day under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(12)">(12)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(6)(a)(ii)">the holiday schedule for the minor child's birthday, unless a parent is exercising uninterrupted extended parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(3)">(3)</xref> and takes the minor child away from that parent's residence during the uninterrupted extended parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(6)(a)(iii)">the holiday schedule for any holiday under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(12)">(12)</xref> that is not Father's Day, Mother's Day, or the minor child's birthday;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(6)(a)(iv)">extended parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(3)">(3)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(6)(a)(v)">the schedule for weekday or weekend parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(6)(b)">A parent exercising parent-time for the minor child's birthday may bring other siblings along for the minor child's birthday.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(7)">A stepparent, grandparent, or other responsible adult designated by a parent, may pick up the minor child for parent-time if the other parent is aware of the identity of the individual and the parent will be with the minor child by 7 p.m.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(8)">If a holiday falls on a regularly scheduled school day, the parent exercising parent-time shall be responsible for the minor child's attendance at school for that school day.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(9)">If there is more than one minor child and the minor children's school schedules vary for purpose of a holiday, at the option of the parent exercising the holiday or the parent's half of the holiday, the minor children may remain together for the holiday period beginning the first evening that all minor children's schools are dismissed for the holiday and ending the evening before any minor child returns to school.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(10)"><subsection number="81-9-302(10)(a)">Telephone contact shall be at reasonable hours and for a reasonable duration.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(10)(b)"><subsection number="81-9-302(10)(b)(i)">Virtual parent-time, if the equipment is reasonably available and the parents reside at least 100 miles apart, shall be at reasonable hours and for reasonable duration.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(10)(b)(ii)">If the parties cannot agree on whether the equipment is reasonably available, the court shall decide whether the equipment for virtual parent-time is reasonably available, taking into consideration:<subsection number="81-9-302(10)(b)(ii)(A)">the best interests of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(10)(b)(ii)(B)">each parent's ability to handle any additional expenses for virtual parent-time; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(10)(b)(ii)(C)">any other factors the court considers material.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(10)(c)">Virtual parent-time supplements, but does not replace, in-person parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(11)">If there is a minor child five to 18 years old and a minor child under five years old and both minor children are the children of the parties, the parents and the court should consider an upward deviation for parent-time with all the minor children so that parent-time is uniform based on a schedule under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(12)">The following table is the holiday schedule for parent-time under this section.<tbl colwidths="0,20,40,19,21" border="line"><row><cell/><cell>Holiday</cell><cell>Holiday Time Period</cell><cell>Years Noncustodial Parent is Granted Holiday</cell><cell>Years Custodial Parent is Granted Holiday</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins<eol/>: <eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day; or<eol/><eol/><eol/><eol/><eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Presidents' Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins:<eol/><eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Presidents' Day; or<eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Spring Break</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at: <eol/><eol/>(a) the time that school is dismissed for spring break; or<eol/><eol/><eol/><eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for spring break at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Memorial Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins:<eol/><eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Memorial Day; or<eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on Memorial Day.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Mother's Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Mother's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on Mother's Day at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>All years if noncustodial parent is the mother or other parent granted the holiday in the order.</cell><cell>All years if custodial parent is the mother or other parent granted the holiday in the order.</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Father's Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Father's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on Father's Day at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>All years if noncustodial parent is the father or other parent granted the holiday in the order.</cell><cell>All years if custodial parent is the father or other parent granted the holiday in the order.</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Juneteenth National Freedom Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at:<eol/>(a) 5:30 p.m. on the day before Juneteenth National Freedom Day if the day before Juneteenth National Freedom Day is not Father's Day; or<eol/>(b) 8 a.m. on Juneteenth National Freedom Day if the day before Juneteenth National Freedom Day is Father's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the day following Juneteenth National Freedom Day.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Independence Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on July 3rd at 5:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on July 5th at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Pioneer Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on July 23rd at 5:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on July 25th at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Labor Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins:<eol/><eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Labor Day; or<eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on Labor Day.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell/><cell><eol/></cell><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell>Fall Break</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at: <eol/>(a) the time that school is dismissed for fall break; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day school is dismissed for fall break at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Halloween</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on October 31st or the day that Halloween is traditionally celebrated in the local community:<eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed; or<eol/>(b) at 3 p.m. if there is no school.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the same day the holiday begins.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell/><cell><eol/></cell><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell>Thanksgiving</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at:<eol/><eol/>(a) the time that school is dismissed for Thanksgiving; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for Thanksgiving at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Winter Break (First Half)</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at:<eol/>(a) the time that school dismisses for winter break; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for winter break at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on December 27th at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Winter Break (Second Half)</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on December 27th at 8:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes after the winter break.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Day of Minor Child's Birthday</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 3 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Day Before or After Minor Child's Birthday</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 3 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row></tbl></subsection></section><section number="81-9-302"><effdate>1/1/2027</effdate><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">126</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Minimum schedule for parent-time for a minor child five to 18 years old.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-302(1)">The parent-time schedule in this section applies when establishing a parent-time schedule for a minor child who is five to 18 years old.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)">If the parties do not agree to a parent-time schedule for a minor child who is five to 18 years old, the following schedule is considered the minimum parent-time to which the noncustodial parent is entitled to the minor child:<subsection number="81-9-302(2)(a)"><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(a)(i)">one weekday evening to be specified by the noncustodial parent or the court or Wednesday evening if not specified, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m.; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(a)(ii)">at the election of the noncustodial parent, one weekday to be specified by the noncustodial parent or the court:<subsection number="81-9-302(2)(a)(ii)(A)">beginning at the time that the minor child's school is regularly dismissed and ending at 8:30 p.m.; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(a)(ii)(B)">if school is not in session, the noncustodial parent is available to be with the minor child, and in accommodation with the custodial parent's work schedule, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m.;</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(b)"><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(b)(i)">beginning on the first weekend after entry of the decree, alternating weekends beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and ending on Sunday at 8:30 p.m.; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(b)(ii)">at the election of the noncustodial parent and beginning on the first weekend after the entry of the decree, alternating weekends:<subsection number="81-9-302(2)(b)(ii)(A)">beginning at the time that the minor child's school is regularly dismissed on Friday and ending on Sunday at 8:30 p.m.; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(b)(ii)(B)">if school is not in session, the noncustodial parent is available to be with the minor child, and in accommodation with the custodial parent's work schedule, beginning on Friday at 8 a.m. and ending on Sunday at 8:30 p.m.;</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(c)">each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in accordance with the holiday schedule described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(12)">(12)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(2)(d)">extended parent-time with the minor child when school is not in session for summer break in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(3)">(3)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(3)"><subsection number="81-9-302(3)(a)">For extended parent-time with the minor child described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(2)(d)">(2)(d)</xref> and at the election of the noncustodial parent, the noncustodial parent is entitled up to four weeks of parent-time with the minor child when school is not in session for summer break, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 8:30 p.m. on the last day.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(3)(b)">For the four weeks of extended parent-time for a noncustodial parent under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(3)(a)">(3)(a)</xref>:<subsection number="81-9-302(3)(b)(i)">two weeks shall be uninterrupted parent-time for the noncustodial parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(3)(b)(ii)">two weeks may be interrupted by the custodial parent for a weekday visit on the same day on which the noncustodial parent is granted weekday day parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(3)(c)">A custodial parent is entitled to uninterrupted parent-time with the minor child for two weeks when school is not in session for summer break, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 8:30 p.m. on the last day.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(3)(d)">Extended parent-time described in this Subsection <xref refnumber="81-9-302(3)" depth="4">(3)</xref> shall be consecutive, except that the four weeks of extended parent-time for the noncustodial parent may be divided into two separate 14-day periods that are not consecutive.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)"><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(a)">Each parent shall provide notification to the other parent of the parent's plans for the exercise of extended parent-time for summer break under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(3)">(3)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(b)">For the notification requirement described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(4)(a)">(4)(a)</xref>:<subsection number="81-9-302(4)(b)(i)">in odd-numbered years:<subsection number="81-9-302(4)(b)(i)(A)">the noncustodial parent shall provide notice to the custodial parent by May 1; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(b)(i)(B)">the custodial parent shall provide notice to the noncustodial parent by May 15; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(b)(ii)">in even-numbered years:<subsection number="81-9-302(4)(b)(ii)(A)">the custodial parent shall provide notice to the noncustodial parent by May 1; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(b)(ii)(B)">the noncustodial parent shall provide notice to the custodial parent by May 15.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(c)"><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(c)(i)">If a parent fails to provide a notification within the time periods described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(4)(b)">(4)(b)</xref>, the complying parent may determine the schedule for summer break for the noncomplying parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(c)(ii)">If both parents fail to provide notice within the time periods described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(4)(b)">(4)(b)</xref>, the first parent to provide notice may determine the schedule for summer break for that parent and the other parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(4)(d)">If a custodial parent intends to interrupt a noncustodial parent's parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(3)(b)(ii)">(3)(b)(ii)</xref>, the custodial parent shall provide notification to the noncustodial parent of the intent to interrupt parent-time within 10 days after the day on which the custodial parent receives notification of the noncustodial parent's plans for the exercise of interrupted extended parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(5)"><subsection number="81-9-302(5)(a)">An election should be made by the noncustodial parent at the time of entry of the divorce decree or court order, except that the election may be changed by mutual agreement, court order, or by the noncustodial parent in the event of a change in the minor child's schedule.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(5)(b)">An election by either parent concerning parent-time shall be made a part of the decree and made a part of the parent-time order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(6)"><subsection number="81-9-302(6)(a)">Changes may not be made to the parent-time schedule under this section, except that if a conflict arises in the parent-time schedule, the following order of precedence shall be applied when determining which parent is entitled to parent-time:<subsection number="81-9-302(6)(a)(i)">the holiday schedule for Mother's Day or Father's Day under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(12)">(12)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(6)(a)(ii)">the holiday schedule for the minor child's birthday, unless a parent is exercising uninterrupted extended parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(3)">(3)</xref> and takes the minor child away from that parent's residence during the uninterrupted extended parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(6)(a)(iii)">the holiday schedule for any holiday under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(12)">(12)</xref> that is not Father's Day, Mother's Day, or the minor child's birthday;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(6)(a)(iv)">extended parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-302(3)">(3)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(6)(a)(v)">the schedule for weekday or weekend parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(6)(b)">A parent exercising parent-time for the minor child's birthday may bring other siblings along for the minor child's birthday.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(7)">A stepparent, grandparent, or other responsible adult designated by a parent, may pick up the minor child for parent-time if the other parent is aware of the identity of the individual and the parent will be with the minor child by 7 p.m.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(8)">If a holiday falls on a regularly scheduled school day, the parent exercising parent-time shall be responsible for the minor child's attendance at school for that school day.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(9)">If there is more than one minor child and the minor children's school schedules vary for purpose of a holiday, at the option of the parent exercising the holiday or the parent's half of the holiday, the minor children may remain together for the holiday period beginning the first evening that all minor children's schools are dismissed for the holiday and ending the evening before any minor child returns to school.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(10)"><subsection number="81-9-302(10)(a)">Telephone contact shall be at reasonable hours and for a reasonable duration.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(10)(b)"><subsection number="81-9-302(10)(b)(i)">Virtual parent-time, if the equipment is reasonably available and the parents reside at least 100 miles apart, shall be at reasonable hours and for reasonable duration.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(10)(b)(ii)">If the parties cannot agree on whether the equipment is reasonably available, the court shall decide whether the equipment for virtual parent-time is reasonably available, taking into consideration:<subsection number="81-9-302(10)(b)(ii)(A)">the best interests of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(10)(b)(ii)(B)">each parent's ability to handle any additional expenses for virtual parent-time; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(10)(b)(ii)(C)">any other factors the court considers material.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(10)(c)">Virtual parent-time supplements, but does not replace, in-person parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(11)">If there is a minor child five to 18 years old and a minor child under five years old and both minor children are the children of the parties, the parents and the court should consider an upward deviation for parent-time with all the minor children so that parent-time is uniform based on a schedule under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-302(12)">The following table is the holiday schedule for parent-time under this section.<tbl colwidths="0,20,40,19,21" border="line"><row><cell/><cell>Holiday</cell><cell>Holiday Time Period</cell><cell>Years Noncustodial Parent is Granted Holiday</cell><cell>Years Custodial Parent is Granted Holiday</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins<eol/>: <eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day; or<eol/><eol/><eol/><eol/><eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Presidents' Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins:<eol/><eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Presidents' Day; or<eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Spring Break</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at: <eol/><eol/>(a) the time that school is dismissed for spring break; or<eol/><eol/><eol/><eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for spring break at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Memorial Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins:<eol/><eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Memorial Day; or<eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on Memorial Day.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Mother's Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Mother's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on Mother's Day at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>All years if noncustodial parent is the mother or other parent granted the holiday in the order.</cell><cell>All years if custodial parent is the mother or other parent granted the holiday in the order.</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Father's Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Father's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on Father's Day at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>All years if noncustodial parent is the father or other parent granted the holiday in the order.</cell><cell>All years if custodial parent is the father or other parent granted the holiday in the order.</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Juneteenth National Freedom Day</cell><cell><eol/><eol/><eol/><eol/>(1) Holiday begins on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and ends on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., if Juneteenth National Freedom Day is on the day before Father's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday begins on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. and ends on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m., if Juneteenth National Freedom Day is on Father's Day or on the day following Father's Day.<eol/>(3) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Juneteenth National Freedom Day and ends at 8:30 p.m. on the day following Juneteenth National Freedom Day, unless Juneteenth National Freedom Day is on Father's Day, the day before Father's Day, or the day following Father's Day.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Independence Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on July 3rd at 5:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on July 5th at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Pioneer Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on July 23rd at 5:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on July 25th at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Labor Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins:<eol/><eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Labor Day; or<eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on Labor Day.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell/><cell><eol/></cell><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell>Fall Break</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at: <eol/>(a) the time that school is dismissed for fall break; or<eol/><marker pairid="355"/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day school is dismissed for fall break at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Halloween</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on October 31st or the day that Halloween is traditionally celebrated in the local community:<eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed; or<eol/>(b) at 3 p.m. if there is no school.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the same day the holiday begins.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell/><cell><eol/></cell><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell>Thanksgiving</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at:<eol/><eol/>(a) the time that school is dismissed for Thanksgiving; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for Thanksgiving at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Winter Break (First Half)</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at:<eol/>(a) the time that school dismisses for winter break; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for winter break at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on December 27th at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Winter Break (Second Half)</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on December 27th at 8:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes after the winter break.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Day of Minor Child's Birthday</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 3 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Day Before or After Minor Child's Birthday</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 3 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row></tbl></subsection></section><section number="81-9-303"><enddate type="SC">1/1/2027</enddate><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Optional schedule for parent-time for a minor child five to 18 years old.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-303(1)"><subsection number="81-9-303(1)(a)">The optional parent-time schedule in this section applies when establishing a parent-time schedule for a minor child who is five to 18 years old.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(1)(b)">For purposes of calculating child support, the optional parent-time schedule in this section is 145 overnights.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(1)(c)">Any impact on child support shall be consistent with joint physical custody.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(2)">The parents and the court may consider the increased parent-time schedule in this section as a minimum parent-time schedule when the parties agree or the noncustodial parent can demonstrate:<subsection number="81-9-303(2)(a)">the noncustodial parent has been actively involved in the minor child's life;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(2)(b)">the parties can communicate effectively regarding the minor child or the noncustodial parent has a plan to accomplish effective communications regarding the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(2)(c)">the noncustodial parent has the ability to facilitate the increased parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(2)(d)">the increased parent-time would be in the best interest of the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(2)(e)">any other factor the court considers relevant.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(3)">In determining whether a noncustodial parent has been actively involved in the minor child's life, the court shall consider:<subsection number="81-9-303(3)(a)">demonstrated responsibility in caring for the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(3)(b)">involvement in childcare;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(3)(c)">presence or volunteer efforts in the minor child's school and at extracurricular activities;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(3)(d)">assistance with the minor child's homework;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(3)(e)">involvement in preparation of meals, bath time, and bedtime for the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(3)(f)">bonding with the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(3)(g)">any other factor the court considers relevant.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)">In determining whether a noncustodial parent has the ability to facilitate the increased parent-time, the court shall consider:<subsection number="81-9-303(4)(a)">the geographic distance between the residences of the parents and the distance between the parents' residences and the minor child's school;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)(b)">the noncustodial parent's ability to assist with after school care;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)(c)">the health of the minor child and the noncustodial parent in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-204(4)">81-9-204(4)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)(d)">flexibility of employment or another schedule of the noncustodial parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)(e)">ability to provide appropriate playtime with the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)(f)">history and ability of the noncustodial parent to implement a flexible schedule for the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)(g)">physical facilities of the noncustodial parent's residence; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)(h)">any other factor the court considers relevant.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(5)">If the parties agree or the court enters an order for the optional parent-time schedule under this section, a parenting plan in compliance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-203">81-9-203</xref> shall be filed with any order incorporating the optional parent-time schedule described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(6)">(6)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)">The following schedule is considered the optional parent-time to which the noncustodial parent is entitled to the minor child:<subsection number="81-9-303(6)(a)"><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(a)(i)">one weekday evening to be specified by the noncustodial parent or the court or Wednesday evening if not specified, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending the following day upon delivering the minor child to school or at 8 a.m. if there is no school; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(a)(ii)">at the election of the noncustodial parent, one weekday specified by the noncustodial parent or the court:<subsection number="81-9-303(6)(a)(ii)(A)">beginning at the time the minor child's school is regularly dismissed until the following day upon delivering the minor child to school or at 8 a.m. if there is no school; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(a)(ii)(B)">if there is no school, the noncustodial parent is available to be with the minor child, and in accommodation with the custodial parent's work schedule, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending on the following day upon delivering the minor child to school or at 8 a.m. if there is no school;</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(b)"><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(b)(i)">beginning the first weekend after the entry of the decree, alternating weekends beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and ending on Monday upon delivering the minor child to school or at 8 a.m. if there is no school; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(b)(ii)">at the election of the noncustodial parent, beginning the first weekend after the entry of the decree, alternating weekends:<subsection number="81-9-303(6)(b)(ii)(A)">beginning at the time the minor child's school is regularly dismissed on Friday and ending on Monday upon delivering the minor child to school or at 8 a.m. if there is no school; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(b)(ii)(B)">if there is no school, the noncustodial parent is available to be with the minor child, and in accommodation with the custodial parent's work schedule, beginning on Friday at 8 a.m. and ending on Monday upon delivering the minor child to school or at 8 a.m. if there is no school;</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(c)">each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in accordance with the holiday schedule described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(15)">(15)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(d)">extended parent-time with the minor child when school is not in session for summer break in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(7)">(7)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(7)"><subsection number="81-9-303(7)(a)">For extended parent-time with the minor child under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(6)(d)">(6)(d)</xref> and at the election of the noncustodial parent, the noncustodial parent is entitled up to four weeks of parent-time with the minor child when school is not in session for summer break, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 8:30 p.m. on the last day.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(7)(b)">For the four weeks of extended parent-time for a noncustodial parent under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(7)(a)">(7)(a)</xref>:<subsection number="81-9-303(7)(b)(i)">two weeks shall be uninterrupted parent-time for the noncustodial parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(7)(b)(ii)">two weeks may be interrupted by the custodial parent for a weekday visit on the same day on which the noncustodial parent is granted weekday day parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(7)(c)">A custodial parent is entitled to uninterrupted parent-time with the minor child for two weeks when school is not in session for summer break, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 8:30 p.m. on the last day.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(7)(d)">Extended parent-time described in this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(7)">(7)</xref> shall be consecutive, except that the four weeks of extended parent-time for the noncustodial parent may be divided into two 14-day separate periods that are not consecutive.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)"><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(a)">Each parent shall provide notification to the other parent of the parent's plans for the exercise of parent-time for summer break under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(7)">(7)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(b)">For the notification requirement described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(8)(a)">(8)(a)</xref>:<subsection number="81-9-303(8)(b)(i)">in odd-numbered years:<subsection number="81-9-303(8)(b)(i)(A)">the noncustodial parent shall provide notice to the custodial parent by May 1; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(b)(i)(B)">the custodial parent shall provide notice to the noncustodial parent by May 15; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(b)(ii)">in even-numbered years:<subsection number="81-9-303(8)(b)(ii)(A)">the custodial parent shall provide notice to the noncustodial parent by May 1; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(b)(ii)(B)">the noncustodial parent shall provide notice to the custodial parent by May 15.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(c)"><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(c)(i)">If a parent fails to provide a notification within the time periods described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(8)(b)">(8)(b)</xref>, the complying parent may determine the schedule for summer break for the noncomplying parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(c)(ii)">If both parents fail to provide notice within the time periods described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(8)(b)">(8)(b)</xref>, the first parent to provide notice may determine the schedule for summer break for that parent and the other parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(d)">If a custodial parent intends to interrupt a noncustodial parent's parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(7)(b)(ii)">(7)(b)(ii)</xref>, the custodial parent shall provide notification to the noncustodial parent of the intent to interrupt parent-time within 10 days after the day on which the custodial parent receives notification of the noncustodial parent's plans for the exercise of interrupted extended parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(9)"><subsection number="81-9-303(9)(a)">An election should be made by the noncustodial parent at the time of entry of the divorce decree or court order, except that the election may be changed by mutual agreement, court order, or by the noncustodial parent in the event of a change in the minor child's schedule.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(9)(b)">An election by either parent concerning parent-time shall be made a part of the decree and made a part of the parent-time order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(10)"><subsection number="81-9-303(10)(a)">Changes may not be made to the parent-time schedule under this section, except that if a conflict arises in the parent-time schedule, the following order of precedence shall be applied when determining which parent is entitled to parent-time:<subsection number="81-9-303(10)(a)(i)">the holiday schedule for Mother's Day or Father's Day under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(15)">(15)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(10)(a)(ii)">the holiday schedule for the minor child's birthday, unless a parent is exercising uninterrupted extended parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(7)">(7)</xref> and takes the minor child away from that parent's residence during the uninterrupted extended parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(10)(a)(iii)">the holiday schedule for any holiday under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(15)">(15)</xref> that is not Father's Day, Mother's Day, or the minor child's birthday;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(10)(a)(iv)">extended parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(7)">(7)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(10)(a)(v)">the schedule for weekday or weekend parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(10)(b)">A parent exercising parent-time for the minor child's birthday may bring other siblings along for the minor child's birthday.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(11)">A stepparent, grandparent, or other responsible adult designated by a parent, may pick up the minor child for parent-time if the other parent is aware of the identity of the individual and the parent will be with the minor child by 7 p.m.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(12)">If a holiday falls on a regularly scheduled school day, the parent exercising parent-time shall be responsible for the minor child's attendance at school for that school day.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(13)">If there is more than one minor child and the minor children's school schedules vary for purpose of a holiday, at the option of the parent exercising the holiday or the parent's half of the holiday, the minor children may remain together for the holiday period beginning the first evening that all minor children's schools are dismissed for the holiday and ending the evening before any minor child returns to school.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(14)">If there is a minor child five to 18 years old and a minor child under five years old and both minor children are the children of the parties, the parents and the court should consider an upward deviation for parent-time with all the minor children so that parent-time is uniform based on a schedule under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(15)">The following table is the holiday schedule for parent-time under this section.<tbl colwidths="0,18,41,19,22" border="line"><row><cell/><cell> Holiday</cell><cell>Holiday Time Period</cell><cell>Years Noncustodial Parent is Granted Holiday</cell><cell>Years Custodial Parent is Granted Holiday</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins<eol/><eol/><eol/>: <eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day; or<eol/><eol/><eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends<eol/><eol/> upon delivering of the minor child to school on the day that school resumes.<eol/></cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Presidents' Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins<eol/>: <eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Presidents' Day; or<eol/><eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends<eol/><eol/> upon delivering the minor child to school on the day that school resumes.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Spring Break</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at:<eol/>(a) the time school is dismissed for spring break; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for spring break at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends<eol/><eol/> upon delivering the minor child to school on the day that school resumes.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Memorial Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins<eol/><eol/><eol/>:<eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Memorial Day; or<eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends:<eol/>(a) upon delivering the minor child to school on the day following Memorial Day; or<eol/>(b) at 8 a.m. on the day following Memorial Day if there is no school.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Mother's Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Mother's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on Mother's Day at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>All years if noncustodial parent is the mother or other parent designated in the order.</cell><cell>All years if custodial parent is the mother or other parent designated in the order.</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Father's Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Father's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on Father's Day at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>All years if noncustodial parent is the father or other parent designated in the order.</cell><cell>All years if custodial parent is the father or other parent designated in the order.</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Juneteenth National Freedom Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at:<eol/>(a) 5:30 p.m. on the day before Juneteenth National Freedom Day if the day before Juneteenth National Freedom Day is not Father's Day; or<eol/>(b) 8 a.m. on Juneteenth National Freedom Day if the day before Juneteenth National Freedom Day is Father's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 5:30 p.m. on the day following Juneteenth National Freedom Day.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Independence Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on July 3rd at 5:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on July 5th at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Pioneer Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on July 23rd at 5:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on July 25th at 8:30 p.m. </cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Labor Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins<eol/><eol/><eol/>:<eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Labor Day; or <eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends<eol/><eol/> upon delivering the minor child to school on the day that school resumes.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell/><cell><eol/></cell><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell>Fall Break</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at: <eol/>(a) the time that school is dismissed for fall break; or <eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for fall break at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends<eol/><eol/> upon delivering the minor child to school on the day that school resumes.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Halloween</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on October 31st or the day that Halloween is traditionally celebrated in the local community:<eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed; or<eol/>(b) at 3 p.m. if there is no school.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the same day the holiday begins.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell/><cell><eol/></cell><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell>Thanksgiving</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins <eol/><eol/>at:<eol/>(a) the time that school is dismissed for Thanksgiving; or <eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for Thanksgiving at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends<eol/><eol/> upon delivering the minor child to school on the day that school resumes.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Winter Break (First Half)</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at:<eol/>(a) the time that school dismisses for winter break; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for winter break at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on December 27th at 8:30 p.m. </cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Winter Break (Second Half)</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on December 27th at 8:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends upon delivering the minor child to school on the day that school resumes after the winter break.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Day of Minor Child's Birthday</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 3 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Day Before or After Minor Child's Birthday</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 3 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row></tbl></subsection></section><section number="81-9-303"><effdate>1/1/2027</effdate><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">126</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Optional schedule for parent-time for a minor child five to 18 years old.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-303(1)"><subsection number="81-9-303(1)(a)">The optional parent-time schedule in this section applies when establishing a parent-time schedule for a minor child who is five to 18 years old.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(1)(b)">For purposes of calculating child support, the optional parent-time schedule in this section is 145 overnights.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(1)(c)">Any impact on child support shall be consistent with joint physical custody.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(2)">The parents and the court may consider the increased parent-time schedule in this section as a minimum parent-time schedule when the parties agree or the noncustodial parent can demonstrate:<subsection number="81-9-303(2)(a)">the noncustodial parent has been actively involved in the minor child's life;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(2)(b)">the parties can communicate effectively regarding the minor child or the noncustodial parent has a plan to accomplish effective communications regarding the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(2)(c)">the noncustodial parent has the ability to facilitate the increased parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(2)(d)">the increased parent-time would be in the best interest of the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(2)(e)">any other factor the court considers relevant.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(3)">In determining whether a noncustodial parent has been actively involved in the minor child's life, the court shall consider:<subsection number="81-9-303(3)(a)">demonstrated responsibility in caring for the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(3)(b)">involvement in childcare;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(3)(c)">presence or volunteer efforts in the minor child's school and at extracurricular activities;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(3)(d)">assistance with the minor child's homework;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(3)(e)">involvement in preparation of meals, bath time, and bedtime for the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(3)(f)">bonding with the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(3)(g)">any other factor the court considers relevant.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)">In determining whether a noncustodial parent has the ability to facilitate the increased parent-time, the court shall consider:<subsection number="81-9-303(4)(a)">the geographic distance between the residences of the parents and the distance between the parents' residences and the minor child's school;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)(b)">the noncustodial parent's ability to assist with after school care;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)(c)">the health of the minor child and the noncustodial parent in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-204(4)">81-9-204(4)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)(d)">flexibility of employment or another schedule of the noncustodial parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)(e)">ability to provide appropriate playtime with the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)(f)">history and ability of the noncustodial parent to implement a flexible schedule for the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)(g)">physical facilities of the noncustodial parent's residence; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(4)(h)">any other factor the court considers relevant.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(5)">If the parties agree or the court enters an order for the optional parent-time schedule under this section, a parenting plan in compliance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-203">81-9-203</xref> shall be filed with any order incorporating the optional parent-time schedule described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(6)">(6)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)">The following schedule is considered the optional parent-time to which the noncustodial parent is entitled to the minor child:<subsection number="81-9-303(6)(a)"><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(a)(i)">one weekday evening to be specified by the noncustodial parent or the court or Wednesday evening if not specified, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending the following day upon delivering the minor child to school or at 8 a.m. if there is no school; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(a)(ii)">at the election of the noncustodial parent, one weekday specified by the noncustodial parent or the court:<subsection number="81-9-303(6)(a)(ii)(A)">beginning at the time the minor child's school is regularly dismissed until the following day upon delivering the minor child to school or at 8 a.m. if there is no school; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(a)(ii)(B)">if there is no school, the noncustodial parent is available to be with the minor child, and in accommodation with the custodial parent's work schedule, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending on the following day upon delivering the minor child to school or at 8 a.m. if there is no school;</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(b)"><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(b)(i)">beginning the first weekend after the entry of the decree, alternating weekends beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and ending on Monday upon delivering the minor child to school or at 8 a.m. if there is no school; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(b)(ii)">at the election of the noncustodial parent, beginning the first weekend after the entry of the decree, alternating weekends:<subsection number="81-9-303(6)(b)(ii)(A)">beginning at the time the minor child's school is regularly dismissed on Friday and ending on Monday upon delivering the minor child to school or at 8 a.m. if there is no school; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(b)(ii)(B)">if there is no school, the noncustodial parent is available to be with the minor child, and in accommodation with the custodial parent's work schedule, beginning on Friday at 8 a.m. and ending on Monday upon delivering the minor child to school or at 8 a.m. if there is no school;</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(c)">each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in accordance with the holiday schedule described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(15)">(15)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(6)(d)">extended parent-time with the minor child when school is not in session for summer break in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(7)">(7)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(7)"><subsection number="81-9-303(7)(a)">For extended parent-time with the minor child under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(6)(d)">(6)(d)</xref> and at the election of the noncustodial parent, the noncustodial parent is entitled up to four weeks of parent-time with the minor child when school is not in session for summer break, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 8:30 p.m. on the last day.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(7)(b)">For the four weeks of extended parent-time for a noncustodial parent under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(7)(a)">(7)(a)</xref>:<subsection number="81-9-303(7)(b)(i)">two weeks shall be uninterrupted parent-time for the noncustodial parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(7)(b)(ii)">two weeks may be interrupted by the custodial parent for a weekday visit on the same day on which the noncustodial parent is granted weekday day parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(7)(c)">A custodial parent is entitled to uninterrupted parent-time with the minor child for two weeks when school is not in session for summer break, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 8:30 p.m. on the last day.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(7)(d)">Extended parent-time described in this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(7)">(7)</xref> shall be consecutive, except that the four weeks of extended parent-time for the noncustodial parent may be divided into two 14-day separate periods that are not consecutive.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)"><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(a)">Each parent shall provide notification to the other parent of the parent's plans for the exercise of parent-time for summer break under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(7)">(7)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(b)">For the notification requirement described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(8)(a)">(8)(a)</xref>:<subsection number="81-9-303(8)(b)(i)">in odd-numbered years:<subsection number="81-9-303(8)(b)(i)(A)">the noncustodial parent shall provide notice to the custodial parent by May 1; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(b)(i)(B)">the custodial parent shall provide notice to the noncustodial parent by May 15; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(b)(ii)">in even-numbered years:<subsection number="81-9-303(8)(b)(ii)(A)">the custodial parent shall provide notice to the noncustodial parent by May 1; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(b)(ii)(B)">the noncustodial parent shall provide notice to the custodial parent by May 15.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(c)"><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(c)(i)">If a parent fails to provide a notification within the time periods described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(8)(b)">(8)(b)</xref>, the complying parent may determine the schedule for summer break for the noncomplying parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(c)(ii)">If both parents fail to provide notice within the time periods described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(8)(b)">(8)(b)</xref>, the first parent to provide notice may determine the schedule for summer break for that parent and the other parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(8)(d)">If a custodial parent intends to interrupt a noncustodial parent's parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(7)(b)(ii)">(7)(b)(ii)</xref>, the custodial parent shall provide notification to the noncustodial parent of the intent to interrupt parent-time within 10 days after the day on which the custodial parent receives notification of the noncustodial parent's plans for the exercise of interrupted extended parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(9)"><subsection number="81-9-303(9)(a)">An election should be made by the noncustodial parent at the time of entry of the divorce decree or court order, except that the election may be changed by mutual agreement, court order, or by the noncustodial parent in the event of a change in the minor child's schedule.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(9)(b)">An election by either parent concerning parent-time shall be made a part of the decree and made a part of the parent-time order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(10)"><subsection number="81-9-303(10)(a)">Changes may not be made to the parent-time schedule under this section, except that if a conflict arises in the parent-time schedule, the following order of precedence shall be applied when determining which parent is entitled to parent-time:<subsection number="81-9-303(10)(a)(i)">the holiday schedule for Mother's Day or Father's Day under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(15)">(15)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(10)(a)(ii)">the holiday schedule for the minor child's birthday, unless a parent is exercising uninterrupted extended parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(7)">(7)</xref> and takes the minor child away from that parent's residence during the uninterrupted extended parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(10)(a)(iii)">the holiday schedule for any holiday under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(15)">(15)</xref> that is not Father's Day, Mother's Day, or the minor child's birthday;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(10)(a)(iv)">extended parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-303(7)">(7)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(10)(a)(v)">the schedule for weekday or weekend parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(10)(b)">A parent exercising parent-time for the minor child's birthday may bring other siblings along for the minor child's birthday.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(11)">A stepparent, grandparent, or other responsible adult designated by a parent, may pick up the minor child for parent-time if the other parent is aware of the identity of the individual and the parent will be with the minor child by 7 p.m.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(12)">If a holiday falls on a regularly scheduled school day, the parent exercising parent-time shall be responsible for the minor child's attendance at school for that school day.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(13)">If there is more than one minor child and the minor children's school schedules vary for purpose of a holiday, at the option of the parent exercising the holiday or the parent's half of the holiday, the minor children may remain together for the holiday period beginning the first evening that all minor children's schools are dismissed for the holiday and ending the evening before any minor child returns to school.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(14)">If there is a minor child five to 18 years old and a minor child under five years old and both minor children are the children of the parties, the parents and the court should consider an upward deviation for parent-time with all the minor children so that parent-time is uniform based on a schedule under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-303(15)">The following table is the holiday schedule for parent-time under this section.<tbl colwidths="0,18,41,19,22" border="line"><row><cell/><cell> Holiday</cell><cell>Holiday Time Period</cell><cell>Years Noncustodial Parent is Granted Holiday</cell><cell>Years Custodial Parent is Granted Holiday</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins<eol/><eol/><eol/>: <eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day; or<eol/><eol/><eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends<eol/><eol/> upon delivering of the minor child to school on the day that school resumes.<eol/></cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Presidents' Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins<eol/>: <eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Presidents' Day; or<eol/><eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends<eol/><eol/> upon delivering the minor child to school on the day that school resumes.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Spring Break</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at:<eol/>(a) the time school is dismissed for spring break; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for spring break at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends<eol/><eol/> upon delivering the minor child to school on the day that school resumes.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Memorial Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins<eol/><eol/><eol/>:<eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Memorial Day; or<eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends:<eol/>(a) upon delivering the minor child to school on the day following Memorial Day; or<eol/>(b) at 8 a.m. on the day following Memorial Day if there is no school.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Mother's Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Mother's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on Mother's Day at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>All years if noncustodial parent is the mother or other parent designated in the order.</cell><cell>All years if custodial parent is the mother or other parent designated in the order.</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Father's Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Father's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on Father's Day at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>All years if noncustodial parent is the father or other parent designated in the order.</cell><cell>All years if custodial parent is the father or other parent designated in the order.</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Juneteenth National Freedom Day</cell><cell><eol/><eol/><eol/><eol/>(1) Holiday begins on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and ends on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., if Juneteenth National Freedom Day is on the day before Father's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday begins on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. and ends on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m., if Juneteenth National Freedom Day is on Father's Day or on the day following Father's Day.<eol/>(3) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Juneteenth National Freedom Day and ends at 8:30 p.m. on the day following Juneteenth National Freedom Day, unless Juneteenth National Freedom Day is on Father's Day, the day before Father's Day, or the day following Father's Day.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Independence Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on July 3rd at 5:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on July 5th at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Pioneer Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on July 23rd at 5:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on July 25th at 8:30 p.m. </cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Labor Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins<eol/><eol/><eol/>:<eol/><marker pairid="213"/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed for Labor Day; or <eol/>(b) Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends<eol/><eol/> upon delivering the minor child to school on the day that school resumes.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell/><cell><eol/></cell><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell>Fall Break</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at: <eol/>(a) the time that school is dismissed for fall break; or <eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for fall break at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends<eol/><eol/> upon delivering the minor child to school on the day that school resumes.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Halloween</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on October 31st or the day that Halloween is traditionally celebrated in the local community:<eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed; or<eol/>(b) at 3 p.m. if there is no school.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m. on the same day the holiday begins.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell/><cell><eol/></cell><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell>Thanksgiving</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins <eol/><eol/>at:<eol/>(a) the time that school is dismissed for Thanksgiving; or <eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for Thanksgiving at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends<eol/><eol/> upon delivering the minor child to school on the day that school resumes.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Winter Break (First Half)</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at:<eol/>(a) the time that school dismisses for winter break; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for winter break at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on December 27th at 8:30 p.m. </cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Winter Break (Second Half)</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on December 27th at 8:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends upon delivering the minor child to school on the day that school resumes after the winter break.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Day of Minor Child's Birthday</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 3 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Day Before or After Minor Child's Birthday</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 3 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 8:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row></tbl></subsection></section><section number="81-9-304"><enddate type="SC">1/1/2027</enddate><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Minimum schedule for parent-time for a minor child under five years old.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-304(1)">The parent-time schedule in this section applies when establishing a parent-time schedule for a minor child who is younger than five years old.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(2)">If the parties do not agree to a parent-time schedule, the schedules in Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(3)">(3)</xref> through <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(8)">(8)</xref> are considered the minimum parent-time to which the noncustodial parent is entitled to the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(3)">For a minor child who is younger than five months old, the noncustodial parent is entitled to:<subsection number="81-9-304(3)(a)">three two-hour visits every week; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(3)(b)">two hours for each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in the holiday schedule under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(4)">For a minor child who is at least five months old but younger than nine months old, the noncustodial parent is entitled to:<subsection number="81-9-304(4)(a)">three three-hour visits every week; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(4)(b)">two hours for each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in the holiday schedule under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(5)">For a minor child who is at least nine months old but younger than 12 months old, the noncustodial parent is entitled to:<subsection number="81-9-304(5)(a)">one eight-hour visit every week;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(5)(b)">one three-hour visit every week; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(5)(c)">eight hours for each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in accordance with the holiday schedule under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(6)">For a minor child who is at least 12 months old but younger than 18 months old, the noncustodial parent is entitled to:<subsection number="81-9-304(6)(a)">one three-hour visit every week;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(6)(b)">beginning on the first weekend after the entry of the decree, alternating weekends beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and ending on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(6)(c)">eight hours for each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in the holiday schedule under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(7)">For a minor child who is at least 18 months old but younger than three years old, the noncustodial parent is entitled to:<subsection number="81-9-304(7)(a)">one weekday evening to be specified by the noncustodial parent or the court:<subsection number="81-9-304(7)(a)(i)">beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m.; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(7)(a)(ii)">if the minor child is being cared for during the day outside the minor child's regular place of residence and with advance notice to the custodial parent, beginning at the time that the minor child is picked up from the caregiver and ending at 7:30 p.m.;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(7)(b)">beginning on the first weekend after the entry of the decree, alternating weekends beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and ending at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(7)(c)">each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in accordance with the holiday schedule described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(7)(d)">extended parent-time for two one-week periods, separated by at least four weeks, at the option of the noncustodial parent, as follows:<subsection number="81-9-304(7)(d)(i)">one week of uninterrupted parent-time for the noncustodial parent, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 7:30 p.m. on the last day; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(7)(d)(ii)">one week of interrupted parent-time, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 7:30 p.m. on the last day, where the custodial parent may have an equal amount of weekday parent-time as the noncustodial parent on the same day on which the noncustodial parent is granted weekday parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(7)(a)">(7)(a)</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(8)">For a minor child who is at least three years old but younger than five years old, the noncustodial parent is entitled to:<subsection number="81-9-304(8)(a)">one weekday evening to be specified by the noncustodial parent or the court:<subsection number="81-9-304(8)(a)(i)">beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m.; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(8)(a)(ii)">if the minor child is being cared for during the day outside the minor child's regular place of residence and with advance notice to the custodial parent, beginning at the time that the minor child is picked up from the caregiver and ending at 7:30 p.m.;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(8)(b)">beginning on the first weekend after the entry of the decree, alternating weekends beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and ending at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(8)(c)">each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in accordance with the holiday schedule described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(8)(d)">extended parent-time for two two-week periods, separated by at least four weeks, at the option of the noncustodial parent, as follows:<subsection number="81-9-304(8)(d)(i)">two weeks of uninterrupted parent-time, for the noncustodial parent, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 7:30 p.m. on the last day; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(8)(d)(ii)">two weeks of interrupted parent-time, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 7:30 p.m. on the last day, where the custodial parent may have an equal amount of weekday parent-time as the noncustodial parent on the same day on which the noncustodial parent is granted weekday parent-time under Subsection (8)(a)(i).</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(9)">For a minor child who is at least 18 months old but younger than five years old, the custodial parent is entitled to one week of uninterrupted extended parent-time.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(10)"><subsection number="81-9-304(10)(a)">For a minor child who is nine months old or older, the noncustodial parent shall have at least two times a week:<subsection number="81-9-304(10)(a)(i)">brief telephone contact at reasonable hours and for a reasonable duration; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(10)(a)(ii)">virtual parent-time, if the equipment is reasonably available and the parents reside at least 100 miles apart, at reasonable hours and for reasonable duration.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(10)(b)">If the parties cannot agree on whether the equipment is reasonably available, the court shall decide whether the equipment for virtual parent-time is reasonably available, taking into consideration:<subsection number="81-9-304(10)(b)(i)">the best interests of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(10)(b)(ii)">each parent's ability to handle any additional expenses for virtual parent-time; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(10)(b)(iii)">any other factors the court considers material.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(10)(c)">Virtual parent-time supplements, but does not replace, in-person parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(11)">For a minor child who is younger than nine months old, unless the parents agree otherwise, parent-time should take place in the home of the custodial parent, an established child-care setting, or other environment familiar to the minor child, at the option of the noncustodial parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(12)"><subsection number="81-9-304(12)(a)">Changes may not be made to the parent-time schedule under this section, except that if a conflict arises in the parent-time schedule, the following order of precedence shall be applied when determining which parent is entitled to parent-time:<subsection number="81-9-304(12)(a)(i)">the holiday schedule for Mother's Day or Father's Day under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(12)(a)(ii)">the holiday schedule for the minor child's birthday, unless a parent is exercising uninterrupted extended parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(7)(d)">(7)(d)</xref>, (8)(d), or (9) and takes the minor child away from that parent's residence during the uninterrupted extended parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(12)(a)(iii)">the holiday schedule for any holiday under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref> that is not Father's Day, Mother's Day, or the minor child's birthday;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(12)(a)(iv)">extended parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(7)(d)">(7)(d)</xref>, (8)(d), or (9); and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(12)(a)(v)">the schedule for weekday or weekend parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(12)(b)">A parent exercising parent-time for the minor child's birthday may bring other siblings along for the minor child's birthday.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(13)">If a holiday falls on a regularly scheduled school day, the parent exercising parent-time shall be responsible for the minor child's attendance at school for that school day.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(14)">A parent shall notify the other parent at least 30 days in advance of the parent's plans for the exercise of extended parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(7)(d)">(7)(d)</xref>, (8)(d), or (9).</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(15)">The following table is the holiday schedule for parent-time under this section.<eol/><tbl colwidths="0,18,41,19,22" border="line"><row><cell/><cell> Holiday</cell><cell>Holiday Time Period</cell><cell>Years Noncustodial Parent is Granted Holiday</cell><cell>Years Custodial Parent is Granted Holiday</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on Friday at:<eol/>(a) 8 a.m. if the parent is available to be with the minor child; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Presidents' Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on Friday at:<eol/>(a) 8 a.m. if the parent is available to be with the minor child; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on Presidents' Day.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Spring Break</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for spring break.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Memorial Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on Friday at:<eol/>(a) 8 a.m. if the parent is available to be with the minor child; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on Memorial Day.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Mother's Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Mother's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on Mother's Day at 7:30 p.m.</cell><cell>All years if noncustodial parent is the mother or other parent designated in the order.</cell><cell>All years if custodial parent is the mother or other parent designated in the order.</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Father's Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Father's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on Father's Day at 7:30 p.m.</cell><cell>All years if noncustodial parent is the father or other parent designated in the order.</cell><cell>All years if custodial parent is the father or other parent designated in the order.</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Juneteenth National Freedom Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at:<eol/>(a) 5:30 p.m. on the day before Juneteenth National Freedom Day if the day before Juneteenth National Freedom Day is not Father's Day; or<eol/>(b) 8 a.m. on Juneteenth National Freedom Day if the day before Juneteenth National Freedom Day is Father's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on the day following Juneteenth National Freedom Day.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Independence Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on July 3rd at 5:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on July 5th at 7:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Pioneer Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on July 23rd at 5:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on July 25th at 7:30 p.m. </cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Labor Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on Friday at:<eol/>(a) 8 a.m. if the parent is available to be with the minor child; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on Labor Day.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell/><cell><eol/></cell><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell>Fall Break</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day school is dismissed for fall break.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Halloween</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on October 31st or the day that Halloween is traditionally celebrated in the local community:<eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed; or<eol/>(b) at 3 p.m. if there is no school.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on the same day the holiday begins.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell/><cell><eol/></cell><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell>Thanksgiving</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for Thanksgiving.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Winter Break (First Half)</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day on that school dismisses for winter break.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on December 27th at 7:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Winter Break (Second Half)</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on December 27th at 7:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Day of Minor Child's Birthday</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 3 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Day Before or After Minor Child's Birthday</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 3 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row></tbl></subsection></section><section number="81-9-304"><effdate>1/1/2027</effdate><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">126</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Minimum schedule for parent-time for a minor child under five years old.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-304(1)">The parent-time schedule in this section applies when establishing a parent-time schedule for a minor child who is younger than five years old.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(2)">If the parties do not agree to a parent-time schedule, the schedules in Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(3)">(3)</xref> through <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(8)">(8)</xref> are considered the minimum parent-time to which the noncustodial parent is entitled to the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(3)">For a minor child who is younger than five months old, the noncustodial parent is entitled to:<subsection number="81-9-304(3)(a)">three two-hour visits every week; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(3)(b)">two hours for each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in the holiday schedule under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(4)">For a minor child who is at least five months old but younger than nine months old, the noncustodial parent is entitled to:<subsection number="81-9-304(4)(a)">three three-hour visits every week; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(4)(b)">two hours for each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in the holiday schedule under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(5)">For a minor child who is at least nine months old but younger than 12 months old, the noncustodial parent is entitled to:<subsection number="81-9-304(5)(a)">one eight-hour visit every week;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(5)(b)">one three-hour visit every week; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(5)(c)">eight hours for each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in accordance with the holiday schedule under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(6)">For a minor child who is at least 12 months old but younger than 18 months old, the noncustodial parent is entitled to:<subsection number="81-9-304(6)(a)">one three-hour visit every week;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(6)(b)">beginning on the first weekend after the entry of the decree, alternating weekends beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and ending on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(6)(c)">eight hours for each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in the holiday schedule under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(7)">For a minor child who is at least 18 months old but younger than three years old, the noncustodial parent is entitled to:<subsection number="81-9-304(7)(a)">one weekday evening to be specified by the noncustodial parent or the court:<subsection number="81-9-304(7)(a)(i)">beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m.; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(7)(a)(ii)">if the minor child is being cared for during the day outside the minor child's regular place of residence and with advance notice to the custodial parent, beginning at the time that the minor child is picked up from the caregiver and ending at 7:30 p.m.;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(7)(b)">beginning on the first weekend after the entry of the decree, alternating weekends beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and ending at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(7)(c)">each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in accordance with the holiday schedule described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(7)(d)">extended parent-time for two one-week periods, separated by at least four weeks, at the option of the noncustodial parent, as follows:<subsection number="81-9-304(7)(d)(i)">one week of uninterrupted parent-time for the noncustodial parent, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 7:30 p.m. on the last day; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(7)(d)(ii)">one week of interrupted parent-time, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 7:30 p.m. on the last day, where the custodial parent may have an equal amount of weekday parent-time as the noncustodial parent on the same day on which the noncustodial parent is granted weekday parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(7)(a)">(7)(a)</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(8)">For a minor child who is at least three years old but younger than five years old, the noncustodial parent is entitled to:<subsection number="81-9-304(8)(a)">one weekday evening to be specified by the noncustodial parent or the court:<subsection number="81-9-304(8)(a)(i)">beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m.; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(8)(a)(ii)">if the minor child is being cared for during the day outside the minor child's regular place of residence and with advance notice to the custodial parent, beginning at the time that the minor child is picked up from the caregiver and ending at 7:30 p.m.;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(8)(b)">beginning on the first weekend after the entry of the decree, alternating weekends beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and ending at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(8)(c)">each holiday granted to the noncustodial parent in accordance with the holiday schedule described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(8)(d)">extended parent-time for two two-week periods, separated by at least four weeks, at the option of the noncustodial parent, as follows:<subsection number="81-9-304(8)(d)(i)">two weeks of uninterrupted parent-time, for the noncustodial parent, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 7:30 p.m. on the last day; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(8)(d)(ii)">two weeks of interrupted parent-time, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day and ending at 7:30 p.m. on the last day, where the custodial parent may have an equal amount of weekday parent-time as the noncustodial parent on the same day on which the noncustodial parent is granted weekday parent-time under Subsection (8)(a)(i).</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(9)">For a minor child who is at least 18 months old but younger than five years old, the custodial parent is entitled to one week of uninterrupted extended parent-time.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(10)"><subsection number="81-9-304(10)(a)">For a minor child who is nine months old or older, the noncustodial parent shall have at least two times a week:<subsection number="81-9-304(10)(a)(i)">brief telephone contact at reasonable hours and for a reasonable duration; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(10)(a)(ii)">virtual parent-time, if the equipment is reasonably available and the parents reside at least 100 miles apart, at reasonable hours and for reasonable duration.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(10)(b)">If the parties cannot agree on whether the equipment is reasonably available, the court shall decide whether the equipment for virtual parent-time is reasonably available, taking into consideration:<subsection number="81-9-304(10)(b)(i)">the best interests of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(10)(b)(ii)">each parent's ability to handle any additional expenses for virtual parent-time; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(10)(b)(iii)">any other factors the court considers material.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(10)(c)">Virtual parent-time supplements, but does not replace, in-person parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(11)">For a minor child who is younger than nine months old, unless the parents agree otherwise, parent-time should take place in the home of the custodial parent, an established child-care setting, or other environment familiar to the minor child, at the option of the noncustodial parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(12)"><subsection number="81-9-304(12)(a)">Changes may not be made to the parent-time schedule under this section, except that if a conflict arises in the parent-time schedule, the following order of precedence shall be applied when determining which parent is entitled to parent-time:<subsection number="81-9-304(12)(a)(i)">the holiday schedule for Mother's Day or Father's Day under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(12)(a)(ii)">the holiday schedule for the minor child's birthday, unless a parent is exercising uninterrupted extended parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(7)(d)">(7)(d)</xref>, (8)(d), or (9) and takes the minor child away from that parent's residence during the uninterrupted extended parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(12)(a)(iii)">the holiday schedule for any holiday under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(15)">(15)</xref> that is not Father's Day, Mother's Day, or the minor child's birthday;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(12)(a)(iv)">extended parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(7)(d)">(7)(d)</xref>, (8)(d), or (9); and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(12)(a)(v)">the schedule for weekday or weekend parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(12)(b)">A parent exercising parent-time for the minor child's birthday may bring other siblings along for the minor child's birthday.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(13)">If a holiday falls on a regularly scheduled school day, the parent exercising parent-time shall be responsible for the minor child's attendance at school for that school day.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(14)">A parent shall notify the other parent at least 30 days in advance of the parent's plans for the exercise of extended parent-time under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-304(7)(d)">(7)(d)</xref>, (8)(d), or (9).</subsection><subsection number="81-9-304(15)">The following table is the holiday schedule for parent-time under this section.<eol/><tbl colwidths="0,18,41,19,22" border="line"><row><cell/><cell> Holiday</cell><cell>Holiday Time Period</cell><cell>Years Noncustodial Parent is Granted Holiday</cell><cell>Years Custodial Parent is Granted Holiday</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on Friday at:<eol/>(a) 8 a.m. if the parent is available to be with the minor child; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Presidents' Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on Friday at:<eol/>(a) 8 a.m. if the parent is available to be with the minor child; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on Presidents' Day.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Spring Break</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for spring break.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Memorial Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on Friday at:<eol/>(a) 8 a.m. if the parent is available to be with the minor child; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on Memorial Day.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Mother's Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Mother's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on Mother's Day at 7:30 p.m.</cell><cell>All years if noncustodial parent is the mother or other parent designated in the order.</cell><cell>All years if custodial parent is the mother or other parent designated in the order.</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Father's Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Father's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on Father's Day at 7:30 p.m.</cell><cell>All years if noncustodial parent is the father or other parent designated in the order.</cell><cell>All years if custodial parent is the father or other parent designated in the order.</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Juneteenth National Freedom Day</cell><cell><eol/><eol/><eol/><eol/>(1) Holiday begins on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and ends on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., if Juneteenth National Freedom Day is on the day before Father's Day.<eol/>(2) Holiday begins on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and ends on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., if Juneteenth National Freedom Day is on Father's Day or on the day following Father's Day.<eol/>(3) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day before Juneteenth National Freedom Day and ends at 7:30 p.m. on the day following Juneteenth National Freedom Day, unless Juneteenth National Freedom Day is on Father's Day, the day before Father's Day, or the day following Father's Day.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Independence Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on July 3rd at 5:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on July 5th at 7:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Pioneer Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on July 23rd at 5:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on July 25th at 7:30 p.m. </cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Labor Day</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on Friday at:<eol/>(a) 8 a.m. if the parent is available to be with the minor child; or<eol/>(b) 5:30 p.m. at the election of the parent granted the holiday.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on Labor Day.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell/><cell><eol/></cell><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell>Fall Break</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day school is dismissed for fall break.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Halloween</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on October 31st or the day that Halloween is traditionally celebrated in the local community:<eol/>(a) at the time that school is dismissed; or<eol/>(b) at 3 p.m. if there is no school.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on the same day the holiday begins.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell/><cell><eol/></cell><cell/><cell/></row><row><cell/><cell>Thanksgiving</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day that school dismisses for Thanksgiving.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Winter Break (First Half)</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the day on that school dismisses for winter break.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends on December 27th at 7:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Winter Break (Second Half)</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins on December 27th at 7:30 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m. on the day before school resumes.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Day of Minor Child's Birthday</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 3 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Even years</cell><cell>Odd years</cell></row><row><cell/><cell>Day Before or After Minor Child's Birthday</cell><cell>(1) Holiday begins at 3 p.m.<eol/>(2) Holiday ends at 7:30 p.m.</cell><cell>Odd years</cell><cell>Even years</cell></row></tbl></subsection></section><section number="81-9-305"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Equal parent-time schedule.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-305(1)"><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(a)">A court may order the equal parent-time schedule described in this section if the court determines that:<subsection number="81-9-305(1)(a)(i)">the equal parent-time schedule is in the minor child's best interest;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(a)(ii)">each parent has been actively involved in the minor child's life; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(a)(iii)">each parent can effectively facilitate the equal parent-time schedule.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(b)">To determine whether each parent has been actively involved in the minor child's life, the court shall consider:<subsection number="81-9-305(1)(b)(i)">each parent's demonstrated responsibility in caring for the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(b)(ii)">each parent's involvement in child care;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(b)(iii)">each parent's presence or volunteer efforts in the minor child's school and at extracurricular activities;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(b)(iv)">each parent's assistance with the minor child's homework;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(b)(v)">each parent's involvement in preparation of meals, bath time, and bedtime for the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(b)(vi)">each parent's bond with the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(b)(vii)">any other factor the court considers relevant.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(c)">To determine whether each parent can effectively facilitate the equal parent-time schedule, the court shall consider:<subsection number="81-9-305(1)(c)(i)">the geographic distance between the residence of each parent and the distance between each residence and the minor child's school;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(c)(ii)">each parent's ability to assist with the minor child's after school care;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(c)(iii)">the health of the minor child and each parent, consistent with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-204(4)">81-9-204(4)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(c)(iv)">the flexibility of each parent's employment or other schedule;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(c)(v)">each parent's ability to provide appropriate playtime with the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(c)(vi)">each parent's history and ability to implement a flexible schedule for the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(c)(vii)">physical facilities of each parent's residence; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(1)(c)(viii)">any other factor the court considers relevant.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(2)"><subsection number="81-9-305(2)(a)">If the parties agree to or the court orders the equal parent-time schedule described in this section, a parenting plan in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-203">81-9-203</xref> shall be filed with an order incorporating the equal parent-time schedule.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(2)(b)">An order under this section shall result in 182 overnights per year for one parent, and 183 overnights per year for the other parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(2)(c)">Under the equal parent-time schedule, a parent is not considered to have the minor child the majority of the time for the purposes of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-203(11)(e)(ii)">81-9-203(11)(e)(ii)</xref> or <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-205(10)">81-9-205(10)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(2)(d)">Child support for the equal parent-time schedule shall be consistent with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-6-206">81-6-206</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(2)(e)">A court shall determine which parent receives 182 overnights and which parent receives 183 overnights for parent-time.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(3)"><subsection number="81-9-305(3)(a)">Unless the parents agree otherwise and subject to a holiday, the equal parent-time schedule is as follows:<subsection number="81-9-305(3)(a)(i)">one parent shall exercise parent-time starting Monday morning and ending Wednesday morning;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(3)(a)(ii)">the other parent shall exercise parent-time starting Wednesday morning and ending Friday morning; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(3)(a)(iii)">each parent shall alternate weeks exercising parent-time starting Friday morning and ending Monday morning.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(3)(b)">The child exchange shall take place:<subsection number="81-9-305(3)(b)(i)">at the time the minor child's school begins; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(3)(b)(ii)">if school is not in session, at 9 a.m.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(4)"><subsection number="81-9-305(4)(a)">The parents may create a holiday schedule.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(4)(b)">If the parents are unable to create a holiday schedule under Subsection (4)(a), the court shall:<subsection number="81-9-305(4)(b)(i)">order the holiday schedule described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-302">81-9-302</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-304">81-9-304</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(4)(b)(ii)">designate which parent shall exercise parent-time for each holiday described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-302">81-9-302</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-304">81-9-304</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(5)"><subsection number="81-9-305(5)(a)">Each year, a parent may designate two consecutive weeks to exercise uninterrupted parent-time during the summer when school is not in session.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(5)(b)"><subsection number="81-9-305(5)(b)(i)">One parent may make a designation at any time and the other parent may make a designation after May 1.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(5)(b)(ii)">A parent shall make a designation at least 30 days before the day on which the designated two-week period begins.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(5)(c)">The court shall designate which parent may make the earlier designation described in Subsection (5)(b)(i) for an even numbered year with the other parent allowed to make the earlier designation in an odd numbered year.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-305(5)(d)">The two consecutive weeks described in Subsection (5)(a) take precedence over all holidays except for Mother's Day and Father's Day.</subsection></subsection></section></part><part number="81-9-4"><catchline>Custody and Visitation by Individual Other than a Parent</catchline><section number="81-9-401"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>As used in this part:<subsection number="81-9-401(1)">"District court" means the district court with proper jurisdiction over the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-401(2)">"Grandchild" means the minor child with respect to whom a grandparent is seeking visitation rights under this part.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-401(3)">"Grandparent" means an individual whose child, either by blood, marriage, or adoption, is the parent of the grandchild.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-401(4)">"Individual other than a parent" means an individual who is not a parent and is related to the minor child by marriage or blood, including:<subsection number="81-9-401(4)(a)">siblings;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-401(4)(b)">aunts;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-401(4)(c)">uncles;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-401(4)(d)">grandparents;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-401(4)(e)">current or former step-parents; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-401(4)(f)">any of the individuals described in Subsections (4)(a) through (d) in a step relationship to the minor child.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-9-402"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">358</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Custody and visitation for individuals other than a parent -- Venue.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-402(1)"><subsection number="81-9-402(1)(a)">In accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-2a-201">80-2a-201</xref>, it is the public policy of this state that a parent retain the fundamental right and duty to exercise primary control over the care, supervision, upbringing, and education of a minor child of the parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(1)(b)">There is a rebuttable presumption that a parent's decisions are in the minor child's best interests.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(2)">The presumption in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-402(1)">(1)</xref> is rebutted and a court may grant custodial or visitation rights to an individual other than a parent if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the individual seeking custodial or visitation rights has established that:<subsection number="81-9-402(2)(a)">the individual has intentionally assumed the role and obligations of a parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(2)(b)">the individual and the minor child have formed a substantial emotional bond and created a parent-child type relationship;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(2)(c)">the individual substantially contributed emotionally or financially to the minor child's well being;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(2)(d)">the assumption of the parental role is not the result of a financially compensated surrogate care arrangement;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(2)(e)">the continuation of the relationship between the individual and the minor child is in the minor child's best interest;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(2)(f)">the loss or cessation of the relationship between the individual and the minor child would substantially harm the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(2)(g)">the parent:<subsection number="81-9-402(2)(g)(i)">is absent as of the time of filing of the petition;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(2)(g)(ii)">does not have the ability to exercise primary physical custody of the minor child as of the time of filing of the petition; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(2)(g)(iii)">has abused or neglected the minor child, or that another court has found that the parent has abused or neglected the minor child.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(3)">Notwithstanding Title <xref depth="1" refnumber="78B-3a">78B, Chapter 3a</xref>, Venue for Civil Actions, or Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78A-6-350">78A-6-350</xref>, an individual shall file a verified petition, or a petition supported by an affidavit, for custodial or visitation rights to the minor child in the juvenile court if a matter is pending in the juvenile court, or in the district court in the county where the minor child:<subsection number="81-9-402(3)(a)">currently resides; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(3)(b)">lived with a parent or an individual other than a parent who acted as a parent within six months before the commencement of the action.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(4)">An individual may file a petition under this section in a pending divorce, parentage action, or other proceeding, including a proceeding in the juvenile court involving custody of or visitation with a minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(5)">The petition shall include detailed facts supporting the petitioner's right to file the petition including the criteria set forth in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-402(2)">(2)</xref> and residency information described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-209">81-11-209</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(6)">An individual may not file a petition under this section against a parent who is actively serving outside the state in any branch of the military.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(7)">Notice of a petition filed in accordance with this chapter shall be served in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure on all of the following:<subsection number="81-9-402(7)(a)">the minor child's biological, adopted, presumed, declarant, and adjudicated parents;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(7)(b)">any individual who has court-ordered custody or visitation rights;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(7)(c)">the minor child's guardian;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(7)(d)">the guardian ad litem, if one has been appointed;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(7)(e)">an individual or agency that has physical custody of the minor child or that claims to have custody or visitation rights; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(7)(f)">any other individual or agency that has previously appeared in any action regarding custody of or visitation with the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(8)">The court may order a custody evaluation to be conducted in any proceeding brought under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(9)">The court may enter temporary orders in a proceeding brought under this section pending the entry of final orders.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-402(11)">(11)</xref>, a court may not grant custody of a minor child under this section to an individual:<subsection number="81-9-402(10)(a)">who is not the parent of the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)">who, before a custody order is issued, is convicted, pleads guilty, or pleads no contest to a felony or attempted felony involving conduct that constitutes any of the following:<subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(i)">child abuse, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109">76-5-109</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(ii)">aggravated child abuse, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.2">76-5-109.2</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(iii)">child abandonment, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.3">76-5-109.3</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(iv)">child torture, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.4">76-5-109.4</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(v)">commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-114">76-5-114</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(vi)">child abuse homicide, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-208">76-5-208</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(vii)">child kidnapping, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-301.1">76-5-301.1</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(viii)">human trafficking of a child for labor, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-308.5">76-5-308.5</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(ix)">human trafficking of a child for commercial sexual exploitation, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-308.6">76-5-308.6</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(x)">patronizing a child victim of human labor trafficking, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-314">76-5-314</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(xi)">sexual abuse of a minor, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-401.1">76-5-401.1</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(xii)">rape of a child, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-402.1">76-5-402.1</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(xiii)">object rape of a child, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-402.3">76-5-402.3</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(xiv)">sodomy on a child, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-403.1">76-5-403.1</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(xv)">sexual abuse of a child, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-404.1">76-5-404.1</xref>, or aggravated sexual abuse of a child, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-404.3">76-5-404.3</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(xvi)">sexual exploitation of a minor, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5b-201">76-5b-201</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(xvii)">aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5b-201.1">76-5b-201.1</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(xviii)">possession of apparent child sexual abuse material, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5b-207">76-5b-207</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(xix)">distribution of apparent child sexual abuse material, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5b-208">76-5b-208</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(xx)">unlawful activity regarding obscene material depicting the sexual abuse of a minor, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5b-209">76-5b-209</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(10)(b)(xxi)">an offense in another state that, if committed in this state, would constitute an offense described in this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-402(10)">(10)</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)"><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(a)">As used in this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-402(11)">(11)</xref>, "disqualifying offense" means an offense listed in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-402(10)">(10)</xref> that prevents a court from granting custody except as provided in this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-402(11)">(11)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)">An individual described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-402(10)">(10)</xref> may only be considered for custody of a minor child if the following criteria are met by clear and convincing evidence:<subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(i)">the individual is a relative, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-3-102">80-3-102</xref>, of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(ii)">at least 10 years have elapsed from the day on which the individual is successfully released from prison, jail, parole, or probation related to a disqualifying offense;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(iii)">during the 10 years before the day on which the individual files a petition with the court seeking custody the individual has not been convicted, plead guilty, or plead no contest to an offense greater than an infraction or traffic violation that would likely impact the health, safety, or well-being of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(iv)">the individual can provide evidence of successful treatment or rehabilitation directly related to the disqualifying offense;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(v)">the court determines that the risk related to the disqualifying offense is unlikely to cause harm, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-1-102">80-1-102</xref>, or potential harm to the minor child currently or at any time in the future when considering all of the following:<subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(v)(A)">the minor child's age;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(v)(B)">the minor child's gender;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(v)(C)">the minor child's development;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(v)(D)">the nature and seriousness of the disqualifying offense;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(v)(E)">the preferences of a minor child who is 12 years old or older;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(v)(F)">any available assessments, including custody evaluations, parenting assessments, psychological or mental health assessments, and bonding assessments; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(v)(G)">any other relevant information;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(vi)">the individual can provide evidence of the following:<subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(vi)(A)">the relationship with the minor child is of long duration;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(vi)(B)">that an emotional bond exists with the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(vi)(C)">that custody by the individual who has committed the disqualifying offense ensures the best interests of the minor child are met;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(vii)"><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(vii)(A)">there is no other responsible relative known to the court who has or likely could develop an emotional bond with the minor child and does not have a disqualifying offense; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(vii)(B)">if there is a responsible relative known to the court that does not have a disqualifying offense, Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-402(11)(d)">(11)(d)</xref> applies; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(b)(viii)">that the continuation of the relationship between the individual with the disqualifying offense and the minor child could not be sufficiently maintained through any type of visitation if custody were given to the relative with no disqualifying offense described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-402(11)(d)">(11)(d)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(c)">The individual with the disqualifying offense bears the burden of proof regarding why placement with that individual is in the best interest of the minor child over another responsible relative or equally situated individual who does not have a disqualifying offense.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(d)">If, as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-402(11)(b)(vii)(b)">(11)(b)(vii)(B)</xref>, there is a responsible relative known to the court who does not have a disqualifying offense:<subsection number="81-9-402(11)(d)(i)">preference for custody is given to a relative who does not have a disqualifying offense; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(d)(ii)">before the court may place custody with the individual who has the disqualifying offense over another responsible, willing, and able relative:<subsection number="81-9-402(11)(d)(ii)(A)">an impartial custody evaluation shall be completed; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(11)(d)(ii)(B)">a guardian ad litem shall be assigned.</subsection></subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-402(12)">Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-402(10)">(10)</xref> and <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-402(11)">(11)</xref> apply to a case pending on March 25, 2017, for which a final decision on custody has not been made and to a case filed on or after March 25, 2017.</subsection></section><section number="81-9-403"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Visitation rights of grandparents.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-403(1)">In accordance with the provisions and requirements of this section:<subsection number="81-9-403(1)(a)">a grandparent has standing to bring an action requesting visitation in district court by petition; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(1)(b)">a grandparent may file a petition for visitation rights in the juvenile court or district court where a divorce proceeding or other proceeding involving custody and visitation issues is pending.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(2)"><subsection number="81-9-403(2)(a)">In accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-2a-201">80-2a-201</xref>, it is the public policy of this state that a parent retains the fundamental right and duty to exercise primary control over the care, supervision, upbringing, and education of a minor child of the parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(2)(b)">A court shall presume that a parent's decision in regard to grandparent visitation is in the best interest of the parent's minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(3)">A court may find the presumption in Subsection (2)(b) rebutted if the grandparent, by clear and convincing evidence, establishes that:<subsection number="81-9-403(3)(a)">the grandparent has filled the role of custodian or caregiver to the grandchild that:<subsection number="81-9-403(3)(a)(i)">is in a manner akin to a parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(3)(a)(ii)">the loss of the relationship between the grandparent and the grandchild would cause substantial harm to the grandchild; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(3)(b)">both parents are unfit or incompetent in a manner that causes potential harm to the grandchild.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(4)"><subsection number="81-9-403(4)(a)">If the court finds the presumption in Subsection (2)(b) is rebutted, the court may consider whether grandparent visitation is in the best interest of the grandchild.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(4)(b)">If the court considers whether grandparent visitation is in the best interest of the child, the court shall take into account the totality of the circumstances, including:<subsection number="81-9-403(4)(b)(i)">the reasonableness of the parent's decision to deny grandparent visitation;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(4)(b)(ii)">the age of the grandchild;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(4)(b)(iii)">the death or unavailability of a parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(4)(b)(iv)">if the grandchild is 14 years old or older, the grandchild's desires regarding visitation after the court inquires of the grandchild.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(5)">If the court finds the presumption in Subsection (2)(b) is rebutted and grandparent visitation is in the best interest of the grandchild, the court may issue an order for grandparent visitation.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(6)">Notwithstanding Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-404">81-9-404</xref>, the adoption of a grandchild by the grandchild's stepparent does not diminish or alter visitation rights previously ordered under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(7)">On the petition of a grandparent or the legal custodian of a grandchild the court may, after a hearing, modify an order regarding grandparent visitation if:<subsection number="81-9-403(7)(a)">the circumstances of the grandchild, the grandparent, or the custodian have materially and substantially changed since the entry of the order to be modified, or the order has become unworkable or inappropriate under existing circumstances; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(7)(b)">the court determines that a modification is appropriate based upon the factors set forth in Subsections (3) and (4).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-403(8)">A grandparent may petition the court to remedy a parent's wrongful noncompliance with a visitation order.</subsection></section><section number="81-9-404"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2024GS">366</modchap>, 2024 General Session</history><modyear>2024</modyear></histories><catchline>Exceptions to visitation by nonparent.</catchline><tab/>This part may not be used to seek, obtain, maintain or continue custody of, or visitation with, a minor child who has been relinquished for adoption, or adopted in accordance with a court order.</section></part><part number="81-9-5"><catchline>Custody Evaluation</catchline><section number="81-9-501"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">309</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline>As used in this part:<subsection number="81-9-501(1)">"Custody evaluation" means a process in which a custody evaluator gathers and reports to a court information that a court would find relevant in making a decision regarding custody or parent-time that is in a minor child's best interest.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-501(2)">"Custody evaluator" means an individual who meets the qualifications described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-502(1)">81-9-502(1)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-501(3)">"Party" means the petitioner or respondent, or a petitioner or respondent's attorney, in an action for separation, divorce, or custody of a minor child.</subsection></section><section number="81-9-502"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">309</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline><highlight sid="58052"/>Custody evaluator qualifications -- Roster of custody evaluators.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-502(1)"><subsection number="81-9-502(1)(a)">To be a custody evaluator, an individual shall:<subsection number="81-9-502(1)(a)(i)">be licensed by the Division of Professional Licensing as a:<subsection number="81-9-502(1)(a)(i)(A)">clinical social worker under Title 58, Chapter 60, Part 2, Social Worker Licensing Act;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(1)(a)(i)(B)">psychologist under Title 58, Chapter 61, Psychologist Licensing Act;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(1)(a)(i)(C)">physician under Title 58, Chapter 67, Part 3, Licensing, and is board trained in psychiatry;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(1)(a)(i)(D)">marriage and family therapist under Title 58, Chapter 60, Part 3, Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing Act; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(1)(a)(i)(E)">clinical mental health counselor under Title 58, Chapter 60, Part 4, Clinical Mental Health Counselor Licensing Act; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(1)(a)(ii)">subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-502(1)(b)">(1)(b)</xref>, have completed at least 18 hours of education or training on:<subsection number="81-9-502(1)(a)(ii)(A)">the psychological and developmental needs of children, including needs related to decisions about child custody and parent-time;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(1)(a)(ii)(B)">family dynamics, including parent-child relationships, blended families, and extended family relationships; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(1)(a)(ii)(C)">the effects of separation, divorce, domestic violence, child sexual or physical abuse, emotional abuse or neglect, substance abuse, and interparental conflict on the psychological and developmental needs of children and adults.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(1)(b)">An individual shall complete the 18 hours of education or training described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-502(1)(a)(ii)">(1)(a)(ii)</xref> within two years before the later of:<subsection number="81-9-502(1)(b)(i)">the day on which the individual received a license described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-502(1)(a)(i)">(1)(a)(i)</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(1)(b)(ii)">the day on which the individual renewed a license described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-502(1)(a)(i)">(1)(a)(i)</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(2)"><subsection number="81-9-502(2)(a)">The Administrative Office of the Courts shall maintain a roster of custody evaluators.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(2)(b)">The roster of custody evaluators shall include the name, business address, telephone number, email address, custody evaluation fees, and professional license expiration date of each custody evaluator.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(2)(c)">To be included on the roster of custody evaluators, the Administrative Office of the Courts may require a custody evaluator to submit documentation:<subsection number="81-9-502(2)(c)(i)">proving the individual meets the qualifications described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-502(1)">(1)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(2)(c)(ii)">providing the information described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-502(2)(b)">(2)(b)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(2)(d)">The Administrative Office of the Courts shall:<subsection number="81-9-502(2)(d)(i)">make the roster of custody evaluators available to a court and parties for use in selecting a custody evaluator; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-502(2)(d)(ii)">remove from the roster of custody evaluators any individual who fails to comply with this section.</subsection></subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-9-503"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">309</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Custody evaluation order -- Appointment of custody evaluator -- Removal of a custody evaluator.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-503(1)">A court may order a custody evaluation during a divorce, separation, or custody proceeding if:<subsection number="81-9-503(1)(a)"><subsection number="81-9-503(1)(a)(i)">a party requests a custody evaluation; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(1)(a)(ii)">the court makes specific findings that extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant a custody evaluation; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(1)(b)">the court finds that the parties have the ability to pay for the custody evaluation.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(2)"><subsection number="81-9-503(2)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-503(2)(b)">(2)(b)</xref> and subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-503(3)">(3)</xref>, a court shall appoint a custody evaluator agreed upon by both parties to perform a custody evaluation described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-503(1)">(1)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(2)(b)">If the parties cannot agree on a custody evaluator to perform a custody evaluation:<subsection number="81-9-503(2)(b)(i)">each party shall exchange the names of three custody evaluators that the party recommends to provide the custody evaluation;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(2)(b)(ii)">the parties shall submit to the court a joint list of all proposed custody evaluators;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(2)(b)(iii)">if a party objects to any of the custody evaluators on the list described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-503(2)(b)(ii)">(2)(b)(ii)</xref>, the party shall submit to the court a brief written statement explaining the reasons for the objection, including any potential conflicts of interest; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(2)(b)(iv)">the court shall appoint a custody evaluator from the list described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-503(2)(b)(ii)">(2)(b)(ii)</xref> after considering any statements described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-503(2)(b)(iii)">(2)(b)(iii)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(2)(c)">A party has the right to a reasonable opportunity to review a proposed custody evaluator before the court appoints the custody evaluator to perform a custody evaluation.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(3)">If, based on allegations of domestic violence or abuse, a court reasonably anticipates that a custody evaluator may be required to testify or offer an opinion regarding domestic violence or abuse, the court shall require that each custody evaluator agreed upon or proposed under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-503(2)">(2)</xref> possess the demonstrated expertise and adequate experience described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-104(2)(a)">81-9-104(2)(a)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(4)">An order described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-9-503(1)">(1)</xref> shall:<subsection number="81-9-503(4)(a)">identify the appointed custody evaluator;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(4)(b)">identify specific custody factors described in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-204">81-9-204</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-9-205">81-9-205</xref> to be addressed in the custody evaluation;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(4)(c)">require the parties to comply with requests made by the custody evaluator;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(4)(d)">restrict disclosure of the custody evaluator's findings, recommendations, and privileged information, except in the proceeding in which the custody evaluation is ordered or in other proceedings in which the court determines disclosure is necessary;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(4)(e)">assign payment responsibility for the custody evaluation; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(4)(f)">specify the dates on which the custody evaluation will begin and end.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(5)">A party has the right to request the court to remove a custody evaluator for good cause, including:<subsection number="81-9-503(5)(a)">bias, prejudice, or lack or impartiality toward a party;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(5)(b)">a conflict of interest;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(5)(c)">failure to comply with this part, rules of the court, or professional standards;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(5)(d)">failure to complete the custody evaluation in a timely manner; or</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(5)(e)">professional misconduct or unethical behavior.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(6)"><subsection number="81-9-503(6)(a)">A custody evaluator's findings in making a custody or parent-time decision are advisory only.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-503(6)(b)">There is no presumption in favor of the custody evaluator's findings.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-9-504"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">309</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Custody evaluator responsibilities -- Communication between a custody evaluator and parties.</catchline><subsection number="81-9-504(1)">A custody evaluator shall:<subsection number="81-9-504(1)(a)">remain impartial;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-504(1)(b)">disclose to the court and each party any conflicts of interest the custody evaluator has with either party; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-504(1)(c)">immediately notify the Administrative Office of the Courts of any changes in licensure status.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-504(2)">A custody evaluator may not act as an advocate for either party.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-504(3)">If a custody evaluator is assigned to a proceeding involving domestic violence, sexual abuse, substance abuse, or mental illness, and the custody evaluator lacks specialized training on the issue, the custody evaluator shall:<subsection number="81-9-504(3)(a)">consult with an individual with specialized training on the issue;</subsection><subsection number="81-9-504(3)(b)">assess, in the custody evaluation, any potential danger to a party or minor child arising from the issue; and</subsection><subsection number="81-9-504(3)(c)">include, in the custody evaluation, the name of the individual with whom the custody evaluator consulted and the results of the consultation.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-9-504(4)">If a custody evaluator assigned to a proceeding has conducted fewer than three custody evaluations, the custody evaluator shall consult with another custody evaluator who can review, instruct, and provide feedback during the custody evaluation process.</subsection><subsection number="81-9-504(5)">When a court appoints a custody evaluator, a party and a custody evaluator may not communicate with each other without providing notice of the communication to the other party, except to the extent reasonably necessary to conduct the custody evaluation ordered by the court.</subsection></section></part></chapter><chapter number="81-10"><catchline>Uniform Deployed Parents Custody, Parent-Time, and Visitation Act</catchline><part number="81-10-1"><catchline>General Provisions</catchline><section number="81-10-101"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for chapter.</catchline><tab/>As used in this chapter:<subsection number="81-10-101(1)">"Adult" means an individual who is at least 18 years old or is an emancipated minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(2)"><subsection number="81-10-101(2)(a)">"Caretaking authority" means the right to live with and care for a child on a day-to-day basis.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(2)(b)">"Caretaking authority" includes physical custody, parent-time, right to access, and visitation.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(3)">"Child" means:<subsection number="81-10-101(3)(a)">a minor child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(3)(b)">an adult son or daughter by birth or adoption, or under the law of this state other than this chapter, who is the subject of a court order concerning custodial responsibility.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(4)">"Court" means a tribunal, including an administrative agency, authorized under the law of this state other than this chapter to make, enforce, or modify a decision regarding custodial responsibility.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(5)"><subsection number="81-10-101(5)(a)">"Custodial responsibility" includes all powers and duties relating to caretaking authority and decision-making authority for a child. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(5)(b)">"Custodial responsibility" includes physical custody, legal custody, parent-time, right to access, visitation, and authority to grant limited contact with a child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(6)"><subsection number="81-10-101(6)(a)">"Decision-making authority" means the power to make important decisions regarding a child, including decisions regarding the child's education, religious training, health care, extracurricular activities, and travel. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(6)(b)">"Decision-making authority" does not include the power to make decisions that necessarily accompany a grant of caretaking authority.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(7)">"Deploying parent" means a service member who is deployed or has been notified of impending deployment and is:<subsection number="81-10-101(7)(a)">a parent of a child under the law of this state other than this chapter; or</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(7)(b)">an individual who has custodial responsibility for a child under the law of this state other than this chapter.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(8)">"Deployment" means the movement or mobilization of a service member for more than 90 days but less than 18 months pursuant to uniformed service orders that:<subsection number="81-10-101(8)(a)">are designated as unaccompanied;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(8)(b)">do not authorize dependent travel; or</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(8)(c)">otherwise do not permit the movement of family members to the location to which the service member is deployed.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(9)">"Family care plan" means a formal written contingency plan mandated by regulation of the various departments and components of the uniformed service that requires certain service member parents of minor children to plan in advance for the smooth, rapid transfer of parental responsibilities to designees during the absence of the service member due to death, incapacity, short-term absences, long-term absences, including deployments, or noncombatant evacuation operations.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(10)">"Family member" means a sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin, stepparent, or grandparent of a child, or an individual recognized to be in a familial relationship with a child under the law of this state other than this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(11)"><subsection number="81-10-101(11)(a)">"Limited contact" means the authority of a nonparent to visit a child for a limited time.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(11)(b)">"Limited contact" includes authority to take the child to a place other than the residence of the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(12)">"Nonparent" means an individual other than a deploying parent or other parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(13)">"Other parent" means an individual who, in common with a deploying parent, is:<subsection number="81-10-101(13)(a)">a parent of a child under the law of this state other than this chapter; or</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(13)(b)">an individual who has custodial responsibility for a child under the law of this state other than this chapter.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(14)">"Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(15)">"Return from deployment" means the conclusion of a service member's deployment as specified in uniformed service orders.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(16)">" Service member" means a member of a uniformed service.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(17)">"Sign" means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record:<subsection number="81-10-101(17)(a)">to execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(17)(b)">to attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or process.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(18)">"State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(19)">"Uniformed service" means:<subsection number="81-10-101(19)(a)">active and reserve components of the United States armed forces;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(19)(b)">the United States Merchant Marine;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(19)(c)">the commissioned corps of the United States Public Health Service;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(19)(d)">the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States; or</subsection><subsection number="81-10-101(19)(e)">the National Guard of a state.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-10-102"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Remedies for noncompliance.</catchline><tab/>In addition to other remedies under the law of this state other than this chapter, if a court finds that a party to a proceeding under this chapter has acted in bad faith or intentionally failed to comply with this chapter or a court order issued under this chapter, the court may assess reasonable attorney fees and costs against the party and order other appropriate relief.</section><section number="81-10-103"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Jurisdiction.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-103(1)">A court may issue an order regarding custodial responsibility under this chapter only if the court has jurisdiction under Chapter 11, Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-103(2)">If a court has issued a temporary order regarding custodial responsibility pursuant to <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-3" start="2">Part 3, Judicial Procedure for Granting Custodial Responsibility During Deployment</xref>, the residence of the deploying parent is not changed by reason of the deployment for the purposes of Chapter 11, Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, during the deployment.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-103(3)">If a court has issued a permanent order regarding custodial responsibility before notice of deployment and the parents modify that order temporarily by agreement pursuant to <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-2" start="2">Part 2, Agreement Addressing Custodial Responsibility During Deployment</xref>, the residence of the deploying parent is not changed by reason of the deployment for the purposes of Chapter 11, Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-103(4)">If a court in another state has issued a temporary order regarding custodial responsibility as a result of impending or current deployment, the residence of the deploying parent is not changed by reason of the deployment for the purposes of Chapter 11, Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-103(5)">This section does not prevent a court from exercising temporary emergency jurisdiction under Chapter 11, Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.</subsection></section><section number="81-10-104"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Notification required of deploying parent.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-104(1)"><subsection number="81-10-104(1)(a)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-105(4)" start="0">(4)</xref> and subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-105(3)" start="0">(3)</xref>, a deploying parent shall in a record notify the other parent of a pending deployment not later than seven days after receiving notice of deployment unless reasonably prevented from doing so by the circumstances of service. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-104(1)(b)">If the circumstances of service prevent giving notification within the seven days, the deploying parent shall give the notification as soon as reasonably possible.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-104(2)"><subsection number="81-10-104(2)(a)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-105(4)" start="0">(4)</xref> and subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-105(3)" start="0">(3)</xref>, each parent shall in a record provide the other parent with a plan for fulfilling that parent's share of custodial responsibility during deployment. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-104(2)(b)">Each parent shall provide the plan as soon as reasonably possible after notification of deployment is given under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-105(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-104(3)"><subsection number="81-10-104(3)(a)">If a court order currently in effect prohibits disclosure of the address or contact information of the other parent, notification of deployment under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-105(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>, or notification of a plan for custodial responsibility during deployment under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-105(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>, may be made only to the issuing court. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-104(3)(b)">If the address of the other parent is available to the issuing court, the court shall forward the notification to the other parent. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-104(3)(c)">The court shall keep confidential the address or contact information of the other parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-104(4)">Notification in a record under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-105(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> or <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-105(2)" start="0">(2)</xref> is not required if the parents are living in the same residence and both parents have actual notice of the deployment or plan.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-104(5)">In a proceeding regarding custodial responsibility, a court may consider the reasonableness of a parent's efforts to comply with this section.</subsection></section><section number="81-10-105"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Duty to notify of change of address.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-105(1)"><subsection number="81-10-105(1)(a)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-106(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>, an individual to whom custodial responsibility has been granted during deployment pursuant to <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-2" start="2">Part 2, Agreement Addressing Custodial Responsibility During Deployment</xref>, or <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-3" start="2">Part 3, Judicial Procedure for Granting Custodial Responsibility During Deployment</xref>, shall notify the deploying parent and any other individual with custodial responsibility of a child of any change of the individual's mailing address or residence until the grant is terminated. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-105(1)(b)">The individual shall provide notice to any court that has issued a custody or child support order concerning the child, which is in effect.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-105(2)"><subsection number="81-10-105(2)(a)">If a court order currently in effect prohibits disclosure of the address or contact information of an individual to whom custodial responsibility has been granted, a notification under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-106(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> may be made only to the court that issued the order. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-105(2)(b)">The court shall keep confidential the mailing address or residence of the individual to whom custodial responsibility has been granted.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-10-106"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>General consideration in custody proceeding of parent's military service.</catchline><tab/>In a proceeding for custodial responsibility of a child of a service member, a court may not consider a parent's past deployment or possible future deployment in itself in determining the best interest of the child but may consider any significant impact on the best interest of the child of the parent's past or possible future deployment.</section></part><part number="81-10-2"><catchline>Agreement Addressing Custodial Responsibility During Deployment</catchline><section number="81-10-201"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Form of agreement.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-201(1)"><subsection number="81-10-201(1)(a)">The parents of a child may enter into a temporary agreement under this part granting custodial responsibility during deployment. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(1)(b)">When the parents of a child include one or more servicemembers, the parents should enter into an agreement granting custodial responsibility before notice of deployment, but may also enter into an agreement granting custodial responsibility following notice of deployment.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(2)">An agreement under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-201(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> shall be:<subsection number="81-10-201(2)(a)">in writing; and</subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(2)(b)">signed by both parents and any nonparent to whom custodial responsibility is granted.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(3)">Subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-201(4)" start="0">(4)</xref>, an agreement under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-201(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>, if feasible, shall:<subsection number="81-10-201(3)(a)">identify the destination, duration, and conditions of the deployment that is the basis for the agreement if the deployment has been noticed;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(3)(b)">specify the allocation of caretaking authority among the deploying parent, the other parent, and any nonparent;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(3)(c)">specify any decision-making authority that accompanies a grant of caretaking authority;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(3)(d)">specify any grant of limited contact to a nonparent;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(3)(e)">if under the agreement custodial responsibility is shared by the other parent and a nonparent, or by other nonparents, provide a process to resolve any dispute that may arise;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(3)(f)">specify the frequency, duration, and means, including electronic means, by which the deploying parent will have contact with the child, any role to be played by the other parent in facilitating the contact, and the allocation of any costs of contact;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(3)(g)">specify the contact between the deploying parent and child during the time the deploying parent is on leave or is otherwise available;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(3)(h)">acknowledge that any party's child-support obligation cannot be modified by the agreement, and that changing the terms of the obligation during deployment requires modification in the appropriate court;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(3)(i)">provide that the agreement will terminate according to the procedures under <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-4" start="2">Part 4, Return from Deployment</xref>, after the deploying parent returns from deployment; and</subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(3)(j)">if the agreement is required to be filed pursuant to Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-205">81-10-205</xref>, specify which parent is required to file the agreement.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(4)">The omission of any of the items specified in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-201(3)" start="0">(3)</xref> does not invalidate an agreement under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-201(5)">A servicemember shall ensure that the servicemember's family care plan reflects orders and agreements entered and filed in accordance with this chapter.</subsection></section><section number="81-10-202"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Nature of authority created by agreement.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-202(1)"><subsection number="81-10-202(1)(a)">An agreement under this part is temporary and terminates pursuant to <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-4" start="2">Part 4, Return from Deployment</xref>, after the deploying parent returns from deployment, unless the agreement has been terminated before that time by court order or modification under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-203">81-10-203</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-202(1)(b)">The agreement may not create an independent, continuing right to caretaking authority, decision-making authority, or limited contact in an individual to whom custodial responsibility is given.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-202(2)">A nonparent who has caretaking authority, decision-making authority, or limited contact by an agreement under this part has standing to enforce the agreement until it has been terminated by court order, by modification under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-203">81-10-203</xref>, or under <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-4" start="2">Part 4, Return from Deployment</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-10-203"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Modification of agreement.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-203(1)">By mutual consent, the parents of a child may modify an agreement regarding custodial responsibility made in accordance with this part.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-203(2)">If an agreement is modified under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-203(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> before deployment of a deploying parent, the modification shall be in writing and signed by both parents and any nonparent who will exercise custodial responsibility under the modified agreement.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-203(3)">If an agreement is modified under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-203(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> during deployment of a deployed parent, the modification shall be agreed to in a record by both parents and any nonparent who will exercise custodial responsibility under the modified agreement.</subsection></section><section number="81-10-204"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Power of attorney.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-204(1)">A deploying parent, by power of attorney, may delegate all or part of custodial responsibility to an adult nonparent for the period of deployment if no other parent possesses custodial responsibility under the law of this state other than this chapter or if a court order currently in effect prohibits contact between the child and the other parent. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-204(2)">The deploying parent may revoke the power of attorney by signing a revocation of the power.</subsection></section><section number="81-10-205"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Filing agreement or power of attorney with court.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-205(1)"><subsection number="81-10-205(1)(a)">An agreement or power of attorney under this part shall be filed within a reasonable time with any court that has entered an order on custodial responsibility or child support that is in effect concerning the child who is the subject of the agreement or power. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-205(1)(b)">The case number and heading of the pending case concerning custodial responsibility or child support shall be provided to the court with the agreement or power.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-205(2)">Notwithstanding Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-205(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>, failure to file an agreement or power of attorney does not invalidate an otherwise valid agreement or power of attorney.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-10-3"><catchline>Judicial Procedure for Granting Custodial Responsibility During Deployment</catchline><section number="81-10-301"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>As used in this part, "close and substantial relationship" means a relationship in which a significant bond exists between a child and a nonparent.</section><section number="81-10-302"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Proceeding for temporary custody -- Order.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-302(1)"><subsection number="81-10-302(1)(a)">After a deploying parent receives notice of deployment and until the deployment terminates, a court may issue a temporary order granting custodial responsibility unless prohibited by Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="39A-6-105" start="0">39A-6-105</xref> and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. Appendix Sections 521 and 522. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-302(1)(b)">A court may not issue a permanent order granting custodial responsibility without the consent of the deploying parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-302(2)"><subsection number="81-10-302(2)(a)">At any time after a deploying parent receives notice of deployment, either parent may file a motion regarding custodial responsibility of a child during deployment. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-302(2)(b)">The motion shall be filed in a pending proceeding for custodial responsibility in a court with jurisdiction under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-103">81-10-103</xref> or, if there is no pending proceeding in a court with jurisdiction under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-103">81-10-103</xref>, in a new action for granting custodial responsibility during deployment.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-10-303"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Expedited hearing.</catchline><tab/>If a motion to grant custodial responsibility is filed under Subsection <xref refnumber="81-10-302(2)" depth="4">81-10-302(2)</xref> before a deploying parent deploys, the court shall conduct an expedited hearing.</section><section number="81-10-304"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Testimony by electronic means.</catchline><tab/>In a proceeding under this part, a party or witness who is not reasonably available to appear personally may appear, provide testimony, and present evidence by electronic means unless the court finds good cause to require a personal appearance.</section><section number="81-10-305"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Effect of prior judicial order or agreement.</catchline><tab/>In a proceeding for a grant of custodial responsibility in accordance with this part, the following rules apply:<subsection number="81-10-305(1)">a prior judicial order designating custodial responsibility in the event of deployment is binding on the court unless the circumstances meet the requirements of the law of this state other than this chapter for modifying a judicial order regarding custodial responsibility; and</subsection><subsection number="81-10-305(2)">the court shall enforce a prior written agreement between the parents for designating custodial responsibility in the event of deployment, including an agreement executed under <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-2" start="2">Part 2, Agreement Addressing Custodial Responsibility During Deployment</xref>, unless the court finds that the agreement is contrary to the best interest of the child.</subsection></section><section number="81-10-306"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Grant of caretaking or decision-making authority to nonparent.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-306(1)">On motion of a deploying parent and in accordance with the law of this state other than this chapter, if it is in the best interest of the child a court may grant caretaking authority to a nonparent who is an adult family member of the child with whom the child has a close and substantial relationship.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-306(2)">Unless a grant of caretaking authority to a nonparent under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-306(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> is agreed to by the other parent, the grant is limited to an amount of time not greater than:<subsection number="81-10-306(2)(a)">the amount of time granted to the deploying parent under a permanent custody order, but the court may add unusual travel time necessary to transport the child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-10-306(2)(b)">in the absence of a permanent custody order that is currently in effect, the amount of time that the deploying parent habitually cared for the child before being notified of deployment, but the court may add unusual travel time necessary to transport the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-306(3)"><subsection number="81-10-306(3)(a)">A court may grant part of a deploying parent's decision-making authority, if the deploying parent is unable to exercise that authority, to a nonparent who is an adult family member of the child with whom the child has a close and substantial relationship. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-306(3)(b)">If a court grants the authority to a nonparent, the court shall specify the decision-making powers granted, including decisions regarding the child's education, religious training, health care, extracurricular activities, and travel.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-10-307"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Grant of limited contact.</catchline><tab/>On motion of a deploying parent, and in accordance with the law of this state other than this chapter, unless the court finds that the contact would be contrary to the best interest of the child, a court shall grant limited contact to a nonparent who is a family member of the child or an individual with whom the child has a close and substantial relationship.</section><section number="81-10-308"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Nature of authority created by temporary custody order.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-308(1)"><subsection number="81-10-308(1)(a)">A grant of authority under this part is temporary and terminates under <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-4" start="2">Part 4, Return from Deployment</xref>, after the return from deployment of the deploying parent, unless the grant has been terminated before that time by court order. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-308(1)(b)">The grant may not create an independent, continuing right to caretaking authority, decision-making authority, or limited contact in an individual to whom it is granted.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-308(2)">A nonparent granted caretaking authority, decision-making authority, or limited contact under this part has standing to enforce the grant until it is terminated by court order or under <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-4" start="2">Part 4, Return from Deployment</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-10-309"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Content of temporary custody order.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-309(1)">An order granting custodial responsibility under this part shall:<subsection number="81-10-309(1)(a)">designate the order as temporary; and</subsection><subsection number="81-10-309(1)(b)">identify to the extent feasible the destination, duration, and conditions of the deployment.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-309(2)">If applicable, an order for custodial responsibility under this part shall:<subsection number="81-10-309(2)(a)">specify the allocation of caretaking authority, decision-making authority, or limited contact among the deploying parent, the other parent, and any nonparent;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-309(2)(b)">if the order divides caretaking or decision-making authority between individuals, or grants caretaking authority to one individual and limited contact to another, provide a process to resolve any dispute that may arise;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-309(2)(c)">provide for liberal communication between the deploying parent and the child during deployment, including through electronic means, unless contrary to the best interest of the child, and allocate any costs of communications;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-309(2)(d)">provide for liberal contact between the deploying parent and the child during the time the deploying parent is on leave or otherwise available, unless contrary to the best interest of the child;</subsection><subsection number="81-10-309(2)(e)">provide for reasonable contact between the deploying parent and the child after return from deployment until the temporary order is terminated, even if the time of contact exceeds the time the deploying parent spent with the child before entry of the temporary order; and</subsection><subsection number="81-10-309(2)(f)">provide that the order will terminate in accordance with <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-4" start="2">Part 4, Return from Deployment</xref>, after the deploying parent returns from deployment.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-10-310"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Order for child support.</catchline><tab/>If a court has issued an order granting caretaking authority under this part, or an agreement granting caretaking authority has been executed under <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-2" start="2">Part 2, Agreement Addressing Custodial Responsibility During Deployment</xref>, the court may enter a temporary order for child support consistent with the law of this state other than this chapter if the court has jurisdiction under Chapter 8, Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.</section><section number="81-10-311"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Modifying or terminating grant of custodial responsibility to nonparent.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-311(1)"><subsection number="81-10-311(1)(a)">Except for an order under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-305">81-10-305</xref>, except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-311(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>, and consistent with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="39A-6-105" start="0">39A-6-105</xref> and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. Appendix Sections 521 and 522, on motion of a deploying parent, other parent, or any nonparent to whom caretaking authority, decision-making authority, or limited contact has been granted, the court may modify or terminate the grant if the modification or termination is consistent with this part and it is in the best interest of the child. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-311(1)(b)">A modification is temporary and terminates in accordance with <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-4" start="2">Part 4, Return from Deployment</xref>, after the deploying parent returns from deployment, unless the grant has been terminated before that time by court order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-311(2)">On motion of a deploying parent, the court shall terminate a grant of limited contact.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-10-4"><catchline>Return from Deployment</catchline><section number="81-10-401"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Procedure for terminating temporary grant of custodial responsibility established by agreement.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-401(1)">At any time after return from deployment, a temporary agreement granting custodial responsibility under <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-2" start="2">Part 2, Agreement Addressing Custodial Responsibility During Deployment</xref>, may be terminated by an agreement to terminate signed by the deploying parent and the other parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-401(2)">A temporary agreement under <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-2" start="2">Part 2, Agreement Addressing Custodial Responsibility During Deployment</xref>, granting custodial responsibility terminates:<subsection number="81-10-401(2)(a)">if an agreement to terminate under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-401(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> specifies a date for termination, on that date; or</subsection><subsection number="81-10-401(2)(b)">if the agreement to terminate does not specify a date, on the date the agreement to terminate is signed by the deploying parent and the other parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-10-401(3)">In the absence of an agreement under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-20-401(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> to terminate, a temporary agreement granting custodial responsibility terminates under <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-2" start="2">Part 2, Agreement Addressing Custodial Responsibility During Deployment</xref>, 30 days after the deploying parent gives notice to the other parent that the deploying parent returned from deployment.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-401(4)"><subsection number="81-10-401(4)(a)">If a temporary agreement granting custodial responsibility was filed with a court in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-10-205">81-10-205</xref>, an agreement to terminate the temporary agreement shall also be filed with that court within a reasonable time after the signing of the agreement. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-401(4)(b)">The case number and heading of the case concerning custodial responsibility or child support shall be provided to the court with the agreement to terminate.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-10-402"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Consent procedure for terminating temporary grant of custodial responsibility established by court order.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-402(1)">At any time after a deploying parent returns from deployment, the deploying parent and the other parent may file with the court an agreement to terminate a temporary order for custodial responsibility issued under <xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-20-3" start="2">Part 3, Judicial Procedure for Granting Custodial Responsibility During Deployment</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-402(2)">After an agreement has been filed, the court shall issue an order terminating the temporary order effective on the date specified in the agreement. </subsection><subsection number="81-10-402(3)">If a date is not specified, the order is effective immediately.</subsection></section><section number="81-10-403"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Visitation before termination of temporary grant of custodial responsibility.</catchline>After a deploying parent returns from deployment until a temporary agreement or order for custodial responsibility established under Part 2, Agreement Addressing Custodial Responsibility During Deployment, or a provision of a court order specifying temporary custodial responsibility during deployment issued under Part 3, Judicial Procedure for Granting Custodial Responsibility During Deployment, or Chapter 9, Custody, Parent-time, and Visitation, is terminated, the court shall issue a temporary order granting the deploying parent reasonable contact with the child unless it is contrary to the best interest of the child, even if the time of contact exceeds the time the deploying parent spent with the child before deployment.</section><section number="81-10-404"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Termination by operation of law of temporary grant of custodial responsibility established by court order.</catchline><subsection number="81-10-404(1)">If an agreement between the parties to terminate a court order for temporary custodial responsibility during deployment under Part 3, Judicial Procedure for Granting Custodial Responsibility During Deployment, or to terminate a provision of an order for temporary custodial responsibility during deployment entered under Chapter 9, Custody, Parent-time, and Visitation, has not been filed, the temporary order terminates 30 days after the day on which the deploying parent gives notice to the other parent and any nonparent granted custodial responsibility that the deploying parent has returned from deployment.</subsection><subsection number="81-10-404(2)">A proceeding seeking to prevent termination of a temporary order for custodial responsibility is governed by the law of this state other than this chapter.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-10-5"><catchline>Applicability Provisions</catchline><section number="81-10-501"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Uniformity of application and construction.</catchline><tab/>In applying and construing this chapter, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to this uniform law's subject matter among states that enact this uniform law.</section><section number="81-10-502"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.</catchline><tab/>This chapter modifies, limits, or supersedes the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit, or supersede Section 101(c) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in Section 103(b) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7003(b).</section><section number="81-10-503"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Savings clause.</catchline><tab/>This chapter does not affect the validity of a temporary court order concerning custodial responsibility during deployment that was entered before May 10, 2016.</section></part></chapter><chapter number="81-11"><catchline>Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act</catchline><part number="81-11-1"><catchline>General Provisions</catchline><section number="81-11-101"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for chapter.</catchline><tab/>As used in this chapter:<subsection number="81-11-101(1)">"Abandoned" means left without provision for reasonable and necessary care or supervision.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(2)"><subsection number="81-11-101(2)(a)">"Child custody determination" means a judgment, decree, or other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody, or parent-time with respect to a minor child. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(2)(b)">"Child custody determination" includes a permanent, temporary, initial, and modification order. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(2)(c)">"Child custody determination" does not include an order relating to child support or other monetary obligation of an individual.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(3)"><subsection number="81-11-101(3)(a)">"Child custody proceeding" means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody, or parent-time with respect to a minor child is an issue. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(3)(b)">"Child custody proceeding" includes a proceeding for divorce, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights, and protection from domestic violence, in which the issue may appear.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(3)(c)">"Child custody proceeding" does not include a proceeding involving juvenile delinquency, contractual emancipation, or enforcement under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P3_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-3" start="2">Part 3, Enforcement</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(4)">"Commencement" means the filing of the first pleading in a proceeding.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(5)">"Court" means an entity authorized under the law of a state to establish, enforce, or modify a child custody determination.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(6)">"Home state" means: <subsection number="81-11-101(6)(a)">if the minor child is six months old or older, the state in which a minor child lived with a parent or a person acting as a parent for at least six consecutive months immediately before the commencement of a child custody proceeding, including any period of temporary absence of the parent or the person acting as a parent during that time period; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(6)(b)">if the minor child is younger than six months old, the state in which the minor child lived from birth with a parent or a person acting as parent, including any period of temporary absence of the parent or the person acting as a parent during that time period.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(7)">"Initial determination" means the first child custody determination concerning a particular minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(8)">"Issuing court" means the court that makes a child custody determination for which enforcement is sought under this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(9)">"Issuing state" means the state in which a child custody determination is made.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(10)">"Modification" means a child custody determination that changes, replaces, supersedes, or is otherwise made after a previous determination concerning the same minor child, whether or not it is made by the court that made the previous determination.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(11)">"Person" includes government, governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(12)">"Person acting as a parent" means a person, other than a parent, who:<subsection number="81-11-101(12)(a)">has physical custody of the minor child or has had physical custody for a period of six consecutive months, including any temporary absence, within one year immediately before the commencement of a child custody proceeding; and</subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(12)(b)">has been awarded legal custody by a court or claims a right to legal custody under the law of this state.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(13)">"Physical custody" means the physical care and supervision of a minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(14)">"State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(15)">"Tribe" means an Indian tribe, or band, or Alaskan Native village which is recognized by federal law or formally acknowledged by a state.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-101(16)">"Writ of assistance" means an order issued by a court authorizing law enforcement officers to take physical custody of a minor child.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-102"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Proceedings governed by other law.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-102(1)">As used in this section, "adoption proceeding" means any proceeding under Chapter 13, Adoption.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-102(2)">This chapter does not govern:<subsection number="81-11-102(2)(a)">an adoption proceeding; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-102(2)(b)">a proceeding pertaining to the authorization of emergency medical care for a minor child.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-11-103"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Application to Indian tribes.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-103(1)">A child custody proceeding that pertains to an Indian child as defined in the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq., is not subject to this chapter to the extent that it is governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-103(2)">A court of this state shall treat a tribe as a state of the United States for purposes of <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P1_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-1" start="2">Part 1, General Provisions</xref>, and <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-103(3)">A child custody determination made by a tribe under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of this chapter shall be recognized and enforced under the provisions of <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P3_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-3" start="2">Part 3, Enforcement</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-104"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>International application of chapter.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-104(1)">A court of this state shall treat a foreign country as a state of the United States for purposes of applying <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P1_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-1" start="2">Part 1, General Provisions</xref>, and <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-104(2)">A child custody determination made in a foreign country under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of this chapter shall be recognized and enforced under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P3_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-3" start="2">Part 3, Enforcement</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-104(3)">The court need not apply the provisions of this chapter when the child custody law of the other country violates fundamental principles of human rights.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-105"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Binding force of child custody determination.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-105(1)">A child custody determination made by a court of this state that had jurisdiction under this chapter binds all persons who have:<subsection number="81-11-105(1)(a)"><subsection number="81-11-105(1)(a)(i)">been served in accordance with the laws of this state or notified in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-107">81-11-107</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-105(1)(a)(ii)">submitted to the jurisdiction of the court; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-105(1)(b)">been given an opportunity to be heard. </subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-105(2)">The determination is conclusive as to the persons described in Subsection <xref tempid="851" depth="4" refnumber="78B-13-106(1)">(1)</xref> as to all decided issues of law and fact except to the extent the determination is modified.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-106"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Priority.</catchline><tab/>If a question of existence or exercise of jurisdiction under this chapter is raised in a child custody proceeding, the question, upon request of a party, shall be given priority on the calendar and handled expeditiously.</section><section number="81-11-107"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Notice to persons outside state.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-107(1)"><subsection number="81-11-107(1)(a)">Notice required for the exercise of jurisdiction when a person is outside this state may be given in a manner prescribed by the law of this state for the service of process or by the law of the state in which the service is made. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-107(1)(b)">Notice shall be given in a manner reasonably calculated to give actual notice, but may be by publication if other means are not effective.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-107(2)">Proof of service may be made in the manner prescribed by the law of this state or by the law of the state in which the service is made.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-107(3)">Notice is not required for the exercise of jurisdiction with respect to a person who submits to the jurisdiction of the court.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-108"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Appearance and limited immunity.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-108(1)">A party to a child custody proceeding who is not subject to personal jurisdiction in this state and is a responding party under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>, a party in a proceeding to modify a child custody determination under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>, or a petitioner in a proceeding to enforce or register a child custody determination under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P3_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-3" start="2">Part 3, Enforcement</xref>, may appear and participate in the proceeding without submitting to personal jurisdiction over the party for another proceeding or purpose.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-108(2)"><subsection number="81-11-108(2)(a)">A party is not subject to personal jurisdiction in this state solely by being physically present for the purpose of participating in a proceeding under this chapter. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-108(2)(b)">If a party is subject to personal jurisdiction in this state on a basis other than physical presence, the party may be served with process in this state. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-108(2)(c)">If a party present in this state is subject to the jurisdiction of another state, service of process allowable under the laws of that state may be accomplished in this state.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-108(3)">The immunity granted by this section does not extend to civil litigation based on acts unrelated to the participation in a proceeding under this chapter committed by an individual while present in this state.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-109"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Communication between courts.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-109(1)">As used in this section:<subsection number="81-11-109(1)(a)">"Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that which is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-109(1)(b)">"Record" includes:<subsection number="81-11-109(1)(b)(i)">notes or transcripts of a court reporter who listened to a conference call between the courts;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-109(1)(b)(ii)">an electronic recording of a telephone call;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-109(1)(b)(iii)">a memorandum or an electronic record of the communication between the courts; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-109(1)(b)(iv)">a memorandum or an electronic record made by a court after the communication.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-109(2)">A court of this state may communicate with a court in another state concerning a proceeding arising under this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-109(3)"><subsection number="81-11-109(3)(a)">The court may allow the parties to participate in the communication. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-109(3)(b)">If the parties are not able to participate in the communication, the parties shall be given the opportunity to present facts and legal arguments before a decision on jurisdiction is made.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-109(4)"><subsection number="81-11-109(4)(a)">A communication between courts on schedules, calendars, court records, and similar matters may occur without informing the parties. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-109(4)(b)">A record need not be made of that communication.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-109(5)"><subsection number="81-11-109(5)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection (4), a record shall be made of the communication. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-109(5)(b)">The parties shall be informed promptly of the communication and granted access to the record.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-11-110"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Taking testimony in another state.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-110(1)"><subsection number="81-11-110(1)(a)">In addition to other procedures available to a party, a party to a child custody proceeding may offer testimony of witnesses who are located in another state, including testimony of the parties and the minor child, by deposition or other means allowable in this state for testimony taken in another state. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-110(1)(b)">The court on the court's own motion may:<subsection number="81-11-110(1)(b)(i)"> order that the testimony of a person be taken in another state; and </subsection><subsection number="81-11-110(1)(b)(ii)">prescribe the manner in which and the terms upon which the testimony is taken.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-110(2)"><subsection number="81-11-110(2)(a)">A court of this state may permit an individual residing in another state to be deposed or to testify by telephone, audiovisual means, or other electronic means before a designated court or at another location in that state. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-110(2)(b)">A court of this state shall cooperate with courts of other states in designating an appropriate location for the deposition or testimony.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-110(3)">Documentary evidence transmitted from another state to a court of this state by technological means that do not produce an original writing may not be excluded from evidence on an objection based on the means of transmission.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-111"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Cooperation between courts -- Preservation of records.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-111(1)">A court of this state may request the appropriate court of another state to:<subsection number="81-11-111(1)(a)">hold an evidentiary hearing;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-111(1)(b)">order a person to produce or give evidence under procedures of that state;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-111(1)(c)">order that an evaluation be made with respect to the custody of a minor child involved in a pending proceeding;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-111(1)(d)">forward to the court of this state a certified copy of the transcript of the record of the hearing, the evidence otherwise presented, and any evaluation prepared in compliance with the request; and</subsection><subsection number="81-11-111(1)(e)">order a party to a child custody proceeding or any person having physical custody of the minor child to appear in the proceeding with or without the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-111(2)">Upon request of a court of another state, a court of this state may:<subsection number="81-11-111(2)(a)">hold a hearing or enter an order described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S112_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-112(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-111(2)(b)">order a person in this state to appear alone or with the minor child in a custody proceeding in another state.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-111(3)"><subsection number="81-11-111(3)(a)">A court of this state may condition compliance with a request under Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S112_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-112(2)(b)" start="0">(2)(b)</xref> upon assurance by the other state that travel and other necessary expenses will be advanced or reimbursed. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-111(3)(b)">If an individual who has physical custody of the minor child cannot be served or fails to obey the order, or it appears the order will be ineffective, the court may issue a warrant of arrest against the individual to secure the individual's appearance with the minor child in the other state.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-111(4)">Travel and other necessary and reasonable expenses incurred under Subsections <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S112_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-112(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> and <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S112_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-112(2)" start="0">(2)</xref> may be assessed against the parties according to the law of this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-111(5)"><subsection number="81-11-111(5)(a)">A court of this state shall preserve the pleadings, orders, decrees, records of hearings, evaluations, and other pertinent records with respect to a child custody proceeding until the minor child is 18 years old. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-111(5)(b)">Upon appropriate request by a court or law enforcement official of another state, the court shall forward a certified copy of these records.</subsection></subsection></section></part><part number="81-11-2"><catchline>Jurisdiction</catchline><section number="81-11-201"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Initial child custody jurisdiction.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-201(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-204">81-11-204</xref>, a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial child custody determination only if:<subsection number="81-11-201(1)(a)">this state is the home state of the minor child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding, or was the home state of the minor child within six months before the commencement of the proceeding and the minor child is absent from this state but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to live in this state;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-201(1)(b)">a court of another state does not have jurisdiction under Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S201_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-201(1)(a)" start="0">(1)(a)</xref>, or a court of the home state of the minor child has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that this state is the more appropriate forum under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-207">81-11-207</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-208">81-11-208</xref>, and:<subsection number="81-11-201(1)(b)(i)">the minor child and the minor child's parents, or the minor child and at least one parent or a person acting as a parent have a significant connection with this state other than mere physical presence; and</subsection><subsection number="81-11-201(1)(b)(ii)">substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the minor child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-201(1)(c)">all courts having jurisdiction under Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S201_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-201(1)(a)" start="0">(1)(a)</xref> or <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S201_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-201(1)(b)" start="0">(b)</xref> have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that a court of this state is the more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the minor child under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-207">81-11-207</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-208">81-11-208</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-201(1)(d)">no state would have jurisdiction under Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S201_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-201(1)(a)" start="0">(1)(a)</xref>, <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S201_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-201(1)(b)" start="0">(b)</xref>, or <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S201_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-201(1)(c)" start="0">(c)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-201(2)">Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S201_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-201(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child custody determination by a court of this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-201(3)">Physical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party or a minor child is neither necessary nor sufficient to make a child custody determination.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-202"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-202(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-204">81-11-204</xref>, a court of this state that has made a child custody determination consistent with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-201">81-11-201</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-203">81-11-203</xref> has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction over the determination until:<subsection number="81-11-202(1)(a)">a court of this state determines that the minor child, the minor child and one parent, and the minor child and a person acting as a parent do not have a significant connection with this state and that substantial evidence is no longer available in this state concerning the minor child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-202(1)(b)">a court of this state or a court of another state determines that the minor child, a parent, and any person acting as a parent do not presently reside in this state.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-202(2)">A court of this state that has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under this section may decline to exercise the court's jurisdiction if the court determines that it is an inconvenient forum under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-207">81-11-207</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-202(3)">A court of this state that has made a child custody determination and does not have exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under this section may modify that determination only if the court has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-201">81-11-201</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-203"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Jurisdiction to modify determination.</catchline><tab/>Except as otherwise provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-204">81-11-204</xref>, a court of this state may not modify a child custody determination made by a court of another state unless a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under Subsection <xref refnumber="81-11-201(1)(a)" depth="4">81-11-201(1)(a)</xref> or <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S201_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-201(1)(b)" start="0">(b)</xref> and:<subsection number="81-11-203(1)">the court of the other state determines the court no longer has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-202">81-11-202</xref> or that a court of this state would be a more convenient forum under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-207">81-11-207</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-203(2)">a court of this state or a court of the other state determines that the minor child, a parent, and any person acting as a parent presently do not reside in the other state.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-204"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Temporary emergency jurisdiction.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-204(1)">A court of this state has temporary emergency jurisdiction if the minor child is present in this state and the minor child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the minor child because the minor child, or a sibling or parent of the minor child, is subjected to or threatened with mistreatment or abuse.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-204(2)"><subsection number="81-11-204(2)(a)">If there is no previous child custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this chapter, and if no child custody proceeding has been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-201">81-11-201</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-203">81-11-203</xref>, a child custody determination made under this section remains in effect until an order is obtained from a court of a state having jurisdiction under Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-201">81-11-201</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-203">81-11-203</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-204(2)(b)">If a child custody proceeding has not been or is not commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-201">81-11-201</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-203">81-11-203</xref>, a child custody determination made under this section becomes a final determination, if:<subsection number="81-11-204(2)(b)(i)">it so provides; and</subsection><subsection number="81-11-204(2)(b)(ii)">this state becomes the home state of the minor child.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-204(3)"><subsection number="81-11-204(3)(a)">If there is a previous child custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this chapter, or a child custody proceeding has been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-201">81-11-201</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-203">81-11-203</xref>, any order issued by a court of this state under this section shall specify in the order a period of time which the court considers adequate to allow the person seeking an order to obtain an order from the state having jurisdiction under Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-201">81-11-201</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-203">81-11-203</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-204(3)(b)">The order issued in this state remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other state within the period specified or the period expires.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-204(4)"><subsection number="81-11-204(4)(a)">A court of this state that has been asked to make a child custody determination under this section, upon being informed that a child custody proceeding has been commenced, or a child custody determination has been made, by a court of a state having jurisdiction under Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-201">81-11-201</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-203">81-11-203</xref>, shall immediately communicate with the other court. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-204(4)(b)">A court of this state that is exercising jurisdiction in accordance with Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-201">81-11-201</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-203">81-11-203</xref>, upon being informed that a child custody proceeding has been commenced, or a child custody determination has been made by a court of another state under a statute similar to this section shall immediately communicate with the court of that state. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-204(4)(c)">The purpose of the communication is to resolve the emergency, protect the safety of the parties and the minor child, and determine a period for the duration of the temporary order.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-11-205"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Notice -- Opportunity to be heard -- Joinder.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-205(1)">Before a child custody determination is made under this chapter, notice and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the standards of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-107">81-11-107</xref> shall be given to all persons entitled to notice under the law of this state as in child custody proceedings between residents of this state, any parent whose parental rights have not been previously terminated, and any person having physical custody of the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-205(2)">This chapter does not govern the enforceability of a child custody determination made without notice and an opportunity to be heard.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-205(3)">The obligation to join a party and the right to intervene as a party in a child custody proceeding under this chapter are governed by the law of this state as in child custody proceedings between residents of this state.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-206"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Simultaneous proceedings.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-206(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-204">81-11-204</xref>, a court of this state may not exercise its jurisdiction under this chapter if at the time of the commencement of the proceeding a proceeding concerning the custody of the minor child had been previously commenced in a court of another state having jurisdiction substantially in conformity with this chapter, unless the proceeding has been terminated or is stayed by the court of the other state because a court of this state is a more convenient forum under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-207">81-11-207</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-206(2)"><subsection number="81-11-206(2)(a)">Except as otherwise provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-204">81-11-204</xref>, a court of this state, before hearing a child custody proceeding, shall examine the court documents and other information supplied by the parties in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-209">81-11-209</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-206(2)(b)">If the court determines that a child custody proceeding was previously commenced in a court in another state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this chapter, the court of this state shall stay the court's proceeding and communicate with the court of the other state. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-206(2)(c)">If the court of the state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this chapter does not determine that the court of this state is a more appropriate forum, the court of this state shall dismiss the proceeding.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-206(3)"><subsection number="81-11-206(3)(a)">In a proceeding to modify a child custody determination, a court of this state shall determine whether a proceeding to enforce the determination has been commenced in another state. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-206(3)(b)">If a proceeding to enforce a child custody determination has been commenced in another state, the court may:<subsection number="81-11-206(3)(b)(i)">stay the proceeding for modification pending the entry of an order of a court of the other state enforcing, staying, denying, or dismissing the proceeding for enforcement;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-206(3)(b)(ii)">enjoin the parties from continuing with the proceeding for enforcement; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-206(3)(b)(iii)">proceed with the modification under conditions it considers appropriate.</subsection></subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-11-207"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Inconvenient forum.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-207(1)"><subsection number="81-11-207(1)(a)">A court of this state that has jurisdiction under this chapter to make a child custody determination may decline to exercise its jurisdiction at any time if the court determines that the court is an inconvenient forum under the circumstances and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-207(1)(b)">The issue of inconvenient forum may be raised upon the court's own motion, request of another court, or motion of a party.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-207(2)"><subsection number="81-11-207(2)(a)">Before determining whether the court is an inconvenient forum, a court of this state shall consider whether it is appropriate that a court of another state exercise jurisdiction. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-207(2)(b)">In making a determination under Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-13-207(2)(a)" depth="4">(2)(a)</xref>, the court shall:<subsection number="81-11-207(2)(b)(i)"> allow the parties to submit information; and </subsection><subsection number="81-11-207(2)(b)(ii)">consider all relevant factors, including:<subsection number="81-11-207(2)(b)(ii)(A)">whether domestic violence has occurred and is likely to continue in the future and which state could best protect the parties and the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-207(2)(b)(ii)(B)">the length of time the minor child has resided outside this state;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-207(2)(b)(ii)(C)">the distance between the court in this state and the court in the state that would assume jurisdiction;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-207(2)(b)(ii)(D)">the relative financial circumstances of the parties;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-207(2)(b)(ii)(E)">any agreement of the parties as to which state should assume jurisdiction;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-207(2)(b)(ii)(F)">the nature and location of the evidence required to resolve the pending litigation, including the testimony of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-207(2)(b)(ii)(G)">the ability of the court of each state to decide the issue expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present the evidence; and</subsection><subsection number="81-11-207(2)(b)(ii)(H)">the familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues of the pending litigation.</subsection></subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-207(3)">If a court of this state determines that the court is an inconvenient forum and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum, the court shall stay the proceedings upon condition that a child custody proceeding be promptly commenced in another designated state and may impose any other condition the court considers just and proper.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-207(4)">A court of this state may decline to exercise the court's jurisdiction under this chapter if a child custody determination is incidental to an action for divorce or another proceeding while still retaining jurisdiction over the divorce or other proceeding.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-208"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-208(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-204">81-11-204</xref> or by other law of this state, if a court of this state has jurisdiction under this chapter because a person invoking the jurisdiction has engaged in unjustifiable conduct, the court shall decline to exercise the court's jurisdiction unless:<subsection number="81-11-208(1)(a)">the parents and all persons acting as parents have acquiesced in the exercise of jurisdiction;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-208(1)(b)">a court of the state otherwise having jurisdiction under Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-201">81-11-201</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-203">81-11-203</xref> determines that this state is a more appropriate forum under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-207">81-11-207</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-208(1)(c)">no other state would have jurisdiction under Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-201">81-11-201</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-203">81-11-203</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-208(2)">If a court of this state declines to exercise the court's jurisdiction in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S208_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-208(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>, the court may fashion an appropriate remedy to ensure the safety of the minor child and prevent a repetition of the wrongful conduct, including staying the proceeding until a child custody proceeding is commenced in a court having jurisdiction under Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-201">81-11-201</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-203">81-11-203</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-208(3)"><subsection number="81-11-208(3)(a)">If a court dismisses a petition or stays a proceeding because it declines to exercise the court's jurisdiction in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S208_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-208(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>, the court shall charge the party invoking the jurisdiction of the court with necessary and reasonable expenses including costs, communication expenses, attorney fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees are sought establishes that the award would be clearly inappropriate. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-208(3)(b)">The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against this state except as otherwise provided by law other than this chapter.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-11-209"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Information to be submitted to court.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-209(1)"><subsection number="81-11-209(1)(a)">In a child custody proceeding, each party, in the party's first pleading or in an attached affidavit, shall give information, if reasonably ascertainable, under oath as to the minor child's present address, the places where the minor child has lived during the last five years, and the names and present addresses of the persons with whom the minor child has lived during that period. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-209(1)(b)">The pleading or affidavit shall state whether the party:<subsection number="81-11-209(1)(b)(i)">has participated, as a party or witness or in any other capacity, in any other proceeding concerning the custody of or parent-time with the minor child and, if so, identify the court, the case number of the proceeding, and the date of the child custody determination, if any;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-209(1)(b)(ii)">knows of any proceeding that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings for enforcement and proceedings relating to domestic violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so, identify the court and the case number and the nature of the proceeding; and</subsection><subsection number="81-11-209(1)(b)(iii)">knows the names and addresses of any person not a party to the proceeding who has physical custody of the minor child or claims rights of legal custody or physical custody of, or parent-time with, the minor child and, if so, the names and addresses of those persons.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-209(2)">If the information required by Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S209_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-209(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> is not furnished, the court, upon the court's own motion or that of a party, may stay the proceeding until the information is furnished.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-209(3)"><subsection number="81-11-209(3)(a)">If the declaration as to any of the items described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S209_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-209(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> is in the affirmative, the declarant shall give additional information under oath as required by the court. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-209(3)(b)">The court may examine the parties under oath as to details of the information furnished and other matters pertinent to the court's jurisdiction and the disposition of the case.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-209(4)">Each party has a continuing duty to inform the court of any proceeding in this or any other state that could affect the current proceeding.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-209(5)">If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or minor child would be put at risk by the disclosure of identifying information, that information shall be sealed and not disclosed to the other party or the public unless the court orders the disclosure to be made after a hearing in which the court takes into consideration the health, safety, or liberty of the party or minor child and determines that the disclosure is in the interest of justice.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-210"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Appearance of parties and child.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-210(1)"><subsection number="81-11-210(1)(a)">A court of this state may order a party to a child custody proceeding who is in this state to appear before the court personally with or without the minor child. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-210(1)(b)">The court may order any person who is in this state and who has physical custody or control of the minor child to appear physically with the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-210(2)">If a party to a child custody proceeding whose presence is desired by the court is outside this state, the court may order that a notice given in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-107">81-11-107</xref> include a statement directing the party to appear personally with or without the minor child and declaring that failure to appear may result in a decision adverse to the party.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-210(3)">The court may enter any orders necessary to ensure the safety of the minor child and of any person ordered to appear under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-210(4)">If a party to a child custody proceeding who is outside this state is directed to appear under Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S210_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-210(2)" start="0">(2)</xref> or desires to appear personally before the court with or without the minor child, the court may require another party to pay reasonable and necessary travel and other expenses of the party so appearing and of the minor child.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-11-3"><catchline>Enforcement</catchline><section number="81-11-301"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>As used in this part:<subsection number="81-11-301(1)">"Petitioner" means a person who seeks enforcement of a child custody determination or enforcement of an order for the return of the minor child under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-301(2)">"Respondent" means a person against whom a proceeding has been commenced for enforcement of a child custody determination or enforcement of an order for the return of the minor child under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-302"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Scope -- Hague Convention Enforcement.</catchline><tab/>This chapter may be invoked to enforce:<subsection number="81-11-302(1)">a child custody determination; and</subsection><subsection number="81-11-302(2)">an order for the return of the minor child made under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-303"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Duty to enforce.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-303(1)">A court of this state shall recognize and enforce a child custody determination of a court of another state if the latter court exercised jurisdiction that was in substantial conformity with this chapter or the determination was made under factual circumstances meeting the jurisdictional standards of this chapter and the determination has not been modified in accordance with this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-303(2)"><subsection number="81-11-303(2)(a)">A court may utilize any remedy available under other law of this state to enforce a child custody determination made by a court of another state. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-303(2)(b)">The procedure provided by this part does not affect the availability of other remedies to enforce a child custody determination.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-11-304"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Temporary parent-time.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-304(1)">A court of this state which does not have jurisdiction to modify a child custody determination may issue a temporary order enforcing:<subsection number="81-11-304(1)(a)">a parent-time schedule made by a court of another state; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-304(1)(b)">the parent-time provisions of a child custody determination of another state that does not provide for a specific parent-time schedule.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-304(2)"><subsection number="81-11-304(2)(a)">If a court of this state makes an order under Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S304_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-304(1)(b)" start="0">(1)(b)</xref>, the court shall specify in the order a period that the court considers adequate to allow the petitioner to obtain an order from a court having jurisdiction under the criteria specified in <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-304(2)(b)">The order remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other court or the period expires.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-11-305"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Registration of child custody determination.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-305(1)">A child custody determination issued by a court of another state may be registered in this state, with or without a simultaneous request for enforcement, by sending to the district court in this state:<subsection number="81-11-305(1)(a)">a letter or other document requesting registration;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-305(1)(b)">two copies, including one certified copy, of the determination sought to be registered, and a statement under penalty of perjury that to the best of the knowledge and belief of the person seeking registration the order has not been modified; and</subsection><subsection number="81-11-305(1)(c)">except as otherwise provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-209">81-11-209</xref>, the name and address of the person seeking registration and any parent or person acting as a parent who has been awarded custody or parent-time in the child custody determination sought to be registered.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-305(2)">On receipt of the documents required by Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S305_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-305(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>, the registering court shall:<subsection number="81-11-305(2)(a)">cause the determination to be filed as a foreign judgment, together with one copy of any accompanying documents and information, regardless of their form; and</subsection><subsection number="81-11-305(2)(b)">serve notice upon a person named as described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-13-305(1)(c)" depth="4">(1)(c)</xref> and provide the person with an opportunity to contest the registration in accordance with this section.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-305(3)">The notice required by Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-13-S305_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-305(2)(b)" start="0">(2)(b)</xref> shall state:<subsection number="81-11-305(3)(a)">that a registered determination is enforceable as of the date of the registration in the same manner as a determination issued by a court of this state;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-305(3)(b)">that a hearing to contest the validity of the registered determination shall be requested within 20 days after service of notice; and</subsection><subsection number="81-11-305(3)(c)">that failure to contest the registration will result in confirmation of the child custody determination and preclude further contest of that determination with respect to any matter that could have been asserted.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-305(4)"><subsection number="81-11-305(4)(a)">A person seeking to contest the validity of a registered order shall request a hearing within 20 days after service of the notice. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-305(4)(b)">At that hearing, the court shall confirm the registered order unless the person contesting registration establishes that:<subsection number="81-11-305(4)(b)(i)">the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-305(4)(b)(ii)">the child custody determination sought to be registered has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-305(4)(b)(iii)">the person contesting registration was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-107">81-11-107</xref> in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which registration is sought.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-305(5)">If a timely request for a hearing to contest the validity of the registration is not made, the registration is confirmed as a matter of law and the person requesting registration and all persons served shall be notified of the confirmation.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-305(6)">Confirmation of a registered order, whether by operation of law or after notice and hearing, precludes further contest of the order with respect to any matter which could have been asserted at the time of registration.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-306"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Enforcement of registered determination.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-306(1)">A court of this state may grant any relief normally available under the law of this state to enforce a registered child custody determination made by a court of another state.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-306(2)">A court of this state shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify except in accordance with <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>, a registered child custody determination of another state.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-307"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Simultaneous proceedings.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-307(1)">If a proceeding for enforcement under this part has been or is commenced in this state and a court of this state determines that a proceeding to modify the determination has been commenced in another state having jurisdiction to modify the determination under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>, the enforcing court shall immediately communicate with the modifying court. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-307(2)">The proceeding for enforcement continues unless the enforcing court, after consultation with the modifying court, stays or dismisses the proceeding.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-308"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Expedited enforcement of child custody determination.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-308(1)"><subsection number="81-11-308(1)(a)">A petition under this part shall be verified. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(1)(b)">Certified copies of all orders sought to be enforced and of the order confirming registration, if any, shall be attached to the petition. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(1)(c)">A copy of a certified copy of an order may be attached instead of the original.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(2)">A petition for enforcement of a child custody determination shall state:<subsection number="81-11-308(2)(a)">whether the court that issued the determination identified the jurisdictional basis the court relied upon in exercising jurisdiction and, if so, what the basis was;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(2)(b)">whether the determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court whose decision shall be enforced under this chapter or federal law and, if so, identify the court, the case number of the proceeding, and the action taken;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(2)(c)">whether any proceeding has been commenced that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings relating to domestic violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so, identify the court and the case number and the nature of the proceeding;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(2)(d)">the present physical address of the minor child and the respondent, if known; and</subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(2)(e)">whether relief in addition to the immediate physical custody of the minor child and attorney fees is sought, including a request for assistance from law enforcement officials and, if so, the relief sought.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(3)">If the child custody determination has been registered and confirmed under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-305">81-11-305</xref>, the petition shall also state the date and place of registration.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(4)">The court shall issue an order directing the respondent to appear with or without the minor child at a hearing and may enter any orders necessary to ensure the safety of the parties and the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(5)"><subsection number="81-11-308(5)(a)">The hearing shall be held on the next judicial day following service of process unless that date is impossible. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(5)(b)">In that event, the court shall hold the hearing on the first day possible. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(5)(c)">The court may extend the date of hearing at the request of the petitioner.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(6)">The order shall:<subsection number="81-11-308(6)(a)"> state the time and place of the hearing; and </subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(6)(b)">advise the respondent that at the hearing the court will order the delivery of the child and the payment of fees, costs, and expenses under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-312">81-11-312</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(7)">The order may set an additional hearing to determine whether further relief is appropriate, unless the respondent appears and establishes that:<subsection number="81-11-308(7)(a)">the child custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-305">81-11-305</xref>, and that:<subsection number="81-11-308(7)(a)(i)">the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(7)(a)(ii)">the child custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>, or federal law; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(7)(a)(iii)">the respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-107">81-11-107</xref> in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-308(7)(b)">the child custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered and confirmed under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-305">81-11-305</xref>, but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>, or federal law.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-11-309"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Service of petition and order.</catchline><tab/>Except as otherwise provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-311">81-11-311</xref>, the petition and order shall be served, by any method authorized by the law of this state, upon respondent and any person who has physical custody of the minor child.</section><section number="81-11-310"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Hearing and order.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-310(1)">Unless the court enters a temporary emergency order in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-204">81-11-204</xref>, upon a finding that a petitioner is entitled to the physical custody of the minor child immediately, the court shall order the minor child delivered to the petitioner unless the respondent establishes that:<subsection number="81-11-310(1)(a)">the child custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-305">81-11-305</xref>, and that:<subsection number="81-11-310(1)(a)(i)">the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-310(1)(a)(ii)">the child custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>, or federal law; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-310(1)(a)(iii)">the respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-107">81-11-107</xref> in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-310(1)(b)">the child custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered and confirmed under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-305">81-11-305</xref>, but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>, or federal law.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-310(2)">The court shall award the fees, costs, and expenses authorized under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-312">81-11-312</xref> and may grant additional relief, including a request for the assistance of law enforcement officials, and set a further hearing to determine whether additional relief is appropriate.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-310(3)">If a party called to testify refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the court may draw an adverse inference from the refusal.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-310(4)">A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses and a defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and minor child may not be invoked in a proceeding under this chapter.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-311"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Writ to take physical custody of child.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-311(1)">Upon the filing of a petition seeking enforcement of a child custody determination, the petitioner may file a verified application for the issuance of a writ of assistance to take physical custody of the minor child if the minor child is likely to suffer serious imminent physical harm or removal from this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-311(2)"><subsection number="81-11-311(2)(a)">If the court, upon the testimony of the petitioner or other witness, finds that the minor child is likely to suffer serious imminent physical harm or be imminently removed from this state, the court may issue a writ of assistance to take physical custody of the minor child. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-311(2)(b)">The petition shall be heard within 72 hours after the writ is executed. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-311(2)(c)">The writ shall include the statements required by Subsection <xref refnumber="81-11-308(2)" depth="4">81-11-308(2)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-311(3)">A writ to take physical custody of a minor child shall:<subsection number="81-11-311(3)(a)">recite the facts upon which a conclusion of serious imminent physical harm or removal from the jurisdiction is based;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-311(3)(b)">direct law enforcement officers to take physical custody of the minor child immediately; and</subsection><subsection number="81-11-311(3)(c)">provide for the placement of the minor child pending final relief.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-311(4)">The respondent shall be served with the petition, writ, and order immediately after the minor child is taken into physical custody.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-311(5)"><subsection number="81-11-311(5)(a)">A writ of assistance to take physical custody of a minor child is enforceable throughout this state. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-311(5)(b)">If the court finds on the basis of the testimony of the petitioner or other witness that a less intrusive remedy is not effective, the court may authorize law enforcement officers to enter private property to take physical custody of the minor child. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-311(5)(c)">If required by the exigency of the case, the court may authorize law enforcement officers to make a forcible entry at any hour.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-311(6)">The court may impose conditions upon placement of a minor child to ensure the appearance of the minor child and the minor child's custodian.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-312"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Costs, fees, and expenses.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-312(1)">The court shall award the prevailing party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the party, including costs, communication expenses, attorney fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees or expenses are sought establishes that the award would be clearly inappropriate.</subsection><subsection number="81-11-312(2)">The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against a state except as otherwise provided by law other than this chapter.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-313"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Recognition and enforcement.</catchline><tab/>A court of this state shall accord full faith and credit to an order made consistently with this chapter which enforces a child custody determination by a court of another state unless the order has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court authorized to do so under <xref depth="2" refid="C78B-13-P2_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-13-2" start="2">Part 2, Jurisdiction</xref>.</section><section number="81-11-314"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Appeals.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-314(1)">An appeal may be taken from an order in a proceeding under this chapter in accordance with expedited appellate procedures in other civil cases. </subsection><subsection number="81-11-314(2)">Unless the court enters a temporary emergency order under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-204">81-11-204</xref>, the enforcing court may not stay an order enforcing a child custody determination pending appeal.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-315"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Role of prosecutor or attorney general.</catchline><subsection number="81-11-315(1)">In a case arising under this chapter or involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the prosecutor or attorney general may take any lawful action, including resort to a proceeding under this chapter or any other available civil proceeding to locate a minor child, obtain the return of a minor child, or enforce a child custody determination if there is:<subsection number="81-11-315(1)(a)">an existing child custody determination;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-315(1)(b)">a request from a court in a pending child custody case;</subsection><subsection number="81-11-315(1)(c)">a reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been violated; or</subsection><subsection number="81-11-315(1)(d)">a reasonable belief that the minor child has been wrongfully removed or retained in violation of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-11-315(2)">A prosecutor or attorney general acts on behalf of the court and may not represent any party to a child custody determination.</subsection></section><section number="81-11-316"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Role of law enforcement.</catchline><tab/>At the request of a prosecutor or the attorney general acting under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-315">81-11-315</xref>, a law enforcement officer may take any lawful action reasonably necessary to locate a minor child or a party and assist a prosecutor or attorney general with responsibilities under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-315">81-11-315</xref>.</section><section number="81-11-317"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Costs and expenses.</catchline><tab/>If the respondent is not the prevailing party, the court may assess against the respondent all direct expenses and costs incurred by the prosecutor or attorney general and law enforcement officers under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-315">81-11-315</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-316">81-11-316</xref>.</section><section number="81-11-318"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Transitional provision.</catchline><tab/>A motion or other request for relief made in a child custody or enforcement proceeding that was commenced before July 1, 2000, is governed by the law in effect at the time the motion or other request was made.</section></part></chapter><chapter number="81-12"><catchline>Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act</catchline><section number="81-12-101"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for chapter.</catchline><tab/>As used in this chapter:<subsection number="81-12-101(1)">"Abduction" means the wrongful removal or wrongful retention of a minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-12-101(2)"><subsection number="81-12-101(2)(a)">"Child custody determination" means a judgment, decree, or other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-12-101(2)(b)">"Child custody determination" includes a permanent, temporary, initial, and modification order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-101(3)"><subsection number="81-12-101(3)(a)">"Child custody proceeding" means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody, visitation, or parent-time with respect to a minor child is at issue. </subsection><subsection number="81-12-101(3)(b)">"Child custody proceeding" includes a proceeding for divorce, dissolution of marriage, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights, or protection from domestic violence.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-101(4)">"Court" means an entity authorized under the law of a state to establish, enforce, or modify a child custody determination.</subsection><subsection number="81-12-101(5)">"Petition" includes a motion or the motion's equivalent.</subsection><subsection number="81-12-101(6)">"Record" means information inscribed on a tangible medium or stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.</subsection><subsection number="81-12-101(7)"><subsection number="81-12-101(7)(a)">"State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.</subsection><subsection number="81-12-101(7)(b)">"State" includes a federally recognized Indian tribe or nation.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-101(8)"><subsection number="81-12-101(8)(a)">"Travel document" means records relating to a travel itinerary, including travel tickets, passes, reservations for transportation, or accommodations. </subsection><subsection number="81-12-101(8)(b)">"Travel document" does not include a passport or visa.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-101(9)">"Wrongful removal" means the taking of a minor child that breaches rights of custody, visitation, or parent-time given or recognized under the law of this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-12-101(10)">"Wrongful retention" means the keeping or concealing of a minor child that breaches rights of custody, visitation, or parent-time given or recognized under the law of this state.</subsection></section><section number="81-12-102"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Cooperation and communication among courts.</catchline><tab/>Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-109">81-11-109</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-110">81-11-110</xref>, and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-111">81-11-111</xref> apply to cooperation and communications among courts in proceedings under this chapter.</section><section number="81-12-103"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Actions for abduction prevention measures.</catchline><subsection number="81-12-103(1)">A court on the court's own motion may order abduction prevention measures in a child custody proceeding if the court finds that the evidence establishes a credible risk of abduction of the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-12-103(2)">A party to a child custody determination or another individual or entity having a right under the law of this state or any other state to seek a child custody determination for the minor child may file a petition seeking abduction prevention measures to protect the minor child under this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-12-103(3)">A prosecutor or public authority designated under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-315">81-11-315</xref> may seek a warrant to take physical custody of a minor child under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-12-108">81-12-108</xref> or other appropriate prevention measures.</subsection></section><section number="81-12-104"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Jurisdiction.</catchline><subsection number="81-12-104(1)">A petition under this chapter may be filed only in a court that has jurisdiction to make a child custody determination with respect to the minor child at issue under Chapter 11, Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.</subsection><subsection number="81-12-104(2)">A court of this state has temporary emergency jurisdiction under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-204">81-11-204</xref> if the court finds a credible risk of abduction.</subsection></section><section number="81-12-105"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Contents of petition.</catchline><subsection number="81-12-105(1)"><subsection number="81-12-105(1)(a)">A petition under this chapter must be verified and include a copy of any existing child custody determination, if available. </subsection><subsection number="81-12-105(1)(b)">The petition must specify the risk factors for abduction, including the relevant factors described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-12-106">81-12-106</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-105(2)">Subject to Subsection <xref refnumber="81-11-209(5)" depth="4">81-11-209(5)</xref>, if reasonably ascertainable, the petition must contain:<subsection number="81-12-105(2)(a)">the name, date of birth, and gender of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-105(2)(b)">the customary address and current physical location of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-105(2)(c)">the identity, customary address, and current physical location of the respondent;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-105(2)(d)">a statement of whether a prior action to prevent abduction or domestic violence has been filed by a party or other individual or entity having custody of the minor child, and the date, location, and disposition of the action;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-105(2)(e)">a statement of whether a party to the proceeding has been arrested for a crime related to domestic violence, stalking, or child abuse or neglect, and the date, location, and disposition of the case; and</subsection><subsection number="81-12-105(2)(f)">any other information required to be submitted to the court for a child custody determination under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-209">81-11-209</xref>.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-12-106"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Factors to determine risk of abduction.</catchline><subsection number="81-12-106(1)">In determining whether there is a credible risk of abduction of a minor child, the court shall consider any evidence that the petitioner or respondent:<subsection number="81-12-106(1)(a)">has previously abducted or attempted to abduct the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(b)">has threatened to abduct the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(c)">has recently engaged in activities that may indicate a planned abduction, including:<subsection number="81-12-106(1)(c)(i)">abandoning employment;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(c)(ii)">selling a primary residence;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(c)(iii)">terminating a lease;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(c)(iv)">closing bank or other financial management accounts, liquidating assets, hiding or destroying financial documents, or conducting any unusual financial activities;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(c)(v)">applying for a passport or visa or obtaining travel documents for the respondent, a family member, or the minor child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(c)(vi)">seeking to obtain the minor child's birth certificate or school or medical records;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(d)">has engaged in domestic violence, stalking, or child abuse or neglect;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(e)">has refused to follow a child custody determination;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(f)">lacks strong familial, financial, emotional, or cultural ties to the state or the United States;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(g)">has strong familial, financial, emotional, or cultural ties to another state or country;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(h)">is likely to take the minor child to a country that:<subsection number="81-12-106(1)(h)(i)">is not a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and does not provide for the extradition of an abducting parent or for the return of an abducted minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(h)(ii)">is a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction but:<subsection number="81-12-106(1)(h)(ii)(A)">the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is not in force between the United States and that country;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(h)(ii)(B)">is noncompliant according to the most recent compliance report issued by the United States Department of State; or</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(h)(ii)(C)">lacks legal mechanisms for immediately and effectively enforcing a return order under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(h)(iii)">poses a risk that the minor child's physical or emotional health or safety would be endangered in the country because of specific circumstances relating to the minor child or because of human rights violations committed against a minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(h)(iv)">has laws or practices that would:<subsection number="81-12-106(1)(h)(iv)(A)">enable the respondent, without due cause, to prevent the petitioner from contacting the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(h)(iv)(B)">restrict the petitioner from freely traveling to or exiting from the country because of the petitioner's gender, nationality, marital status, or religion; or</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(h)(iv)(C)">restrict the minor child's ability legally to leave the country after the minor child reaches the age of majority because of a minor child's gender, nationality, or religion;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(h)(v)">is included by the United States Department of State on a current list of state sponsors of terrorism;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(h)(vi)">does not have an official United States diplomatic presence in the country; or</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(h)(vii)">is engaged in active military action or war, including a civil war, to which the minor child may be exposed;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(i)">is undergoing a change in immigration or citizenship status that would adversely affect the respondent's ability to remain in the United States legally;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(j)">has had an application for United States citizenship denied;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(k)">has forged or presented misleading or false evidence on government forms or supporting documents to obtain or attempt to obtain a passport, a visa, travel documents, a social security card, a driver license, or other government-issued identification card or has made a misrepresentation to the United States government;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(l)">has used multiple names to attempt to mislead or defraud; or</subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(1)(m)">has engaged in any other conduct the court considers relevant to the risk of abduction.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-106(2)">In the hearing on a petition under this chapter, the court shall consider any evidence that the respondent believed in good faith that the respondent's conduct was necessary to avoid imminent harm to the minor child or respondent and any other evidence that may be relevant to whether the respondent may be permitted to remove or retain the minor child.</subsection></section><section number="81-12-107"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Provisions and measures to prevent abduction.</catchline><subsection number="81-12-107(1)">If a petition is filed under this chapter, the court may enter an order that must include:<subsection number="81-12-107(1)(a)">the basis for the court's exercise of jurisdiction;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(1)(b)">the manner in which notice and opportunity to be heard were given to the persons entitled to notice of the proceeding;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(1)(c)">a detailed description of each party's custody and visitation rights and residential arrangements for the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(1)(d)">a provision stating that a violation of the order may subject the party in violation to civil and criminal penalties; and</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(1)(e)">identification of the minor child's country of habitual residence at the time of the issuance of the order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(2)"><subsection number="81-12-107(2)(a)">If, at a hearing on a petition under this chapter or on the court's own motion, the court after reviewing the evidence finds a credible risk of abduction of the minor child, the court shall enter an abduction prevention order. </subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(2)(b)">The order must include the provisions required by Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-16-S108_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-16-108(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> and measures and conditions, including those in Subsections <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-16-S108_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-16-108(3)" start="0">(3)</xref>, <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-16-S108_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-16-108(4)" start="0">(4)</xref>, and <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-16-S108_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-16-108(5)" start="0">(5)</xref>, that are reasonably calculated to prevent abduction of the minor child, giving due consideration to the custody, visitation, and parent-time rights of the parties. </subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(2)(c)">The court shall consider the age of the minor child, the potential harm to the minor child from an abduction, the legal and practical difficulties of returning the minor child to the jurisdiction if abducted, and the reasons for the potential abduction, including evidence of domestic violence, stalking, or child abuse or neglect.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)">An abduction prevention order may include one or more of the following:<subsection number="81-12-107(3)(a)">an imposition of travel restrictions that require that a party traveling with the minor child outside a designated geographical area provide the other party with the following:<subsection number="81-12-107(3)(a)(i)">the travel itinerary of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(a)(ii)">a list of physical addresses and telephone numbers at which the minor child can be reached at specified times; and</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(a)(iii)">copies of all travel documents;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(b)">a prohibition of the respondent directly or indirectly:<subsection number="81-12-107(3)(b)(i)">removing the minor child from this state, the United States, or another geographic area without permission of the court or the petitioner's written consent;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(b)(ii)">removing or retaining the minor child in violation of a child custody determination;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(b)(iii)">removing the minor child from school or a child-care or similar facility; or</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(b)(iv)">approaching the minor child at any location other than a site designated for supervised visitation;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(c)">a requirement that a party to register the order in another state as a prerequisite to allowing the child to travel to that state;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(d)">with regard to the minor child's passport:<subsection number="81-12-107(3)(d)(i)">a direction that the petitioner place the minor child's name in the United States Department of State's Child Passport Issuance Alert Program;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(d)(ii)">a requirement that the respondent surrender to the court or the petitioner's attorney any United States or foreign passport issued in the minor child's name, including a passport issued in the name of both the parent and the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(d)(iii)">a prohibition upon the respondent from applying on behalf of the minor child for a new or replacement passport or visa;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(e)">as a prerequisite to exercising custody, visitation, or parent-time, a requirement that the respondent provide:<subsection number="81-12-107(3)(e)(i)">to the United States Department of State Office of Children's Issues and the relevant foreign consulate or embassy, an authenticated copy of the order detailing passport and travel restrictions for the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(e)(ii)">to the court:<subsection number="81-12-107(3)(e)(ii)(A)">proof that the respondent has provided the information in Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-16-S108_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-16-108(3)(e)(i)" start="0">(3)(e)(i)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(e)(ii)(B)">an acknowledgment in a record from the relevant foreign consulate or embassy that no passport application has been made, or passport issued, on behalf of the minor child;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(e)(iii)">to the petitioner, proof of registration with the United States Embassy or other United States diplomatic presence in the destination country and with the Central Authority for the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, if that convention is in effect between the United States and the destination country, unless one of the parties objects; and</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(e)(iv)">a written waiver under the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. Section 552a, with respect to any document, application, or other information pertaining to the minor child authorizing its disclosure to the court and the petitioner; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(3)(f)">upon the petitioner's request, a requirement that the respondent obtain an order from the relevant foreign country containing terms identical to the child custody determination issued in the United States.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(4)">In an abduction prevention order, the court may impose conditions on the exercise of custody or visitation that:<subsection number="81-12-107(4)(a)">limit visitation or require that visitation with the minor child by the respondent be supervised until the court finds that supervision is no longer necessary and order the respondent to pay the costs of supervision;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(4)(b)">require the respondent to post a bond or provide other security in an amount sufficient to serve as a financial deterrent to abduction, the proceeds of which may be used to pay for the reasonable expenses of recovery of the minor child, including reasonable attorney fees and costs if there is an abduction; and</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(4)(c)">require the respondent to obtain education on the potentially harmful effects to the minor child from abduction.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(5)">To prevent imminent abduction of a minor child, a court may:<subsection number="81-12-107(5)(a)">issue a warrant to take physical custody of the minor child under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-12-108">81-12-108</xref> or the law of this state other than this chapter;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(5)(b)">direct the use of law enforcement to take any action reasonably necessary to locate the minor child, obtain return of the minor child, or enforce a custody determination under this chapter or the law of this state other than this chapter; or</subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(5)(c)">grant any other relief allowed under the law of this state other than this chapter.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-107(6)">The remedies provided in this chapter are cumulative and do not affect the availability of other remedies to prevent abduction.</subsection></section><section number="81-12-108"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Warrant to take physical custody of a minor child.</catchline><subsection number="81-12-108(1)">If a petition under this chapter contains allegations, and the court finds that there is a credible risk that the minor child is imminently likely to be wrongfully removed, the court may issue an ex parte warrant to take physical custody of the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-12-108(2)"><subsection number="81-12-108(2)(a)">The respondent on a petition under Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-16-S109_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-16-109(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> must be afforded an opportunity to be heard at the earliest possible time after the ex parte warrant is executed, but not later than the next judicial day unless a hearing on that date is impossible. </subsection><subsection number="81-12-108(2)(b)">In that event, the court shall hold the hearing on the first judicial day possible.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-108(3)">An ex parte warrant under Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-16-S109_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-16-109(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> to take physical custody of a minor child must:<subsection number="81-12-108(3)(a)">recite the facts upon which a determination of a credible risk of imminent wrongful removal of the minor child is based;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-108(3)(b)">direct law enforcement officers to take physical custody of the minor child immediately;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-108(3)(c)">state the date and time for the hearing on the petition; and</subsection><subsection number="81-12-108(3)(d)">provide for the safe interim placement of the minor child pending further order of the court.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-108(4)">If feasible, before issuing a warrant and before determining the placement of the minor child after the warrant is executed, the court may order a search of the relevant databases of the National Crime Information Center system and similar state databases to determine if either the petitioner or respondent has a history of domestic violence, stalking, or child abuse or neglect.</subsection><subsection number="81-12-108(5)">The petition and warrant must be served on the respondent when or immediately after the minor child is taken into physical custody.</subsection><subsection number="81-12-108(6)"><subsection number="81-12-108(6)(a)">A warrant to take physical custody of a minor child, issued by this state or another state, is enforceable throughout this state. </subsection><subsection number="81-12-108(6)(b)">If the court finds that a less intrusive remedy will not be effective, the court may authorize law enforcement officers to enter private property to take physical custody of the minor child. </subsection><subsection number="81-12-108(6)(c)">If required by exigent circumstances, the court may authorize law enforcement officers to make a forcible entry at any hour.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-12-108(7)">If the court finds, after a hearing, that a petitioner sought an ex parte warrant under Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-16-S109_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-16-109(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> for the purpose of harassment or in bad faith, the court may award the respondent reasonable attorney fees, costs, and other reasonable expenses and losses arising out of the issuance of the ex parte warrant.</subsection><subsection number="81-12-108(8)">This chapter does not affect the availability of relief allowed under the law of this state other than this chapter.</subsection></section><section number="81-12-109"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Duration of abduction prevention order.</catchline><tab/>An abduction prevention order remains in effect until the earliest of:<subsection number="81-12-109(1)">the time stated in the order;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-109(2)">the emancipation of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-12-109(3)">the minor child's attaining 18 years old; or</subsection><subsection number="81-12-109(4)">the time the order is modified, revoked, vacated, or superseded by a court with jurisdiction under Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-201">81-11-201</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-11-203">81-11-203</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-12-110"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Uniformity of application and construction.</catchline><subsection number="81-12-110(1)">This chapter is a uniform act. </subsection><subsection number="81-12-110(2)">In applying and construing this chapter, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to this uniform law's subject matter among states that enact this uniform law.</subsection></section><section number="81-12-111"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.</catchline><tab/>This chapter modifies, limits, and supersedes the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 7001, et seq., but does not modify, limit, or supersede Section 101(c) of the act, 15 U.S.C. Section 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in Section 103(b) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Section 7003(b).</section></chapter><chapter number="81-13"><catchline>Adoption</catchline><part number="81-13-1"><catchline>General Provisions</catchline><section number="81-13-101"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for chapter.</catchline><tab/>As used in this chapter:<subsection number="81-13-101(1)">"Adoptee" means:<subsection number="81-13-101(1)(a)">a child adoptee; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(1)(b)">an adult adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(2)">"Adoption" means the process by which an individual seeks to:<subsection number="81-13-101(2)(a)">create the legal relationship of parent and child where the relationship did not previously exist; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(2)(b)">except as provided in Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-220(2)">81-13-220(2)</xref> and (4) and Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-306(2)">81-13-306(2)</xref> and (4), terminate the parental rights of any other individual with respect to the child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(3)">"Adoption document" means an adoption-related document filed with the office, a petition for adoption, a decree of adoption, an original birth certificate, or evidence submitted in support of a supplementary birth certificate.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(4)">"Adoption proceeding" means any proceeding under this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(5)">"Adoption service provider" means:<subsection number="81-13-101(5)(a)">a child-placing agency;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(5)(b)">a licensed counselor who has at least one year of experience providing professional social work services to:<subsection number="81-13-101(5)(b)(i)">adoptive parents;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(5)(b)(ii)">prospective adoptive parents; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(5)(b)(iii)">birth parents; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(5)(c)">the Office of Licensing within the Department of Health and Human Services.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(6)">"Adoptive parent" means an individual who has legally adopted an adoptee.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(7)">"Adult" means an individual who is 18 years old or older.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(8)">"Adult adoptee" means an individual:<subsection number="81-13-101(8)(a)">who is an adult and is the subject of an adoption proceeding; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(8)(b)">who was adopted when the individual was an adult.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(9)">"Adult sibling" means an individual:<subsection number="81-13-101(9)(a)">who is a child adoptee's brother or sister; </subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(9)(b)">who is 18 years old or older; and </subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(9)(c)">whose birth parent is the same as that of the child adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(10)">"Birth mother" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-102">81-5-102</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(11)">"Birth parent" means:<subsection number="81-13-101(11)(a)">an individual that has a parent-child relationship with an adoptee as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-201">81-5-201</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(11)(b)">a man who:<subsection number="81-13-101(11)(b)(i)">has been identified as the father of an adoptee by the adoptee's birth mother; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(11)(b)(ii)">has not denied paternity; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(11)(c)">an unmarried biological father.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(12)">"Child adoptee" means an individual:<subsection number="81-13-101(12)(a)">who is a minor child and is the subject of an adoption proceeding; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(12)(b)">who was adopted when the individual was a minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(13)">"Child-placing agency" means an agency licensed to place a minor child for adoption under Title 26B, Chapter 2, Part 1, Human Services Programs and Facilities.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(14)">"Cohabiting" means residing with another individual and being involved in a sexual relationship with that individual.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(15)">"Division" means the Division of Child and Family Services, within the Department of Health and Human Services, created in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-2-201">80-2-201</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(16)">"Extra-jurisdictional child-placing agency" means an agency licensed to place children for adoption by a district, territory, or state of the United States, other than Utah.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(17)">"Genetic and social history" means a comprehensive report, when obtainable, that contains the following information on an adoptee's birth parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents:<subsection number="81-13-101(17)(a)">medical history;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(17)(b)">health status;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(17)(c)">cause of and age at death;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(17)(d)">height, weight, and eye and hair color;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(17)(e)">ethnic origins;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(17)(f)">where appropriate, levels of education and professional achievement; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(17)(g)">religion, if any.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(18)">"Health history" means a comprehensive report of the adoptee's health status at the time of placement for adoption, and medical history, including neonatal, psychological, physiological, and medical care history.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(19)">"Identifying information" means information that is in the possession of the office and that contains: <subsection number="81-13-101(19)(a)">the name and address of:<subsection number="81-13-101(19)(a)(i)"> a pre-existing parent; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(19)(a)(ii)">a child adoptee who is 18 years old or older; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(19)(b)">other specific information that by itself or in reasonable conjunction with other information may be used to identify a pre-existing parent or child adoptee, including information on a birth certificate or in an adoption document.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(20)">"Licensed counselor" means an individual who is licensed by the state, or another state, district, or territory of the United States as a:<subsection number="81-13-101(20)(a)">certified social worker;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(20)(b)">clinical social worker;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(20)(c)">psychologist;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(20)(d)">marriage and family therapist;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(20)(e)">clinical mental health counselor; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(20)(f)">an equivalent licensed professional of another state, district, or territory of the United States.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(21)">"Man" means a male individual of any age.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(22)">"Office" means the Office of Vital Records and Statistics within the Department of Health and Human Services operating under Title 26B, Chapter 8, Part 1, Vital Statistics.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(23)">"Potential birth father" means a man who:<subsection number="81-13-101(23)(a)">is identified by a birth mother as a potential biological father of the birth mother's minor child, but whose genetic paternity has not been established; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(23)(b)">was not married to the birth mother of the minor child described in Subsection (23)(a) at the time of the minor child's conception or birth.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(24)"><subsection number="81-13-101(24)(a)">"Pre-existing parent" means an individual who is an adoptee's birth parent before an adoption decree is entered for the adoptee.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(24)(b)">"Pre-existing parent" includes an individual who is legally the parent of the adoptee, due to an earlier adoption decree, before an adoption decree is entered for the adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(25)">"Prospective adoptive parent" means an individual who seeks to adopt an adoptee.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(26)">"Relative" means:<subsection number="81-13-101(26)(a)">an adult who is a grandparent, great grandparent, aunt, great aunt, uncle, great uncle, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepparent, first cousin, stepsibling, sibling of a minor child, or first cousin of a minor child's parent; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(26)(b)">in the case of a minor child who is an "Indian child" under the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1903, an "extended family member" as defined by that statute.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(27)">"Unmarried biological father" means a man who:<subsection number="81-13-101(27)(a)">is the biological father of a minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(27)(b)">was not married to the birth mother of the minor child described in Subsection (27)(a) at the time of the minor child's conception or birth.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(28)">"Vulnerable adult" means:<subsection number="81-13-101(28)(a)">an individual who is 65 years old or older; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(28)(b)">an adult who has a mental or physical impairment that substantially affects that adult's ability to:<subsection number="81-13-101(28)(b)(i)">provide personal protection;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(28)(b)(ii)">provide necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical or other health care;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(28)(b)(iii)">obtain services necessary for health, safety, or welfare;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(28)(b)(iv)">carry out the activities of daily living;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(28)(b)(v)">manage the adult's own resources; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-101(28)(b)(vi)">comprehend the nature and consequences of remaining in a situation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.</subsection></subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-13-102"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Venue for an adoption proceeding.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-102(1)">Notwithstanding Title 78B, Chapter 3a, Venue for Civil Actions, a person shall bring an adoption proceeding in a court with jurisdiction under <xref depth="3" refnumber="Title 78A, Judiciary and Judicial Administration">Title 78A, Judiciary and Judicial Administration</xref>:<subsection number="81-13-102(1)(a)">in the judicial district where the prospective adoptive parent resides;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-102(1)(b)">if the prospective adoptive parent is not a resident of this state, in the judicial district where:<subsection number="81-13-102(1)(b)(i)">the adoptee was born;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-102(1)(b)(ii)">the adoptee resides on the day on which the petition is filed; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-102(1)(b)(iii)">a parent of the proposed adoptee resides on the day on which the petition is filed if the proposed adoptee is a minor child; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-102(1)(c)">if the adoption proceeding is brought in the juvenile court, as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78A-6-103(2)(a)(xiv)">78A-6-103(2)(a)(xiv)</xref> or (xv), in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78A-6-350">78A-6-350</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-102(2)">All orders, decrees, agreements, and notices in an adoption proceeding shall be filed with the clerk of the court where the adoption proceeding is commenced under Subsection (1).</subsection><subsection number="81-13-102(3)"><subsection number="81-13-102(3)(a)">If a person whose consent for the adoption is required under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-212">81-13-212</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-213">81-13-213</xref> cannot be found within the state, the fact of the adoptee's presence within the state shall confer jurisdiction on the court in proceedings under this chapter as to such absent person if due notice has been given in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-102(3)(b)">The notice may not include the name of:<subsection number="81-13-102(3)(b)(i)">a prospective adoptive parent; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-102(3)(b)(ii)">an unmarried birth mother without the unmarried birth mother's consent.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-102(4)"><subsection number="81-13-102(4)(a)">In the case of service outside the state, service completed not less than five days before the time set in the notice for appearance of the person served is sufficient to confer jurisdiction.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-102(4)(b)">Service of notice described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-105(4)(a)" depth="4">(4)(a)</xref> shall vest the court with jurisdiction over the person served in the same manner and to the same extent as if the person served was served personally within the state.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-102(5)">Computation of periods of time not otherwise described in this section shall be made in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-103"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">131</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Court hearings -- Adoption documents -- Motion to intervene.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-103(1)"><subsection number="81-13-103(1)(a)">Notwithstanding Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-4-106" start="0">80-4-106</xref>, the court may close to the public any court hearing regarding an adoption upon the request of a party to the petition for adoption.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(1)(b)">In a closed hearing, the court may only admit the following individuals:<subsection number="81-13-103(1)(b)(i)">a party to the proceeding;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(1)(b)(ii)">the adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(1)(b)(iii)">a representative of an agency having custody of the adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(1)(b)(iv)">in a hearing to relinquish parental rights, the individual whose rights are to be relinquished and invitees of that individual to provide emotional support;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(1)(b)(v)">in a hearing on the termination of parental rights, the individual whose rights may be terminated;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(1)(b)(vi)">in a hearing on a petition to intervene, the proposed intervenor;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(1)(b)(vii)">in a hearing to finalize an adoption, invitees of the petitioner; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(1)(b)(viii)">other individuals for good cause, upon order of the court.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(2)">Except as provided in Subsections <xref refnumber="78B-6-141(3)" depth="4">(3)</xref> through (7), an adoption document and any other documents filed in connection with a petition for adoption are sealed.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(3)">A person may only inspect and copy the documents described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(2)">(2)</xref>:<subsection number="81-13-103(3)(a)">if the adoption proceeding is pending and the person is a party to the adoption proceeding;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(3)(b)">within 180 days after the day on which the final decree of adoption is entered if the person is a party to the adoption proceeding;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(3)(c)">if the court enters an order expressly permitting the inspection or copying the documents after the person filed a motion to intervene and the motion to intervene was granted on appeal;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(3)(d)">if the court enters an order expressly permitting the inspection or copying of the documents after good cause is shown;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(3)(e)">if the office is permitted to release the documents to the person as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-504">81-13-504</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(3)(f)">when the documents become public 100 years after the day on which the final decree of adoption was entered;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(3)(g)">when the birth certificate becomes public 100 years after the day on which the adoptee was born; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(3)(h)">if the person is permitted access to the documents under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(6)">(6)</xref> or <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(7)">(7)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(4)">A person who files a motion to intervene in an adoption proceeding:<subsection number="81-13-103(4)(a)">is not a party to the adoption proceeding, unless the motion to intervene is granted; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(4)(b)">subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(5)">(5)</xref>, may not be granted access to the documents described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(2)">(2)</xref>, unless the motion to intervene is granted.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(5)">If the court enters an order under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(3)(c)">(3)(c)</xref> or a potential birth father is made a party to the adoption proceeding upon a motion to intervene, the court shall:<subsection number="81-13-103(5)(a)">prohibit the person described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(3)(c)">(3)(c)</xref> or the potential birth father from inspecting a document described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(2)">(2)</xref> that contains identifying information of an adoptive or prospective adoptive parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(5)(b)">permit the person described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(3)(c)">(3)(c)</xref> or the potential birth father to review a copy of the document described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(5)(a)">(5)(a)</xref> after the identifying information of the adoptive or prospective adoptive parent is redacted from the document.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(6)"><subsection number="81-13-103(6)(a)">Unless there is a court order sealing the documents, a child adoptee may inspect and copy the following documents associated with the child adoptee's adoption, without a court order, regardless of the date of the adoption, if the child adoptee is 18 years old or older:<subsection number="81-13-103(6)(a)(i)">the report of adoption;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(6)(a)(ii)">the original birth certificate;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(6)(a)(iii)">the findings of fact for the adoption; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(6)(a)(iv)">the final decree of adoption.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(6)(b)">The physical addresses of a pre-existing parent shall be redacted before the child adoptee may inspect and copy the documents described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-103(6)(a)">(6)(a)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(6)(c)">A pre-existing parent of a child adoptee may bring a petition in the court that entered the final decree of adoption to keep the documents described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(6)(a)">(6)(a)</xref> sealed for 10 years.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(6)(d)">The pre-existing parent shall include in the petition sufficient information for the court to reliably determine the adoption documents at issue in the petition.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(6)(e)">The court may only grant the petition described in Subsection (6)(c) if the pre-existing parent establishes by sworn affidavit that the child adoptee's access to the documents described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(6)(a)">(6)(a)</xref> would place the pre-existing parent in reasonable fear of harm from an individual.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(6)(f)">If the court grants a pre-existing parent's petition, the documents described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(6)(a)">(6)(a)</xref> shall remain sealed for 10 years from the entry of the order, unless the court permits access to the documents under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(3)(d)">(3)(d)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(6)(g)">The pre-existing parent may bring a new petition every 10 years for an order extending the sealing of the documents described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(6)(a)">(6)(a)</xref> for an additional 10 years.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(6)(h)">The pre-existing parent shall file a petition described in Subsection (6)(g) before the expiration of the previous order.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(6)(i)">A petition to extend the sealing of the documents described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(6)(a)">(6)(a)</xref> shall satisfy all of the requirements described in Subsections (6)(c) through (e) for the original petition.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(7)">An adult adoptee, or the adoptive parent of the adult adoptee, may inspect an adoption document associated with the adult adoptee's adoption without a court order, unless the final decree of adoption is entered by the juvenile court.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-103(8)">A pre-existing parent may not access the documents described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-141(2)">(2)</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-104"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Responsibility for own actions -- Fraud or misrepresentation.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-104(1)">Each parent of an adoptee conceived or born outside of marriage is responsible for the parent's own actions and is not excused from strict compliance with the provisions of this chapter based upon any action, statement, or omission of the other parent or third parties.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(2)"><subsection number="81-13-104(2)(a)">Any person injured by fraudulent representations or actions in connection with an adoption is entitled to pursue civil or criminal penalties in accordance with existing law. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(2)(b)">A fraudulent representation is not a defense to strict compliance with the requirements of this chapter and is not a basis for dismissal of a petition for adoption, vacation of an adoption decree, or an automatic grant of custody to the offended party. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(2)(c)">For a child adoptee, a custody determination shall be based on the best interests of the child adoptee in accordance with the provisions of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-215">81-13-215</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(3)">A child-placing agency and the employees of a child-placing agency may not:<subsection number="81-13-104(3)(a)">employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(3)(b)">engage in any act, practice, or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(3)(c)">materially and intentionally misrepresent facts or information; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(3)(d)">request or require a prospective adoptive parent to grant, as a condition of or in connection with entering into an agreement with a child-placing agency, a release of either the prospective adoptive parent's claims or the adoptee's claims against the child-placing agency regarding any of the following:<subsection number="81-13-104(3)(d)(i)">criminal misconduct;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(3)(d)(ii)">ethical violations, as established by the Office of Licensing's administrative rules;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(3)(d)(iii)">bad faith;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(3)(d)(iv)">intentional torts;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(3)(d)(v)">fraud;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(3)(d)(vi)">gross negligence associated with care of the adoptee, as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-210(2)">81-13-210(2)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(3)(d)(vii)">future misconduct that may arise before the adoption is finalized;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(3)(d)(viii)">breach of contract; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(3)(d)(ix)">gross negligence.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-104(4)">Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-106(3)" start="0">(3)</xref> does not prohibit a release of claims against a child-placing agency or a child-placing agency's employees for liability arising from the acts or the failure to act of a third party.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-105"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Adoption order from foreign country.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-105(1)">Except as otherwise provided by federal law, an adoption order rendered to a resident of this state that is made by a foreign country shall be recognized by the courts of this state and enforced as if the order were rendered by a court in this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-105(2)">An individual who adopts an adoptee in a foreign country may register the order in this state. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-105(3)">A petition for registration of a foreign adoption order may be combined with a petition for a name change. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-105(4)">If the court finds that the foreign adoption order meets the requirements of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-142(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>, the court shall order the office to:<subsection number="81-13-105(4)(a)">file the order; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-105(4)(b)">file a certificate of birth for the adoptee in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-8-131" start="0">26B-8-131</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-105(5)">If a clerk of the court is unable to establish the fact, time, and place of birth from the documentation provided, a person holding a direct, tangible, and legitimate interest as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="26B-8-125(3)(a)" start="0">26B-8-125(3)(a)</xref> or <xref depth="4" refnumber="26B-8-125(3)(b)" start="0">(b)</xref> may petition for a court order establishing the fact, time, and place of a birth in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="26B-8-119(1)" start="0">26B-8-119(1)</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-106"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Compact for Interstate Sharing of Putative Father Registry Information -- Severability clause.</catchline><center>COMPACT FOR INTERSTATE SHARING</center><eol/><center>OF PUTATIVE FATHER REGISTRY INFORMATION</center><eol/><center>ARTICLE I</center><eol/><center>PURPOSE</center><eol/><tab/>This compact enables the sharing of putative father registry information collected by a state that is a party to the compact with all other states that are parties to the compact.<eol/><center>ARTICLE II</center><eol/><center>DEFINITIONS</center><eol/><tab/>(1) "Putative father" means a man who may be the biological father of a child because the man had a sexual relationship with a woman to whom he is not married.<eol/><tab/>(2) "Putative father registry" mean a registry of putative fathers maintained and used by a state as part of its legal process for protecting a putative father's rights.<eol/><tab/>(3) "State" includes a state, district, or territory of the United States.<eol/><center>ARTICLE III</center><eol/><center>ENTRY, WITHDRAWAL, AND AMENDMENTS</center><eol/><tab/>(1) A state is a party to this compact upon enactment of this compact by the state into state law.<eol/><tab/>(2) Upon providing at least 60 days' notice of withdrawal from this compact to each party to the compact and repealing the compact from state law, a state is no longer party to this compact.<eol/><tab/>(3) This compact is amended upon enactment of the amendment into state law by each party to the compact.<eol/><center>ARTICLE IV</center><eol/><center>INTERSTATE SHARING OF PUTATIVE FATHER REGISTRY INFORMATION</center><eol/><tab/>(1) A party to this compact shall communicate information in its putative father registry about a specific putative father to any other party to this compact in a timely manner upon request by the other party.<eol/><tab/>(2) A party to this compact is not required to have a putative father registry in order to request putative father registry information from another party to the compact.<eol/><tab/>(3) Putative father registry information requested by a party to this compact from another party to this compact is subject to the laws of the requesting party governing the privacy, retention, and authorized uses of putative father information or, if the requesting party does not have a putative father registry, the laws of the party supplying the information governing the privacy, retention, and authorized uses of putative father information.<eol/><tab/>(4) Notwithstanding Article IV, Subsection (3) of this compact, the request for or receipt of putative father registry information by a party to this compact from another party to this compact does not affect the application of the requesting party's laws, including laws regarding adoption or the protection of a putative father's rights, except as explicitly provided by the requesting party's laws.<eol/><tab/>(5) Failure by a party to this compact to provide accurate putative father registry information in a timely manner to another party to this compact upon request does not affect application of the requesting party's laws, including laws governing adoption and the protection of a putative father's rights, except as explicitly provided by the requesting party's laws.<eol/><tab/>(6) Each party to this compact shall work with every other party to this compact to facilitate the timely communication of putative father registry information between compact parties upon request.<eol/><center>ARTICLE V</center><eol/><center>SEVERABILITY</center><eol/><tab/>The provisions of this compact are severable. If any provision of this compact or the application of any provision of this compact to any person or circumstance is held invalid by a final decision of a court of competent jurisdiction for a state that is a member of this compact, the remainder of this compact shall be given effect within that state without the invalid provision or application. If a provision of this compact is severed in one or more states as a result of one or more court decisions, the provision shall remain in force in all other states that are parties to this compact.</section></part><part number="81-13-2"><catchline>Adoption of a Minor Child</catchline><section number="81-13-201"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline>As used in this part, "sexual offense" means:<subsection number="81-13-201(1)">"Sexual offense" means:<subsection number="81-13-201(1)(a)">an offense described in Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-201(1)(b)">an offense under the laws of the state where the minor child was conceived that is substantially similar to an offense described in Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-201(2)">"Sexual offense" does not include:<subsection number="81-13-201(2)(a)">an offense described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-417">76-5-417</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-418">76-5-418</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-419">76-5-419</xref>, or <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-420">76-5-420</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-201(2)(b)">an offense under the laws of the state where the minor child was conceived that is substantially similar to an offense described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-417">76-5-417</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-418">76-5-418</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-419">76-5-419</xref>, or <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-420">76-5-420</xref>.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-13-202"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">135</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Legislative findings -- Best interest of the minor child -- Interests of each party.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-202(1)"><subsection number="81-13-202(1)(a)">In every adoption of a minor child that, the best interest of the minor child should govern and be of foremost concern in a court's determination.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(1)(b)">A determination of a minor child's best interest shall be made in accordance with Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-2a-201">80-2a-201</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-4-104">80-4-104</xref>, and any other section of this title consistent with those sections.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(2)">The court shall make a specific finding regarding the best interest of the minor child, taking into consideration information provided to the court in accordance with the requirements of this chapter relating to the health, safety, and welfare of the minor child and the moral climate of the potential adoptive placement.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(3)">The Legislature finds that the rights and interests of all parties affected by an adoption proceeding shall be considered and balanced in determining what constitutional protections and processes are necessary and appropriate.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(4)"><subsection number="81-13-202(4)(a)">The Legislature specifically finds that it is not in a minor child's best interest to be adopted by a person or persons who are cohabiting in a relationship that is not a legally valid and binding marriage under the laws of this state. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(4)(b)">Nothing in this section limits or prohibits the court's placement of a minor child with a single adult who is not cohabiting or a person who is a relative of the minor child or a recognized placement under the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(5)">The Legislature also finds that:<subsection number="81-13-202(5)(a)">the state has a compelling interest in providing a stable and permanent home for a child adoptee in a prompt manner, in preventing the disruption of an adoptive placement, and in holding parents accountable for meeting the needs of a child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(5)(b)">an unmarried birth mother, faced with the responsibility of making crucial decisions about the future of a newborn child, is entitled to privacy, and has the right to make timely and appropriate decisions regarding her future and the future of the newborn child, and is entitled to assurance regarding the permanence of an adoptive placement;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(5)(c)">a child adoptee has a right to permanence and stability in an adoptive placement;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(5)(d)">adoptive parents have a constitutionally protected liberty and privacy interest in retaining custody of a child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(5)(e)">an unmarried biological father has an inchoate interest that acquires constitutional protection only when the unmarried biological father demonstrates a timely and full commitment to the responsibilities of parenthood, both during pregnancy and upon the child adoptee's birth; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(5)(f)">the state has a compelling interest in requiring an unmarried biological father to demonstrate commitment by providing appropriate medical care and financial support and by establishing legal parentage in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(6)"><subsection number="81-13-202(6)(a)">In enacting this chapter, the Legislature has prescribed the conditions for determining whether an unmarried biological father's action is sufficiently prompt and substantial to require constitutional protection.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(6)(b)">If an unmarried biological father fails to grasp the opportunities to establish a relationship with the child adoptee that are available to the unmarried biological father, the unmarried biological father's parental interest may be lost entirely, or greatly diminished in constitutional significance by the unmarried biological father's failure to timely exercise the unmarried biological father's parental interest, or by the unmarried biological father's failure to strictly comply with the available legal steps to substantiate the parental interest.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(6)(c)"><subsection number="81-13-202(6)(c)(i)">A certain degree of finality is necessary in order to facilitate the state's compelling interest. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(6)(c)(ii)">The Legislature finds that the interests of the state, the birth mother, the child adoptee, and the adoptive parents described in this section outweigh the interest of an unmarried biological father who does not timely grasp the opportunity to establish and demonstrate a relationship with the child adoptee in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(6)(d)"><subsection number="81-13-202(6)(d)(i)">The Legislature finds no practical way to remove all risk of fraud or misrepresentation in adoption proceedings, and has provided a method for absolute protection of an unmarried biological father's rights by compliance with the provisions of this chapter. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(6)(d)(ii)">In balancing the rights and interests of the state, and of all parties affected by fraud, specifically the child adoptee, the adoptive parents, and the unmarried biological father, the Legislature has determined that the unmarried biological father is in the best position to prevent or ameliorate the effects of fraud and that, therefore, the burden of fraud shall be borne by the unmarried biological father.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(6)(e)">An unmarried biological father has the primary responsibility to protect the unmarried biological father's rights.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(6)(f)">An unmarried biological father is presumed to know that the child adoptee may be adopted without the unmarried biological father's consent unless the unmarried biological father strictly complies with the provisions of this chapter, manifests a prompt and full commitment to the unmarried biological father's parental responsibilities, and establishes paternity.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(7)">The Legislature finds that an unmarried birth mother has:<subsection number="81-13-202(7)(a)">a right of privacy with regard to the unmarried birth mother's pregnancy and adoption plan;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(7)(b)">no legal obligation to disclose the identity of an unmarried biological father before or during an adoption proceeding; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-202(7)(c)">no obligation to volunteer information to the court with respect to the father.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-13-203"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">358</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Who may adopt -- Adoption of a minor child.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-203(1)">An adult may adopt a minor child in accordance with this section and this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(2)">Except as otherwise provided in this section and subject to the placement requirements described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-403">81-13-403</xref>, a minor child may be adopted by:<subsection number="81-13-203(2)(a)">adults who are legally married to each other in accordance with the laws of this state, including adoption by a stepparent; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(2)(b)">an adult who is not married.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(3)">If an adult is cohabiting in a relationship that is not a legally valid and binding marriage under the laws of this state, the adult may not adopt a minor child unless the individual is a relative of the minor child or a recognized placement under the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(4)">A married adult who is lawfully separated from the married adult's spouse may not adopt a minor child without the consent of the married adult's spouse if the spouse is capable of giving consent.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(5)">An adult may not adopt a minor child unless:<subsection number="81-13-203(5)(a)">the adult is at least 10 years older than the minor child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(5)(b)">at least one adult of a married couple is at least 10 years older than the minor child if a married couple is adopting the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-203(7)">(7)</xref>, an adult may not adopt a minor child if, before adoption is finalized, the adult has been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or pleaded no contest to a felony or attempted felony involving conduct that constitutes:<subsection number="81-13-203(6)(a)">child abuse, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109" start="0">76-5-109</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(b)">aggravated child abuse, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.2">76-5-109.2</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(c)">child abandonment, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.3">76-5-109.3</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(d)">child torture, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-109.4">76-5-109.4</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(e)">commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-114">76-5-114</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(f)">child abuse homicide, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-208" start="0">76-5-208</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(g)">child kidnapping, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-301.1" start="0">76-5-301.1</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(h)">human trafficking of a child for labor, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-308.5" start="0">76-5-308.5</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(i)">human trafficking of a child for commercial sexual exploitation, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-308.6">76-5-308.6</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(j)">patronizing a child victim of human labor trafficking, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-314">76-5-314</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(k)">sexual abuse of a minor, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-401.1" start="0">76-5-401.1</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(l)">rape of a child, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-402.1" start="0">76-5-402.1</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(m)">object rape of a child, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-402.3" start="0">76-5-402.3</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(n)">sodomy on a child, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-403.1" start="0">76-5-403.1</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(o)">sexual abuse of a child, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-404.1" start="0">76-5-404.1</xref>; </subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(p)">aggravated sexual abuse of a child, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5-404.3" start="0">76-5-404.3</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(q)">sexual exploitation of a minor, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5b-201" start="0">76-5b-201</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(r)">aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5b-201.1" start="0">76-5b-201.1</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(s)">possession of apparent child sexual abuse material, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5b-207">76-5b-207</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(t)">distribution of apparent child sexual abuse material, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5b-208">76-5b-208</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(u)">unlawful activity regarding obscene material depicting the sexual abuse of a minor, as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-5b-209">76-5b-209</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(6)(v)">an offense in another state that, if committed in this state, would constitute an offense described in this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-203(6)">(6)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)"><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(a)">As used in this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-203(7)">(7)</xref>, "disqualifying offense" means an offense listed in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-203(6)">(6)</xref> that prevents a court from considering an adult for adoption of a minor child except as provided in this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-203(7)">(7)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)">An adult described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-203(6)">(6)</xref> may only be considered for adoption of a minor child if the following criteria are met by clear and convincing evidence:<subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(i)">at least 10 years have elapsed from the day on which the adult is successfully released from prison, jail, parole, or probation related to a disqualifying offense;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(ii)">during the 10 years before the day on which the adult files a petition with the court seeking adoption, the adult has not been convicted, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to an offense greater than an infraction or traffic violation that would likely impact the health, safety, or well-being of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(iii)">the adult can provide evidence of successful treatment or rehabilitation directly related to the disqualifying offense;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(iv)">the court determines that the risk related to the disqualifying offense is unlikely to cause harm, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-1-102" start="0">80-1-102</xref>, or potential harm to the minor child currently or at any time in the future when considering all of the following:<subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(iv)(A)">the minor child's age;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(iv)(B)">the minor child's gender;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(iv)(C)">the minor child's development;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(iv)(D)">the nature and seriousness of the disqualifying offense;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(iv)(E)">the preferences of a minor child who is 12 years old or older;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(iv)(F)">any available assessments, including custody evaluations, home studies, pre-placement adoptive evaluations, parenting assessments, psychological or mental health assessments, and bonding assessments; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(iv)(G)">any other relevant information;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(v)">the adult can provide evidence of all of the following:<subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(v)(A)">the relationship with the minor child is of long duration;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(v)(B)">that an emotional bond exists with the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(v)(C)">that adoption by the individual who has committed the disqualifying offense ensures the best interests of the minor child are met; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(vi)">the adoption is by:<subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(vi)(A)">a stepparent whose spouse is the adoptee's parent and consents to the adoption; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(b)(vi)(B)">subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-203(7)(d)">(7)(d)</xref>, a relative of the minor child, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-3-102" start="0">80-3-102</xref>, and there is not another relative without a disqualifying offense filing an adoption petition.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(c)">The adult with the disqualifying offense bears the burden of proof regarding why adoption with that adult is in the best interest of the minor child over another responsible relative or equally situated adult who does not have a disqualifying offense.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(d)">If there is an alternative responsible relative who does not have a disqualifying offense filing an adoption petition:<subsection number="81-13-203(7)(d)(i)">preference for adoption shall be given to a relative who does not have a disqualifying offense; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(d)(ii)">before the court may grant adoption to the adult who has the disqualifying offense over another responsible, willing, and able relative:<subsection number="81-13-203(7)(d)(ii)(A)">an impartial custody evaluation shall be completed; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(7)(d)(ii)(B)">a guardian ad litem shall be assigned.</subsection></subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-203(8)">Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-203(6)">(6)</xref> and <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-203(7)">(7)</xref> apply to a case pending on March 25, 2017, for which a final decision on adoption has not been made and to a case filed on or after March 25, 2017.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-204"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Petition for adoption of a minor child.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-204(1)">A person may bring a petition for adoption of a minor child:<subsection number="81-13-204(1)(a)">before the birth of the minor child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-204(1)(b)">before or after the minor child is placed in the home of the adoptive parent for the purpose of adoption.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-204(2)"><subsection number="81-13-204(2)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-204(2)(c)">(2)(c)</xref>, a petition for adoption of a minor child shall state whether the minor child was born in another state.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-204(2)(b)">If the minor child was born in another state, the petition and the court's final decree of adoption shall state that the requirements of Title 80, Chapter 2, Part 9, Interstate Compact on Placement of Children, have been complied with.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-204(2)(c)">This Subsection <xref refnumber="81-13-204(2)" depth="4">(2)</xref> does not apply if the prospective adoptive parent is not required to complete a preplacement adoptive evaluation under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-403">81-13-403</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-204(3)">In any adoption proceeding involving an "Indian child," as defined in 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1903, a child-placing agency and a petitioner shall comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-205"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">291</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Petition to terminate parental rights of a minor child.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-205(1)">A party may bring a petition seeking to terminate parental rights to a minor child for the purpose of facilitating the adoption of the minor child in a court with jurisdiction under <xref depth="3" refnumber="Title 78A, Judiciary and Judicial Administration">Title 78A, Judiciary and Judicial Administration</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(2)">A petition to terminate parental rights under this section may be:<subsection number="81-13-205(2)(a)">joined with a proceeding on an adoption petition; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(2)(b)">filed as a separate proceeding before or after a petition to adopt the minor child is filed.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(3)">A court may enter a final order terminating parental rights before a final decree of adoption is entered.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(4)"><subsection number="81-13-205(4)(a)">Nothing in this section limits the jurisdiction of a juvenile court relating to proceedings to terminate parental rights as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78A-6-103">78A-6-103</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(4)(b)">A court may not terminate parental rights to a minor child if the minor child is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court in a pending abuse, neglect, dependency, or termination of parental rights proceeding.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(5)">The court may terminate an individual's parental rights to a minor child if:<subsection number="81-13-205(5)(a)">the individual executes a voluntary consent to adoption, or relinquishment for adoption, of the minor child, in accordance with:<subsection number="81-13-205(5)(a)(i)">the requirements of this chapter; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(5)(a)(ii)">the laws of another state or country, if the consent is valid and irrevocable;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(5)(b)">the individual is an unmarried biological father who is not entitled to consent to adoption, or relinquishment for adoption, under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-212">81-13-212</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-213">81-13-213</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(5)(c)">the individual:<subsection number="81-13-205(5)(c)(i)">received notice of the adoption proceeding relating to the minor child under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-207">81-13-207</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(5)(c)(ii)">failed to file a motion for relief, under Subsection <xref refnumber="81-13-207(6)" depth="4">81-13-207(6)</xref>, within 30 days after the day on which the individual was served with notice of the adoption proceeding;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(5)(d)">the court finds, under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-607">81-5-607</xref>, that the individual is not a parent of the minor child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(5)(e)">the individual's parental rights are terminated on grounds described in Title 80, Chapter 4, Termination and Restoration of Parental Rights, and termination is in the best interests of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(6)">The court shall appoint an indigent defense service provider in accordance with Title 78B, Chapter 22, Indigent Defense Act, to represent a parent, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-211">81-13-211</xref>, who faces any action initiated by a private party under Title 80, Chapter 4, Termination and Restoration of Parental Rights, or whose parental rights are subject to termination under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(7)">If a county incurs expenses in providing indigent defense services to an indigent individual facing any action initiated by a private party under Title 80, Chapter 4, Termination and Restoration of Parental Rights, or termination of parental rights under this section, the county may apply for reimbursement from the Indigent Defense Commission in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="75E-9-203">75E-9-203</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-205(8)">A petition filed under this section is subject to the procedural requirements of this chapter.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-206"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Determination of rights in an adoption proceeding for a minor child.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-206(1)"><subsection number="81-13-206(1)(a)">Any interested person may petition a court with jurisdiction over an adoption proceeding of a minor child for a determination of the rights and interests of any person who may claim an interest in the minor child under this part.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-206(1)(b)">The petition described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-6-S109_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-6-109(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> may be filed at any time before the finalization of the adoption, including before:<subsection number="81-13-206(1)(b)(i)">the minor child's birth;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-206(1)(b)(ii)">a petition for adoption is filed; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-206(1)(b)(iii)">a petition to terminate parental rights is filed.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-206(2)">If a petition for adoption or a petition to terminate parental rights has been filed in a court with jurisdiction under Title 78A, Judiciary and Judicial Administration, the petitioner or any interested person may, without filing a separate petition, move the court for a determination of the rights and interests of any person who may claim an interest in the minor child under this chapter.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-207"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Notice of an adoption proceeding for a minor child.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-207(1)">A petitioner in an adoption proceeding described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-204">81-13-204</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-205">81-13-205</xref>, or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-206">81-13-206</xref> shall serve a notice of the adoption proceeding on each of the following persons:<subsection number="81-13-207(1)(a)">any person or agency whose consent or relinquishment is required under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-212">81-13-212</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-213">81-13-213</xref>, unless that right has been terminated by:<subsection number="81-13-207(1)(a)(i)">waiver;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(1)(a)(ii)">relinquishment;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(1)(a)(iii)">actual or implied consent; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(1)(a)(iv)">judicial action;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(1)(b)">any person who has initiated a parentage proceeding and filed notice of that action with the office in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110(3)" start="0">(3)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(1)(c)">any legally appointed custodian or guardian of the child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(1)(d)">the petitioner's spouse if the petitioner is married and the petitioner's spouse has not joined in the petition;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(1)(e)">the child adoptee's spouse if the child adoptee is married;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(1)(f)">any individual who, before the time the birth mother executes the birth mother's consent for adoption or relinquishes the child adoptee for adoption, is recorded on the birth certificate as the child adoptee's parent, with the knowledge and consent of the birth mother;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(1)(g)">any individual who is:<subsection number="81-13-207(1)(g)(i)">openly living in the same household with the child adoptee at the time the consent is executed or relinquishment made; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(1)(g)(ii)">holding the individual out to be the child adoptee's parent; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(1)(h)">an individual who is married to the child adoptee's birth mother at the time the birth mother executes the birth mother's consent to the adoption or relinquishes the child adoptee for adoption, unless the court finds that the mother's spouse is not the child adoptee's parent under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-607">81-5-607</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(2)"><subsection number="81-13-207(2)(a)">Except as provided in Subsections <xref refnumber="78B-6-110(2)(b)" depth="4">(2)(b)</xref> and (c), the petitioner may serve the notice described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-110(1)" depth="4">(1)</xref> at any time after the petition for the adoption proceeding is filed.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(2)(b)">The petitioner may not serve the notice described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-110(2)(a)" depth="4">(2)(a)</xref> on a birth mother before the birth mother has given birth to the minor child who is the subject of the petition.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(2)(c)">The petitioner shall serve the notice described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-110(1)" depth="4">(1)</xref> at least 30 days prior to the final dispositional hearing.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(3)"><subsection number="81-13-207(3)(a)">An unmarried biological father, by virtue of the fact that the unmarried biological father has engaged in a sexual relationship with a woman:<subsection number="81-13-207(3)(a)(i)">is considered to be on notice that a pregnancy and an adoption proceeding regarding a minor child may occur; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(3)(a)(ii)">has a duty to protect the unmarried biological father's own rights and interests.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(3)(b)">An unmarried biological father is entitled to actual notice of a birth or an adoption proceeding with regard to the unmarried biological father's minor child only as provided in this section or Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-209">81-13-209</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(3)(c)">In order to preserve any right to notice, an unmarried biological father shall, consistent with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-207(3)(f)">(3)(f)</xref>:<subsection number="81-13-207(3)(c)(i)">initiate proceedings in a court with jurisdiction under Title 78A, Judiciary and Judicial Administration, to establish parentage under Chapter 5, Uniform Parentage Act; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(3)(c)(ii)">file a notice of commencement of the proceedings described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-207(3)(c)(i)">(3)(c)(i)</xref> with the office.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(3)(d)">Notwithstanding Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-102">81-13-102</xref> or Title 78B, Chapter 3a, Venue for Civil Actions, an unmarried biological father may initiate an action described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-110(3)(c)" depth="4">(3)(c)</xref> in any county if the unmarried biological father does not know the county in which the birth mother resides.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(3)(e)">The Department of Health and Human Services shall provide forms for the purpose of filing the notice described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-207(3)(c)(ii)">(3)(c)(ii)</xref>, and make those forms available in the office of the county health department in each county.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(3)(f)">When the office receives a completed form, the office shall:<subsection number="81-13-207(3)(f)(i)">record the date and time the form was received; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(3)(f)(ii)">immediately enter the information provided by the unmarried biological father in the confidential registry described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(4)(c)">81-13-213(4)(c)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(3)(g)"><subsection number="81-13-207(3)(g)(i)">An unmarried biological father may file the action and notice described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-110(3)(c)" depth="4">(3)(c)</xref> before or after the minor child's birth.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(3)(g)(ii)">An unmarried biological father shall file the action and notice described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-110(3)(c)" depth="4">(3)(c)</xref> before the birth mother's:<subsection number="81-13-207(3)(g)(ii)(A)">execution of consent to adoption of the minor child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(3)(g)(ii)(B)">relinquishment of the minor child for adoption.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(3)(h)">Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(b), an unmarried biological father is not entitled to notice of an adoption proceeding in a case where it is shown that the minor child was conceived as a result of conduct that constitutes a sexual offense, regardless of whether the unmarried biological father is formally charged with or convicted of the sexual offense.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(4)">Notice provided in accordance with this section need not disclose the name of the birth mother of the minor child who is the subject of an adoption proceeding.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(5)">The notice required by this section:<subsection number="81-13-207(5)(a)">shall specifically state that the person served shall fulfill the requirements of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110(6)(a)" start="0">(6)(a)</xref> within 30 days after the day on which the person receives service if the person intends to intervene in or contest the adoption;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(5)(b)">shall state the consequences, described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110(6)(b)" start="0">(6)(b)</xref>, for failure of a person to file a motion for relief within 30 days after the day on which the person is served with notice of an adoption proceeding;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(5)(c)">is not required to include, or be accompanied by, a summons or a copy of the petition for adoption;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(5)(d)">shall state where the person may obtain a copy of the petition for adoption; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(5)(e)">shall indicate the right to the appointment of counsel for a party whom the court determines is indigent and at risk of losing the party's parental rights.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(6)"><subsection number="81-13-207(6)(a)">A person who has been served with notice of an adoption proceeding and who wishes to contest the adoption shall file a motion to intervene in the adoption proceeding:<subsection number="81-13-207(6)(a)(i)">within 30 days after the day on which the person was served with notice of the adoption proceeding;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(6)(a)(ii)">setting forth specific relief sought; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(6)(a)(iii)">accompanied by a memorandum specifying the factual and legal grounds upon which the motion is based.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(6)(b)">A person who fails to fully and strictly comply with all of the requirements described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110(6)(a)" start="0">(6)(a)</xref> within 30 days after the day on which the person was served with notice of the adoption proceeding:<subsection number="81-13-207(6)(b)(i)">waives any right to further notice in connection with the adoption;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(6)(b)(ii)">forfeits all rights in relation to the adoptee; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(6)(b)(iii)">is barred from thereafter bringing or maintaining any action to assert any interest in the adoptee.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(7)"><subsection number="81-13-207(7)(a)"><subsection number="81-13-207(7)(a)(i)">Subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-207(5)(c)">(5)(c)</xref>, the petitioner shall serve a person whose consent is necessary under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-212">81-13-212</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-213">81-13-213</xref> in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(7)(a)(ii)">If service of a person described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110(7)(a)(i)" start="0">(7)(a)(i)</xref> is by publication, the court shall designate the content of the notice regarding the identity of the parties.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(7)(a)(iii)">The notice described in this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110(7)(a)" start="0">(7)(a)</xref> may not include the name of a person seeking to adopt the adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(7)(b)"><subsection number="81-13-207(7)(b)(i)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110(7)(b)(ii)" start="0">(7)(b)(ii)</xref> to any other person for whom notice is required under this section, service by certified mail, return receipt requested, is sufficient.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(7)(b)(ii)">If the service described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110(7)(b)(i)" start="0">(7)(b)(i)</xref> cannot be completed after two attempts, the court may issue an order providing for service by publication, posting, or by any other manner of service.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(7)(c)">Notice to an individual, who has initiated a parentage proceeding and filed notice of that action with the office in accordance with the requirements of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110(3)" start="0">(3)</xref>, shall be served by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the last address filed with the office.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(8)">The notice required by this section may be waived in writing by the person entitled to receive notice.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(9)">Proof of service of notice on all persons for whom notice is required by this section shall be filed with the court before the final dispositional hearing on the adoption.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(10)">Notwithstanding any other provision of law, neither the notice of an adoption proceeding nor any process in that proceeding is required to contain the name of the person or persons seeking to adopt the child adoptee.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(11)">Except as to those persons whose consent to an adoption is required under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-212">81-13-212</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-213">81-13-213</xref>, the sole purpose of notice under this section is to enable the person served to:<subsection number="81-13-207(11)(a)">intervene in the adoption; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-207(11)(b)">present evidence to the court relevant to the best interest of the child adoptee.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-13-208"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Prebirth notice to birth father of intent to place a minor child for adoption.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-208(1)">As used in this section, "birth father" means:<subsection number="81-13-208(1)(a)">a potential birth father; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(1)(b)">an unmarried biological father.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(2)">Before the birth of a minor child, the following persons may notify a birth father of the minor child that the birth mother of the minor child is considering an adoptive placement for the minor child:<subsection number="81-13-208(2)(a)">the minor child's birth mother;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(2)(b)">a licensed child-placing agency;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(2)(c)">an attorney representing a prospective adoptive parent of the minor child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(2)(d)">an attorney representing the birth mother of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(3)">Providing a birth father with notice under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110.1(2)" start="0">(2)</xref> does not obligate the birth mother of the minor child to proceed with an adoptive placement of the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(4)">The notice described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110.1(2)" start="0">(2)</xref> shall include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the notice and the following information:<subsection number="81-13-208(4)(a)">the birth mother's intent to place the minor child for adoption;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(4)(b)">that the birth mother has named the person receiving this notice as a potential birth father of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(4)(c)">the requirements to contest the adoption, including taking the following steps within 30 days after the day on which the notice is served:<subsection number="81-13-208(4)(c)(i)">initiating proceedings to establish or assert paternity in a court with jurisdiction under Title 78A, Judiciary and Judicial Administration, within 30 days after the day on which notice is served, including filing an affidavit stating:<subsection number="81-13-208(4)(c)(i)(A)">that the birth father is fully able and willing to have full custody of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(4)(c)(i)(B)">the birth father's plans to care for the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(4)(c)(i)(C)">that the birth father agrees to pay for child support and expenses incurred in connection with the pregnancy and birth of the minor child; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(4)(c)(ii)">filing a notice of commencement of parentage proceedings with the office;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(4)(d)">the consequences for failure to comply with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110.1(4)(c)" start="0">(4)(c)</xref>, including that:<subsection number="81-13-208(4)(d)(i)">the birth father's ability to assert the right, if any, to consent or refuse to consent to the adoption is irrevocably lost;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(4)(d)(ii)">the birth father will lose the ability to assert the right to contest any future adoption of the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(4)(d)(iii)">the birth father will lose the right, if any, to notice of any adoption proceedings related to the minor child;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(4)(e)">that the birth father may consent to the adoption, if any, within 30 days after the day on which the notice is received, and that the birth father's consent is irrevocable; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(4)(f)">that no communication between the birth mother of the minor child and the birth father changes the rights and responsibilities of the birth father described in the notice.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(5)">If a birth father does not fully and strictly comply with the requirements of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110.1(4)(c)" start="0">(4)(c)</xref> within 30 days after the day on which the birth father receives the notice, the birth father will lose:<subsection number="81-13-208(5)(a)">the ability to assert the right to consent or refuse to consent to an adoption of the minor child described in the notice;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(5)(b)">the ability to assert the right to contest any future adoption of the minor child described in the notice; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(5)(c)">the right to notice of any adoption proceedings relating to the minor child described in the notice.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-208(6)">If a person described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110.1(2)" start="0">(2)</xref> chooses to notify a birth father under this section, the notice shall be served on a birth father in a manner consistent with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure or by certified mail.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-209"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Declaration regarding each potential birth father for out-of-state birth mother and adoptive parents-- Putative father registry -- Notice to potential birth father.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-209(1)">The procedural and substantive requirements of this section are required only to the extent that the requirements do not exceed the requirements of the state of conception or the birth mother's state of residence.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(2)"><subsection number="81-13-209(2)(a)">For a child adoptee who is six months old or younger at the time that the child adoptee is placed with the prospective adoptive parents and subject to the rights of a birth mother described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-202(7)">81-13-202(7)</xref>, the birth mother shall sign, and the prospective adoptive parents shall file with the court, a declaration regarding each potential birth father before or at the time a petition for adoption is filed with the court.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(2)(b)">A declaration is not required under Subsection <xref tempid="987" depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110.5(2)(a)">(2)(a)</xref> if the birth mother or one of the adoptive parents has resided in the state for 90 total days or more at any point during the time period beginning at the conception of the child adoptee and ending at the time that the birth mother executes consent to the adoption or relinquishment of the child adoptee for adoption.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(3)">The child-placing agency or prospective adoptive parents shall search the putative father registry of each state where the birth mother believes the child adoptee may have been conceived and each state where the birth mother lived during her pregnancy, if the state has a putative father registry, to determine whether a potential birth father registered with the state's putative father registry.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(4)">In determining whether the 90-day requirement described in Subsection <xref tempid="151" depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-110.5(2)">(2)</xref> is satisfied, the following apply:<subsection number="81-13-209(4)(a)">the 90 days are not required to be consecutive;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(4)(b)">no absence from the state may be for more than seven consecutive days;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(4)(c)">any day on which the individual is absent from the state does not count toward the total 90-day period; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(4)(d)">the 90-day period begins and ends during a period that is no more than 120 consecutive days.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)">The declaration filed under Subsection (2) regarding a potential birth father shall include, for each potential birth father, the following information:<subsection number="81-13-209(5)(a)">if known, the potential birth father's name, date of birth, social security number, and address;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)(b)">with regard to a state's putative father registry in each state described in Subsection (3):<subsection number="81-13-209(5)(b)(i)">whether the state has a putative father registry; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)(b)(ii)">for each state that has a putative father registry, with the declaration, a certificate or written statement from the state's putative father registry that a search of the state's putative father registry was made and disclosing the results of the search;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)(c)">whether the potential birth father was notified of:<subsection number="81-13-209(5)(c)(i)">the birth mother's pregnancy;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)(c)(ii)">the fact that he is a potential birth father; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)(c)(iii)">the fact that the birth mother intends to consent to adoption or relinquishment of the child adoptee for adoption in Utah;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)(d)">each state where the birth mother lived during the pregnancy;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)(e)">if known, the state in which the child adoptee was conceived;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)(f)">whether the birth mother informed the potential birth father that she was traveling to or planning to reside in Utah;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)(g)">whether the birth mother has contacted the potential birth father while she was located in Utah;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)(h)">whether, and for how long, the potential birth father has ever lived with the child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)(i)">whether the potential birth father has given the birth mother money or offered to pay for any of the birth mother's expenses during pregnancy or the child adoptee's birth;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)(j)">whether the potential birth father has offered to pay child support;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)(k)">if known, whether the potential birth father has taken any legal action to establish paternity of the child adoptee, either in Utah or in any other state, and, if known, what action the potential birth father has taken; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(5)(l)">whether the birth mother has ever been involved in a domestic violence matter with the potential birth father.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(6)">Except as provided in Subsection (8), based on the declaration regarding the potential birth father, the court shall order the birth mother to serve a potential birth father notice that she intends to consent or has consented to adoption or relinquishment of the child adoptee for adoption, if the court finds that the potential birth father:<subsection number="81-13-209(6)(a)">has taken sufficient action to demonstrate an interest in the child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(6)(b)">has taken sufficient action to attempt to preserve the potential birth father's legal rights as a birth father, including by filing a legal action to establish parentage or filing with a state's putative father registry; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(6)(c)">does not know, and does not have a reason to know, that:<subsection number="81-13-209(6)(c)(i)">the mother or child adoptee are present in Utah;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(6)(c)(ii)">the mother intended to give birth to the child adoptee in Utah;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(6)(c)(iii)">the child adoptee was born in Utah; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(6)(c)(iv)">the mother intends to consent to adoption or relinquishment of the child adoptee for adoption in Utah.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(7)">Notice under this section shall be made in accordance with Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-207(7)">81-13-207(7)</xref> through (11).</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(8)">A court may only order the notice requirements in Subsection (6) to the extent that they do not exceed the notice requirements of:<subsection number="81-13-209(8)(a)">the state of conception; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-209(8)(b)">the birth mother's state of residence.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-13-210"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Custody pending final decree.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-210(1)">Except as otherwise provided by the court, once a petitioner has received the adoptee into the petitioner's home and a petition for adoption has been filed, the petitioner is entitled to the custody and control of the child adoptee and is responsible for the care, maintenance, and support of the adoptee, including any necessary medical or surgical treatment, pending further order of the court.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-210(2)"><subsection number="81-13-210(2)(a)">Once a child adoptee has been placed with, relinquished to, or ordered into the custody of a child-placing agency for purposes of adoption, the agency shall have custody and control of the child adoptee and is responsible for the child adoptee's care, maintenance, and support. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-210(2)(b)">Subject to Subsection <xref tempid="724" depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-134(3)(c)">(3)(c)</xref>, the child-placing agency may delegate the responsibility for care, maintenance, and support, including any necessary medical or surgical treatment, to the petitioner once the petitioner has received the child adoptee into the petitioner's home, including a temporary place of abode for the petitioner.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-210(2)(c)">Until the final decree of adoption is entered by the court, the child-placing agency has the right to the custody and control of the child adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-210(3)"><subsection number="81-13-210(3)(a)">A licensed child-placing agency, or a petitioner if the petition of adoption is filed before a child adoptee's birth, may seek an order establishing that the child-placing agency or petitioner shall have temporary custody of the child adoptee from the time of the child adoptee's birth.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-210(3)(b)">The court shall grant an order for temporary custody under Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-134(3)(a)" depth="4">(3)(a)</xref> upon determining that:<subsection number="81-13-210(3)(b)(i)">the birth mother or both birth parents consent to the order;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-210(3)(b)(ii)">the child-placing agency or petitioner is willing and able to take custody of the child adoptee; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-210(3)(b)(iii)">an order will be in the best interest of the child adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-210(3)(c)">The court shall vacate an order if, before the child adoptee's birth, the birth mother or both birth parents withdraw consent to the order.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-13-211"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">390</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Counseling for parents.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-211(1)">As used in this section, "parent" means a person described in Subsections <xref refnumber="81-13-212(1)(b)" depth="4">81-13-212(1)(b)</xref> through (f) for whom the consent or relinquishment of a minor child for the adoption is required.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(2)">Subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(3)(a)">(3)(a)</xref>, before relinquishing a minor child to a child-placing agency, or consenting to the adoption of a child adoptee, a parent of the child adoptee has the right to participate in, or elect to participate in, mental health therapy:<subsection number="81-13-211(2)(a)">by a mental health professional who is licensed under Title 58, Chapter 60, Mental Health Professional Practice Act, and selected by the parent participating in the mental health therapy;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(2)(b)">for up to three sessions of at least 50 minutes per session completed before relinquishing a child adoptee and up to three sessions of at least 50 minutes per session following the relinquishment of a child adoptee; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(2)(c)">subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(3)(b)">(3)(b)</xref>, at the expense of the:<subsection number="81-13-211(2)(c)(i)">child-placing agency; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(2)(c)(ii)">prospective adoptive parents.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(3)"><subsection number="81-13-211(3)(a)">Notwithstanding Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(2)">(2)</xref>, a parent who has the right to participate in the mental health therapy under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(2)">(2)</xref> may waive that right.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(3)(b)">Notwithstanding Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(2)(c)">(2)(c)</xref>, the total amount required to be paid by a child-placing agency or the prospective adoptive parents for the mental health therapy described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(2)">(2)</xref> may not exceed $800, unless an agreement for a greater amount is signed by:<subsection number="81-13-211(3)(b)(i)">the parent who receives the mental health therapy; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(3)(b)(ii)">the child-placing agency or prospective adoptive parents.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(4)">Before a parent relinquishes a child adoptee to a child-placing agency, or consents to the adoption of a child adoptee, the parent shall be informed of the right described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(1)">(1)</xref> by the:<subsection number="81-13-211(4)(a)">child-placing agency;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(4)(b)">prospective adoptive parents; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(4)(c)">representative of a person described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(4)(a)">(4)(a)</xref> or <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(b)">(b)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(5)">If the parent who is entitled to the mental health therapy as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(1)">(1)</xref> elects to attend one or more mental health therapy sessions following the relinquishment of a child adoptee the parent of the child adoptee and the child-placing agency or attorney representing a prospective adoptive parent of the child adoptee shall enter into an agreement to pay for the mental health therapy in accordance with this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(6)"><subsection number="81-13-211(6)(a)">Subject to Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(4)(b)">(4)(b)</xref> and <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(c)">(c)</xref>, before the day on which a final decree of adoption is entered, a statement shall be filed with the court that:<subsection number="81-13-211(6)(a)(i)">is signed by each parent who:<subsection number="81-13-211(6)(a)(i)(A)">relinquishes the parent's parental rights; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(6)(a)(i)(B)">consents to the adoption; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(6)(a)(ii)">states that, before the parent took the action described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(6)(a)(i)(a)">(6)(a)(i)(A)</xref> or <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(b)">(B)</xref>, the parent was advised of the parent's right to participate in the mental health therapy described in this section at the expense of the:<subsection number="81-13-211(6)(a)(ii)(A)">child-placing agency; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(6)(a)(ii)(B)">prospective adoptive parents.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(6)(b)">The statement described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(6)(a)">(6)(a)</xref> may be included in the document that:<subsection number="81-13-211(6)(b)(i)">relinquishes the parent's parental rights; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(6)(b)(ii)">consents to the adoption.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(6)(c)">Failure by a person to give the notice described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(4)">(4)</xref>, or pay for the mental health therapy described in this section shall not constitute grounds for invalidating a:<subsection number="81-13-211(6)(c)(i)">relinquishment of parental rights; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-211(6)(c)(ii)">consent to adoption.</subsection></subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-13-212"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">390</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Necessary consent to adoption or relinquishment for adoption of a minor child -- Implied consent.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-212(1)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-212(2)">(2)</xref>, the following persons are required to consent to an adoption of a minor child, or to relinquishment of a minor child, before an adoption of the minor child is granted:<subsection number="81-13-212(1)(a)">if the child adoptee is 12 years old or older, the child adoptee unless the child adoptee does not have the mental capacity to consent;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(1)(b)">a man or woman who:<subsection number="81-13-212(1)(b)(i)">by operation of law under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-201">81-5-201</xref>, is recognized as the father or mother of the proposed adoptee, unless:<subsection number="81-13-212(1)(b)(i)(A)">the presumption is rebutted under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-607">81-5-607</xref>; </subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(1)(b)(i)(B)">at the time of the marriage, the man or woman knew or reasonably should have known that the marriage to the mother of the proposed child adoptee was or could be declared invalid; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(1)(b)(i)(C)">the man or woman was not married to the mother of the proposed child adoptee until after the mother consented to adoption, or relinquishment for adoption, of the proposed child adoptee; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(1)(b)(ii)">is the parent of the child adoptee by a previous legal adoption;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(1)(c)">the birth mother of the child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(1)(d)">an individual who has been adjudicated to be the child adoptee's parent by a court with jurisdiction before the birth mother's execution of consent to adoption or the birth mother's relinquishment of the child adoptee for adoption;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(1)(e)">consistent with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-212(3)">(3)</xref>, an individual who has executed and filed a voluntary declaration of paternity with the office in accordance with Chapter 5, Uniform Parentage Act, before the birth mother's execution of consent to adoption or the birth mother's relinquishment of the child adoptee for adoption;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(1)(f)">an unmarried biological father of the child adoptee, whose consent is not required under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-212(1)(d)">(1)(d)</xref> or <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-212(1)(e)">(1)(e)</xref>, only if the unmarried biological father fully and strictly complies with the requirements of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-213">81-13-213</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(1)(g)">the person or agency to whom an adoptee has been relinquished and that is placing the child adoptee for adoption.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(2)">The consent or relinquishment of an individual described in Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-212(1)(b)">(1)(b)</xref> through <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-212(f)">(f)</xref> is not required if the individual's parental rights relating to the child adoptee have been terminated by a court.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(3)">For purposes of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-212(1)(e)">(1)(e)</xref>, a voluntary declaration of paternity is considered filed when the voluntary declaration is entered into a database that:<subsection number="81-13-212(3)(a)">can be accessed by the Department of Health and Human Services; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(3)(b)">is designated by the office as the official database for voluntary declarations of paternity.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(4)"><subsection number="81-13-212(4)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-120(4)(b)" depth="4">(4)(b)</xref>, a person described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-120(1)" depth="4">(1)</xref> may execute a consent or relinquishment at any time, including before the birth of the child adoptee.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(4)(b)">A birth mother may not consent to the adoption of the child adoptee, or relinquish control or custody of the child adoptee, until at least 24 hours after the birth of the child adoptee.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(4)(c)">A child adoptee may not execute a consent to an adoption until the child adoptee is at least 12 years old.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(5)"><subsection number="81-13-212(5)(a)">A birth parent who is younger than 18 years old has the power to:<subsection number="81-13-212(5)(a)(i)">consent to the adoption of the birth parent's minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(5)(a)(ii)">relinquish the birth parent's control or custody of the minor child for adoption.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(5)(b)">The consent or relinquishment described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-120(5)(a)" depth="4">(5)(a)</xref> is valid and has the same force and effect as a consent or relinquishment executed by a birth parent who is an adult.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(5)(c)">A birth parent, who is younger than 18 years old and has executed a consent or relinquishment, cannot revoke that consent or relinquishment upon reaching 18 years old or otherwise becoming emancipated.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(6)"><subsection number="81-13-212(6)(a)">A birth parent may revoke the birth parent's consent or relinquishment for any reason within 72 hours after the birth parent consents or relinquishes the child adoptee.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(6)(b)">A birth parent may waive in writing the revocation period described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-212(6)(a)">(6)(a)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(6)(c)">A birth parent may revoke the birth parent's consent or relinquishment before a final decree of adoption has been entered if a court determines that the consent or relinquishment was given under duress, fraud, or undue influence by the child-placing agency.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(6)(d)">A birth parent may not sign a consent or relinquishment while under the effects of anesthesia or medication that impacts the birth parent's ability to think clearly.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(6)(e)">Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-212(6)(a)">(6)(a)</xref> through <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-212(d)">(d)</xref> does not apply to a voluntary relinquishment that is executed in juvenile court in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-4-307">80-4-307</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(7)"><subsection number="81-13-212(7)(a)">As used in this Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-120(7)" depth="4">(7)</xref>:<subsection number="81-13-212(7)(a)(i)">"Abandonment" means failure of a birth parent, with reasonable knowledge of the pregnancy, to offer and provide financial and emotional support to the birth mother for a period of 180 days before the day on which the child adoptee is born.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(7)(a)(ii)">"Emotional support" means a pattern of statements or actions that indicate to a reasonable person that a birth parent intends to provide for the physical and emotional well-being of an unborn child adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(7)(b)">A consent or relinquishment required by Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-120(1)" depth="4">(1)</xref> may be implied by any of the following acts:<subsection number="81-13-212(7)(b)(i)">abandonment;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(7)(b)(ii)">leaving the child adoptee with a third party for 30 consecutive days without providing the third party with the birth parent's identification;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(7)(b)(iii)">knowingly leaving the child adoptee with another person for 180 consecutive days without providing for support, communicating, or otherwise maintaining a substantial relationship with the child adoptee; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(7)(b)(iv)">receiving notification of a pending adoption proceeding as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-207">81-13-207</xref>, or of a termination proceeding described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-205">81-13-205</xref>, and failing to respond as required.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(7)(c)">For purposes of this Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-120(7)" depth="4">(7)</xref>, a court may not:<subsection number="81-13-212(7)(c)(i)">determine that a birth parent abandoned the birth mother if the birth parent failed to provide financial or emotional support because the birth mother refused to accept support; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(7)(c)(ii)">find that the birth parent failed to provide emotional support if the individual's failure was due to impossibility of performance.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(7)(d)">Implied consent under this Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-120(7)" depth="4">(7)</xref> may not be withdrawn.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(7)(e)">Nothing in this Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-120(7)" depth="4">(7)</xref> negates the requirements of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-213">81-13-213</xref> for an unmarried biological father.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-212(8)">Nothing in this section establishes new requirements for an individual relinquishing a child in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-4-502">80-4-502</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-213"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">155</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Consent of unmarried biological father.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-213(1)">As used in this section, "qualifying circumstance" means that, at any point during the time period beginning at the conception of the child adoptee and ending at the time that the birth mother executes a consent to adoption or relinquishment of the child adoptee for adoption:<subsection number="81-13-213(1)(a)">the child adoptee or the child adoptee's birth mother resided on a permanent basis, or a temporary basis of no less than 30 consecutive days, in the state;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(1)(b)">the birth mother intended to give birth to the child adoptee in the state;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(1)(c)">the child adoptee was born in the state; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(1)(d)">the birth mother intended to execute a consent to adoption or relinquishment of the child adoptee for adoption in the state or under the laws of the state.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(2)">Except as provided in Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(3)(a)">(3)(a)</xref> and <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(8)">(8)</xref>, and subject to Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(6)">(6)</xref> and <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(7)">(7)</xref>, the consent of an unmarried biological father to the adoption of a child adoptee, who is placed with prospective adoptive parents more than 180 days after birth, is not required unless the unmarried biological father:<subsection number="81-13-213(2)(a)"><subsection number="81-13-213(2)(a)(i)">developed a substantial relationship with the child adoptee by:<subsection number="81-13-213(2)(a)(i)(A)">visiting the child adoptee monthly, unless the unmarried biological father was physically or financially unable to visit the child adoptee on a monthly basis; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(2)(a)(i)(B)">engaging in regular communication with the child adoptee or with the person or authorized agency that has lawful custody of the child adoptee;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(2)(a)(ii)">took some measure of responsibility for the child adoptee and the child adoptee's future; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(2)(a)(iii)">demonstrated a full commitment to the responsibilities of parenthood by financial support of the child adoptee of a fair and reasonable sum in accordance with the unmarried biological father's ability; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(2)(b)"><subsection number="81-13-213(2)(b)(i)">if the child adoptee is younger than one year old, openly lived with the child adoptee immediately preceding placement of the child adoptee with the prospective adoptive parents for a period of at least 180 days during the period of time beginning on the day on which the child adoptee is born and ending on the day on which the child adoptee is placed with prospective adoptive parents;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(2)(b)(ii)">if the child adoptee is one year old or older, openly lived with the child adoptee immediately preceding placement of the child adoptee with the prospective adoptive parents for a period of at least 180 days during the one-year period immediately preceding the day on which the child adoptee is placed with prospective adoptive parents; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(2)(b)(iii)">openly held himself out to be the father of the child adoptee during the 180-day period described in Subsection <xref tempid="669" depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-121(2)(b)(i)">(2)(b)(i)</xref> or (ii).</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(3)"><subsection number="81-13-213(3)(a)">If an unmarried biological father was prevented from complying with a requirement described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(2)">(2)</xref> by the person or authorized agency having lawful custody of the child adoptee, the unmarried biological father is not required to comply with that requirement.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(3)(b)">The subjective intent of an unmarried biological father, whether expressed or otherwise, that is unsupported by evidence that the requirements in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(2)">(2)</xref> have been met, shall not preclude a determination that the unmarried biological father failed to meet the requirements of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(2)">(2)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(4)">Except as provided in Subsections <xref refnumber="78B-6-121(7)" depth="4">(7)</xref> and (8), and subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(6)">(6)</xref>, the consent of an unmarried biological father to the adoption of a child adoptee, who is 180 days old or younger at the time that the child adoptee is placed with the prospective adoptive parents, is not required unless, before the time that the birth mother executes the birth mother's consent for adoption or relinquishes the child adoptee for adoption, the unmarried biological father:<subsection number="81-13-213(4)(a)">initiates proceedings in a court with jurisdiction under Title 78A, Judiciary and Judicial Administration, to establish parentage under Chapter 5, Uniform Parentage Act;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(4)(b)">files with the court that is presiding over the parentage proceeding a sworn affidavit:<subsection number="81-13-213(4)(b)(i)">stating that the unmarried biological father is fully able and willing to have full custody of the child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(4)(b)(ii)">setting forth the unmarried biological father's plans for care of the child adoptee; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(4)(b)(iii)">agreeing to a court order of child support and the payment of expenses incurred in connection with the birth mother's pregnancy and the child adoptee's birth;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(4)(c)">consistent with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(5)">(5)</xref>, files notice of the commencement of parentage proceedings described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(4)(a)">(4)(a)</xref>, with the office in a confidential registry established by the office for that purpose; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(4)(d)">offered to pay and paid, during the pregnancy and after the child adoptee's birth, a fair and reasonable amount of the expenses incurred in connection with the birth mother's pregnancy and the child adoptee's birth, in accordance with the unmarried biological father's financial ability, unless:<subsection number="81-13-213(4)(d)(i)">the unmarried biological father did not have actual knowledge of the pregnancy;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(4)(d)(ii)">the unmarried biological father was prevented from paying the expenses by the person or authorized agency having lawful custody of the child adoptee; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(4)(d)(iii)">the birth mother refused to accept the unmarried biological father's offer to pay the expenses described in this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(4)(d)">(4)(d)</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(5)"><subsection number="81-13-213(5)(a)">The notice described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(4)(c)">(4)(c)</xref> is considered filed when received by the office.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(5)(b)">If the unmarried biological father fully complies with the requirements of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(4)">(4)</xref>, and an adoption of the child adoptee is not completed, the unmarried biological father shall, without any order of the court, be legally obligated for a reasonable amount of child support, pregnancy expenses, and child birth expenses, in accordance with the unmarried biological father's financial ability.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(6)">Unless the unmarried biological father's ability to assert the right to consent has been lost for failure to comply with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-208">81-13-208</xref>, or lost under another provision of Utah law, an unmarried biological father shall have at least one business day after the child adoptee's birth to fully and strictly comply with the requirements of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(4)">(4)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(7)">The consent of an unmarried biological father to the adoption of a child adoptee is not required under this section if:<subsection number="81-13-213(7)(a)">the court determines, in accordance with the requirements and procedures of Title 80, Chapter 4, Termination and Restoration of Parental Rights, that the unmarried biological father's rights should be terminated, based on the petition of any interested party;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(7)(b)"><subsection number="81-13-213(7)(b)(i)">a voluntary declaration of paternity declaring the unmarried biological father to be the father of the child adoptee is rescinded under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-306">81-5-306</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(7)(b)(ii)">the unmarried biological father fails to comply with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(4)">(4)</xref> within 10 business days after the day that notice of the rescission described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(7)(b)(i)">(7)(b)(i)</xref> is mailed by the office as provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-5-306">81-5-306</xref>; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(7)(c)">the unmarried biological father is notified under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-208">81-13-208</xref> and fails to preserve the unmarried biological father's rights in accordance with the requirements of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-208">81-13-208</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(8)">Notwithstanding Subsections <xref refnumber="78B-6-121(2)" depth="4">(2)</xref> and (4), the consent of an unmarried biological father to the adoption of a child adoptee is required if:<subsection number="81-13-213(8)(a)"><subsection number="81-13-213(8)(a)(i)">the unmarried biological father did not know, and through the exercise of reasonable diligence could not have known, before the time the birth mother executed a consent to adoption or relinquishment of the child adoptee for adoption that a qualifying circumstance existed;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(8)(a)(ii)">before the birth mother executed a consent to adoption or relinquishment of the child adoptee for adoption, the unmarried biological father fully complied with the requirements to establish parental rights and duties in the child adoptee, and to preserve the right to notice of a proceeding in connection with the adoption of the child adoptee, imposed by:<subsection number="81-13-213(8)(a)(ii)(A)">the last state where the unmarried biological father knew, or through the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known, that the birth mother resided in before the birth mother executed the consent to adoption or relinquishment of the child adoptee for adoption; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(8)(a)(ii)(B)">the state where the child adoptee was conceived; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(8)(a)(iii)">the unmarried biological father has demonstrated, based on the totality of the circumstances, a full commitment to the unmarried biological father's parental responsibilities as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(9)">(9)</xref>; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(8)(b)"><subsection number="81-13-213(8)(b)(i)">the unmarried biological father knew, or through the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known, before the time the birth mother executed a consent to adoption or relinquishment of the child adoptee for adoption that a qualifying circumstance existed; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(8)(b)(ii)">the unmarried biological father complied with the requirements of Subsections <xref refnumber="78B-6-121(2)" depth="4">(2)</xref> through (7) before the later of:<subsection number="81-13-213(8)(b)(ii)(A)">20 days after the day that the unmarried biological father knew, or through the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known, that a qualifying circumstance existed; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(8)(b)(ii)(B)">the time that the birth mother executed a consent to adoption or relinquishment of the child adoptee for adoption.</subsection></subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(9)">When determining whether an unmarried biological father has demonstrated a full commitment to the unmarried biological father's parental responsibilities for purposes of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(8)(a)(iii)">(8)(a)(iii)</xref>, a court shall consider the totality of the circumstances, including, if applicable:<subsection number="81-13-213(9)(a)">the efforts the unmarried biological father has taken to discover the location of the child adoptee or the child adoptee's birth mother;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(9)(b)">whether the unmarried biological father has expressed and demonstrated an interest in taking responsibility for the child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(9)(c)">whether, and to what extent, the unmarried biological father has developed, or attempted to develop, a relationship with the child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(9)(d)">whether the unmarried biological father offered to provide and, unless the offer was rejected, did provide, financial support for the child adoptee or the child adoptee's birth mother;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(9)(e)">whether, and to what extent, the unmarried biological father has communicated, or attempted to communicate, with the child adoptee or the child adoptee's birth mother;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(9)(f)">whether the unmarried biological father has timely filed legal proceedings to establish the unmarried biological father's parentage of, and take responsibility for, the child adoptee; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(9)(g)">whether the unmarried biological father has timely filed a notice with a public official or agency relating to:<subsection number="81-13-213(9)(g)(i)">the unmarried biological father's parentage of the child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(9)(g)(ii)">legal proceedings to establish the unmarried biological father's parentage of the child adoptee; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(9)(g)(iii)">other evidence that shows whether the unmarried biological father has demonstrated a full commitment to the unmarried biological father's parental responsibilities.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(10)">An unmarried biological father who does not fully and strictly comply with the requirements of this section is considered to have waived and surrendered any right in relation to the child adoptee, including the right to:<subsection number="81-13-213(10)(a)">notice of any judicial proceeding in connection with the adoption of the child adoptee; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(10)(b)">consent, or refuse to consent, to the adoption of the child adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(11)">Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the consent of an unmarried biological father is not required in a case where it is shown that the child adoptee was conceived as a result of conduct that constitutes a sexual offense, regardless of whether the unmarried biological father is formally charged with or convicted of the sexual offense.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(12)">Unless the child adoptee is conceived or born within a marriage, the petitioner in an adoption proceeding shall, before entrance of a final decree of adoption, file with the court a certificate from the office, stating:<subsection number="81-13-213(12)(a)">that a diligent search has been made of the registry of notices from unmarried biological fathers described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-213(4)(c)">(4)(c)</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(12)(b)"><subsection number="81-13-213(12)(b)(i)">that no filing has been found pertaining to the unmarried biological father of the child adoptee in question; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(12)(b)(ii)">if a filing is found, the name of the unmarried biological father and the time and date of filing.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(13)">Unless an individual who is an unmarried biological father has fully and strictly complied with the requirements of this section and Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-212">81-13-212</xref>, an out-of-state order that adjudicates parentage, or an out-of-state declaration or acknowledgment of paternity:<subsection number="81-13-213(13)(a)">only has the effect of establishing that the individual is an unmarried biological father of the child adoptee to whom the order, declaration, or acknowledgment relates; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(13)(b)">does not entitle the individual to:<subsection number="81-13-213(13)(b)(i)">notice of any judicial proceeding related to the adoption of the child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(13)(b)(ii)">the right to consent, or refuse to consent, to the adoption of the child adoptee; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-213(13)(b)(iii)">the right to custody of, control over, or visitation with the child adoptee.</subsection></subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-13-214"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Persons who may take consents and relinquishments.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-214(1)">A birth mother shall sign a consent or relinquishment, or a child adoptee shall sign a consent, before:<subsection number="81-13-214(1)(a)">a judge of any court that has jurisdiction over adoption proceedings;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-214(1)(b)">subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-124(6)" start="0">(6)</xref>, a person appointed by the judge described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-124(1)(a)" start="0">(1)(a)</xref> to take consents or relinquishments; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-214(1)(c)">subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-124(6)" start="0">(6)</xref>, a person who is authorized by a child-placing agency to take consents or relinquishments if the consent or relinquishment grants legal custody of the child adoptee to a child-placing agency or an extra-jurisdictional child-placing agency.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-214(2)">If the consent or relinquishment of a birth mother or child adoptee is taken out of state, the birth mother or child adoptee shall sign the consent or relinquishment before:<subsection number="81-13-214(2)(a)">subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-124(6)" start="0">(6)</xref>, a person who is authorized by a child-placing agency to take consents or relinquishments if the consent or relinquishment grants legal custody of the child adoptee to a child-placing agency or an extra-jurisdictional child-placing agency;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-214(2)(b)">subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-124(6)" start="0">(6)</xref>, a person authorized or appointed to take consents or relinquishments by a court of this state that has jurisdiction over adoption proceedings;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-214(2)(c)">a court that has jurisdiction over adoption proceedings in the state where the consent or relinquishment is taken; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-214(2)(d)">a person authorized to take consents or relinquishments of a birth mother or child adoptee under the laws of the state where the consent or relinquishment is taken.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-214(3)">A person described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-211(1)">81-13-211(1)</xref> that is not the birth mother or the child adoptee may sign a consent or relinquishment before a notary public or any person authorized to take a consent or relinquishment under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-124(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> or <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-124(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-214(4)">A person, authorized by Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-124(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> or <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-124(2)" start="0">(2)</xref> to take consents or relinquishments, shall certify to the best of the person's information and belief that the person executing the consent or relinquishment has read and understands the consent or relinquishment and has signed the consent or relinquishment freely and voluntarily.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-214(5)">A person executing a consent or relinquishment is entitled to receive a copy of the consent or relinquishment.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-214(6)">A signature described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-124(1)(b)" start="0">(1)(b)</xref>, <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-124(1)(c)" start="0">(1)(c)</xref>, <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-124(2)(a)" start="0">(2)(a)</xref>, or <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-124(2)(b)" start="0">(2)(b)</xref>, shall be:<subsection number="81-13-214(6)(a)">notarized; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-214(6)(b)">witnessed by two individuals who are not members of the birth mother's or the child adoptee's immediate family.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-214(7)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="26B-2-127(2)" start="0">26B-2-127(2)</xref>, a transfer of relinquishment from one child-placing agency to another child-placing agency shall be signed before a notary public.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-215"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Contested adoption of a minor child -- Rights of parties -- Determination of custody.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-215(1)">If an individual whose consent for an adoption of a minor child is required as described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-212(1)(b)">81-13-212(1)(b)</xref>, (c), (d), (e), or (f) refused to consent, the court shall determine whether proper grounds exist for the termination of that individual's rights in accordance with this chapter or Title 80, Chapter 4, Termination and Restoration of Parental Rights.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(2)"><subsection number="81-13-215(2)(a)">If there are proper grounds to terminate the individual's parental rights, the court shall order that the individual's rights be terminated.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(2)(b)">If there are not proper grounds to terminate the individual's parental rights, the court shall:<subsection number="81-13-215(2)(b)(i)">dismiss the adoption petition;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(2)(b)(ii)">conduct an evidentiary hearing to determine who should have custody of the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(2)(b)(iii)">award custody of the minor child in accordance with the minor child's best interest.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(2)(c)">Termination of an individual's parental rights does not terminate the right of a relative of the parent to seek adoption of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(3)">Evidence considered at the custody hearing may include:<subsection number="81-13-215(3)(a)">evidence of psychological or emotional bonds that the minor child has formed with a third person, including the prospective adoptive parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(3)(b)">any detriment that a change in custody may cause the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(4)">If the court dismisses the adoption petition, the fact that an individual relinquished a minor child for adoption or consented to the adoption may not be considered as evidence in a custody proceeding described in this section, or in any subsequent custody proceeding, that it is not in the minor child's best interest for custody to be awarded to such person or that:<subsection number="81-13-215(4)(a)">the individual is unfit or incompetent to be a parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(4)(b)">the individual has neglected or abandoned the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(4)(c)">the individual is not interested in having custody of the minor child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(4)(d)">the individual has forfeited the individual's parental presumption.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(5)">Any custody order entered under this section may also:<subsection number="81-13-215(5)(a)">include provisions for:<subsection number="81-13-215(5)(a)(i)">parent-time; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(5)(a)(ii)">visitation by an interested third party, including the prospective adoptive parent; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(5)(b)">provide for the financial support of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(6)"><subsection number="81-13-215(6)(a)">If a person whose consent is required for an adoption under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-212(1)(a)">81-13-212(1)(a)</xref> or (g) refuses to consent, the court shall proceed with an evidentiary hearing and award custody as described in Subsection (2).</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(6)(b)">The court may also finalize the adoption if doing so is in the best interest of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(7)"><subsection number="81-13-215(7)(a)">A person may not contest an adoption after the final decree of adoption is entered, if that person:<subsection number="81-13-215(7)(a)(i)">was a party to the adoption proceeding;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(7)(a)(ii)">was served with notice of the adoption proceeding; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(7)(a)(iii)">executed a consent to the adoption or relinquishment for adoption.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(7)(b)">No person may contest an adoption after one year from the day on which the final decree of adoption is entered.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(7)(c)">The limitations on contesting an adoption action, described in this Subsection (7), apply to all attempts to contest an adoption:<subsection number="81-13-215(7)(c)(i)">regardless of whether the adoption is contested directly or collaterally; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(7)(c)(ii)">regardless of the basis for contesting the adoption, including claims of fraud, duress, undue influence, lack of capacity or competency, mistake of law or fact, or lack of jurisdiction.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(7)(d)">The limitations on contesting an adoption action, described in this Subsection (7), do not prohibit a timely appeal of:<subsection number="81-13-215(7)(d)(i)">a final decree of adoption; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(7)(d)(ii)">a decision in an action challenging an adoption, if the action was brought within the time limitations described in Subsections (7)(a) and (b).</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(8)">A court that has jurisdiction over a minor child for whom more than one petition for adoption is filed shall grant a hearing only under the following circumstances:<subsection number="81-13-215(8)(a)">to a petitioner:<subsection number="81-13-215(8)(a)(i)">with whom the minor child is placed;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(8)(a)(ii)">who has custody or guardianship of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(8)(a)(iii)">who has filed a written statement with the court within 240 days after the day on which the shelter hearing is held:<subsection number="81-13-215(8)(a)(iii)(A)">requesting immediate placement of the minor child with the petitioner; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(8)(a)(iii)(B)">expressing the petitioner's intention of adopting the minor child;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(8)(a)(iv)">who is a relative with whom the minor child has a significant and substantial relationship and who was unaware, within 240 days after the day on which the shelter hearing is held, of the minor child's removal from the minor child's parent; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(8)(a)(v)">who is a relative with whom the minor child has a significant and substantial relationship and, in a case where the minor child is not placed with a relative or is placed with a relative that is unable or unwilling to adopt the minor child:<subsection number="81-13-215(8)(a)(v)(A)">was actively involved in the minor child's child welfare case with the division or the juvenile court while the minor child's parent engaged in reunification services; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(8)(a)(v)(B)">filed a written statement with the court that includes the information described in Subsections (8)(a)(iii)(A) and (B) within 30 days after the day on which the court terminated reunification services; or</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(8)(b)">if the minor child:<subsection number="81-13-215(8)(b)(i)">has been in the current placement for less than 180 days before the day on which the petitioner files the petition for adoption; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(8)(b)(ii)">is placed with, or is in the custody or guardianship of, an individual who previously informed the division or the court that the individual is unwilling or unable to adopt the minor child.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(9)"><subsection number="81-13-215(9)(a)">If the court grants a hearing on more than one petition for adoption, there is a rebuttable presumption that it is in the best interest of a minor child to be placed for adoption with a petitioner:<subsection number="81-13-215(9)(a)(i)">who has fulfilled the requirements of this chapter; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(9)(a)(ii)"><subsection number="81-13-215(9)(a)(ii)(A)">with whom the minor child has continuously resided for 180 days;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(9)(a)(ii)(B)">who has filed a written statement with the court within 240 days after the day on which the shelter hearing is held, as described in Subsection (8)(a)(iii); or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(9)(a)(ii)(C)">who is a relative described in Subsection (8)(a)(iv).</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(9)(b)">The court may consider other factors relevant to the best interest of the minor child to determine whether the presumption is rebutted.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(9)(c)">The court shall weigh the best interest of the minor child uniformly between petitioners if more than one petitioner satisfies a rebuttable presumption condition described in Subsection (9)(a).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(10)">Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the division or the minor child's guardian ad litem from appearing or participating in any proceeding for a petition for adoption.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-215(11)">The division shall use best efforts to provide a known relative with timely information relating to the relative's rights or duties under this section.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-216"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">54</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Postadoption contact agreement.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-216(1)">As used in this section:<subsection number="81-13-216(1)(a)">"Postadoption contact agreement" means a document, agreed upon before the finalization of an adoption of a minor child, that outlines the relationship between an adoptive parent, birth parent, or other birth relative, and the minor child after the finalization of adoption.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(1)(b)">"Other birth relative" means a grandparent, stepparent, sibling, stepsibling, aunt, or uncle of the child adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(2)"><subsection number="81-13-216(2)(a)">Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter, if a child adoptee is placed for adoption, the prospective adoptive parent and birth parent, or other birth relative, may enter into a postadoption contact agreement as provided in this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(2)(b)">A birth parent is not required to be a party to a postadoption contact agreement in order to permit an open adoption agreement between a prospective adoptive parent and another birth relative of the child adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(3)">In order to be legally enforceable, a postadoption contact agreement shall be:<subsection number="81-13-216(3)(a)">approved by the court before the finalization of the adoption, with the court making a specific finding that the agreement is in the best interest of the child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(3)(b)">signed by each party claiming a right or obligation in the agreement; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(3)(c)">if the child adoptee is 12 years old or older, approved by the child adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(4)">A postadoption contact agreement shall:<subsection number="81-13-216(4)(a)">describe:<subsection number="81-13-216(4)(a)(i)">visits, if any, that shall take place between the birth parent, other birth relative, adoptive parent, and child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(4)(a)(ii)">the degree of supervision, if any, that shall be required during a visit between a birth parent, other birth relative, and child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(4)(a)(iii)">the information, if any, that shall be provided to a birth parent, or other birth relative, about the child adoptee and how often that information shall be provided; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(4)(a)(iv)">the grounds, if any, on which the adoptive parent may:<subsection number="81-13-216(4)(a)(iv)(A)">decline to permit visits, described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-6-S146_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-6-146(4)(a)(i)" start="0">(4)(a)(i)</xref>, between the birth parent, or other birth relative, and child adoptee; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(4)(a)(iv)(B)">cease providing the information described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-6-S146_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-6-146(4)(a)(iii)" start="0">(4)(a)(iii)</xref> to the birth parent or other birth relative; and</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(4)(b)">state that following the adoption, the court shall presume that the adoptive parent's judgment about the best interest of the child adoptee is correct in any action seeking to enforce, modify, or terminate the agreement.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(5)">A postadoption contact agreement may not limit the adoptive parent's ability to move out of state.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(6)">A postadoption contact agreement may only be modified with the consent of the adoptive parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(7)">In an action seeking enforcement of a postadoption contact agreement:<subsection number="81-13-216(7)(a)">an adoptive parent's judgment about the best interest of the child adoptee is entitled to a presumption of correctness;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(7)(b)">if the party seeking to enforce the postadoption contact agreement successfully rebuts the presumption described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-6-S146_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-6-146(7)(a)" start="0">(7)(a)</xref>, the court shall consider whether:<subsection number="81-13-216(7)(b)(i)">the parties performed the duties outlined in the open adoption agreement in good faith;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(7)(b)(ii)">there is a reasonable alternative that fulfills the spirit of the open adoption agreement without ordering mandatory compliance with the open adoption agreement; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(7)(b)(iii)">enforcement of the open adoption agreement is in the best interest of the child adoptee; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(7)(c)">the court shall order the parties to attend mediation, if the presumption in Subsection <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-6-S146_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-6-146(7)(a)" start="0">(7)(a)</xref> is successfully rebutted and mediation is in the child adoptee's best interest.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(8)">An open adoption agreement that has been found not to be in the best interest of the child adoptee shall not be enforced.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(9)">Violation of an open adoption agreement is not grounds:<subsection number="81-13-216(9)(a)">to set aside an adoption; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(9)(b)">for an award of money damages.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(10)">Nothing in this section shall be construed to mean that an open adoption agreement is required before an adoption may be finalized.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(11)">Refusal or failure to agree to a postadoption contact agreement is not admissible in any adoption proceeding.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-216(12)">The court that approves a postadoption contact agreement retains jurisdiction over modification, termination, and enforcement of an approved postadoption contact agreement.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-217"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">390</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Affidavit regarding fees and expenses before final decree of adoption of a minor child.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-217(1)"><subsection number="81-13-217(1)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-217(6)">(6)</xref>, before the date that a final decree of adoption for a child adoptee is entered, a prospective adoptive parent or, if the child adoptee was placed by a child-placing agency, the person or agency placing the child adoptee shall file with the court an affidavit regarding fees and expenses on a form prescribed by the Judicial Council in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-217(2)">(2)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(1)(b)">An affidavit filed in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-217(1)(a)">(1)(a)</xref> shall be signed by each prospective adoptive parent and, if the child adoptee was placed by a child-placing agency, the person or agency placing the child adoptee.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(1)(c)">The court shall review an affidavit filed under this section for completeness and compliance with the requirements of this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(1)(d)">The results of the court's review under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-217(1)(c)">(1)(c)</xref> shall be noted in the court's record.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(2)"><subsection number="81-13-217(2)(a)">The Judicial Council shall prescribe a uniform form for the affidavit described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-217(1)">(1)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(2)(b)">The uniform affidavit form shall require disclosure of the following items in connection with the adoption:<subsection number="81-13-217(2)(b)(i)">the total amount of legal expenses that have been or will be paid to or on behalf of the preexisting parents of the child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(2)(b)(ii)">the total amount of medical or hospital expenses that have been or will be paid to or on behalf of the preexisting parents of the child adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(2)(b)(iii)">the total amount that the adoptive parent has paid for a preexisting parent's direct support;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(2)(b)(iv)">the total amount that the adoptive parent has paid for a preexisting parent's indirect support;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(2)(b)(v)">the total amount that the adoptive parent has paid to a child-placing agency in fees and costs; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(2)(b)(vi)">a description of services provided to the prospective adoptive parent and preexisting parent in connection with the adoption.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(2)(c)">The uniform affidavit form shall require:<subsection number="81-13-217(2)(c)(i)">a declaration of each state or country of residence for 12 months before the birth of the:<subsection number="81-13-217(2)(c)(i)(A)">birth mother or the preexisting parents; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(2)(c)(i)(B)">prospective adoptive parent or parents; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(2)(c)(ii)">a declaration that Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="76-7-203">76-7-203</xref> has not been violated.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(2)(d)">To satisfy the requirement of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-217(1)(a)">(1)(a)</xref>, the court shall accept an affidavit that is submitted in a form accepted by the Office of Licensing within the Department of Health and Human Services if the affidavit contains the same information and is in a reasonably equivalent format as the uniform affidavit form prescribed by the Judicial Council.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(3)"><subsection number="81-13-217(3)(a)"><subsection number="81-13-217(3)(a)(i)">If a child-placing agency, that is licensed by this state, placed the child adoptee, the child-placing agency shall provide a copy of the affidavit described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-217(1)">(1)</xref> to the Office of Licensing within the Department of Health and Human Services on or before 60 days after the day on which the adoption is finalized.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(3)(a)(ii)">If an attorney arranged the placement of the child adoptee with the adoptive parent or parents, the attorney shall provide a copy of the affidavit described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-217(1)">(1)</xref> to the Office of Licensing within the Department of Health and Human Services on or before 60 days after the day on which the adoption is finalized.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(3)(b)">Before August 30 of each even-numbered year, the Office of Licensing within the Department of Health and Human Services shall provide a written report to the Health and Human Services Interim Committee and to the Judicial Council regarding the cost of adoptions in the state that includes:<subsection number="81-13-217(3)(b)(i)">the total number of affidavits provided to the Office of Licensing during the previous year; </subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(3)(b)(ii)">for each of the categories described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-217(2)(b)">(2)(b)</xref>:<subsection number="81-13-217(3)(b)(ii)(A)">the average amount disclosed on affidavits submitted during the previous year; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(3)(b)(ii)(B)">the range of amounts disclosed on affidavits submitted during the previous year;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(3)(b)(iii)">the average total amount disclosed on affidavits submitted during the previous year;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(3)(b)(iv)">the range of total amounts disclosed on affidavits submitted during the previous year; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(3)(b)(v)">any recommended legislation that may help reduce the cost of adoptions.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(3)(c)">The Health and Human Services Interim Committee shall, based on information in reports provided under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-217(3)(b)">(3)(b)</xref> and in consultation with the Utah Child-Placing Adoption Agency Consortium created in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="26B-2-127(9)">26B-2-127(9)</xref>, consider:<subsection number="81-13-217(3)(c)(i)">what constitutes reasonable fees and expenses related to adoption; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(3)(c)(ii)">the standards that may be used to determine whether fees and expenses related to adoption are reasonable in a specific case.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(4)">The Judicial Council shall make a copy of each report provided by the Office of Licensing under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-217(3)(b)">(3)(b)</xref> available to each court that may be required to review an affidavit under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-217(1)(c)">(1)(c)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(5)">The Office of Licensing shall investigate and may suspend or revoke the license of a child-placing agency if the child-placing agency fails to comply with the requirements described in this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-217(6)">This section does not apply if the prospective adoptive parent is the legal spouse of a preexisting parent.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-218"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Final decree of adoption of a minor child -- Agreement by adoptive parent or parents.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-218(1)"><subsection number="81-13-218(1)(a)">Before entering a final decree of adoption, the court shall examine separately each person appearing before the court in accordance with this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-218(1)(b)">If the court is satisfied that the interests of the child adoptee will be promoted by the adoption, the court shall enter a final decree of adoption in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-219">81-13-219</xref> declaring that:<subsection number="81-13-218(1)(b)(i)">the child adoptee is adopted by the adoptive parent or parents; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-218(1)(b)(ii)">the child adoptee is regarded and treated in all respects as the child of the adoptive parent or parents.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-218(2)">Except as provided in Subsection (3), before the court enters a final decree of adoption of a child adoptee:<subsection number="81-13-218(2)(a)">the prospective adoptive parent or parents and the child adoptee being adopted shall appear before the appropriate court; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-218(2)(b)">the prospective adoptive parent or parents shall execute an agreement stating that the child adoptee shall be adopted and treated in all respects as the adoptive parent's or parents' own lawful child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-218(3)">The court may waive the requirement described in Subsection (2)(a) if:<subsection number="81-13-218(3)(a)">the adoption is not contested;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-218(3)(b)">the prospective adoptive parent or parents:<subsection number="81-13-218(3)(b)(i)">execute an agreement stating that the child adoptee shall be adopted and treated in all respects as the parent's or parents' own lawful child;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-218(3)(b)(ii)">have the agreement described in Subsection (3)(b)(i) notarized; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-218(3)(b)(iii)">file the agreement described in Subsection (3)(b)(i) with the court; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-218(3)(c)">all requirements of this chapter to obtain a final decree of adoption are otherwise complied with.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-218(4)">At the time that a final decree of adoption is entered, the child adoptee may take the family name of the adoptive parent or parents.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-218(5)">After a final decree of adoption is entered, the adoptive parent or parents and the child adoptee shall:<subsection number="81-13-218(5)(a)">sustain the legal relationship of a parent and child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-218(5)(b)">have all the rights and be subject to all the duties of a parent-child relationship.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-13-219"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Timing of entry of final decree of adoption of a minor child -- Posthumous adoption of a minor child.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-219(1)"><subsection number="81-13-219(1)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-136.5(1)(b)" depth="4">(1)(b)</xref> or (2), the court may not enter a final decree of adoption for a child adoptee until the earlier of:<subsection number="81-13-219(1)(a)(i)">when the child adoptee has lived in the home of the prospective adoptive parent for 90 days; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(1)(a)(ii)">when the child adoptee has been placed for adoption with the prospective adoptive parent for 90 days.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(1)(b)">Notwithstanding Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-136.5(1)(a)" depth="4">(1)(a)</xref>, the court may enter a final decree of adoption at an earlier or later time than described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-136.5(1)" depth="4">(1)</xref> if the court finds that there is good cause.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(2)"><subsection number="81-13-219(2)(a)">If the prospective adoptive parent is the spouse of the pre-existing parent, the court may not enter a final decree of adoption for a child adoptee until the child adoptee has lived in the home of that prospective adoptive parent for 180 days.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(2)(b)">Notwithstanding Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-136.5(2)(a)" depth="4">(2)(a)</xref>, the court may enter a final decree of adoption at an earlier time than described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-136.5(2)(a)" depth="4">(2)(a)</xref> if the court finds that there is good cause.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(3)">The court may enter a final decree of adoption for a child adoptee after the child adoptee's death upon the request of the prospective adoptive parent or parents of the child adoptee if:<subsection number="81-13-219(3)(a)">the child adoptee dies during the time that the child adoptee is placed in the home of a prospective adoptive parent or parents for the purpose of adoption; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(3)(b)">the prospective adoptive parent is the spouse of a preexisting parent of the child adoptee and the child adoptee lived with the prospective adoptive parent before the child adoptee's death.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(4)">The court may enter a final decree of adoption for a child adoptee declaring that the child adoptee is adopted by:<subsection number="81-13-219(4)(a)">both a deceased and a surviving adoptive parent if after the child adoptee is placed in the home of the child adoptee's prospective adoptive parents:<subsection number="81-13-219(4)(a)(i)">one of the prospective adoptive parents dies;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(4)(a)(ii)">the surviving prospective adoptive parent requests that the court enter the decree; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(4)(a)(iii)">the decree is entered after the child adoptee has lived in the home of the surviving prospective adoptive parent for at least 180 days; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(4)(b)">a spouse of a preexisting parent if after the child adoptee has lived with the spouse of the preexisting parent:<subsection number="81-13-219(4)(b)(i)">the preexisting parent, or the spouse of the preexisting parent, dies;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(4)(b)(ii)">the preexisting parent, or the spouse of the preexisting parent, requests that the court enter the decree; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(4)(b)(iii)">the child adoptee has lived in the same home as the spouse of the preexisting parent for at least 180 days.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(5)">Upon request of a surviving preexisting parent, or a surviving parent for whom adoption of a child adoptee has been finalized, the court may enter a final decree of adoption declaring that a child adoptee is adopted by a deceased adoptive parent who was the spouse of the surviving parent at the time of the prospective adoptive parent's death.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(6)">The court may enter a final decree of adoption declaring that a child adoptee is adopted by both deceased prospective adoptive parents if:<subsection number="81-13-219(6)(a)">both of the prospective adoptive parents die after the child adoptee is placed in the prospective adoptive parents' home; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(6)(b)">it is in the best interests of the child adoptee to enter the decree.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-219(7)">Nothing in this section shall be construed to grant any rights to the pre-existing parents of a child adoptee to assert any interest in the child adoptee during the time periods described in this section.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-220"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Effect of adoption of a minor child on pre-existing parent.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-220(1)">A pre-existing parent of a child adoptee:<subsection number="81-13-220(1)(a)"> is released from all parental rights and duties toward and all responsibilities for the child adoptee, including residual parental rights and duties, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-1-102" start="0">80-1-102</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-220(1)(b)">has no further parental rights or duties with regard to the child adoptee at the earlier of:<subsection number="81-13-220(1)(b)(i)">the time the pre-existing parent's parental rights are terminated; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-220(1)(b)(ii)">except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-138(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>, and subject to Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-138(3)" start="0">(3)</xref> and <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-138(4)" start="0">(4)</xref>, the time the final decree of adoption is entered.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-220(2)">The parental rights and duties of a pre-existing parent who, at the time the child adoptee is adopted, is lawfully married to the individual adopting the child adoptee are not released under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-138(1)(b)" start="0">(1)(b)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-220(3)">The parental rights and duties of a pre-existing parent who, at the time the child adoptee is adopted, is not lawfully married to the individual adopting the child adoptee are released under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-138(1)(b)" start="0">(1)(b)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-220(4)"><subsection number="81-13-220(4)(a)">Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the court may allow a prospective adoptive parent to adopt a child adoptee without releasing the pre-existing parent from parental rights and duties under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-138(1)(b)" start="0">(1)(b)</xref>, if:<subsection number="81-13-220(4)(a)(i)">the pre-existing parent and the prospective adoptive parent were lawfully married at some time during the child adoptee's life;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-220(4)(a)(ii)">the pre-existing parent consents to the prospective adoptive parent's adoption of the child adoptee or is unable to consent because the pre-existing parent is deceased or incapacitated;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-220(4)(a)(iii)">notice of the adoption proceeding is provided in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-207">81-13-207</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-220(4)(a)(iv)">consent to the adoption is provided in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-212">81-13-212</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-220(4)(a)(v)">the court finds that it is in the best interest of the child adoptee to grant the adoption without releasing the pre-existing parent from parental rights and duties.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-220(4)(b)">This Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-138(4)" start="0">(4)</xref> does not permit a child adoptee to have more than two parents.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-220(5)">This section may not be construed as terminating any child support obligation of a parent incurred before the adoption.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-13-3"><catchline>Adoption of an Adult</catchline><section number="81-13-301"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline>Reserved.</section><section number="81-13-302"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Who may adopt an adult.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-302(1)">Except as provided in Subsections <xref refnumber="78B-6-115(2)" depth="4">(2)</xref> and (3), an adult may adopt another adult.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-302(2)">A married adult who is lawfully separated from the married adult's spouse may not adopt another adult without the consent of the married adult's spouse if the spouse is capable of giving consent.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-302(3)">An individual adopting an adult may not adopt the adult unless:<subsection number="81-13-302(3)(a)">the individual is at least 10 years older than the adult; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-302(3)(b)">at least one individual of a married couple is at least 10 years older than the adult if a married couple is adopting the adult.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-302(4)">The placement requirements described in Part 4, Placement of a Minor Child or Vulnerable Adult for Adoption, apply to an adult adoptee that is a vulnerable adult regardless of whether the adult adoptee resides, or will reside, with the adoptive parents, unless the court waives the placement requirements upon a finding of good cause.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-303"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Notice of adoption of an adult.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-303(1)"><subsection number="81-13-303(1)(a)">Except as provided in Subsection (1)(c), a petitioner in an adoption proceeding shall serve notice of the proceeding on:<subsection number="81-13-303(1)(a)(i)">the adult adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(1)(a)(ii)">the spouse of the petitioner if the petitioner is married;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(1)(a)(iii)">any legally appointed guardian or custodian of the adult adoptee; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(1)(a)(iv)">the spouse of the adult adoptee if the adult adoptee is married.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(1)(b)">The petitioner shall serve the notice described in Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-116(1)(a)" depth="4">(1)(a)</xref> at least 30 days before the day on which the adoption is finalized.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(1)(c)">The notice described in Subsection (1)(a) may be waived, in writing, by the person entitled to receive notice.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(2)">The notice described in Subsection (1):<subsection number="81-13-303(2)(a)">shall specifically state that the person served must respond to the petition within 30 days of service if the person intends to intervene in the adoption proceeding;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(2)(b)">shall state the name of the adult adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(2)(c)">may not state the name of a person adopting the adult adoptee, unless the person consents, in writing, to disclosure of the person's name;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(2)(d)">with regard to a person described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-116(1)(a)" start="0">(1)(a)</xref>:<subsection number="81-13-303(2)(d)(i)">except as provided in Subsection (2)(a), shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(2)(d)(ii)">may not be made by publication; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(2)(e)">with regard to the spouse of the adult adoptee, may be made:<subsection number="81-13-303(2)(e)(i)">in accordance with the provisions of the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(2)(e)(ii)">by certified mail, return receipt requested; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(2)(e)(iii)">by publication, posting, or other means if:<subsection number="81-13-303(2)(e)(iii)(A)">the service described in Subsection (2)(e)(ii) cannot be completed after two attempts; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(2)(e)(iii)(B)">the court issues an order providing for service by publication, posting, or other means.</subsection></subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(3)">Proof of service of the notice on each person to whom notice is required by this section shall be filed with the court before the adoption is finalized.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(4)"><subsection number="81-13-303(4)(a)">Any person who is served with notice of a proceeding for the adoption of an adult adoptee and who wishes to intervene in the adoption shall file a motion in the adoption proceeding:<subsection number="81-13-303(4)(a)(i)">within 30 days after the day on which the person is served with notice of the adoption proceeding;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(4)(a)(ii)">that sets forth the specific relief sought; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(4)(a)(iii)">that is accompanied by a memorandum specifying the factual and legal grounds upon which the motion is made.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(4)(b)">A person who fails to file the motion described in Subsection (4)(a) within the time described in Subsection (4)(a)(i):<subsection number="81-13-303(4)(b)(i)">waives any right to further notice of the adoption proceeding; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(4)(b)(ii)">is barred from intervening in, or bringing or maintaining any action challenging, the adoption proceeding.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(5)">Except as provided in Subsection (6), after a court enters a final decree of adoption of an adult adoptee, the adult adoptee shall:<subsection number="81-13-303(5)(a)">serve notice of the finalization of the adoption, in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure, on each person who was a legal parent of the adult adoptee before the final decree of adoption described in this Subsection (5) was entered; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(5)(b)">file with the court proof of service of the notice described in Subsection (5)(a).</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-303(6)">A court may waive the notification requirement described in Subsection (5) upon a finding of good cause.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-304"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Necessary consent to adoption of an adult -- Persons who may take consents.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-304(1)">The following persons are required to consent to an adoption of an adult adoptee before the adoption is granted:<subsection number="81-13-304(1)(a)">the adult adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-304(1)(b)">any individual who is adopting the adult adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-304(1)(c)">the spouse of the individual adopting the adult adoptee if the individual is married; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-304(1)(d)">any legally appointed guardian or custodian of the adult adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-304(2)">An adult adoptee shall sign a consent before:<subsection number="81-13-304(2)(a)">the court with jurisdiction over the adoption proceeding; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-304(2)(b)">a person appointed by the court to take the consent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-304(3)">If the consent of the adult adoptee is taken out of state, the adult adoptee shall sign the consent before:<subsection number="81-13-304(3)(a)">a person authorized or appointed to take a consent by a court of this state that has jurisdiction over adoption proceedings;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-304(3)(b)">a court that has jurisdiction over adoption proceedings in the state where the consent is taken; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-304(3)(c)">a person authorized, under the laws of the state where the consent is taken, to take a consent of the adult adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-304(4)">A person other than the adult adoptee may sign the consent before a notary or any person authorized to take the consent as described in Subsection <xref refnumber="81-13-304(2)" depth="4">(2)</xref> or (3).</subsection><subsection number="81-13-304(5)">A person authorized by Subsection <xref refnumber="81-13-304(2)" depth="4">(2)</xref> or (3) to take a consent shall certify to the best of the person's information and belief that the person executing the consent has read and understands the consent and has signed the consent freely and voluntarily.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-304(6)">A person executing a consent is entitled to receive a copy of the consent.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-304(7)">A signature described in Subsection (2)(b) or (3)(a), shall be:<subsection number="81-13-304(7)(a)">notarized; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-304(7)(b)">witnessed by two individuals who are not members of the adult adoptee's immediate family.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-13-305"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Final decree of adoption of an adult -- Agreement by adoptive parent or parents.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-305(1)">Before entering a final decree of adoption of an adult adoptee, the court shall examine separately each person appearing before the court in accordance with this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-305(2)">If the court is satisfied that the interests of the adult adoptee will be promoted by the adoption, the court shall enter a final decree of adoption declaring that:<subsection number="81-13-305(2)(a)">the adult adoptee is adopted by the adoptive parent or parents; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-305(2)(b)">the adult adoptee is regarded and treated in all respects as the child of the adoptive parent or parents.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-305(3)">Before the court enters a final decree of adoption of an adult adoptee, the prospective adoptive parent or parents and the adult adoptee shall:<subsection number="81-13-305(3)(a)">appear before the court;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-305(3)(b)">execute a consent to the adoption as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-304">81-13-304</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-305(3)(c)">execute an agreement stating that the adult adoptee shall be adopted and treated in all respects as the adoptive parent's or parents' own lawful child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-305(4)">When a final decree of adoption is entered, the adult adoptee may take the family name of the adoptive parent or parents.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-305(5)">After a final decree of adoption is entered, the adoptive parent or parents and the adult adoptee shall:<subsection number="81-13-305(5)(a)">sustain the legal relationship of a parent and child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-305(5)(b)">have all the rights and be subject to all the duties of a parent-child relationship.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-13-306"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Effect of adoption of an adult on pre-existing parent.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-306(1)">A pre-existing parent of an adult adoptee:<subsection number="81-13-306(1)(a)">is released from all parental rights and duties toward and all responsibilities for the adult adoptee, including residual parental rights and duties, as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-1-102">80-1-102</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-306(1)(b)">has no further parental rights or duties with regard to the adult adoptee at the earlier of:<subsection number="81-13-306(1)(b)(i)">the time the pre-existing parent's parental rights are terminated; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-306(1)(b)(ii)">except as provided in Subsection (2), and subject to Subsections (3) and (4), the time the final decree of adoption is entered.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-306(2)">The parental rights and duties of a pre-existing parent who, at the time the adult adoptee is adopted, is lawfully married to the individual adopting the adult adoptee are not released under Subsection (1)(b).</subsection><subsection number="81-13-306(3)">The parental rights and duties of a pre-existing parent who, at the time the adult adoptee is adopted, is not lawfully married to the individual adopting the adult adoptee are released under Subsection (1)(b).</subsection><subsection number="81-13-306(4)"><subsection number="81-13-306(4)(a)">Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the court may allow a prospective adoptive parent to adopt an adult adoptee without releasing the pre-existing parent from parental rights and duties under Subsection (1)(b) if:<subsection number="81-13-306(4)(a)(i)">the pre-existing parent and the prospective adoptive parent were lawfully married at some time during the adult adoptee's life;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-306(4)(a)(ii)">the pre-existing parent consents to the prospective adoptive parent's adoption of the adult adoptee or is unable to consent because the pre-existing parent is deceased or incapacitated;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-306(4)(a)(iii)">notice of the adoption proceeding is provided in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-303">81-13-303</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-306(4)(a)(iv)">consent to the adoption is provided in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-304">81-13-304</xref>; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-306(4)(a)(v)">the court finds that it is in the best interest of the adult adoptee to grant the adoption without releasing the pre-existing parent from parental rights and duties.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-306(4)(b)">This Subsection (4) does not permit an adult adoptee to have more than two parents.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-306(5)">This section may not be construed as terminating any child support obligation of a parent incurred before the adoption.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-13-4"><catchline>Placement of a Minor Child or Vulnerable Adult for Adoption</catchline><section number="81-13-401"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline>Reserved.</section><section number="81-13-402"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Placement of an adoptee in custody of state -- Priority placement.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-402(1)">To provide a minor child, who is in the legal custody of the division, with the most beneficial family structure when the minor child is placed for adoption, the division or child-placing agency shall place the minor child with a married couple, unless:<subsection number="81-13-402(1)(a)">there are no qualified married couples who:<subsection number="81-13-402(1)(a)(i)">have applied to adopt a minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(1)(a)(ii)">are willing to adopt the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(1)(a)(iii)">are an appropriate placement for the minor child;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(1)(b)">the minor child is placed with a relative of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(1)(c)">the minor child is placed with an individual who has already developed a substantial relationship with the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(1)(d)">the minor child is placed with an individual who:<subsection number="81-13-402(1)(d)(i)">is selected by a birth parent of the minor child, or a parent whose parental rights to the minor child have been terminated, if the parent consented to the adoption of the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(1)(d)(ii)">the parent described in Subsection (1)(d)(i):<subsection number="81-13-402(1)(d)(ii)(A)">knew the individual with whom the minor child is placed before the parent consented to the adoption; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(1)(d)(ii)(B)">became aware of the individual with whom the minor child is placed through a source other than the division or the child-placing agency that assists with the adoption of the minor child; or</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(1)(d)(iii)">it is in the best interests of the minor child to place the minor child with a single adult.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(2)">Notwithstanding Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-403">81-13-403</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-405">81-13-405</xref>, and except as provided in Subsection (3), an adoptee, who is a minor child or vulnerable adult in the legal custody of the state, may not be placed with a prospective foster parent or a prospective adoptive parent, unless, before the adoptee is placed with the prospective foster parent or the prospective adoptive parent:<subsection number="81-13-402(2)(a)">a fingerprint based Federal Bureau of Investigation national criminal history records check is conducted on the prospective foster parent, prospective adoptive parent, and any other adult residing in the household;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(2)(b)">the Department of Health and Human Services conducts a check of the child abuse and neglect registry in each state where the prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive parent resided in the five years immediately preceding the day on which the prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive parent applied to be a foster parent or adoptive parent, to determine whether the prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive parent is listed in the registry as having a substantiated or supported finding of child abuse or neglect;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(2)(c)">the Department of Health and Human Services conducts a check of the child abuse and neglect registry of each state where each adult living in the home of the prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive parent described in Subsection (2)(b) resided in the five years immediately preceding the day on which the prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive parent applied to be a foster parent or adoptive parent, to determine whether the adult is listed in the registry as having a substantiated or supported finding of child abuse or neglect; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(2)(d)">each person required to undergo a background check described in this section passes the background check, pursuant to the provisions of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-2-120" start="0">26B-2-120</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(3)">The requirements under Subsection (2) do not apply to the extent that:<subsection number="81-13-402(3)(a)">federal law or rule permits otherwise; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(3)(b)">the requirements would prohibit the division or a court from placing an adoptee, who is a minor child or vulnerable adult in the legal custody of the state, with:<subsection number="81-13-402(3)(b)(i)">a noncustodial parent, under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-2a-301" start="0">80-2a-301</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-3-302" start="0">80-3-302</xref>, or <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-3-303" start="0">80-3-303</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(3)(b)(ii)">a relative, under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-2a-301" start="0">80-2a-301</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-3-302" start="0">80-3-302</xref>, or <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-3-303" start="0">80-3-303</xref>, pending completion of the background check described in Subsection (2).</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-402(4)">When an adoption petition is to be finalized in this state with regard to any prospective adoptive parent who is not a resident of this state at the time an adoptee, who is a minor child or vulnerable adult, is placed in the prospective adoptive parent's home, the prospective adoptive parent shall comply with Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-403">81-13-403</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-405">81-13-405</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-403"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Preplacement adoptive evaluations -- Exceptions.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-403(1)"><subsection number="81-13-403(1)(a)">Except as otherwise provided in this section, an adoptee, who is a minor child or vulnerable adult, may not be placed in an adoptive home until a preplacement adoptive evaluation, assessing the prospective adoptive parent and the prospective adoptive home, has been conducted in accordance with the requirements of this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(1)(b)">Except as provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-402">81-13-402</xref>, the court may, at any time, authorize temporary placement of an adoptee, who is a minor child or vulnerable adult, in a prospective adoptive home pending completion of a preplacement adoptive evaluation described in this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(1)(c)"><subsection number="81-13-403(1)(c)(i)">Unless the court otherwise requests the preplacement adoption evaluation, Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(1)(a)">(1)(a)</xref> does not apply if: <subsection number="81-13-403(1)(c)(i)(A)">a birth parent has legal custody of the adoptee and the prospective adoptive parent is related to the adoptee or the birth parent as a stepparent, sibling by half or whole blood or by adoption, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or first cousin;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(1)(c)(i)(B)">a birth parent has or had legal custody of the adoptee, the prospective adoptive parent was previously married to the birth parent, and the prospective adoptive parent has lived with the adoptee for at least 180 days before the day on which the petition for adoption was filed; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(1)(c)(i)(C)">the adoptee has lived in the adoptive home with the prospective adoptive parent for at least one year before the day on which the petition for adoption was filed and the court finds that the adoption is in the best interest of the adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(1)(c)(ii)">The prospective adoptive parent described in this Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(1)(c)">(1)(c)</xref> shall obtain the information described in Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(2)(a)">(2)(a)</xref> and <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(b)">(b)</xref>, and file that documentation with the court prior to finalization of the adoption.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(1)(d)"><subsection number="81-13-403(1)(d)(i)">The preplacement adoptive evaluation shall be completed or updated within the 12-month period immediately preceding the placement of the adoptee with the prospective adoptive parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(1)(d)(ii)">If the prospective adoptive parent has previously received custody of an adoptee, who is a minor child or vulnerable adult, for the purpose of adoption, the preplacement adoptive evaluation shall be completed or updated within the 12-month period immediately preceding the placement of an adoptee, who is a minor child or vulnerable adult, with the prospective adoptive parent and after the placement of the previous adoptee with the prospective adoptive parent.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)">The preplacement adoptive evaluation shall include:<subsection number="81-13-403(2)(a)">a criminal history background check regarding each prospective adoptive parent and any other adult living in the prospective home, prepared no earlier than 18 months immediately preceding placement of the adoptee in accordance with the following:<subsection number="81-13-403(2)(a)(i)">if the adoptee is in state custody, each prospective adoptive parent and any other adult living in the prospective home shall submit fingerprints to the Department of Health and Human Services, which shall perform a criminal history background check in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-2-120">26B-2-120</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)(a)(ii)">subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(3)">(3)</xref>, if the adoptee is not in state custody, an adoption service provider or an attorney representing a prospective adoptive parent shall submit fingerprints from the prospective adoptive parent and any other adult living in the prospective home to:<subsection number="81-13-403(2)(a)(ii)(A)">the Bureau of Criminal Identification within the Department of Public Safety for a regional and nationwide background check; </subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)(a)(ii)(B)">the Office of Background Processing within the Department of Health and Human Services for a background check in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-2-120">26B-2-120</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)(a)(ii)(C)">the Federal Bureau of Investigation;</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)(b)">a report containing all information regarding reports and investigations of child abuse, neglect, and dependency, with respect to each prospective adoptive parent and any other adult living in the prospective home, obtained no earlier than 18 months immediately preceding the day on which the adoptee is placed in the prospective home, pursuant to waivers executed by each prospective adoptive parent and any other adult living in the prospective home, that:<subsection number="81-13-403(2)(b)(i)">if the prospective adoptive parent or the adult living in the prospective adoptive parent's home is a resident of Utah, is prepared by the Department of Health and Human Services from the records of the Department of Health and Human Services; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)(b)(ii)">if the prospective adoptive parent or the adult living in the prospective adoptive parent's home is not a resident of Utah, prepared by the Department of Health and Human Services, or a similar agency in another state, district, or territory of the United States, where each prospective adoptive parent and any other adult living in the prospective home resided in the five years immediately preceding the day on which the adoptee is placed in the prospective adoptive home;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)(c)">in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(6)">(6)</xref>, a home study conducted by an adoption service provider that is:<subsection number="81-13-403(2)(c)(i)">an expert in family relations approved by the court;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)(c)(ii)">a certified social worker;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)(c)(iii)">a clinical social worker;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)(c)(iv)">a marriage and family therapist;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)(c)(v)">a psychologist;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)(c)(vi)">a social service worker, if supervised by a certified or clinical social worker;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)(c)(vii)">a clinical mental health counselor; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)(c)(viii)">an Office of Licensing employee within the Department of Health and Human Services who is trained to perform a home study; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(2)(d)">in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(7)">(7)</xref>, if the adoptee is in the custody of any public child welfare agencyand has a special need as defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-2-801">80-2-801</xref>, the preplacement adoptive evaluation shall be conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services or a child-placing agency that has entered into a contract with the department to conduct the preplacement adoptive evaluations for adoptees with special needs.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(3)">For purposes of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(2)(a)(ii)">(2)(a)(ii)</xref>, subject to Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(4)">(4)</xref>, the criminal history background check described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(2)(a)(ii)">(2)(a)(ii)</xref> shall be submitted in a manner acceptable to the court that will:<subsection number="81-13-403(3)(a)">preserve the chain of custody of the results; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(3)(b)">not permit tampering with the results by a prospective adoptive parent or other interested party.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(4)">In order to comply with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(3)">(3)</xref>, the manner in which the criminal history background check is submitted shall be approved by the court.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(5)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref refnumber="81-13-402(3)" depth="4">81-13-402(3)</xref>, and in addition to the other requirements of this section, the Department of Health and Human Services shall comply with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-402">81-13-402</xref> before an adoptee, who is a minor child or vulnerable adult in state custody, is placed with a prospective foster parent or a prospective adoptive parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(6)"><subsection number="81-13-403(6)(a)">An individual described in Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(2)(c)(i)">(2)(c)(i)</xref> through <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(vii)">(vii)</xref> shall be licensed to practice under the laws of:<subsection number="81-13-403(6)(a)(i)">this state; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(6)(a)(ii)">the state, district, or territory of the United States where the prospective adoptive parent or other person living in the prospective adoptive home resides.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(6)(b)">The Department of Health and Human Services, or any of the department's divisions, may not proscribe who qualifies as an expert in family relations or who may conduct a home study under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(2)(c)">(2)(c)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(6)(c)">The home study described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(2)(c)">(2)(c)</xref> shall be a written document that contains the following:<subsection number="81-13-403(6)(c)(i)">a recommendation to the court regarding the suitability of the prospective adoptive parent for placement of an adoptee who is a minor child or vulnerable adult;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(6)(c)(ii)">a description of in-person interviews with the prospective adoptive parent, the prospective adoptive parent's children, and other individuals living in the home;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(6)(c)(iii)">a description of character and suitability references from at least two individuals who are not related to the prospective adoptive parent and with at least one individual who is related to the prospective adoptive parent;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(6)(c)(iv)">a medical history and a doctor's report, based upon a doctor's physical examination of the prospective adoptive parent, made within two years before the date of the application; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(6)(c)(v)">a description of an inspection of the home to determine whether sufficient space and facilities exist to meet the needs of the adoptee and whether basic health and safety standards are maintained.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(7)">Any fee assessed by the evaluating agency described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-128(2)(d)">(2)(d)</xref> is the responsibility of the adopting parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(8)">The person conducting the preplacement adoptive evaluation shall, in connection with the preplacement adoptive evaluation, provide the prospective adoptive parent with literature approved by the division relating to adoption, including information relating to:<subsection number="81-13-403(8)(a)">the adoption process;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(8)(b)">developmental issues that may require early intervention; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(8)(c)">community resources that are available to the prospective adoptive parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(9)">A copy of the preplacement adoptive evaluation shall be filed with the court.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-403(10)">A home study completed for the purposes of foster care licensing in accordance with Title 80, Chapter 2, Part 3, Division Responsibilities, shall be accepted by the court for a proceeding under this part.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-404"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Postplacement adoptive evaluations.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-404(1)">Except as provided in Subsections <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-6-S129_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-6-129(2)" start="0">(2)</xref> and <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-6-S129_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-6-129(3)" start="0">(3)</xref>, a postplacement evaluation shall be conducted and submitted to the court before the final hearing in an adoption proceeding for a minor child or a vulnerable adult. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-404(2)">The postplacement evaluation under Subsection <xref refnumber="78B-6-129(1)" depth="4">(1)</xref> shall include:<subsection number="81-13-404(2)(a)">verification of the allegations of fact contained in the petition for adoption;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-404(2)(b)">an evaluation of the progress of the adoptee's placement in the adoptive home; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-404(2)(c)">a recommendation regarding whether the adoption is in the best interest of the adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-404(3)">The exemptions from and requirements for evaluations, described in Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-403(1)(c)">81-13-403(1)(c)</xref>, <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-6-S128_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-6-128(2)(c)" start="0">(2)(c)</xref>, <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-6-S128_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-6-128(6)" start="0">(6)</xref>, and <xref depth="4" refid="C78B-6-S128_1800010118000101" refnumber="78B-6-128(8)" start="0">(8)</xref>, also apply to postplacement adoptive evaluations.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-404(4)">Upon the request of the petitioner, the court may waive the postplacement adoptive evaluation, unless the court determines that it is in the best interest of the adoptee to require the postplacement evaluation.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-405"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Preplacement and postplacement adoptive evaluations -- Review by court.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-405(1)"><subsection number="81-13-405(1)(a)">If the person conducting the preplacement adoptive evaluation or postplacement adoptive evaluation disapproves the adoptive placement, the court may dismiss the petition for adoption.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-405(1)(b)">Upon request by a prospective adoptive parent, the court shall:<subsection number="81-13-405(1)(b)(i)"> order that an additional preplacement adoptive evaluation or postplacement adoptive evaluation be conducted; and </subsection><subsection number="81-13-405(1)(b)(ii)">hold a hearing on the suitability of the adoption, including testimony of interested parties.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-405(2)">Before finalization of a petition for adoption the court shall review and consider the information and recommendations contained in the preplacement adoptive evaluation and postplacement adoptive evaluation described in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-403">81-13-403</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-404">81-13-404</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-405(3)">With respect to the home study required as part of the preplacement adoptive evaluation described in Subsection <xref refnumber="81-13-403(2)(c)" depth="4">81-13-403(2)(c)</xref>, a court may review and consider information other than the information contained in the home study described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-13-403(6)(c)">81-13-403(6)(c)</xref>.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-13-5"><catchline>Post Adoption</catchline><section number="81-13-501"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline>Reserved.</section><section number="81-13-502"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Applicability of part.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-502(1)">Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-503">81-13-503</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-505">81-13-505</xref> do not apply to an adoption of a minor child by a stepparent whose spouse is the adoptee's parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-502(2)">Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-503">81-13-503</xref> through <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-505">81-13-505</xref> apply only to an adoption of an adoptee born in this state.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-503"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Nonidentifying health history of adoptee filed with office -- Limited availability.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-503(1)"><subsection number="81-13-503(1)(a)">Upon finalization of an adoption in this state of a minor child, the person who proceeded on behalf of the petitioner for adoption, or a child-placing agency if an agency is involved in the adoption, shall file a report with the office, in the form established by the office. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-503(1)(b)">The report described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-143(1)(a)" start="0">(1)(a)</xref> shall include a detailed health history, and a genetic and social history of the adoptee.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-503(2)">The report described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-143(1)(a)" start="0">(1)(a)</xref> may not contain identifying information or any information that identifies the adoptee's pre-existing parents or members of their families.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-503(3)">When the report described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-143(1)(a)" start="0">(1)(a)</xref> is filed, a duplicate report shall be provided to the adoptive parents.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-503(4)">The report described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-143(1)(a)" start="0">(1)(a)</xref> shall only be available upon request, and upon presentation of positive identification, to the following persons:<subsection number="81-13-503(4)(a)">the adoptive parents;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-503(4)(b)">in the event of the death of the adoptive parents, the adoptee's legal guardian;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-503(4)(c)">the adoptee;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-503(4)(d)">in the event of the death of the adoptee, the adoptee's spouse if the spouse is the parent or guardian of the adoptee's child;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-503(4)(e)">the adoptee's child or descendant;</subsection><subsection number="81-13-503(4)(f)">the adoptee's pre-existing parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-503(4)(g)">the adoptee's adult sibling.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-503(5)">No identifying information or information that identifies a pre-existing parent or the pre-existing parent's family may be disclosed under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-503(6)">The actual cost of providing information under this section shall be paid by the person requesting the information.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-503(7)">A child-placing agency may provide a copy of the report described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-143(1)(a)" start="0">(1)(a)</xref> and information in the child-placing agency's files, except identifying information, to a child adoptee who is 18 years old or older, a pre-existing parent, or an adoptive parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-503(8)">Notwithstanding Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-143(7)" start="0">(7)</xref>, identifying information may be released to the extent that the individual who is the subject of the information provides written authorization of the information's release.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-504"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Mutual-consent, voluntary adoption registry -- Procedures -- Fees.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-504(1)">As used in this section, "adopted individual" means a child adoptee who is 18 years old or older.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(2)">The office shall establish a mutual-consent, voluntary adoption registry.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(3)"><subsection number="81-13-504(3)(a)">An adopted individual or a pre-existing parent of an adopted individual, upon presentation of positive identification, may request identifying information from the office, in the form established by the office. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(3)(b)">A court or a child-placing agency may accept that request from the adopted individual or pre-existing parent, in the form provided by the office, and transfer that request to the office. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(3)(c)">The adopted individual or pre-existing parent is responsible for notifying the office of any change in information contained in the request.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(3)(d)">Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the office may only release identifying information to an adopted individual or pre-existing parent when the office receives requests from both the adopted individual and the adopted individual's pre-existing parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(3)(e)">After matching the request of an adopted individual with that of at least one of the adopted individual's pre-existing parents, the office shall notify both the adopted individual and the pre-existing parent that the requests have been matched, and disclose the identifying information to those parties. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(3)(f)">Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(c) or (d), if an adopted individual has a sibling of the same pre-existing parent who is under 18 years old and who was raised in the same family setting as the adopted individual, the office may not disclose the requested identifying information to that adopted individual or the adopted individual's pre-existing parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(4)"><subsection number="81-13-504(4)(a)">An adopted individual or an adult sibling of an adopted individual, upon presentation of positive identification, may request identifying information from the office in the form established by the office. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(4)(b)">A court or a child-placing agency may accept that request from the adopted individual or adult sibling in the form provided by the office,and transfer that request to the office. </subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(4)(c)">The adopted individual or adult sibling is responsible for notifying the office of any change in information contained in the request.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(4)(d)">The office may only release identifying information to an adopted individual or adult sibling when the office receives requests from both the adopted individual and the adopted individual's adult sibling.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(4)(e)">After matching the request of an adopted individual with that of the adopted individual's adult sibling, if the office determines that the office has sufficient information to make that match, the office shall notify both the adopted individual and the adopted individual's adult sibling that the requests have been matched, and disclose the identifying information to those parties.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(5)">After receiving a request for information from an adopted individual and a pre-existing parent under this section, the office shall:<subsection number="81-13-504(5)(a)">search the office's vital records for the adopted individual's pre-existing parent; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(5)(b)">if the search described in Subsection (5)(a) reveals that the pre-existing parent who had requested information under this section is dead, inform the adopted individual that the pre-existing parent is dead and disclose the identity of the pre-existing parent.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(6)">The office shall attempt to notify an individual who requests information under this section:<subsection number="81-13-504(6)(a)">of the results of the initial search for a match; and</subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(6)(b)">if the initial search does not produce a match, that the office will keep the request on file and will attempt to notify the individual in the event of a match.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(7)">Information registered with the office under this section is available only to a registered adopted individual and the adopted individual's pre-existing parent or registered adult sibling under the terms of this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(8)">The office may not disclose information regarding a pre-existing parent who has not registered a request with the office.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-504(9)">Nothing in this section limits the disclosure of information in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-103">81-13-103</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-13-505"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Adoption information -- Adoption records fees.</catchline><subsection number="81-13-505(1)"><subsection number="81-13-505(1)(a)">The office may not disclose information maintained or filed with the office under this chapter unless the disclosure is permitted by this chapter or by a court order.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-505(1)(b)">Any person who discloses information obtained from the office's voluntary adoption registry in violation of this part, or knowingly allows that information to be disclosed in violation of this chapter, is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-505(2)"><subsection number="81-13-505(2)(a)">The office shall, in accordance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="63J-1-504" start="0">63J-1-504</xref>, establish a fee to be paid by an individual who requests information or other services under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-103">81-13-103</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-504">81-13-504</xref>, and to cover the costs related to providing the information, services, and improvements described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-144.5(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-13-505(2)(b)">The office may accept donations or grants from public or private entities to cover the costs related to providing the information, services, and improvements described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-6-144.5(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-13-505(3)">The office shall deposit fees and donations collected under Subsection (2) into the General Fund as dedicated credits and may be used only to:<subsection number="81-13-505(3)(a)">fund, automate, and improve the provision of services described in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-103">81-13-103</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-504">81-13-504</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-13-505(3)(b)">implement means of maximizing potential matches for the services described in Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-103">81-13-103</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-13-504">81-13-504</xref>, including the use of broad search terms and methods.</subsection></subsection></section></part></chapter><chapter number="81-14"><catchline>Uniform Unregulated Child Custody Transfer Act</catchline><part number="81-14-1"><catchline>General Provisions</catchline><section number="81-14-101"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions.</catchline><tab/>As used in this chapter:<subsection number="81-14-101(1)"><subsection number="81-14-101(1)(a)">"Child-placing agency" means a person with authority under other law of this state to identify or place a minor child for adoption.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-101(1)(b)">"Child-placing agency" does not include a parent of a minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-14-101(2)">"Custody" means the exercise of physical care and supervision of a minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-101(3)"><subsection number="81-14-101(3)(a)">"Intercountry adoption" means an adoption or placement for adoption of a minor child who resides in a foreign country at the time of adoption or placement.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-101(3)(b)">"Intercountry adoption" includes an adoption finalized in the minor child's country of residence or in a state.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-14-101(4)">"Person" means an individual, estate, business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or other legal entity.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-101(5)">"Record" means information:<subsection number="81-14-101(5)(a)">inscribed on a tangible medium; or</subsection><subsection number="81-14-101(5)(b)">stored in an electronic or other medium and retrievable in perceivable form.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-14-101(6)"><subsection number="81-14-101(6)(a)">"State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any other territory or possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-101(6)(b)">"State" includes a federally recognized Indian tribe.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-14-102"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Limitations on applicability.</catchline><tab/>This chapter does not apply to custody of an Indian child, as defined in the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1903, to the extent governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 through 1963.</section></part><part number="81-14-2"><catchline>Prohibition of Unregulated Custody Transfer</catchline><section number="81-14-201"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>As used in this part:<subsection number="81-14-201(1)">"Guardian" means a person recognized as a guardian under other law of this state.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-201(2)">"Intermediary" means a person that assists or facilitates a transfer of custody of a minor child, whether or not for compensation.</subsection></section><section number="81-14-202"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Applicability.</catchline><tab/>This part does not apply to a transfer of custody of a minor child by a parent or guardian of the minor child to:<subsection number="81-14-202(1)">a parent of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-202(2)">a stepparent of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-202(3)">an adult who is related to the minor child by blood, marriage, or adoption;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-202(4)">an adult who, at the time of the transfer, had a close relationship with the minor child or the parent or guardian of the minor child for a substantial period, and whom the parent or guardian reasonably believed, at the time of the transfer, to be a fit custodian of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-202(5)">an Indian custodian, as defined in the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1903, of the minor child; or</subsection><subsection number="81-14-202(6)">a member of the minor child's customary family unit recognized by the minor child's indigenous group.</subsection></section><section number="81-14-203"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Prohibited custody transfer.</catchline><subsection number="81-14-203(1)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-24-203(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>, a parent or guardian of a minor child, or an individual with whom a minor child has been placed for adoption, may not transfer custody of the minor child to another person with the intent, at the time of the transfer, to abandon the rights and responsibilities concerning the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-203(2)">A parent or guardian of a minor child or an individual with whom a minor child has been placed for adoption may transfer custody of the minor child to another person with the intent, at the time of the transfer, to abandon the rights and responsibilities concerning the minor child only through:<subsection number="81-14-203(2)(a)">adoption or guardianship;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-203(2)(b)">judicial award of custody;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-203(2)(c)">placement by or through a child-placing agency;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-203(2)(d)">other judicial or tribal action; or</subsection><subsection number="81-14-203(2)(e)">safe relinquishment under <xref depth="2" refnumber="80-4-5" start="0">Title 80, Chapter 4, Part 5, Safe Relinquishment of a Newborn Child</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-14-203(3)"><subsection number="81-14-203(3)(a)">A person may not receive custody of a minor child, or act as an intermediary in a transfer of custody of a minor child, if the person knows or reasonably should know the transfer violates Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-24-203(1)" start="0">(1)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-203(3)(b)">This subsection does not apply if the person as soon as practicable after the transfer, notifies the Division of Child and Family Services of the transfer or takes appropriate action to establish custody under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-24-203(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-14-203(4)">A violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-203(5)">A violation of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-24-203(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> is not established solely because a parent or guardian that transfers custody of a minor child does not regain custody.</subsection></section><section number="81-14-204"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Authority and responsibility of the Division of Child and Family Services.</catchline><subsection number="81-14-204(1)">If the Division of Child and Family Services has a reasonable basis to believe that a person has transferred or will transfer custody of a minor child in violation of Subsection <xref refnumber="81-14-203(1)" depth="4">81-14-203(1)</xref>, the Division of Child and Family Services may conduct a home visit as provided by other law of this state and take appropriate action to protect the welfare of the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-204(2)">If the Division of Child and Family Services conducts a home visit for a minor child adopted or placed through an intercountry adoption, the Division of Child and Family Services shall:<subsection number="81-14-204(2)(a)">prepare a report on the welfare and plan for permanent placement of the minor child; and</subsection><subsection number="81-14-204(2)(b)">provide a copy of the report to the United States Department of State.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-14-204(3)">This chapter does not prevent the Division of Child and Family Services from taking appropriate action under law of this state.</subsection></section><section number="81-14-205"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Prohibited soliciting or advertising.</catchline><subsection number="81-14-205(1)">A person may not solicit or advertise to:<subsection number="81-14-205(1)(a)">find a person to which to make a transfer of custody in violation of Subsection <xref refnumber="81-14-203(1)" depth="4">81-14-203(1)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-205(1)(b)">identify a minor child for a transfer of custody in violation of Subsection <xref refnumber="81-14-203(3)" depth="4">81-14-203(3)</xref>; or</subsection><subsection number="81-14-205(1)(c)">act as an intermediary in a transfer of custody in violation of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-14-203(3)">81-14-203(3)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-14-205(2)">A violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor.</subsection></section></part><part number="81-14-3"><catchline>Information and Guidance</catchline><section number="81-14-301"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for part.</catchline><tab/>As used in this part, "prospective adoptive parent" means an individual who has been approved or permitted under other law of this state to adopt a minor child.</section><section number="81-14-302"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Scope.</catchline><tab/>This part applies to placement for adoption of a minor child who:<subsection number="81-14-302(1)">has been or is in foster or institutional care;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-302(2)">previously has been adopted in a state;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-302(3)">has been or is being adopted under the law of a foreign country;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-302(4)">has come or is coming to a state from a foreign country to be adopted;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-302(5)">is not a citizen of the United States;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-302(6)">has an attachment or trauma-related disorder; or</subsection><subsection number="81-14-302(7)">suffered from prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs.</subsection></section><section number="81-14-303"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>General adoption information.</catchline><subsection number="81-14-303(1)">Within a reasonable time before a child-placing agency places a minor child for adoption with a prospective adoptive parent, the child-placing agency shall provide or cause to be provided to the prospective adoptive parent general adoption information.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-303(2)">The information under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-24-303(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> shall address:<subsection number="81-14-303(2)(a)">possible physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral issues concerning:<subsection number="81-14-303(2)(a)(i)">identity, loss, and trauma that a minor child might experience before, during, or after adoption; and</subsection><subsection number="81-14-303(2)(a)(ii)">a minor child leaving familiar ties and surroundings;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-14-303(2)(b)">the effect that access to resources, including health insurance, might have on the ability of an adoptive parent to meet the needs of a minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-303(2)(c)">causes of disruption of an adoptive placement or dissolution of an adoption and resources available to help avoid disruption or dissolution; and</subsection><subsection number="81-14-303(2)(d)">prohibitions under Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-14-203">81-14-203</xref> and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-14-205">81-14-205</xref>.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-14-304"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Information about a minor child.</catchline><subsection number="81-14-304(1)"><subsection number="81-14-304(1)(a)">Except as prohibited by other law of this state, within a reasonable time before a child-placing agency places a minor child for adoption with a prospective adoptive parent, the agency shall provide or cause to be provided to the prospective adoptive parent information specific to the minor child that is known or reasonably obtainable by the child-placing agency and material to the prospective adoptive parents informed decision to adopt the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-304(1)(b)">The information under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-24-304(1)(a)" start="0">(1)(a)</xref> shall include:<subsection number="81-14-304(1)(b)(i)">the minor child's family, cultural, racial, religious, ethnic, linguistic, and educational background;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-304(1)(b)(ii)">the minor child's physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral health;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-304(1)(b)(iii)">circumstances that may adversely affect the minor child's physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral health;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-304(1)(b)(iv)">the minor child's medical history, including immunizations;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-304(1)(b)(v)">the medical history of the minor child's genetic parents and siblings;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-304(1)(b)(vi)">the history of an adoptive or out-of-home placement of the minor child and the reason the adoption or placement ended;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-304(1)(b)(vii)">the minor child's United States immigration status;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-304(1)(b)(viii)">medical, therapeutic, and educational resources, including language-acquisition training, available to the adoptive parent and minor child after placement or adoption to assist in responding effectively to physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral issues; and</subsection><subsection number="81-14-304(1)(b)(ix)">available records relevant to the information in Subsections <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-24-304(1)(b)(i)" start="0">(1)(b)(i)</xref> through <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-24-304(1)(b)(viii)" start="0">(viii)</xref>.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-14-304(2)">If, before an adoption is finalized, additional information under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-24-304(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> that is material to a prospective adoptive parent's informed decision to adopt the minor child becomes known or reasonably obtainable by the child-placing agency, the child-placing agency shall provide the information to the prospective adoptive parent.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-304(3)">If, after an adoption is finalized, additional information under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-24-304(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> becomes known to the child-placing agency, the child-placing agency shall make a reasonable effort to provide the information to the adoptive parent.</subsection></section><section number="81-14-305"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Guidance and instruction.</catchline><subsection number="81-14-305(1)">A child-placing agency placing a minor child for adoption shall provide or cause to be provided to the prospective adoptive parent guidance and instruction specific to the minor child to help prepare the parent to respond effectively to needs of the child that are known or reasonably ascertainable by the child-placing agency.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-305(2)">The guidance and instruction under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-24-305(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> shall address, if applicable:<subsection number="81-14-305(2)(a)">the potential effect on the minor child of:<subsection number="81-14-305(2)(a)(i)">previous adoption or out-of-home placement;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-305(2)(a)(ii)">multiple previous adoptions or out-of-home placements;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-305(2)(a)(iii)">trauma, insecure attachment, fetal alcohol exposure, or malnutrition;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-305(2)(a)(iv)">neglect, abuse, drug exposure, or similar adversity;</subsection><subsection number="81-14-305(2)(a)(v)">separation from a sibling or significant caregiver; and</subsection><subsection number="81-14-305(2)(a)(vi)">a difference in ethnicity, race, or cultural identity between the minor child and the prospective adoptive parent or other minor child of the parent;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-14-305(2)(b)">information available from the federal government on the process for the child to acquire United States citizenship; and</subsection><subsection number="81-14-305(2)(c)">any other matter the child-placing agency considers material to the adoption.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-14-305(3)">The guidance and instruction under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="78B-24-305(1)" start="0">(1)</xref> shall be provided:<subsection number="81-14-305(3)(a)">for adoption of a minor child residing in the United States, a reasonable time before the adoption is finalized; or</subsection><subsection number="81-14-305(3)(b)">for an intercountry adoption, in accordance with federal law.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-14-306"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Information about financial assistance and support services.</catchline><tab/>On request of a minor child who was placed for adoption or the minor child's adoptive parent, the child-placing agency placing the minor child or the Division of Child and Family Services shall provide information about how to obtain financial assistance or support services:<subsection number="81-14-306(1)">to assist the minor child or parent to respond effectively to adjustment, behavioral, and other challenges; and</subsection><subsection number="81-14-306(2)">to help preserve the placement or adoption.</subsection></section><section number="81-14-307"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">153</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Child-placing agency compliance.</catchline><subsection number="81-14-307(1)">The Division of Licensing and Background Checks, created in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-2-901">26B-2-901</xref>, may investigate an allegation that a child-placing agency has failed to comply with this part and commence an action for injunctive or other relief or initiate administrative proceedings against the child-placing agency to enforce this part.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-307(2)"><subsection number="81-14-307(2)(a)">The Office of Licensing may initiate a proceeding to determine whether a child-placing agency has failed to comply with this part.</subsection><subsection number="81-14-307(2)(b)">If the Office of Licensing finds that the child-placing agency has failed to comply, the Office of Licensing may suspend or revoke the child-placing agency's license or take other action permitted by law of the state.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-14-308"><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">153</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Rulemaking by Division of Licensing and Background Checks.</catchline><tab/>The Division of Licensing and Background Checks, created in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="26B-2-901">26B-2-901</xref>, may adopt rules under Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, to implement Sections <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-14-303">81-14-303</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-14-304">81-14-304</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-14-305">81-14-305</xref>, and <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-14-306">81-14-306</xref>.</section></part><part number="81-14-4"><catchline>Applicability and Severability Provisions</catchline><section number="81-14-401"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Uniformity of application and construction.</catchline><tab/>In applying and construing this chapter, a court shall consider the promotion of uniformity of the law among jurisdictions that enact the uniform act.</section><section number="81-14-402"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.</catchline><tab/>This chapter modifies, limits, or supersedes the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit, or supersede 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7003(b).</section><section number="81-14-403"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Transitional provisions.</catchline><subsection number="81-14-403(1)"><xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-24-2" start="2">Part 2, Prohibition of Unregulated Custody Transfer</xref>, applies to:<subsection number="81-14-403(1)(a)">a transfer of custody on or after May 4, 2022; and</subsection><subsection number="81-14-403(1)(b)">soliciting or advertising on or after May 4, 2022.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-14-403(2)"><xref depth="2" refnumber="78B-24-3" start="2">Part 3, Information and Guidance</xref>, applies to placement of a minor child for adoption more than 60 days after May 4, 2022.</subsection></section><section number="81-14-404"><histories><history>Renumbered and Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">426</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Severability.</catchline><tab/>If a provision of this chapter or the provision's application to a person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect another provision or application that can be given effect without the invalid provision.</section></part></chapter><chapter number="81-15"><catchline>Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act</catchline><section number="81-15-101"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Definitions for chapter.</catchline>As used in this chapter:<subsection number="81-15-101(1)">"Arbitration agreement" means an agreement that subjects a family law dispute to arbitration.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-101(2)">"Arbitration organization" means an association, agency, board, commission, or other entity that is neutral and initiates, sponsors, or administers an arbitration or is involved in the selection of an arbitrator.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-101(3)">"Arbitrator" means an individual selected, alone or with other individuals, to make an award in a family law dispute that is subject to an arbitration agreement.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-101(4)">"Child-related dispute" means a family law dispute regarding the custody, parent-time, visitation, or financial support of a child.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-101(5)">"Court" means a court with jurisdiction under Title 78A, Judiciary and Judicial Administration, over the family law dispute.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-101(6)">"Family law dispute" means a contested issue arising under this title.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-101(7)"> "Party" means an individual who signs an arbitration agreement and whose rights will be determined by an award.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-101(8)">"Person" means an individual, an estate, a business or nonprofit entity, a public corporation, a government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal entity.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-101(9)">"Record," used as a noun, means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-101(10)">"Sign" means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record:<subsection number="81-15-101(10)(a)">to execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-101(10)(b)">to attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or process.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-101(11)"><subsection number="81-15-101(11)(a)">"State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-101(11)(b)">"State" includes a federally recognized Indian tribe.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-15-102"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Scope.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-102(1)">This chapter governs arbitration of a family law dispute.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-102(2)">This chapter does not authorize an arbitrator to make an award that:<subsection number="81-15-102(2)(a)">grants a legal separation, a divorce, or an annulment;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-102(2)(b)">terminates parental rights;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-102(2)(c)">grants an adoption or a guardianship of a minor child or incapacitated individual; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-102(2)(d)">determines the status of abuse, neglect, or dependency, as those terms are defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="80-1-102">80-1-102</xref>, for a minor child.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-15-103"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Applicable law.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-103(1)">Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the law applicable to arbitration is Title 78B, Chapter 11, Utah Uniform Arbitration Act.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-103(2)">In determining the merits of a family law dispute, an arbitrator shall apply the law of this state, including this state's choice of law rules.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-104"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Arbitration agreement.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-104(1)">An arbitration agreement shall:<subsection number="81-15-104(1)(a)">be in a record signed by the parties;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-104(1)(b)">identify the arbitrator, an arbitration organization, or a method of selecting an arbitrator; and</subsection><subsection number="81-15-104(1)(c)">identify the family law dispute the parties intend to arbitrate.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-104(2)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref tempid="1036" depth="4" refnumber="81-15-104(3)">(3)</xref>, an agreement in a record to arbitrate a family law dispute that arises between the parties before, at the time, or after the agreement is made is valid and enforceable as any other contract and irrevocable except on a ground that exists at law or in equity for the revocation of a contract.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-104(3)">An agreement to arbitrate a child-related dispute that arises between the parties after the agreement is made is unenforceable unless:<subsection number="81-15-104(3)(a)">the parties affirm the agreement in a record after the dispute arises; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-104(3)(b)">the agreement was entered during a family law proceeding and the court approved or incorporated the agreement in an order issued in the proceeding.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-104(4)"> If a party objects to arbitration on the ground the arbitration agreement is unenforceable or the agreement does not include a family law dispute, the court shall decide whether the agreement is enforceable or includes the family law dispute.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-105"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Notice of arbitration.</catchline>A party may initiate arbitration by giving notice to arbitrate to the other party in the manner specified in the arbitration agreement or, in the absence of a specified manner, under the laws and procedural rules of this state, other than this chapter, governing contractual arbitration.</section><section number="81-15-106"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Motion for judicial relief.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-106(1)">If a party brings a motion for judicial relief under this chapter, the party shall bring the motion in:<subsection number="81-15-106(1)(a)">the court in which a proceeding is pending involving the family law dispute subject to arbitration; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-106(1)(b)">if no proceeding is pending, a court with jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-106(2)">On a motion of a party, the court may compel arbitration if the parties have entered into an arbitration agreement that complies with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-104">81-15-104</xref> unless the court determines under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-111">81-15-111</xref> that the arbitration should not proceed.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-106(3)">On a motion of a party, the court shall terminate arbitration if the court determines that:<subsection number="81-15-106(3)(a)">the agreement to arbitrate is unenforceable;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-106(3)(b)">the family law dispute is not subject to arbitration; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-106(3)(c)">under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-111">81-15-111</xref>, the arbitration should not proceed.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-106(4)">Unless prohibited by an arbitration agreement, on a motion of a party, the court may order consolidation of separate arbitrations involving the same parties and a common issue of law or fact if necessary for the fair and expeditious resolution of the family law dispute.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-107"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Qualification and selection of arbitrator.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-107(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref tempid="889" depth="4" refnumber="81-15-107(2)">(2)</xref>, and unless waived in a record by the parties, an arbitrator shall be:<subsection number="81-15-107(1)(a)">an attorney in good standing admitted to practice law or on inactive status in this state or another state; and</subsection><subsection number="81-15-107(1)(b)">trained in identifying domestic violence and child abuse according to the requirements established by Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="78A-2-232">78A-2-232</xref> for a judicial officer assigned to hear a family law proceeding.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-107(2)">The identification in the arbitration agreement of an arbitrator, arbitration organization, or method of selection of the arbitrator controls.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-107(3)">If an arbitrator is unable or unwilling to act or if the agreed upon method of selecting an arbitrator fails, the court shall select an arbitrator on a motion of a party.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-108"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Disclosure by arbitrator -- Disqualification.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-108(1)">Before agreeing to serve as an arbitrator, an individual shall disclose, after making reasonable inquiry, to all parties any known fact a reasonable person would believe is likely to affect:<subsection number="81-15-108(1)(a)">the impartiality of the arbitrator in the arbitration, including bias, a financial or personal interest in the outcome of the arbitration, or an existing or past relationship with a party, an attorney representing a party, or a witness; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-108(1)(b)">the arbitrator's ability to make a timely award.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-108(2)">An arbitrator, the parties, and the attorneys representing the parties have a continuing obligation to disclose to all parties any known fact a reasonable person would believe is likely to affect the impartiality of the arbitrator or the arbitrator's ability to make a timely award.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-108(3)">A party shall make an objection to the selection or continued service of an arbitrator and a motion for a stay of arbitration and disqualification of the arbitrator in accordance with the law and procedural rules of this state, other than this chapter, governing arbitrator disqualification.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-108(4)">If a disclosure required by Subsection <xref refnumber="81-15-108(1)(a)" depth="4">(1)(a)</xref> or (2) is not made, the court may:<subsection number="81-15-108(4)(a)">suspend the arbitration on a motion of a party that is no later than 30 days after the day on which the failure to disclose is known or by the exercise of reasonable care should have been known to the party;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-108(4)(b)">vacate an award under Subsection <xref tempid="519" depth="4" refnumber="81-15-118(1)(b)">81-15-118(1)(b)</xref> on timely motion of a party; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-108(4)(c)">grant other appropriate relief under a law of this state other than this chapter if an award has been confirmed.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-108(5)">If the parties agree to discharge an arbitrator or the arbitrator is disqualified, the parties by agreement may select a new arbitrator or request the court to select another arbitrator as provided in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-107">81-15-107</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-109"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Party participation.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-109(1)">A party may:<subsection number="81-15-109(1)(a)">be represented in an arbitration by an attorney;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-109(1)(b)">be accompanied by an individual who will not be called as a witness or act as an advocate; and</subsection><subsection number="81-15-109(1)(c)">participate in the arbitration to the full extent permitted under the law and procedural rules of this state, other than this chapter, governing a party's participation in contractual arbitration.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-109(2)">A party or representative of a party may not communicate ex parte with the arbitrator except to the extent allowed in a family law proceeding for communication with a judge.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-110"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Temporary order or award.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-110(1)">Before an arbitrator is selected and able to act, the court may enter a temporary order on a motion of a party in accordance with this title and the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-110(2)">After an arbitrator is selected:<subsection number="81-15-110(2)(a)">the arbitrator may make a temporary award in accordance with this title and the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure; and</subsection><subsection number="81-15-110(2)(b)">if the matter is urgent and the arbitrator is not able to act in a timely manner or provide an adequate remedy, the court may enter a temporary order on a motion by a party.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-110(3)"><subsection number="81-15-110(3)(a)">On a motion of a party, before the court confirms a final award, the court under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-115">81-15-115</xref>, <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-117">81-15-117</xref>, or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-118">81-15-118</xref> may confirm, correct, vacate, or amend a temporary award made under Subsection <xref refnumber="81-15-110(2)(a)" depth="4">(2)(a)</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-110(3)(b)">If an arbitrator makes an temporary award in favor of a party to the arbitration proceeding, the prevailing party may move the court for an expedited order to confirm the temporary award.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-110(3)(c)">On a motion described in Subsection <xref refnumber="81-15-110(3)(b)" depth="4">(3)(b)</xref>, the court shall issue an order confirming the temporary award unless the court vacates, alters, or amends the temporary award under this part.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-110(4)">On a motion of a party, the court may enforce a subpoena or interim award issued by an arbitrator for the fair and expeditious disposition of the arbitration.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-111"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Protection of party or child.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-111(1)">As used in this section, "protection order" means an injunction or other order:<subsection number="81-15-111(1)(a)">issued under the domestic violence, family violence, or stalking laws of the issuing jurisdiction; and</subsection><subsection number="81-15-111(1)(b)">to prevent an individual from engaging in a violent or threatening act against, harassment of, contact or communication with, or being in physical proximity to another individual who is a party or a minor child under the custodial responsibility of a party.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-111(2)">If a party is subject to a protection order or an arbitrator determines there is a reasonable basis to believe a party's safety or ability to participate effectively in arbitration is at risk, the arbitrator shall stay the arbitration and refer the parties to court.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-111(3)">The arbitration may not proceed unless the party at risk affirms the arbitration agreement in a record and the court determines:<subsection number="81-15-111(3)(a)">the affirmation is informed and voluntary;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-111(3)(b)">arbitration is not inconsistent with the protection order; and</subsection><subsection number="81-15-111(3)(c)">reasonable procedures are in place to protect the party from risk of harm, harassment, or intimidation.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-111(4)">If an arbitrator determines that there is a reasonable basis to believe a minor child who is the subject of a child-related dispute is abused or neglected, the arbitrator shall terminate the arbitration of the child-related dispute and report the abuse or neglect to the Division of Child and Family Services.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-111(5)">An arbitrator may make a temporary award to protect a party or a minor child from harm, harassment, or intimidation.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-111(6)">On a motion of a party, the court may stay arbitration and review a determination or temporary award under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-111(7)">This section supplements remedies available under a law of this state, other than this chapter, for the protection of victims of domestic violence, family violence, stalking, harassment, or similar abuse.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-112"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Powers and duties of arbitrator.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-112(1)"><subsection number="81-15-112(1)(a)">An arbitrator shall conduct an arbitration in a manner the arbitrator considers appropriate for a fair and expeditious disposition of the dispute.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(1)(b)">An arbitrator may conduct an arbitration remotely by electronic means.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(2)">An arbitrator shall provide each party a right to:<subsection number="81-15-112(2)(a)">be heard;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(2)(b)">present evidence material to the family law dispute; and</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(2)(c)">cross-examine witnesses.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)">Unless the parties otherwise agree in a record, an arbitrator's powers include the power to:<subsection number="81-15-112(3)(a)">select the rules for conducting the arbitration;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(b)">hold conferences with the parties before a hearing;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(c)">determine the date, time, and place of a hearing;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(d)">require a party to provide:<subsection number="81-15-112(3)(d)(i)">a copy of a relevant court order;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(d)(ii)">information required to be disclosed in a family law proceeding under a law of this state, other than this chapter; and</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(d)(iii)">a proposed award that addresses each issue in arbitration;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(e)">meet with or interview a minor child who is the subject of a child-related dispute;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(f)">appoint a private expert at the expense of the parties;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(g)">administer an oath or affirmation and issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness or the production of documents and other evidence at a hearing;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(h)">compel discovery concerning the family law dispute and determine the date, time, and place of discovery;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(i)">determine the admissibility and weight of evidence;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(j)">permit deposition of a witness for use as evidence at a hearing;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(k)">prohibit a party from disclosing information for good cause;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(l)">appoint an attorney, guardian ad litem, or other representative for a minor child at the expense of the parties;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(m)">impose a procedure to protect a party or minor child from risk of harm, harassment, or intimidation;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(n)">allocate arbitration fees, attorney fees, expert witness fees, and other costs to the parties; and</subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(3)(o)">impose a sanction on a party for bad faith or misconduct during the arbitration according to standards governing imposition of a sanction for litigant misconduct in a family law proceeding.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-112(4)">An arbitrator may not allow ex parte communication except to the extent allowed in a family law proceeding for communication with a judge.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-113"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Recording of hearing.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-113(1)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref tempid="355" depth="4" refnumber="81-15-113(2)">(2)</xref> or as required by a law of this state other than this chapter, an arbitration hearing does not need to be recorded unless required by the arbitrator, provided by the arbitration agreement, or requested by a party.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-113(2)">An arbitrator shall request a verbatim recording be made of any part of an arbitration hearing concerning a child-related dispute.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-114"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Award.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-114(1)">An arbitrator shall make an award in a record, dated and signed by the arbitrator.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-114(2)">The arbitrator shall give notice of the award to each party by a method agreed on by the parties or, if the parties have not agreed on a method, under the law and procedural rules of this state, other than this chapter, governing notice in contractual arbitration.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-114(3)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (4), the award under this chapter shall state the reasons on which the award is based unless otherwise agreed by the parties.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-114(4)">An award determining a child-related dispute shall state the reasons on which the award is based as required by a law of this state, other than this chapter, for a court order in a family law proceeding.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-114(5)">An award under this chapter is not enforceable as a judgment until confirmed under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-115">81-15-115</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-115"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Confirmation of award.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-115(1)">After an arbitrator gives notice under Subsection <xref refnumber="81-15-114(2)" depth="4">81-15-114(2)</xref> of an award, including an award corrected under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-116">81-15-116</xref>, a party may move the court for an order confirming the award.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-115(2)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (3), the court shall confirm an award under this chapter if:<subsection number="81-15-115(2)(a)">the parties agree in a record to confirmation; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-115(2)(b)">the time has expired for making a motion, and no motion is pending, under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-117">81-15-117</xref> or <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-118">81-15-118</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-115(3)">If an award determines a child-related dispute, the court shall confirm the award under Subsection (2) if the court finds, after a review of the record if necessary, that the award on the award's face:<subsection number="81-15-115(3)(a)">complies with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-114">81-15-114</xref> and the law of this state, other than this chapter, governing a child-related dispute; and</subsection><subsection number="81-15-115(3)(b)">is in the best interests of the minor child.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-115(4)">On confirmation, an award under this chapter is enforceable as a judgment.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-116"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Correction by arbitrator of unconfirmed award.</catchline>On a motion of a party that is made no later than 30 days after the day on which an arbitrator gives notice under Subsection <xref refnumber="81-15-114(2)" depth="4">81-15-114(2)</xref> of an award, the arbitrator may correct the award:<subsection number="81-15-116(1)">if the award has an evident mathematical miscalculation or an evident mistake in the description of a person, thing, or property;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-116(2)">if the award is imperfect in a matter of form not affecting the merits on the issues submitted; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-116(3)">to clarify the award.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-117"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Correction by court of unconfirmed award.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-117(1)">On a motion of a party that is made no later than 90 days after the day on which an arbitrator gives notice under Subsection <xref refnumber="81-15-114(2)" depth="4">81-15-114(2)</xref> of an award, including an award corrected under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-116">81-15-116</xref>, the court shall correct the award if:<subsection number="81-15-117(1)(a)">the award has an evident mathematical miscalculation or an evident mistake in the description of a person, thing, or property;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-117(1)(b)">the award is imperfect in a matter of form not affecting the merits of the issues submitted; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-117(1)(c)">the arbitrator made an award on a dispute not submitted to the arbitrator and the award may be corrected without affecting the merits of the issues submitted.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-117(2)">A motion under this section to correct an award may be joined with a motion to vacate or amend the award under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-118">81-15-118</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-117(3)">Unless a motion under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-118">81-15-118</xref> is pending, the court may confirm a corrected award under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-115">81-15-115</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-118"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Vacation or amendment by court of unconfirmed award.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-118(1)">On a motion of a party, the court shall vacate an unconfirmed award if the moving party establishes that:<subsection number="81-15-118(1)(a)">the award was procured by corruption, fraud, or other undue means;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(1)(b)">there was:<subsection number="81-15-118(1)(b)(i)">evident partiality by the arbitrator;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(1)(b)(ii)">corruption by the arbitrator; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(1)(b)(iii)">misconduct by the arbitrator substantially prejudicing the rights of a party;</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(1)(c)">the arbitrator refused to postpone a hearing on showing of sufficient cause for postponement, refused to consider evidence material to the controversy, or otherwise conducted the hearing contrary to Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-112">81-15-112</xref>, so as to prejudice substantially the rights of a party;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(1)(d)">the arbitrator exceeded the arbitrator's powers;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(1)(e)">no arbitration agreement exists, unless the moving party participated in the arbitration without making a motion under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-106">81-15-106</xref> no later than the beginning of the first arbitration hearing; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(1)(f)">the arbitration was conducted without proper notice under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-105">81-15-105</xref> of the initiation of arbitration, so as to prejudice substantially the rights of a party.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(2)">Except as otherwise provided in Subsection <xref tempid="479" depth="4" refnumber="81-15-118(3)">(3)</xref>, on a motion of a party, the court shall vacate an unconfirmed award that determines a child-related dispute if the moving party establishes that:<subsection number="81-15-118(2)(a)">the award does not comply with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-114">81-15-114</xref> or a law of this state, other than this chapter, governing a child-related dispute or is contrary to the best interests of the minor child;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(2)(b)">the record of the hearing or the statement of reasons in the award is inadequate for the court to review the award; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(2)(c)">a ground for vacating the award under Subsection <xref refnumber="81-15-118(1)" depth="4">(1)</xref> exists.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(3)">If an award is subject to vacation under Subsection (2)(a), on a motion of a party, the court may amend the award if amending rather than vacating is in the best interests of the minor child.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(4)">The court shall determine a motion under Subsection <xref refnumber="81-15-118(2)" depth="4">(2)</xref> or (3) based on the record of the arbitration hearing and facts occurring after the hearing.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(5)">A motion under this section to vacate or amend an award shall be filed no later than 90 days after the day on which:<subsection number="81-15-118(5)(a)">an arbitrator gives the party filing the motion notice of the award or a corrected award; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(5)(b)">for a motion under Subsection <xref refnumber="81-15-118(1)(a)" depth="4">(1)(a)</xref>, the ground of corruption, fraud, or other undue means is known or by the exercise of reasonable care should have been known to the party filing the motion.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(6)"><subsection number="81-15-118(6)(a)">If the court under this section vacates an award for a reason other than the absence of an enforceable arbitration agreement, the court may order a rehearing before an arbitrator.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(6)(b)">If the reason for vacating the award is that the award was procured by corruption, fraud, or other undue means or there was evident partiality, corruption, or misconduct by the arbitrator, the rehearing shall be before another arbitrator.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-118(7)">If the court under this section denies a motion to vacate or amend an award, the court may confirm the award under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-115">81-15-115</xref> unless a motion is pending under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-117">81-15-117</xref>.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-119"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Clarification of confirmed award.</catchline>If the meaning or effect of an award confirmed under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-115">81-15-115</xref> is in dispute, the parties may:<subsection number="81-15-119(1)">agree to arbitrate the dispute before the original arbitrator or another arbitrator; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-119(2)">proceed in court under a law of this state, other than this chapter, governing clarification of a judgment in a family law proceeding.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-120"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Judgment on award.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-120(1)">On granting an order confirming, vacating without directing a rehearing, or amending an award under this chapter, the court shall enter judgment in conformity with the order.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-120(2)">On a motion of a party, the court shall order that a document or part of the arbitration record be sealed or redacted to prevent public disclosure of all or part of the record or award to the extent permitted under a law of this state other than this chapter.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-121"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Modification of confirmed award or judgment.</catchline>If a party requests under a law of this state, other than this chapter, a modification of an award confirmed under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-115">81-15-115</xref> or judgment on the award based on a fact occurring after confirmation:<subsection number="81-15-121(1)">the parties shall proceed under the dispute-resolution method specified in the award or judgment; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-121(2)">if the award or judgment does not specify a dispute-resolution method, the parties may:<subsection number="81-15-121(2)(a)">agree to arbitrate the modification before the original arbitrator or another arbitrator; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-121(2)(b)">absent an agreement under Subsection <xref refnumber="81-15-121(2)(a)" depth="4">(2)(a)</xref>, proceed under a law of this state, other than this chapter, governing modification of a judgment in a family law proceeding.</subsection></subsection></section><section number="81-15-122"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Enforcement of confirmed award.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-122(1)">The court shall enforce an award confirmed under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-115">81-15-115</xref>, including a temporary award, in the manner and to the same extent as any other order or judgment of a court.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-122(2)">The court shall enforce an arbitration award in a family law dispute confirmed by a court in another state in the manner and to the same extent as any other order or judgment from another state.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-123"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Appeal.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-123(1)">An appeal may be taken under this chapter from:<subsection number="81-15-123(1)(a)">an order denying a motion to compel arbitration;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-123(1)(b)">an order granting a motion to stay arbitration;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-123(1)(c)">an order confirming or denying confirmation of an award;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-123(1)(d)">an order modifying or correcting an award;</subsection><subsection number="81-15-123(1)(e)">an order vacating an award without directing a rehearing; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-123(1)(f)">a final judgment entered in accordance with this chapter.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-123(2)">An appeal under this section shall be taken as from an order or a judgment in a civil action.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-124"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Immunity of arbitrator.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-124(1)">An arbitrator or arbitration organization acting in that capacity in a family law dispute is immune from civil liability to the same extent as a judge of a court of this state acting in a judicial capacity.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-124(2)">The immunity provided by this section supplements any immunity under a law of this state other than this chapter.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-124(3)">An arbitrator's failure to make a disclosure required by Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="81-15-108">81-15-108</xref> does not cause the arbitrator to lose immunity under this section.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-124(4)"><subsection number="81-15-124(4)(a)">An arbitrator is not competent to testify, and may not be required to produce records, in a judicial, administrative, or similar proceeding about a statement, conduct, decision, or ruling occurring during an arbitration, to the same extent as a judge of a court of this state acting in a judicial capacity.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-124(4)(b)">This Subsection <xref refnumber="81-15-124(4)" depth="4">(4)</xref> does not apply:<subsection number="81-15-124(4)(b)(i)">to the extent disclosure is necessary to determine a claim by the arbitrator or arbitration organization against a party to the arbitration; or</subsection><subsection number="81-15-124(4)(b)(ii)">to a hearing on a motion under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="81-15-118(1)(a)">81-15-118(1)(a)</xref> or (b) to vacate an award if there is prima facie evidence that a ground for vacating the award exists.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="81-15-124(5)">If a person commences a civil action against an arbitrator arising from the services of the arbitrator or seeks to compel the arbitrator to testify or produce records in violation of Subsection <xref refnumber="81-15-124(4)" depth="4">(4)</xref> and the court determines that the arbitrator is immune from civil liability or is not competent to testify or required to produce the records, the court shall award the arbitrator reasonable attorney fees, costs, and reasonable expenses of litigation.</subsection></section><section number="81-15-125"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Uniformity of application and construction.</catchline>In applying and construing this chapter, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to this uniform law's subject matter among states that enact this uniform law.</section><section number="81-15-126"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.</catchline>This chapter modifies, limits, or supersedes the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit, or supersede Section 101(c) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in Section 103(b) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7003(b).</section><section number="81-15-127"><histories><history>Enacted by Chapter <modchap sess="2025GS">315</modchap>, 2025 General Session</history><modyear>2025</modyear></histories><catchline>Transitional provision.</catchline><subsection number="81-15-127(1)">This chapter applies to arbitration of a family law dispute under an arbitration agreement made on or after May 7, 2025.</subsection><subsection number="81-15-127(2)">If an arbitration agreement was made before May 7, 2025, the parties may agree in a record that this chapter applies to the arbitration.</subsection></section></chapter>