Child Custody Attorney Salt Lake County
Family Lawyers in South Jordan Serving All of Utah
Children are affected in many different ways by the divorce or separation of their parents and the breakup of their family. Kids often feel like their whole world has been turned upside down. It is important to be patient and reassure them that they are loved as you navigate through your divorce and put solid child custody and child support arrangements in place. Because both legal and physical custody should be addressed, you need an experienced child custody lawyer in Salt Lake County to help you establish effective child custody and parent time agreement.
At Eric M. Swinyard & Associates, PLLC, we understand the emotional and practical challenges that accompany child custody agreements. Our team is dedicated to creating legal strategies that prioritize the well-being of your children while protecting your parental rights. With a deep understanding of Utah's family law system, we are equipped to guide you through the complexities of custody disputes, whether in negotiation or court proceedings.
Understanding Child Custody Preferences in Utah
In Utah, the court will usually not consider a child's preference unless they are 14. However, the child's preferences are not the only factor the court finds. The judge may place more weight on the child's wishes if they are 16 or older. The judge is not obligated to follow the child's wishes.
Aside from the child's preferences, the court considers various other factors to determine custody, focusing on the child's best interests. Factors include each parent's ability to meet the child's needs, parental stability, and the overall home environment. It's crucial to present a comprehensive case that addresses these considerations with the help of a knowledgeable attorney.
If you are facing child custody issues, it is important to have a skilled attorney who understands the ins and outs of Utah’s family laws on your side. Eric M. Swinyard & Associates, PLLC, understands Utah’s child custody "best interests" standards and how they can affect your case. Get experienced legal advice in Salt Lake County and Utah County from our South Jordan-based firm.
Call today for your 30-minute consultation: (801) 515-4133.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Eric M. Swinyard & Associates, PLLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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Eric did an awesome job.
Eric did an awesome job for my heavily contested custody case. Each of the professionals we worked with seemed to speak very ...
Gavin S. -
I would definitely refer them to others for any legal needs!
I worked with Eric and his team during a stalking case. They were awesome to work with! They kept me informed and comfortable ...
Mallory H. -
He is very prompt with his responses to emails and phone calls which makes the process less stressful.
Eric was very knowledgeable about the process and explained the options available without pressuring me into something I was ...
Amy Lee -
He handled all matters promptly and thoroughly. He cares deeply about his clients and makes sure their needs are fully understood.
Eric is an outstanding attorney. He handled all matters promptly and thoroughly. He cares deeply about his clients and makes ...
Thomas M. -
I have had an absolutely positive experience through and through with them. They’re professional, empathetic, and ethical. I wish I could give more than 5 stars.
It takes a lot to say that you love the experience you had with your lawyer, but it’s true. Ryan Ficklin is awesome. Eric ...
Nicolle G. -
Highly recommend Eric and Preston without reservation. Their fees are more than reasonable and their service more than expected.
Very professional and represented both parties fairly. At the end of the day, we received such empathy and understanding at a ...
Bart -
This was all so stress free. I’m extremely great full for Preston and his staff for putting forth all the time to help me out!
Guys! I had THE best experience! I had NO idea how to file for my divorce but Preston was amazing, very patient and made sure ...
Dalisa -
I couldn’t be more pleased with the results and would definitely recommend Eric to anyone looking for a fantastic lawyer and a great price. You won’t be disappointed.
Eric is amazing! I have worked with several lawyers over the years and Eric is the first I have felt actually cared about my ...
Logan
Types of Child Custody in Utah
Child custody issues in the Beehive State will fall under the broad categories of physical custody and legal custody. The secondary category determines if one or both parents have custody designation. Listed below are Utah’s five child custody types:
Sole Legal Custody
Gives one designated parent the authority to make important decisions, including:
- Religion
- School
- Health Care
- Child Care
- Travel
- Sports Participation
- Extracurricular Activities
Legal custody arrangements can significantly impact the child's development, as the custodial parent holds the decision-making authority over critical aspects of their child's life. It is vital to ensure these decisions align with the child's best interests, and our attorneys can offer guidance and advocacy in maintaining a fair and supportive custody agreement.
Joint Legal Custody
Allows both parents to make decisions about major issues for their child by working together. A joint or shared legal custody agreement must always include a parenting plan in the divorce decree. If the parents were not married, the parenting plan might be included in a judicial paternity order. The degree must also include a provision describing the process for dispute resolution.
New Laws & Considerations in Child Custody
What is the New Child Custody Law in Utah?
Utah's new child custody law, which went into effect on May 1, 2021, is called the "Equal Parent-Time Schedule." This law allows parents to share equal physical custody of their children unless there is a reason why this would not be in the children's best interests.
The law also provides a standard minimum parent-time schedule if parents cannot agree on a plan. So whether you are arranging initial custody arrangements or seeking to modify the terms of an existing child custody order, our lawyers can highlight what's most important to your child.
Is Utah a Mother Custody State?
According to state laws in Utah, a mother naturally or primarily has the right to custody when the child is born to unmarried parents. Meanwhile, a father's name not included on the birth certificate has the right to custody once legally established paternity.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for parents navigating custody battles. Our team can assist in developing a strong case for custody based on these legal frameworks, ensuring that both parents understand their rights and opportunities for involvement in their child's life.
Father's Rights in Utah Custody Cases
What Are Father's Parental Rights in Utah?
Being a father in Utah gives you legal rights to pursue custody and visitation of your child and to make decisions regarding them. These rights apply even whether you are married or not. But you may have to fight for them, especially in divorce.
Family law attorney Eric Swinyard and his legal team always work with clients to educate them about the law and expectations. These conflicts over custody and visitation rights are consistently best settled out of family court since judges will assess a custody order that may not please either person. At this point, you and your child's future will rest in the hands of outsiders.
In Utah, fathers' rights have evolved considerably, granting them fair opportunities to claim custody and active roles in their children's lives. It is essential for fathers to assertively pursue these rights with proper legal support to foster meaningful relationships with their children and protect their interests during custody proceedings.
Co-Parenting Strategies for Successful Child Custody Arrangements
At Eric M. Swinyard & Associates, PLLC, we understand that child custody arrangements can be emotionally challenging for both parents and children. However, successful co-parenting strategies can help make the transition smoother and ensure that your child's best interests are prioritized.
Some co-parenting strategies to consider include:
- Effective communication and conflict resolution skills
- Consistency in parenting styles and rules between households
- Flexibility and willingness to compromise
- Respect for each other's parenting decisions
- Encouraging positive relationships between the child and both parents
Our experienced Salt Lake County child custody attorneys can provide guidance and support throughout the process, including helping you develop a co-parenting plan that works for your family's unique needs. By adopting these strategies, you can create a healthier co-parenting dynamic that benefits everyone involved, particularly the children.
