Child Custody laws in Utah can be confusing. The lawyers at Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins can help you through the child custody laws of Utah.
In Utah, the best interest of the child is always the determining factor with the court that has the most weight. There a certain factors that the court will consider in order to figure out what the best interest of the child is;
1) Whether the physical, psychological, and emotional needs and development of the child will benefit from joint legal or physical custody,
2) The ability of the parents to give first priority to the welfare of the child and reach shared decisions in the child’s best interest;
3) Whether each parent is capable of encouraging and accepting a positive relationship between the child and the other parent, including the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the child and the other parent;
4) Whether both parents participated in raising the child before the divorce;
5) The geographical proximity of the homes of the parents;
6) The preference of the child if the child is of sufficient age and capacity to reason so as to form an intelligent preference as to joint legal or physical custody;
7) The maturity of the parents and their willingness and ability to protect the child from conflict that may arise between the parents;
8) The past and present ability of the parents to cooperate with each other and make decisions jointly;
9) Any history of, or potential for, child abuse, spouse abuse, or kidnaping; and any other factors the court finds relevant.
If you have any questions about the Child Custody Laws in Utah call Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins Attorneys for a free consultation at (801) 475-0123.
Child Custody Laws in Utah, Salt Lake City, Ogden, Layton, Sandy, South Salt Lake, North Salt Lake, Bountiful, Kaysville, South Weber and all of Utah.
