Understanding the 4 Main Types of Child Custody in Utah

Child custody is one of the most important issues that needs to be addressed and resolved in a Utah divorce. Will the kids spend more time with you or your former spouse? Which parent (if not both) will have the authority to make legal and medical decisions for them? The answers will help you (or a judge) determine what type of custody arrangement is in the children’s best interests.

In Utah, there are four primary types of custody arrangements. Which one is best for your family will depend on a variety of factors, such as the age of the children, proximity of each parent’s residence to their school, which parent has always been the primary caregiver, whether or not domestic violence was present in the household, and more.

Sole Legal and Physical Custody

In this situation, the children live with you or your spouse full-time, and that parent has the legal authority to make all major decision affecting their lives. Unless circumstances advise otherwise, the parent who does not receive custody is awarded parenting time.

Joint Legal and Physical Custody

This is the preferred arrangement when parents are willing to be amicable and work together for the best interests of the children. Joint legal custody means that you and your former spouse will, whenever possible, make mutual decisions regarding matters such as:

  • Where the kids will go to school
  • What medical or dental procedures they will undergo
  • What after-school activities they will participate in

In a joint physical custody situation, the children will live with each parent for at least 111 nights a year, and both of you are equally responsible for meeting their physical needs. If you and your ex will be living in the same general area, this type of shared custody could work.

Joint Legal and Sole Physical Custody

In this arrangement, both parents make important decisions about the children, but they will live with one of you for at least 225 nights out of every year while the other parent will have regular parenting time.

Split Custody

Split custody in a multi-child family means that you and your spouse each receive sole physical custody of at least one child. Legal custody of all the children may or may not be shared.

Child custody matters can be complicated, confusing, and emotional, and the ideal resolution will allow both parents to play a central role in the lives of their children. At Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins we have a thorough understanding of the different custody options available to you and can help you decide what arrangement works for you while fulfilling the best interests of your children. Call us today to schedule a consultation and receive the supportive, knowledgeable advice you need to make the best decision for everyone involved.

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Wyatt German
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Deven Coggins and his paralegal Holly Ranger have done a great job helping me through my whole custody battle. I am a person that would rather get told the truth than just do whatever and go blindly. Deven, always gave his honest opinion and was not afraid to be straight forward. He had my best interest the whole time and fought very hard for me and always keeping our integrity intact. In that results as we stand I have full custody of my daughter. Highly recommend these two to anyone wanting a no Bs kind of lawyer.
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Madison Jones
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I’m beyond thankful for the exceptional service I received from Brian Arnold. From day one, he showcased a deep understanding of family law and a clear commitment to my case. What truly stood out, however, was his remarkable ability to negotiate with the opposing counsel and secure an incredibly favorable resolution when it seemed like a tough situation. Throughout the process, Brian was thorough, transparent, and always kept me updated. He balanced assertiveness with empathy, ensuring that my needs were met without unnecessary stress or conflict. Thanks to Brian's negotiation expertise, we were able to avoid a prolonged legal battle and achieved a result that was far beyond what I had hoped for. I’m so relieved and pleased with the outcome. If you need a family law attorney who is not only skilled but also genuinely dedicated to achieving the best possible result for you, I can’t recommend Brian Arnold and his team enough. You’ll be in excellent hands.
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Jaycee Hill
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I can’t thank Brian Arnold enough for the support and guidance during my divorce. From the beginning, him and his staff worked tirelessly to find a resolution that was fair and in my best interest, without the need to go to court. Their expertise in negotiation and mediation was evident, and they made what could have been a stressful and contentious process much smoother. If you’re looking for a divorce attorney who can handle things efficiently and effectively without the added stress of courtroom battles, I highly recommend Brian Arnold and the Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins legal team.
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I couldn’t have asked for a better team during a challenging time in my life. Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins and its staff provided expert legal advice and compassionate support throughout the entire process. They were clear, responsive, and always had my best interests at heart. Their professionalism and empathy made a difficult situation much easier to navigate. Highly recommend them if you’re looking for top-notch legal representation.
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Alyssa Leigh
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I can’t thank Brian Arnold and his team enough for their support during my highly contested divorce. From the very beginning, they were professional, understanding, and extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the case. The process was emotionally draining and complicated, but Brian and the team guided me every step of the way, making sure I understood my options and what to expect. Despite the challenges, they were able to negotiate a favorable settlement that protected my rights and helped me move forward with confidence. I always felt like they had my best interests at heart, and their attention to detail was impressive. If you’re facing a tough divorce, I highly recommend Brian Arnold and the Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins team. They made a difficult time much easier to navigate, and I’m truly grateful for their expertise and support.
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Jordynn Schureman
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I’m very pleased with the service I received from Brian Arnold in handling my traffic citation. Brian quickly assessed my case, provided clear guidance, and worked efficiently to have the citation reduced, saving me both time and money. Brian and his staff kept me informed throughout the process and handled everything with professionalism. If you’re dealing with a traffic citation and want a hassle-free resolution, I highly recommend Brian Arnold.
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Jennifer McClellan
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I cannot recommend Arnold Wadsworth & Coggins enough. I was facing a serious and complex legal matter, and the team at Arnold Wadsworth & Coggins provided exceptional support every step of the way. Their expertise, professionalism, and clear communication helped me navigate a difficult situation with confidence. They were responsive, thorough, and truly dedicated to achieving the best outcome. Thanks to their hard work and strategic approach, I was able to reach a resolution that far exceeded my expectations. If you're dealing with a serious legal issue, Arnold Wadsworth & Coggins is the firm you want on your side. They combine expert legal knowledge with compassionate client care, making them stand out in their field.
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Jack Carver
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Brian Arnold helped me with my criminal case. He got me a plea in abeyance and the charge expunged so it's no longer on my record. Brian is an amazing attorney and I definitely recommend working with him.

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