Custody and Support
Child custody and child support matters in Utah require careful legal handling, detailed statutory knowledge, and a clear understanding of how courts evaluate the best interests of children. Whether you are establishing custody for the first time, modifying an existing order, or enforcing support obligations, these cases can have long-term consequences for both parents and children.
Rifleman Law & Mediation represents parents in custody and support matters throughout Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, Lehi, Bluffdale, American Fork, and surrounding Utah County communities. We provide practical, court-tested legal guidance focused on protecting parental rights while ensuring compliance with Utah law.
Child Custody in Utah
Utah courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. Custody may be awarded as joint legal custody, sole legal custody, joint physical custody, or sole physical custody. Courts evaluate factors such as parental involvement, stability, communication, past caregiving, and any history of abuse, neglect, or substance misuse.
Custody disputes often arise in divorce cases, parentage actions, and post-decree modification proceedings. We represent parents seeking to establish custody, defend against unsupported allegations, or modify custody orders when circumstances have materially changed.
Parentage Actions and Establishing Paternity
When parents are not married, custody and child support cannot be fully addressed until legal parentage is established. A parentage action is the legal process used to determine paternity and parental rights under Utah law.
Establishing paternity allows a father to seek custody or parent-time and enables the court to issue enforceable child support orders. Rifleman Law & Mediation assists clients with voluntary declarations of paternity, contested parentage cases, DNA testing issues, and court-ordered determinations of parentage.
Establishing Child Support
Child support in Utah is calculated using statutory guidelines that consider income, custody arrangements, number of overnights, and additional expenses such as health insurance and childcare. Support may be established in divorce proceedings, parentage actions, or administrative actions initiated through the Office of Recovery Services (ORS).
We assist clients in accurately establishing child support obligations, ensuring income is properly calculated, and addressing complex issues such as self-employment income, imputed income, bonuses, commissions, and government benefits.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
When a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, Utah law provides multiple enforcement mechanisms. These may include contempt proceedings, income withholding, tax refund interception, license suspension, and ORS enforcement actions.
Rifleman Law & Mediation represents both payors and recipients in child support enforcement matters. We work to compel compliance when support is not being paid and defend against improper enforcement actions when payments are disputed or circumstances have changed.
Dealing with the Office of Recovery Services (ORS)
ORS is an administrative agency that enforces child support orders in Utah. While ORS has authority to take collection actions, its processes are administrative in nature and do not replace the need for court representation in many cases.
We assist clients in responding to ORS actions, challenging incorrect arrearage calculations, addressing enforcement overreach, and coordinating court proceedings with administrative processes when necessary.
Modifying Custody and Support Orders
Life circumstances change. Custody and child support orders may be modified when there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances, such as changes in income, relocation, remarriage, or the evolving needs of a child.
We represent parents seeking modifications and those defending against unsupported or strategic modification requests, ensuring the court receives a clear and accurate presentation of the facts.
Why Choose Rifleman Law & Mediation?
At Rifleman Law & Mediation, our commitment to maintaining low caseloads enables our attorneys to devote the time and energy necessary to address every detail of your case. This approach allows us to provide each client with tailored solutions and dedicated attention. We understand that divorce can be overwhelming, and our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible, empowering you with informed choices and realistic expectations.
Our firm is built on a foundation of honesty, empathy, and advocacy. We believe in open communication and clear guidance, helping you understand the steps of your divorce and your options at every turn. When you work with us, you gain a compassionate, knowledgeable legal partner who is truly invested in achieving the best possible outcome for your family.
Local Representation Matters
Custody and support cases are fact-intensive and highly local. Judges, commissioners, and administrative hearing officers expect precise filings, credible evidence, and compliance with procedural rules.
Rifleman Law & Mediation serves clients in Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, Lehi, Bluffdale, American Fork, and throughout Utah County with focused representation in custody, parentage, and child support matters. Our approach emphasizes preparation, clarity, and strategic advocacy at every stage of the process.
Start with a Free Consultation
If you are considering divorce or need help with a related issue, contact Rifleman Law & Mediation today for a free initial consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and outline how we can support you through this difficult time. Our personalized, attentive approach to divorce cases has helped many Utah families move forward, and we’re here to do the same for you. Reach out to our team to learn how we can assist with your divorce and provide the peace of mind you deserve.