How child support is calculated in Utah
What decides the amount, where to get the real number, and the extra rules.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.
Short answer
Utah uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. Both parents' gross monthly incomes are added together and looked up in a state table to find the total support for the number of children.
- Model
- Income shares
- Official calculator
- Official Utah child support calculator
Get the number from Utah's official tool
Both parents' gross monthly incomes are added together and looked up in a state table to find the total support for the number of children. Each parent pays a share based on their part of the combined income, with different worksheets for sole, joint and split custody.
Law: Utah Code 81-6-202 to 81-6-207, 81-6-304, 81-6-305
We don't estimate Utah's amount here: its formula uses both parents' incomes and other facts, and a home-made number could mislead you. The official tool gives the real starting number:
Health insurance in Utah
Orders must require health care coverage for the child, and health insurance if available at reasonable cost. Unless the court finds good cause or the parents agree otherwise, parents split the child's share of the premium and all reasonable uninsured medical and dental costs (co-pays, deductibles) equally.
Law: Utah Code 81-6-208
What goes into support in Utah
Both parents' gross monthly incomes are added together and looked up in a state table to find the total support for the number of children. Each parent pays a share based on their part of the combined income, with different worksheets for sole, joint and split custody.
Law: Utah Code 81-6-202 to 81-6-207, 81-6-304, 81-6-305
How this kind of formula works
In an income-shares state, both parents' incomes are added together. A table gives the support for that combined income, and each parent pays the share that matches their part of the income.
Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.
Law: 45 CFR 302.56
If the paying parent earns little in Utah
A separate low income table, based on the paying parent's income only, is used for low earners. At the very lowest incomes the order is $30 a month, and a base award in a sole custody case may not be less than $30.
Law: Utah Code 81-6-205(5), 81-6-305
State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.
Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)
In nearby states
Get your number in Utah
Gather income papers
The formula needs each parent's income: use pay stubs and tax returns.
Run the official numbers
The official number comes from Official Utah child support calculator.
Include other costs
Health insurance, child care and other costs can be added or shared as the state's rules say.
Get an order
Only a court or the agency can set the amount. Open a case with Office of Recovery Services (ORS), Utah Department of Health and Human Services ((801) 536-8500) · Apply online
Ask for free help
Ask for free help: Utah Legal Services.
Where to get free help in Utah
Questions about the Utah guidelines
What formula does Utah use for child support?
Both parents' gross monthly incomes are added together and looked up in a state table to find the total support for the number of children. Each parent pays a share based on their part of the combined income, with different worksheets for sole, joint and split custody.
Does Utah have an online support calculator?
How does Utah treat low incomes?
A separate low income table, based on the paying parent's income only, is used for low earners. At the very lowest incomes the order is $30 a month, and a base award in a sole custody case may not be less than $30.
How are medical costs shared in Utah?
Orders must require health care coverage for the child, and health insurance if available at reasonable cost. Unless the court finds good cause or the parents agree otherwise, parents split the child's share of the premium and all reasonable uninsured medical and dental costs (co-pays, deductibles) equally.