| One of the most stressful decisions to be made during | | | | awarded when both parents are willing to reasonably |
| a divorce is child custody. In the state of Utah, there | | | | work together. Occasionally, a joint custody agreement |
| are several different arrangements that can be made | | | | can be reached, naming one parent as the "primary" |
| in terms of child custody. Here are a few important | | | | parent. |
| facts concerning custody. | | | | Either parent can be awarded "sole" custody of the |
| Parents have the opportunity, in the state of Utah, to | | | | child(ren). Sole custody names one parent as the |
| reach any agreement, as long as they believe that it | | | | 'custodial' parent. This parent is granted physical |
| will be in the children's best interest. The Utah State | | | | custody of the children and is allowed to make all |
| Court will allow any agreement that is made to | | | | major decisions concerning the child. If one parent is |
| become part of the official Decree of Divorce. | | | | awarded 'sole' custody, the other parent is often |
| If you and your spouse are going through a divorce, | | | | awarded 'visitation' rights. According to the Utah State |
| you must attend a mandatory two-hour course. This | | | | Court, a "standard schedule of visitation allows weekly |
| course instructs both parties about the divorce | | | | contact, alternating holidays and on alternating |
| process and the impact it has on everyone involved | | | | weekends. and overnight visits for children five and |
| (parents, children, families). | | | | older." This schedule can be altered if a different |
| There are two main types of "joint" custody. Joint | | | | schedule meets the children's best interests. |
| 'legal' custody allows both parents to decide upon | | | | A key piece of information that must be followed is, |
| major issues concerning each child. Joint 'physical' | | | | "Custodial parents may not withhold rights of visitation |
| custody allows both parents the opportunity to spend | | | | if child support is not being paid. Likewise, child support |
| physical time with the children. Joint 'physical' custody | | | | is not to be withheld if visitation is being denied." |
| also means that the children live in both homes. This | | | | Custodial agreements can be made between the |
| usually requires the parents to live in the same city or | | | | parties and their lawyers. Sometimes, when |
| general area to reduce the time spent traveling for the | | | | circumstances permit, mediation processes can |
| children. | | | | determine custodial arrangements. If all else fails, the |
| Obviously, joint custody works best and is often times | | | | judge will determine the custodial arrangement. |