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Child Custody

Your children's wellbeing is the court's priority — and mine. I advocate for custody arrangements that protect your relationship with your children and set them up to thrive.

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Technology-driven representation. I use modern legal tools to work efficiently and keep costs accessible — so you get effective counsel without big-firm overhead.

Overview

Protecting Your Family

Utah custody decisions are guided by the "best interests of the child" standard. Courts evaluate a range of factors — from the emotional bonds between parent and child, to the stability each parent can provide, to each parent's willingness to support a healthy relationship with the other.

Understanding what the court looks for allows you to present your case effectively. I help you document your involvement, demonstrate your strengths as a parent, and build a parenting plan that courts will respect.

The 14 Factors Utah Courts Consider

Emotional bond with each parent
Ability to meet the child's needs
Each parent's moral fitness
Child's relationship with siblings
Geographical proximity
Child's preference (if old enough)
History of domestic violence
Willingness to co-parent
Prior parenting involvement
Stability of each home
Child's adjustment to school/community
Parental mental & physical health
Cultural & religious considerations
Any other relevant factor

Physical Custody

Where the child lives day-to-day. I work to secure arrangements that keep you meaningfully present in your child's life.

Legal Custody

The right to make decisions about education, healthcare, and religion. Joint legal custody is common in Utah — I ensure your voice is protected.

Parenting Plans

A detailed, workable parenting plan reduces conflict and gives children stability. I help draft plans that are realistic and enforceable.

Modifications

When circumstances change — a new job, a relocation, a change in the child's needs — I help modify existing orders appropriately.

Enforcement

When the other parent isn't following the court order, I help you take swift legal action to enforce your rights.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sole and joint custody?

Sole custody (physical or legal) means one parent has primary responsibility. Joint custody means both parents share time with the child (physical) or decision-making authority (legal). Utah courts generally favor joint legal custody — giving both parents a voice in major decisions — unless there's a reason (like domestic violence) to limit one parent's authority.

At what age can a child decide which parent to live with in Utah?

There's no fixed age. Utah courts consider a child's preference when they're 'of sufficient age and capacity to reason.' In practice, courts give more weight to teenagers' preferences. However, it's one factor among 14 — a judge won't simply do what a child says, especially if there are signs of parental manipulation.

What is a Guardian ad Litem?

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is an attorney appointed by the court to represent the best interests of the child — not either parent. They investigate, interview the child and family, and make recommendations to the court. If a GAL is appointed in your case, how you interact with them matters.

What is a parenting plan and what should it include?

A parenting plan is a written document outlining the custody arrangement. It should cover: regular weekly schedule, holiday and vacation rotation, procedures for schedule changes, decision-making on education/healthcare/religion, communication between parents and between parents and child, and how disputes will be resolved. A detailed plan reduces future conflict significantly.

Can I relocate with my child after a custody order?

Relocation is a major legal issue in Utah. If you have a custody order and want to move more than 150 miles away, you must give the other parent 60 days' written notice. The other parent can object, and the court will evaluate whether the move is in the child's best interest. I help parents navigate both sides of relocation disputes.

How does domestic violence affect custody decisions?

A history of domestic violence is a significant negative factor in custody determinations. Courts prioritize child safety and may order supervised visitation, limit parenting time, or in serious cases, deny custody to a parent with a history of abuse. Protective orders can also affect custody arrangements. I handle these cases with both urgency and care.

Service Areas

Serving Layton, Ogden & Northern Utah

Layton & Davis County

Custody cases for Layton families are handled in Davis County 2nd District Court. I help parents in Layton, Clearfield, Kaysville, and surrounding areas build parenting plans that hold up in court and keep children at the center.

Layton custody info →

Ogden & Weber County

Weber County 2nd District Court handles custody matters for Ogden residents. I represent parents throughout Ogden, Roy, and Weber County — advocating for arrangements that protect your parental rights and your children's wellbeing.

Ogden custody info →

Your relationship with
your children matters.

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