A divorce is an extremely stressful life event in which one must take all possible steps to protect yourself and your children. Child support is one of the main concerns involved in trying to work out a workable and fair custody agreement. According to Utah law, there are strict guidelines for determining who will pay the bulk of child support. Three myths about child support in Utah which make advice from a child support lawyer Utah critical are:
- Child Support Payments Always Stop When a Child Turns 18 or Graduates From High School
- Child Support Orders Can Never be Modified
- Both Parents Can Always Claim Their Children as Dependents on Their Taxes
Myth #1 – Child Support Payments in Utah Always Stop When a Child Turns 18
Usually, child support payments in Utah continue only until a child turns 18 or graduates from high school.However, there is an exception to this age cutoff for child support in Utah. If a dependent child has special needs, the appropriate and responsible parent may be required to pay child support well into adulthood.
Myth #2 – Child Support Payments in Utah Cannot be Modified
Usually, child support payments cannot be modified unless there has been a significant change in the incomes of one or both parents. If this is the case, there are 2 circumstances in which the child support agreement can be modified:- The first circumstance is when it has been at least 3 years since the child support order was first established or last modified and the change in incomes results in a change of the child support amount of more than 10%.
- The second circumstance is when it has been less than 3 years since the child support order was issued and income levels of one or both parents have resulted in a change in child support amount of more than 15%.
Myth #3 – Both Parents Can Always Claim All Children as Dependents for Tax Exemptions
The fact is that the court will decide which parent pays most of the financial support for the children and who would gain the most from a tax exemption.Call An Experienced Utah Child Support Lawyer
Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law is a family owned law firm with experienced and compassionate lawyers who specialize in child support issues in Utah. Call us today for a free consultation at 801-441-2388.About the Author:
The Wall's have over more 190 years of combined legal experience as divorce and family law attorneys. They aggressively represent their clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property, and debt division.
Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388
