What is Parental Alienation in Utah and How Courts Handle It

Robert M. HenriksenChild Custody

child holding hand with parents

The whole point of custody arrangements is to keep children safe and help them maintain strong relationships with both parents. But sometimes, one parent actively works to damage that bond. They criticize the other parent, interfere with visits, or pressure the child to take sides.  Over time, the child may start pulling away from a parent they once loved.   Behavior … Read More

What Happens If One Parent Violates a Custody Order in Utah

Robert M. HenriksenChild Custody

child custody lawyer

When a Utah court issues a custody or parent-time order, both parents are legally required to follow it. If a violation of a custody order occurs, whether itโ€™s missed exchanges, withheld parental visits, or interference with decision-making, the courts can step in.  The primary goal of a child custody order is to protect whatโ€™s in the best interest of the … Read More

Can Children Choose Which Parent to Live with in Utah?

Robert M. HenriksenChild Custody

Child with Parents

Going through a divorce brings up countless questions, especially if you have kids. One of the most common and emotional questions parents ask is, โ€œCan children choose which parent to live with after the divorce?โ€ While childrenโ€™s opinions do matter, the answer isnโ€™t always straightforward. In Utah, the child custody laws prioritize the best interests of the child when deciding … Read More

When Should You Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?

Robert M. HenriksenChild Custody

child custody attorney

It is every parentโ€™s duty to put their childrenโ€™s well-being, safety, and best interest above all else. However, this isnโ€™t always simple, and can become even more complicated when the parents are separated.  Apart from the usual stress, divorced parents may face different situations that could require intervention from a child custody lawyer. Issues such as child support, visitation schedules, … Read More

What You Need to Know About Establishing Paternity in Utah

Robert M. HenriksenChild Custody, Family Law

family law

When it comes to securing legal rights and responsibilities for both parents and children, the first is establishing paternity.  Like most other states, paternity determines a father’s rights to custody, visitation, and decision-making for the child in Utah. It also establishes financial obligations like child support.  Whether you’re a mother seeking financial support or a father fighting for parental rights, … Read More

Physical Custody vs. Legal Custody: Whatโ€™s the Difference?

Robert M. HenriksenChild Custody

client signing custody document

Custody battles can be emotionally taxing and filled with confusing legal terms. As a parent, navigating these complexities while trying to secure the best arrangement for your child can feel overwhelming. Two terms youโ€™ll often encounter are physical custody and legal custody. While they might sound similar, they refer to very different aspects of raising a child. This guide will … Read More

What Are the Rights of an Unmarried Parent in Custody Cases?

Robert M. HenriksenChild Custody

Utah custody laws for unmarried parents can be tricky to navigate. Utah has one of the lowest rates of unmarried couples in the countryโ€”just 4.9 percent choose to skip tying the knot.ย  While nothing is stopping you from building a life with someone you love and raising kids together without getting married, being an unmarried parent in Utah comes with … Read More

How to Calculate Child Support in a Utah Divorce

Robert M. HenriksenChild Custody

person calculating the cost of child support

Figuring out child support during a divorce can be one of the trickiest parts, especially when youโ€™re juggling emotions and trying to plan for your kidsโ€™ future.  If you’re feeling unsure about how these calculations work in Utah, youโ€™re not alone. Whether youโ€™re aiming for an agreement or heading to court, it helps to understand the formula behind how child … Read More

What is a Utah Holiday Custody Schedule and How Does it Work?

Robert M. HenriksenChild Custody

setting a holiday custody schedule

The holidays can bring a mix of joy and stress, especially when youโ€™re co-parenting after a separation or divorce. Figuring out drop-offs, pickups, and how to split time with the kids can make an already emotional season feel even more overwhelming.   Thatโ€™s where a child custody holiday schedule comes in. It helps everyone stay on the same page and keeps … Read More

What Are the Child Support Laws in Utah?

Robert M. HenriksenChild Custody

utah child support with Robert Henriksen family law attorney

Like child custody, child support is often a hot topic in divorce cases in Utah. Itโ€™s best to address this issue clearly before you part ways with your spouse. Itโ€™s often difficult to have a practical discussion with your spouse when you are in the middle of a divorce.  But when it comes to child support payments, you have to … Read More