{"data":{"id":"us-ut/utah-code-81-6-212","jurisdiction":"us-ut","citation":"Utah Code § 81-6-212","heading":"Modification of child support order -- Adjustment of child support.","body":"(1) The amount of prospective child support is equal to the amount granted by a prior child support order unless:\n(a) there is a substantial change of circumstances on the part of the obligor or obligee as described in this section; or\n(b) an adjustment is made as described in this section or Section 81-6-213.\n(2) If the prior child support order contains a stipulated provision for the automatic adjustment for prospective child support, the prospective child support is the amount as stated in the order, without a showing of a substantial change of circumstances, if the stipulated provision:\n(a) is clear and unambiguous;\n(b) is self-executing;\n(c) provides for child support that equals or exceeds the base child support award required by the child support guidelines; and\n(d) does not allow a decrease in child support as a result of the obligor's voluntary reduction of income.\n(3)\n(a) A parent, legal guardian, or the office may, at any time, petition the court to adjust the amount of a child support order if there has been a substantial change in circumstances.\n(b) A change in the child support tables is not a substantial change in circumstances for the purposes of Subsection (3)(a).\n(c) For purposes of this Subsection (3)(a), a substantial change in circumstances may include:\n(i) material changes in custody;\n(ii) material changes in the relative wealth or assets of the parties;\n(iii) material changes of 30% or more in the income of a parent;\n(iv) material changes in the employment potential and ability of a parent to earn;\n(v) material changes in the medical needs of the child; or\n(vi) material changes in the legal responsibilities of either parent for the support of others.\n(4) Upon receiving a petition under Subsection (3)(a), the court shall, taking into account the best interests of the child:\n(a) determine whether a substantial change has occurred;\n(b) if a substantial change has occurred, determine whether the change results in a difference of 15% or more between the obligor's ordered support amount and the obligor's support amount that would be required under the child support guidelines; and\n(c) adjust the obligor's ordered support amount to that which is provided for in the child support guidelines if:\n(i) there is a difference of 15% or more; and\n(ii) the difference is not of a temporary nature.\n(5)\n(a) If a child support order has not been issued or modified within the previous three years, a parent, legal guardian, or the office may move the court to adjust the amount of a child support order.\n(b) Upon receiving a motion under Subsection (5)(a), the court shall, taking into account the best interests of the child:\n(i) determine whether there is a difference between the obligor's ordered support amount and the obligor's support amount that would be required under the child support guidelines; and\n(ii) if there is a difference as described in Subsection (5)(b)(i), adjust the obligor's ordered support amount to the obligor's support amount provided in the child support guidelines if:\n(A) the difference is 10% or more;\n(B) the difference is not of a temporary nature; and\n(C) the order adjusting the obligor's ordered support amount does not deviate from the child support guidelines.\n(c) A showing of a substantial change in circumstances is not necessary for an adjustment under this Subsection (5).","path":["Title 81 Utah Domestic Relations Code","Chapter 81-6 Child Support","Part 81-6-2 Calculation and Adjustment of Child Support"],"source_url":"https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title81/Chapter6/81-6-S212.html","current_through":"2026 General Session","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-03T11:34:34Z","sha256":"074e031e35609332fdd1bb005f4ab36229c5688649a2396f5488350a0edced6d","source_id":"us-ut","stale":false,"prev":"us-ut/utah-code-81-6-211.5","next":"us-ut/utah-code-81-6-213"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}