Utah’s Equal Parent-Time Schedule

Utah law provides a framework for parents to share equal time with their children after a separation or divorce. This schedule, outlined in Utah Code Section 81-9-305, is designed to ensure both parents have substantial involvement in their children’s lives while maintaining the children’s stability and best interests. Below is a simplified explanation of the equal parent-time schedule.

Weekly Schedule

• Monday to Wednesday Morning: One parent has custody.

• Wednesday to Friday Morning: The other parent has custody.

• Parents alternate weekend parent time with each parent having every other weekend from Friday to Monday morning:

• Parent time exchanges typically occur at the start of the school day or, if the child is not in school, at 9:00 a.m. unless parents agree otherwise.

• This schedule ensures equal division of parenting time throughout the week.

Holiday Schedule

• Holidays are shared and alternated annually, ensuring both parents have opportunities to celebrate special occasions with their children. For example:

  • Odd-numbered years: One parent has certain holidays, e.g., Thanksgiving, while the other parent has different holidays, e.g., Christmas.

  • Even-numbered years: The holidays are reversed.

• Parents can agree to divide holidays differently if they so choose.

• To learn more about the details of the standard holiday schedule, please refer to our Holiday Parent Time Guide. When reviewing this schedule, it’s important to note that one parent is always designated as the "non-custodial" parent in court orders regarding parent time. Court's make this designation so parents can interpret holiday schedule. Don’t be discouraged by the term "non-custodial." In the context of an equal parent time schedule, it does not imply that you lack joint custody of your child. Both parents still share custody equally under this arrangement.

Summer Schedule

• During the summer, the equal parent-time schedule continues as it did during the school year. However, some parents opt to follow a week on, week off schedule during the summer in which the parties just conduct a parent time exchange every Monday.

• Each parent is allowed to designate two consecutive weeks of uninterrupted parent-time during the summer when school is out.

• The court will alternate which parent has the earlier designation rights. This is a typical designation schedule.

  • In odd-numbered years:
    • Noncustodial parent by May 1st.
    • Custodial parent by May 15th.
  • In even-numbered years:
    • Custodial parent by May 1st.
    • Noncustodial parent by May 15th.
• These two consecutive weeks take priority over all holidays except Mother's Day and Father's Day.

• Parents can agree on adjustments for vacations or other plans, ensuring flexibility while preserving the equal time arrangement.

School Breaks

• School breaks, including Fall and Spring breaks, are alternated between parents each year.

• The schedule ensures both parents have opportunities to spend extended, uninterrupted time with their children during school breaks.

Benefits of the Equal Parent-Time Schedule

1. Promotes Strong Parent-Child Relationships: Both parents are actively involved in the child’s daily life, fostering meaningful connections.

2. Fairness: Time is divided equally, reducing conflict over visitation.

3. Consistency for Children: Alternating weeks provide a predictable and structured routine.

4. Flexibility: Parents can mutually agree to modify the schedule if needed to better suit their family’s unique needs.

Additional Considerations

• Communication and Coordination: Parents must work together to manage exchanges, activities, and responsibilities effectively.

• Best Interests of the Child: The court prioritizes the child’s well-being. In some cases, adjustments to the schedule may be necessary to meet specific needs.

• Agreements Between Parents: Parents can deviate from the equal parent-time schedule if both agree and the arrangement serves the child’s best interests.

Is Equal Parent-Time Right for Your Family?

Equal parent-time schedules are ideal for families where both parents live near each other and can maintain consistent communication. It works best when both parents are committed to co-parenting effectively and supporting their child’s emotional, educational, and social needs.