Utah's Minimum Parent Time Schedule (Ages 5 - 18)

Utah Code Section 81-9-302 outlines the minimum parent-time (visitation) schedule for noncustodial parents with children aged 5 to 18. This schedule is also referred to as the "standard holiday schedule". Here's a simplified breakdown of the schedule for the noncustodial parent:

Utah's Minimum Parent Time Schedule (Ages 5 - 18)Weekday Visits:

  • One weekday evening per week, typically Wednesday, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Alternatively, the noncustodial parent can choose a weekday from after school until 8:30 p.m.

Weekend Visits:

  • Alternating weekends starting Friday at 6 p.m. until Sunday at 7 p.m.
  • Alternatively, the noncustodial parent can opt to start their parent time earlier a 9 am if school is not in session or at the time school gets out.

Holidays:

  • Specific holidays are alternated between parents each year. Visit our Holiday Parent Time Guide to learn the specifics of the holiday schedule.
  • For example, one parent may have the child on certain holidays in odd-numbered years, and the other parent in even-numbered years.

Summer Break:

  • The noncustodial parent is entitled to up to four weeks of parent-time during the summer.
  • Two of these weeks can be uninterrupted, while the other two may include a weekday visit for the custodial parent.
  • The custodial parent is also entitled to two weeks of uninterrupted time during the summer.

Scheduling:

  • Parents must notify each other of their summer parent-time plans by specific dates:
    • 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.

Additional Points:

  • If a holiday falls on a school day, the parent with the child must make sure the child attends school.
  • Parents can agree to different schedules if they choose.
  • The court can adjust this schedule based on the child's best interests.

This schedule serves as a baseline; parents can agree to more time together if they choose. The primary goal is to ensure that both parents maintain meaningful relationships with their child.

For the complete legal text of the statute, please refer to Utah Code Section 81-9-302.

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