Relocating with your child after a Utah divorce can feel heavy and uncertain. You may worry about losing time with your child, facing a court fight, or making a mistake that costs you custody. Utah law sets strict rules on when and how you can move with your child. You must give proper notice. You must show that the move helps your child, not only you. The court will look at your history, your co‑parenting, and your child’s ties to school, family, and community. Any rushed move can hurt your case. You need clear steps, not guesswork. A Utah relocation lawyer can help you understand deadlines, required forms, and what judges want to see. This blog explains what you must know before you pack a box, sign a lease, or buy a ticket. It helps you protect your child and your rights at the same time.
1. How Utah looks at relocation after divorce
Utah does not treat a move with a child as simple. The law sees relocation as a change that can affect custody, parent time, and support. You must follow Utah Code 30‑3‑37 on relocation. You can read the law on the Utah Legislature website.
Court orders after divorce set where your child lives and when each parent sees the child. A move that changes those terms is not your choice alone. The court will ask one main question. Does this move serve your child’s best interest.
The judge will look at facts, not promises. You need proof about your new home, school, support network, and how you will keep the other parent close to the child.
2. Notice rules you must follow
Utah law requires clear notice before you move a child more than 150 miles from the other parent’s home. You must give written notice at least 60 days before the planned move. You must send it to the other parent and file it with the court if your case is still open.
Your notice should include three things.
- The new city and state
- The reason for the move
- A proposed new parent time schedule
If you do not give notice, the judge can change custody, limit your parent time, or order you to return the child. Late notice tells the court that you do not respect orders. That can hurt you in every future hearing.
3. What judges weigh in relocation cases
Utah courts look at many points when you want to move with your child.
Common factors include these.
- Your child’s bond with each parent
- Your history of sharing information and time with the other parent
- Your child’s school, friends, and support in Utah
- Your reasons for the move, such as work, safety, or family help
- The other parent’s reasons to oppose the move
- The real cost and time of travel for visits
- Your child’s age and special needs
The court will also study any past conflict. If you block contact now, the judge may fear you will cut the other parent out after the move.
4. Common reasons parents want to relocate
You may want to move for many reasons. Some carry more weight in court than others. The judge looks for clear benefit to your child, not just to you.
Common relocation reasons and how courts often see them
| Reason for move | How the court may view it | Helpful proof
|
|---|---|---|
| New job with higher pay | Can help child if income improves housing and stability | Job offer letter, pay details, cost of living comparison |
| Closer to extended family | Can help if family offers child care and support | Statements from relatives, child care plans, housing plans |
| New partner or spouse | Weaker reason if benefit is mostly for you | Proof of stable home, safe setting, support for child |
| Better school district | Strong if learning or safety will improve | School ratings, test scores, special program details |
| Wanting a fresh start | Weak if no clear gain for child | Mental health support, safety reports if abuse is present |
You do not need a perfect reason. You do need honest proof that your child’s life will improve in clear ways.
5. Planning a new parent time schedule
If you move more than 150 miles away, Utah law has default long distance parent time rules. Still, the court can adjust them. You can lower stress if you bring a practical plan to the judge.
Strong plans often cover three parts.
- School breaks. Longer visits during summer and holidays.
- Travel details. Who pays for flights or gas and how handoffs work.
- Weekly contact. Phone calls and video chats on set days and times.
Judges respect parents who show care for the other parent’s bond with the child. If you offer extra days, help with travel, and open contact, the court sees you as child focused.
6. Helping your child through the change
The court watches how you support your child’s heart during a move. You can strengthen your case and your child at the same time.
Use these steps.
- Explain the move in simple words and short talks.
- Allow your child to share anger, fear, or sadness without pressure.
- Keep routines around meals, school, and bedtime as steady as possible.
- Help your child stay in contact with the other parent through calls and messages.
- Involve your child in small choices like room setup or local activities.
Do not speak poorly about the other parent. Courts take that conduct seriously. Your child carries that conflict for years.
7. When you should seek legal help
Relocation cases move fast. The other parent can file an objection. The court can set a hearing, order mediation, or appoint a guardian ad litem for your child. You face deadlines and strict rules of proof.
Legal help is important if any of these apply.
- The other parent has joint or primary custody.
- There is a history of domestic violence or protective orders.
- Your move crosses state lines.
- You already moved without notice.
- The other parent has an attorney.
You can also seek help from legal clinics or self help centers listed on the Utah State Courts website if you cannot afford full representation.
8. Key steps before you move
You protect your child and your rights when you take clear, careful steps.
- Read your divorce decree and any later orders.
- Check Utah Code 30‑3‑37 and the court’s parent time guidance.
- Talk with the other parent early if it is safe to do so.
- Send written notice at least 60 days before the move.
- Gather proof about housing, school, work, and support in the new place.
- Prepare a long distance parent time plan that keeps the other parent close.
- Seek legal advice if you expect conflict.
You do not need to face this process alone. Careful planning, honest proof, and respect for your child’s bond with both parents can lower conflict. They can also increase your chance of a result that keeps your child safe and steady in a new home.
