Parent Time

Salt Lake City Parent Time Attorneys

Serving Parents in Cottonwood Heights & throughout Utah

Parent time, often called visitation, is the time that a noncustodial parent is legally entitled to spend with their child. Parent time is part of a child custody agreement that parents make after a divorce or legal separation. At Lokken & Putnam, P.C., we represent clients facing parent time disputes and work to find a solution that meets their needs and reflects their child’s best interests.

Our Salt Lake City parent time attorneys have over 25 years of combined legal experience and a long record of successful case results. We have extensive knowledge of Utah family law and can manage every aspect of your divorce or legal separation.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your case during an initial consultation. Call (801) 829-9783.

Visitation Laws in Utah

The custody order is what sets up custody and visitation (parent time) schedules. The schedule establishes where and when exchanges will take place and which parent has the child(ren) on specific holidays, birthdays, or vacations. If the parents cannot agree on or a parent-time schedule, Utah has minimum parent-time schedules depending on the age of the child. There are specifications for children under 5 years and those who are between 5 and 18.

Parent-time agreements can even include details about virtual parent time, such as video calls or through social media and telephone contact. A child's ability to see extended family members – such as stepparents, grandparents, and other relatives – will also be included in a parent time agreement.

If it is too difficult to decide on schedule, the court can also order a visitation schedule that is appropriate for the child and the parents, is in the best interests of the child, and is based on any other factors that the court deems as relevant. In the state of Utah, a minimum visitation schedule for parents who do not have custody exists. The parent without physical custody is entitled to visits of at least one night per week and every other weekend.

Determining Parent Time

The courts create parent time agreements by considering a variety of factors. Parent time agreements are created with the child’s best interests in mind. The final parent time agreement will decide the minimum time that noncustodial parents will spend with a child and what weekdays they will spend at which house. For an unmarried father to qualify for parent time, he must establish the legal parentage of the child.

The courts will consider the noncustodial parent’s

  • Involvement in their child's life
  • Ability to communicate with the other parent
  • Ability to manage the parent-time

Experienced Parent Time Lawyers in Salt Lake City

If either parent refuses to honor the parent time ensured in a child custody agreement, a parent may ask for a modification or help with enforcement. Modifications allow the court to review the changes in circumstances and determine what is in the child's best interests. The court can also impose penalties on the parent who is failing to adhere to the order.

Parent-time arrangements depend on the unique needs of the child and the parents' individual circumstances. Our knowledgeable lawyers can review your case details and guide you through the child custody process.

To schedule your consultation with Lokken & Putnam, P.C., call (801) 829-9783 or contact us online.

  • “She knows how things are going to play out ahead of time.”

    - Former Client
  • “She is very knowledgeable, down to earth, and honest”

    - Former Client

Lokken & Associates

The attorneys who are on your side.

Our Office 6740 South 1300 East,
#225
Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
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Contact Us 801-829-9783

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