Child Support in Utah

2 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in Utah

Utah district courts handle family law in each of its eight judicial districts; juvenile courts handle parentage and some custody matters. The Office of Recovery Services (ORS) operates child support enforcement. Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan are the largest cities. Utah Legal Services and the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake provide free civil representation.

2 Resources

1. Utah Office of Recovery Services – Child Support — Free

State agency that establishes, enforces, and modifies child support orders for Utah parents and handles income withholding, tax intercepts, and license suspensions. Fathers needing an order set, a modification after a job change, or help tracking payments can call weekdays or visit the Salt Lake City office. Bring photo ID, your Social Security number, employer information, and any existing support orders to your appointment.

801-536-8500 · 515 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Utah County Attorney – Child Support Division — Free

Assists Utah County residents with child support establishment and enforcement through the county attorney's office in Provo, working in coordination with the state Office of Recovery Services. Fathers can call weekdays to ask about paternity, order setup, or enforcement actions. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, the other parent's contact information, and any existing court orders to your appointment for the most efficient review.

801-851-8026 · 100 E Center St, Provo, UT 84606 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?
Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?
Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?
Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?
Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.