When parents live more than 50 miles apart, the standard parent-time schedule under Utah Code Section 30-3-34 may not be practical. Utah law addresses this situation with a separate long-distance parent-time schedule under Utah Code Section 30-3-35. The long-distance schedule provides concentrated blocks of time during school breaks and summer vacation to accommodate the geographic distance between parents.
Updated: July 17, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Utah Code Section 30-3-35 establishes the long-distance parent-time schedule for parents living more than 50 miles apart
- The schedule includes extended summer time, alternating school breaks, and designated weekends
- Each parent is responsible for transportation costs associated with their parent-time
- The court may adjust the schedule based on the child’s age, school schedule, and other factors
- Technology can supplement the long-distance schedule to maintain regular contact between visits
When Does the Long-Distance Parent-Time Schedule Apply?
The long-distance parent-time schedule under Utah Code Section 30-3-35 applies when the parents reside more than 50 miles apart. The distance is measured by the most direct route between the parents’ residences. Once the distance exceeds 50 miles, the standard weekday and alternating weekend schedule becomes impractical, and the court will apply the long-distance schedule instead.
If a parent relocates after a custody order is entered, the schedule may be modified to the long-distance schedule if the relocation creates a distance of more than 50 miles. Parents should be aware that relocation can affect parent-time rights and obligations.
What Does the Long-Distance Summer Schedule Look Like?
Under Section 30-3-35(1), the noncustodial parent is entitled to extended parent-time during the summer months. The long-distance summer schedule typically includes:
- Up to six weeks of continuous parent-time during the summer, depending on the child’s age and circumstances
- The parent must provide written notice to the other parent by April 1 of each year identifying the specific weeks requested
- The remaining summer time is with the custodial parent
- The summer schedule replaces the regular school-year schedule during the weeks it is exercised
The extended summer time allows the noncustodial parent to maintain a meaningful relationship with the child despite the geographic distance. It also gives the child an opportunity to spend significant time in both parents’ homes.
How Are School Breaks Divided Under the Long-Distance Schedule?
The long-distance schedule provides for alternating school breaks, which allow the noncustodial parent to have the child during extended breaks from school. The typical break schedule includes:
| School Break | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Spring break | Alternating years, the entire spring break period |
| Fall break | Alternating years, the entire fall break period |
| Winter/Christmas break | Alternating first half and second half of the break |
| Other extended breaks | Divided equally or as agreed by the parties |
School breaks provide valuable opportunities for the noncustodial parent to have quality time with the child without disrupting the child’s school attendance. The alternating schedule ensures both parents share holiday and break time equitably.
What About Weekend Parent-Time for Long-Distance Parents?
Under the long-distance schedule, the noncustodial parent is entitled to one weekend per month during the school year, rather than the alternating weekends provided under the standard schedule. The specific weekend may be designated by the noncustodial parent with reasonable advance notice to the custodial parent.
The reduced weekend schedule recognizes the practical challenges of frequent long-distance travel. Instead of traveling every other weekend, the noncustodial parent travels less frequently but has longer, more meaningful visits when they do travel. The extended summer and school break time compensates for the reduced weekend time.
Who Pays for Transportation Under the Long-Distance Schedule?
Utah law addresses the issue of transportation costs in long-distance parent-time cases. Under Section 30-3-35, each parent is generally responsible for the costs of transporting the child to and from their parent-time. However, the court may allocate transportation costs differently based on the parents’ financial circumstances and other relevant factors.
The court may also determine who is responsible for driving or flying the child, whether exchanges occur at a neutral location, and whether a parent must accompany the child during travel. These details are typically spelled out in the parent-time order to avoid future disputes.
Strategic Tip: If transportation costs are a concern, work with your attorney to propose a fair allocation of costs based on each parent’s income and ability to travel. The court may also consider using technology, such as video calls, to supplement in-person visits and reduce travel frequency.
How Does the Long-Distance Schedule Affect the Custodial Parent’s Time?
The long-distance schedule is designed to balance the child’s time with both parents, but the custodial parent still retains significant time. During the school year, the child lives primarily with the custodial parent and attends school in that parent’s district. The custodial parent has the child for the majority of the school year, including all time not specifically allocated to the noncustodial parent.
During the summer, the custodial parent still has the child for the weeks not claimed by the noncustodial parent. The custodial parent also typically has the child for certain holidays and breaks that are not allocated to the noncustodial parent.
Can the Court Modify the Long-Distance Schedule Based on the Child’s Age?
Yes. The court may adjust the long-distance schedule based on the child’s age and developmental needs. For younger children, shorter, more frequent visits may be appropriate to maintain the parent-child bond. As children grow older, longer stretches of time away from the custodial parent may be more feasible and beneficial.
The court also considers the child’s extracurricular activities, educational needs, and social relationships when adjusting the schedule. A teenager with significant school and social commitments may have different needs than a young child.
What Role Does Technology Play in Long-Distance Parent-Time?
Utah courts recognize the importance of regular communication between the child and the noncustodial parent, especially when geographic distance limits in-person visits. The parent-time order may include provisions for regular video calls, phone calls, text messaging, or other forms of electronic communication.
Technology does not replace in-person parent-time, but it supplements it by allowing the child and noncustodial parent to maintain a connection between visits. The court may specify the frequency and timing of virtual contact, as well as which parent is responsible for facilitating it.
What is considered “more than 50 miles” for the long-distance schedule?
The distance is measured by the most direct route between the parents’ residences, not by straight-line distance or driving time. If the distance is exactly 50 miles or less, the standard schedule under Section 30-3-34 applies.
Can the court order the custodial parent to meet the noncustodial parent halfway for exchanges?
Yes. The court may designate a specific exchange location to share the travel burden. Many orders specify a neutral meeting point halfway between the parents’ homes.
What if the noncustodial parent cannot afford to travel for long-distance parent-time?
The parent should request that the court adjust the schedule or allocate transportation costs based on financial circumstances. The court has discretion to modify the schedule to make it more affordable while still preserving the parent-child relationship.
Facing a child custody issue in Utah? Jeremy D. Eveland, MBA, JD, can help protect your parental rights and advocate for your child’s best interests.
Call (801) 613-1472 or visit jeremeyeveland.com to schedule a consultation today.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified Utah family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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