Utah law provides a standardized parent-time schedule that applies in most custody cases where parents live within 50 miles of each other. Under Utah Code Section 30-3-34, the statutory parent-time schedule gives noncustodial parents specific time with their children, including weekday overnights, alternating weekends, and extended summer time. Understanding this schedule is essential for any parent navigating a Utah custody case.
Updated: July 17, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Utah Code Section 30-3-34 establishes the standard parent-time schedule for parents within 50 miles
- The schedule includes weekday overnights, alternating weekends, and holiday time
- Summer parent-time for the noncustodial parent is up to four weeks under certain circumstances
- The court may deviate from the standard schedule if it is not in the child’s best interest
- Understanding the standard schedule helps parents know their baseline rights and negotiate from a position of knowledge
What Is the Standard Parent-Time Schedule Under Utah Law?
The standard parent-time schedule under Utah Code Section 30-3-34 applies when one parent has sole physical custody and the other parent has parent-time. The schedule is designed to ensure the noncustodial parent has regular, meaningful time with the child while maintaining the child’s stability and routine. The schedule includes several components that together create a comprehensive parent-time plan.
The statute presumes that the standard parent-time schedule is in the child’s best interest unless the court finds otherwise based on the factors in Section 30-3-10.2 and 30-3-11. This means that the noncustodial parent has a statutory right to the standard schedule unless there is a specific reason to deviate.
What Does the Standard Weekday Parent-Time Schedule Look Like?
Under Section 30-3-34(1), the noncustodial parent is entitled to parent-time during the week. The standard weekday schedule includes:
- One weekday evening per week, typically from after school or 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
- The parent must pick up the child from school or the custodial parent’s home and return the child to the custodial parent’s home
- The specific weekday may be agreed upon by the parties or set by the court
- If the parties cannot agree, the default is typically Wednesday evening
This weekday visit is designed to maintain regular contact between the noncustodial parent and the child throughout the school year, not just on weekends. It helps preserve the parent-child relationship and allows the child to maintain a routine with both parents.
How Do Alternating Weekends Work Under the Standard Schedule?
The standard parent-time schedule provides for alternating weekends from Friday after school or 6:00 p.m. until Sunday at 7:00 p.m. The noncustodial parent has parent-time on the first, third, and fifth weekends of each month. This pattern gives the noncustodial parent every other weekend, which is the most common arrangement in Utah and nationwide.
The weekend schedule includes:
| Weekend | Parent-Time Parent’s Schedule |
|---|---|
| First weekend | Friday after school to Sunday 7:00 p.m. |
| Second weekend | Custodial parent’s weekend |
| Third weekend | Friday after school to Sunday 7:00 p.m. |
| Fourth weekend | Custodial parent’s weekend |
| Fifth weekend (if applicable) | Friday after school to Sunday 7:00 p.m. |
The alternating weekend schedule ensures the noncustodial parent has regular overnight time with the child while maintaining the child’s connection to their school and community during the school week.
What Is the Summer Parent-Time Schedule Under Utah Law?
Under Section 30-3-34(2), the noncustodial parent is entitled to summer parent-time. The standard summer schedule provides for up to four weeks of continuous parent-time during the summer months, though this may be adjusted based on the child’s age, school schedule, and other factors. The noncustodial parent must provide notice to the custodial parent by May 1 of each year regarding which weeks they intend to exercise summer parent-time.
The summer parent-time typically replaces the regular weekday and weekend schedule during the weeks it is exercised. The custodial parent retains parent-time during the summer as well, and the child continues to have contact with both parents.
How Are Holidays Divided Under the Standard Parent-Time Schedule?
The standard schedule also addresses holidays, which are divided between the parents. The default holiday schedule under Section 30-3-34(2) includes:
- Mother’s Day with the mother
- Father’s Day with the father
- Alternating major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s
- The specific holiday schedule is often detailed in the parent-time order or stipulated by the parties
Holiday parent-time generally takes precedence over the regular weekend schedule. This means that if a holiday falls on a weekend that would normally be the custodial parent’s weekend, the holiday schedule controls.
Important: The holiday schedule should be clearly defined in the court order to avoid confusion and conflict. Many parents find it helpful to specify pickup and drop-off times for each holiday in advance.
Can Parents Agree to a Different Schedule Than the Standard?
Yes. Utah law encourages parents to reach their own agreement regarding parent-time. If both parents agree to a schedule that differs from the statutory standard, the court will generally approve the agreement as long as it is in the child’s best interest. Many parents find that a customized schedule works better for their family’s unique circumstances, such as shift work, school schedules, or extracurricular activities.
However, any agreement must still be approved by the court and incorporated into a court order. Verbal agreements are not enforceable. Parents should put their agreement in writing and submit it to the court for approval.
When Can the Court Deviate From the Standard Parent-Time Schedule?
The court may deviate from the standard parent-time schedule if it finds that the standard schedule is not in the child’s best interest. Common reasons for deviation include:
- A history of domestic violence or abuse
- Substance abuse by one parent that affects safety
- The child’s special needs or medical condition
- Geographic distance between the parents
- The child’s preference, if the child is of sufficient age
- Evidence that the standard schedule would disrupt the child’s education or stability
If the court deviates from the standard schedule, it must enter written findings explaining why the deviation is in the child’s best interest.
What If Parents Are Sharing Joint Physical Custody?
If parents have joint physical custody, the standard parent-time schedule may not apply. Joint custody parents typically share parenting time more equally, and the specific schedule is determined based on the child’s needs, the parents’ work schedules, and other relevant factors. Common joint custody schedules include alternating weeks, 2-2-3 schedules, or other creative arrangements.
Even in joint custody cases, the court will ensure that the schedule provides both parents with meaningful time with the child and that the child’s routine and stability are maintained.
Does the standard parent-time schedule apply to children of all ages?
The standard schedule generally applies, but the court may adjust the schedule based on the child’s age and developmental needs. For very young children, shorter, more frequent visits may be appropriate. For older children and teenagers, the schedule may be adjusted to accommodate their activities and preferences.
Can the noncustodial parent get extra time beyond the standard schedule?
Yes. If both parents agree and it is in the child’s best interest, the court may order additional parent-time beyond the statutory minimum. Some parents agree to 50/50 schedules even when one parent is designated the custodial parent.
What happens if a parent consistently fails to exercise parent-time?
A parent who consistently fails to exercise parent-time may lose future parent-time or may be ordered to pay the other parent’s costs. The court will evaluate the reasons for the missed time and whether modification of the schedule is appropriate.
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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