Can My Child Refuse to Visit the Other Parent?
As children get older, it’s not uncommon for parents to ask: “Can my child decide they don’t want to visit the other parent?” The answer is rarely as simple as yes or no. In Utah, parenting time is determined by a court order, and parents are generally expected to follow that order. While a child’s preferences may become more important as they mature, […]
Can I Take My Child on Vacation Without the Other Parent’s Permission?
Summer is one of the busiest times of year for family vacations. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip, visiting relatives, or flying across the country, travel is often a highlight of the season. For divorced or separated parents, however, vacation planning can raise an important question: Do I need the other parent’s permission to take our child […]
How Does a Parent’s New Relationship Affect Custody in Utah?
When an ex starts dating someone new, emotions can run high. Whether you’re worried about who your child is spending time with or wondering how your own relationship could affect a custody case, it’s a question many parents face after divorce or separation. The good news is that a new relationship does not automatically affect custody. However, there are […]
What Can I Do If My Co-Parent Keeps Cancelling Parenting Time?
When Missed Visits Become a Pattern Parenting schedules do not always go perfectly according to plan. Work conflicts, illnesses, and unexpected situations happen, and occasional changes are normal in most co-parenting relationships. But when one parent repeatedly cancels visits or becomes inconsistent with parenting time, it can create frustration, instability, and emotional stress for both […]
Do Children Get to Choose Which Parent They Live With?
One of the most common questions parents ask during a custody case is whether their child gets to decide where they live. Many people assume that once a child reaches a certain age, the court will automatically follow the child’s wishes. But for Utah law, the answer can be more nuanced. The short answer Children do not […]
How Are Holidays Divided in a Utah Custody Schedule?
How Are Holidays Divided in a Utah Custody Schedule? Holidays are one of the most common sources of stress for divorced or separated parents, especially in December. Utah law has specific rules for dividing holidays, and most parenting plans follow the state’s standard schedule unless the parents agree otherwise. If you’re unsure how Christmas, Thanksgiving, […]
Can Text Messages Be Used as Evidence in a Utah Custody Case?
When parents go through a custody dispute, communication often becomes stressful, especially over text. Many clients wonder whether those messages can help support their case. The short answer is yes. Text messages can be used as evidence in a Utah custody case, but only if they meet certain requirements and are presented correctly. Below is a […]
What Does “Best Interest of the Child” Actually Mean in Utah?
When Utah courts make decisions about child custody, the guiding principle is always the “best interest of the child.” But what does that really mean, and how does it affect your custody case? What Is the “Best Interest of the Child” Standard? In Utah, family courts are legally required to prioritize the child’s overall well-being […]
What is a Putative Father
At Christensen Law, we understand the complexities of family law. We specialize in guiding individuals and families through adoption and paternity cases in Utah. We focus on equipping our clients with the tools they need to navigate these sensitive issues. Definition of a Putative Father A putative father is a man who may biologically be […]