Utah Law Does Not Bar Children From Testifying—Even When a PGAL Is Appointed
Utah law allows a child to be represented by an attorney—either a guardian ad litem (GAL) when there are allegations of child abuse, or by a private guardian ad litem…
Is a Brief but Past History of Abuse or Substance Abuse the End of Your Chances for Joint Child Custody in Utah?
The short answer: No — you have hope, but you have work to do. Utah custody law has changed significantly in past generation, but the core principles are the same:…
Complacent Rulings, Lasting Damage
“Remember that most people will pretend to operate in your interest while operating in their own.” —Ray Dalio Dalio wasn’t talking about family courts when he wrote this, but he…
The Myth of Utah’s “Standard Parent-Time”
Utah law does not impose a mandatory “standard parent-time” schedule. The schedules in Utah Code § 81-9-302 are only possible options for courts to consider. In practice, however, judges often adopt them with little…
Why Custody Evaluations in Utah Should Be Recorded and Transparent
In Utah today, custody evaluations are often conducted behind closed doors. The evaluator interviews the parents, the children, and collateral witnesses (neighbors, teachers, extended family, therapists, coaches, pastors, etc.), but…
When “Different” Is Confused With “Dangerous” (or at Least Unfit)
A homeschooling mother loses custody because the judge disapproves of her "unstructured" educational approach—despite her children testing above grade level. A tattooed father faces restricted visitation because his appearance suggests…
How Do Fathers Fight for Child Custody?
Do you mean to ask, How do deserving fathers fight: for sole child custody? for joint child custody? for equal child custody? Or do you mean to ask: “How do fathers ‘win’ their…