Utah Code Annotated section 30-3-35 has been revised, effective May 5, 2008, to provide a different rotation of parent-time for Holidays as compared to the statute provision in past years.  In the code, “Custodial” generally is used as a reference to the parent who has primary custody or more parent-time and “non-Custodial” generally refers to the parent who has less parent-time.  Remember to refer to your current court orders as a reference because the statute changes may not apply to every situation.

The following is the new holiday schedule for custodial parents in even-numbered years and non-custodial parents in odd-numbered years:

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Utah House Bill 71 passed and has been signed by the Govenor.  This bill makes a number of changes to standard parent-time provisions.  The changes are effective as of May 5, 2008.  The bulk of significant changes relate to the holiday rotation being used by many co-parents in divorce and paternity cases.

This bill is particuarly important for parties who have a court order or decree that simply references any of the following Utah Code Ann. sections:

• 30-3-33, the advisory co-parenting guidelines
• 30-3-35, standard minimum parent-time for children over 5
• 30-3-35.5, standard minimum parent-time for children under 5  
• 30-3-37, standard minimum parent-time if parent relocates more than 150 miles

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Beginning in March of 2008, Third District Court in Utah began the Divorce Education For Children Program. 

This program is designed for children ages 9 to 12 whose parents are divorcing or divorced.  Reports from the committee say the program has met with success and the children are responding positively to their experience.  The class is run by mental health care professionals with the assistance of Commissioners and Judges.   While this program is not intended to replace direct child therapy, the program does provide a resource to help your child through a difficult time. 

The best part is that the Divorce Education for Children Program is FREE. 

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