Park City Child Custody Lawyer
Helping Families with Child Custody & Parent-Time Cases in Utah
Whether they arise from divorce or a stand-alone case, child custody proceedings are incredibly important–and their outcomes can impact children and families long after a resolution is reached.
Family matters are always complicated, even more so when two co-parents decide they need a divorce. The most important thing for anyone in this situation is making sure their child will end in a situation that is best for them. Dodd & Kuendig provides personalized support and representation in a range of child custody matters, including:
- Child custody disputes, negotiation, and litigation
- Parent-time and parenting plans
- Child custody modifications
- Enforcement of custody / parent-time
- Parental relocation
- Military issues and child custody (Uniform Deployed Parents Custody, Parent-time, and Visitation Act)
- Termination of parental rights
At Dodd & Kuendig, we know child custody disputes, negotiations, and enforcement actions can be complex. For parents and other parties who want to protect their rights and the best interests of their children, the calm and creative guidance of experienced attorneys is crucial. Our attorneys have decades of experience helping families through complex divorce matters. We take the time to get to know you so we can plan and fight for a solution that meets your needs.
If you are considering a divorce and have children, or if you have a child custody or parent-time matter, our Park City attorneys are here to help. Call (435) 296-7434 or contact us online to request a free consultation.
Child Custody Considerations in Utah
In Utah, state divorce laws govern child custody even if a case involves parents who were never married. They also address matters such as the termination of parental rights or custody sought by other family members, such as grandparents.
Types of Child Custody in Utah
Child custody has two primary components:
- Legal Custody, or the right to make important decisions about a child’s education, health care, extracurricular activities, and other major aspects of their life.
- Physical Custody, which pertains to where a child will live.
While Utah Courts generally prefer to award custody to both parents who will share rights and responsibilities, it is not always the case that shared custody (known as “joint custody” in Utah) is possible or in the best interests of a child. As such, there are various arrangements a court may grant:
- Sole Legal & Sole Physical Custody: Either parent can be awarded sole custody of a child, meaning the child will live with one parent (physical custody) who has the exclusive right to make important life decisions on their behalf (legal custody). Non-custodial parents in these circumstances will typically have the right to parent-time (or “visitation”) with their children.
- Joint Legal & Joint Physical Custody: Joint custody provides both parents with the right to make important decisions for their children and allows children to live with both parents. Joint custody is viewed as an optimal arrangement in situations where parents are able to effectively communicate, compromise, and co-parent. Because joint physical custody means children live with each parent at least 111 nights a year, it also works best when both parents live in the same geographic area, although parents can reach agreements about how to share physical custody in a way that works for them (i.e. summers and vacations at one parent’s home).
- Split Custody: Split custody is not the same as joint custody. It applies to cases involving parents with more than one child and means that each parent is awarded sole physical custody of at least one of the children. Depending on the circumstances, legal custody may be shared or sole.
Client Testimonials
Hear What Our Clients Have To Say About Our Law Firm
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You always remained positive and extremely diligent with any and all matters concerning the case. In addition as we discussed, though this was not a high $$ nor profile case, you treated me with 100% dedication.
- A.G. -
There are good teachers and there are great communicators. Roger Dodd is both!- J. Gould
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He is relentless in the courtroom: a great lawyer and a loyal friend.- Bobby Lee Cook
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Roger and Tricia are two of the best trial lawyers, teachers and authors in the country. I highly recommend both of them.
- Shane Henry -
Endorsed without hesitation.
- Kyle Stauffer -
Very helpful, informative and polite.- Blake Kofoed
Contact Our Park City Child Custody Attorney Today
At Dodd & Kuendig, our legal team is comprised of experienced attorneys and support staff who are passionate about helping clients navigate unfamiliar legal proceedings. If you have a child custody or parent-time case anywhere in Park City, Summit County, or the surrounding areas of Utah, we’re here to help. Contact us to speak personally with a lawyer about your rights and options.
Our team is available at (435) 296-7434 to answer your questions regarding child custody. We offer free consultations.
The Three Pillars of Our Practice
Working With Dodd & Kuendig
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PassionWith every case we take on, we're personally invested in making sure our clients are being taken care of. We're here for our clients both inside and outside of the courtroom.
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ExperienceWe've handled tens of thousands of cases across a variety of practice areas and put that experience towards providing you with unbiased legal advice and guidance.
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UnderstandingWe know how difficult it can be to process things following an accident. During our initial consultation, our goal is to really help uncover the specifics of your case and help you and your family begin moving forward.
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Experienced Attorneys on Your Side
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Recent Client Testimonials