Utah § 81-10-306 - Grant of caretaking or decision-making authority to nonparent.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 81-10-306 — Grant of caretaking or decision-making authority to nonparent., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 81-10-306. Grant of caretaking or decision-making authority to nonparent.

Effective 9/1/2025
81-10-306.  Grant of caretaking or decision-making authority to nonparent.
(1)On motion of a deploying parent and in accordance with the law of this state other than this chapter, if it is in the best interest of the child a court may grant caretaking authority to a nonparent who is an adult family member of the child with whom the child has a close and substantial relationship.
(2)Unless a grant of caretaking authority to a nonparent under Subsection (1) is agreed to by the other parent, the grant is limited to an amount of time not greater than:
(a)the amount of time granted to the deploying parent under a permanent custody order, but the court may add unusual travel time necessary to transport the child; or
(b)in the absence of a permanent custody order that is currently in effect, the amount of time that the deploying parent habitually cared for the child before being notified of deployment, but the court may add unusual travel time necessary to transport the child.
(3)
(a)A court may grant part of a deploying parent's decision-making authority, if the deploying parent is unable to exercise that authority, to a nonparent who is an adult family member of the child with whom the child has a close and substantial relationship.
(b)If a court grants the authority to a nonparent, the court shall specify the decision-making powers granted, including decisions regarding the child's education, religious training, health care, extracurricular activities, and travel.


Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 426, 2025 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Related Utah Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 81-10-306

What does Utah Code § 81-10-306 cover?

Section 81-10-306 ("Grant of caretaking or decision-making authority to nonparent.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 81-10-306?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 81-10-306" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 81-10-306 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.