Full text of Utah Utah Code § 81-12-101 — Definitions for chapter., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 81-12-101. Definitions for chapter.
Effective 9/1/2025
81-12-101.
Definitions for chapter.
As used in this chapter:
| (1) | "Abduction" means the wrongful removal or wrongful retention of a minor child. |
| (2) |
| (a) | "Child custody determination" means a judgment, decree, or other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a minor child. |
| (b) | "Child custody determination" includes a permanent, temporary, initial, and modification order. |
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| (3) |
| (a) | "Child custody proceeding" means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody, visitation, or parent-time with respect to a minor child is at issue. |
| (b) | "Child custody proceeding" includes a proceeding for divorce, dissolution of marriage, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights, or protection from domestic violence. |
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| (4) | "Court" means an entity authorized under the law of a state to establish, enforce, or modify a child custody determination. |
| (5) | "Petition" includes a motion or the motion's equivalent. |
| (6) | "Record" means information inscribed on a tangible medium or stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form. |
| (7) |
| (a) | "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. |
| (b) | "State" includes a federally recognized Indian tribe or nation. |
|
| (8) |
| (a) | "Travel document" means records relating to a travel itinerary, including travel tickets, passes, reservations for transportation, or accommodations. |
| (b) | "Travel document" does not include a passport or visa. |
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| (9) | "Wrongful removal" means the taking of a minor child that breaches rights of custody, visitation, or parent-time given or recognized under the law of this state. |
| (10) | "Wrongful retention" means the keeping or concealing of a minor child that breaches rights of custody, visitation, or parent-time given or recognized under the law of this state. |
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
426, 2025 General Session
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 81-12-101
What does Utah Code § 81-12-101 cover?
Section 81-12-101 ("Definitions for chapter.") 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 § 81-12-101?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 81-12-101" (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 § 81-12-101 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.
