Full text of Utah Utah Code § 81-4-204 — Custody and maintenance of children -- Property and debt division -- Support payments., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 81-4-204. Custody and maintenance of children -- Property and debt division -- Support payments.
Effective 9/1/2024
81-4-204.
Custody and maintenance of children -- Property and debt division -- Support payments.
| (1) | In an action under this part, the court may by order or decree:
| (a) | provide for the care, custody, and maintenance of a minor child of the parties ; |
| (b) |
| (i) | provide for support of a spouse and the support of a minor child remaining with that spouse; |
| (ii) | provide how and when support payments are made; and |
| (iii) | provide that a spouse have a lien upon the property of the other spouse to secure payment of the support or maintenance obligation; |
|
| (c) | award to a spouse the possession of any real or personal property of the other spouse or acquired by the spouses during the marriage; |
| (d) | specify which party is responsible for the payment of joint debts, obligations, or liabilities of the parties contracted or incurred during marriage in accordance with Section 15-4-6.5; |
| (e) | require the parties to notify respective creditors or obligees regarding the court's division of debts, obligations, or liabilities and regarding the parties' separate and current addresses in accordance with Section 15-4-6.5; or |
| (f) | provide for the enforcement of the orders described in Subsections (1)(a) and (e). |
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| (2) | A court may enforce an order or decree under this section:
| (a) | by sale of any property of the spouse; |
| (b) | by contempt proceedings; or |
| (c) | as is otherwise necessary. |
|
| (3) | The court may:
| (a) | change the support or maintenance of a party from time to time according to circumstances; or |
| (b) | terminate altogether any obligation upon satisfactory proof of voluntary and permanent reconciliation. |
|
| (4) | An order or decree of support or maintenance described in this part is valid only during the joint lives of the parties. |
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
366, 2024 General Session
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 81-4-204
What does Utah Code § 81-4-204 cover?
Section 81-4-204 ("Custody and maintenance of children -- Property and debt division -- Support payments.") 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 § 81-4-204?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 81-4-204" (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 § 81-4-204 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.
