Utah § 81-9-502 - Custody evaluator qualifications -- Roster of custody evaluators.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 81-9-502 — Custody evaluator qualifications -- Roster of custody evaluators., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 81-9-502. Custody evaluator qualifications -- Roster of custody evaluators.

Effective 5/6/2026
81-9-502. Custody evaluator qualifications -- Roster of custody evaluators.

(1)

(a)

To be a custody evaluator, an individual shall:

(i)

be licensed by the Division of Professional Licensing as a:

(A)	clinical social worker under Title 58, Chapter 60, Part 2, Social Worker Licensing Act;

(B)	psychologist under Title 58, Chapter 61, Psychologist Licensing Act;

(C)	physician under Title 58, Chapter 67, Part 3, Licensing, and is board trained in psychiatry;

(D)	marriage and family therapist under Title 58, Chapter 60, Part 3, Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing Act; or

(E)	clinical mental health counselor under Title 58, Chapter 60, Part 4, Clinical Mental Health Counselor Licensing Act; and

(ii)

subject to Subsection (1)(b), have completed at least 18 hours of education or training on:

(A)	the psychological and developmental needs of children, including needs related to decisions about child custody and parent-time;

(B)	family dynamics, including parent-child relationships, blended families, and extended family relationships; and

(C)	the effects of separation, divorce, domestic violence, child sexual or physical abuse, emotional abuse or neglect, substance abuse, and interparental conflict on the psychological and developmental needs of children and adults.

(b)

An individual shall complete the 18 hours of education or training described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii) within two years before the later of:

(i)	the day on which the individual received a license described in Subsection (1)(a)(i); or

(ii)	the day on which the individual renewed a license described in Subsection (1)(a)(i).

(2)

(a)	The Administrative Office of the Courts shall maintain a roster of custody evaluators.

(b)	The roster of custody evaluators shall include the name, business address, telephone number, email address, custody evaluation fees, and professional license expiration date of each custody evaluator.

(c)

To be included on the roster of custody evaluators, the Administrative Office of the Courts may require a custody evaluator to submit documentation:

(i)	proving the individual meets the qualifications described in Subsection (1); and

(ii)	providing the information described in Subsection (2)(b).

(d)

The Administrative Office of the Courts shall:

(i)	make the roster of custody evaluators available to a court and parties for use in selecting a custody evaluator; and

(ii)	remove from the roster of custody evaluators any individual who fails to comply with this section.

Enacted by Chapter 309, 2026 General Session

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 81-9-502

What does Utah Code § 81-9-502 cover?

Section 81-9-502 ("Custody evaluator qualifications -- Roster of custody evaluators.") 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 § 81-9-502?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 81-9-502" (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 § 81-9-502 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

Official text of § 81-9-502 at the Utah source

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