Utah revises default parent-time schedule after relocation

Utah Senate Bill 257 revises the default parent-time schedule in Utah Code section 81-9-209 when a parent relocates. The enacted bill was signed March 18, 2026; the legislature's passed-bill record identifies May 6, 2026 as its effective date.

The statute defines relocation for this section as moving at least 150 miles from the other parent's residence and requires written notice at least 60 days before the intended move. Unless the court orders otherwise, subsection (9) supplies minimum parent-time for a noncustodial parent with a child age five through 18 following relocation.

The act revises the holiday rotation. In odd-numbered years it assigns fall break, or Labor Day if the school has no fall break, and the entire winter break to the noncustodial parent. In even-numbered years it assigns spring break, or Presidents' Day if the school has no spring break, and Thanksgiving. The act also specifies that the noncustodial parent's half of summer or off-track time is the first half in odd years and the second half in even years.

A new subsection provides at least twice-weekly brief telephone contact and virtual parent-time when equipment is reasonably available, at reasonable hours and for reasonable durations. Virtual parent-time supplements rather than replaces the specified in-person time. The court retains the authority described in the statute to make appropriate orders, and the full statute governs timing, transportation and exceptions.