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Divorce – What About the Kids?

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Reviewed by:

Jonathan Felt

Updated: October 26, 2026

Read time: 3 minutes

Contents

Divorce – What About the Kids?
Child Custody Considerations
Drafting a Parenting Plan

Divorce – What About the Kids?

If you are thinking about divorce and you share minor or otherwise dependent children with your spouse, you are likely navigating a great deal of anxiety about how your children will be affected by a potential split. It is normal to feel anxious about this major life transition and its possible effects on everyone involved. One of the best things you can do to manage this anxiety is to arm yourself with information. Meeting with an experienced family law attorney in a risk-free consultation setting will allow you to ask questions, voice concerns, and receive personalized guidance about your options moving forward. When it comes to the divorce process, knowledge really does equate to empowerment.

Child Custody Considerations

There are two primary considerations that you should take into account when thinking about child custody. First, if you and your co-parent agree in re: how child custody should be divided, a judge will likely not need to intervene in your case in any way. Judges are only called upon to settle disputes when the parties involved can’t reach an agreement on their own. Should you decide to co-parent moving forward, you’ll want to speak with a divorce lawyer about how to begin drafting a parenting plan.

Second, if you are concerned that shared custody will not be the best arrangement for your child, the judge assigned to your case will settle your dispute according to the “best interests of the child” standard. This means that the judge will rule based on whichever position best reflects the best interests of your child(ren). As a result, you’ll want to start thinking about your child custody options with that standard in mind.

Drafting a Parenting Plan

If you and your child’s other parent either agree to co-parent or are ordered to so while moving forward, the court will likely require you to draft a parenting plan. As an experienced divorce lawyer – including those who practice at Robinson & Hadeed – can confirm, a parenting plan functions as a legally enforceable set of expectations and boundaries that will govern your co-parenting arrangement. You can address a variety of topics within your parenting plan, from when your child will reside with each parent to how holidays and special occasions will be approached. You want to leave enough flexibility in your terms for “life to happen” but set firm enough expectations that everyone involved is empowered to plan their lives according to those expectations.

Why Choose Us

1 10+ Years in Utah Family Law
2 Mediation and Courtroom Advocacy
3 Led by a Master Mediator

    
 
 
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   SSTK Coffee 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We greatly appreciate all of Jonathan Felt's support. His exceptional experience and expertise in the Law has made this process go smoothly even though we know how extremely difficult it is to work with the opponent. We would highly recommend Jonathan for any legal support you need!!
  
 
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   Tammy Sibert 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Right from the beginning scheduling was a smooth & easy process speaking with Cari & Jonathan was very prompt, attentive, & super knowledgeable regarding the process of guiding us through the divorce mediation process. We also had to have our final documents filing postponed due to some unresolved issues listed in the paperwork due to one of us not upholding one of the stipulations listed during mediation & Cari was able to make that a smooth process,  paperwork was & is being held for 1 month following our mediation agreement until this part of the agreement is addressed & taken care of between the two of us. Jonathan and Cari were a pleasure to have worked with during this already difficult process! I personally would highly recommend using their services to anyone going through the mediation process!
  
 
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   Michael Anderson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't express how helpful and caring Challin and Jon were during my time with them. They understood my frustrations and took the time to defend me in the most passionate and assertive manner possible. They were upfront on everything including my rights, costs, and overall feeling of the case. I would and will recommend them to anyone in need of a caring and helpful hand in the future. If you need help with any family legal matters, I can't stress enough how much I appreciate them and their time.
Thank you both.
  
 
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   Steve Woolley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best experience ever! The team at Felt Family Law worked with speed and compassion to guide me through a challenging change in my life. Highly recommend!
  
 
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   Brooke Gulian 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Johnathan was so smart and kind. Really made the not so fun process a joy. He is quick and calm and his staff is super helpful. I had a lot of questions and his whole team took the time to walk me through it all. 10/10 recommend
  
 
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   Michael Colvin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Came in looking for a consultation and the sense of ease that Jon and his team provided from that opening moment was a relief when dealing with the stress of a divorce. Very punctual, open to answering questions and gives guidance to make the whole process as painless as possible. You hire a lawyer for their knowledge/expertise and it showed.
  
 
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   Kevin Porter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I knew the moment I walked into his office that he was the person to represent my daughter in her upcoming mediation if he could fit her in; which he did willingly by adjusting his schedule to accommodate us. TYvm Johnathon
  
 
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   Ema Griffiths 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Grateful to have been able to attend a mediation with Jonathan. He knew the law about what could be taken care of in mediation and what could not, and did not let anyone railroad him. He’s a trustworthy mediator.