10406 South 1055 West, Suite 201, South Jordan, UT 84095
Eric M. Swinyard & Associates, PLLC, located in South Jordan, Utah, specializes in family law and divorce. They offer attentive legal services, focusing on educating clients about their rights and options. The firm handles divorce, child custody, property division, adoption, and resolving family disputes. They also provide services in paternity actions, adoptions, and estate planning.
These Utah divorce lawyers offer a 30-minute no-obligation consultation to discuss the client’s needs. The firm stands out for its experienced attorneys who offer transparent and goal-oriented advice. Eric M. Swinyard’s approach is pragmatic and empathetic, with more than 9 years of experience in Utah family law.
1250 E 200 S STE 2G, Lehi, UT 84043
Hoyer Law Firm PC is a family law company in Lehi, Utah. These divorce attorneys serve clients in and around Orem, Provo, Draper, Sandy, West Jordan, South Jordan, Salt Lake City, and surrounding areas. They focus on high-asset and alimony divorce cases. Their expertise also extends to child custody and visitation to ensure children’s best interests.
These Utah divorce attorney’s approach is affordable and proactive, with a commitment to efficient case resolution. Among many awards, lawyers from Hoyer Law Firm are Top 40 Under 40 according to The National Trial Lawyers. The founder, Casey Hoyer, is one of the best divorce attorneys in Utah with over 8 years of experience in local law.
10815 South 700 East, Sandy, Utah 84070
CoilLaw, a Utah-based law firm, specializes in family law. These top-rated divorce attorneys handle high-end asset divisions, custody battles, and prenuptial agreements. The founder, Jill L. Coil has a Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University and a license to practice in Utah.
She aims to provide empathetic, protective, and assertive legal representation, particularly in family and criminal law. Her firm stands out for its dedicated advocacy for families, as shown by her community involvement and many recognitions. These include the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys award and the Avvo Client’s Choice Award.
3920 S 1100 E Suite 320, Salt Lake City, Utah 84124
David Pedrazas is a seasoned divorce lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in family law since 1998. He has managed over 1,000 cases, focusing on custody, child support, and high net-worth divorces. Recognized by the National Academy of Family Law Association and the American Institute of Family Law, Pedrazas demonstrates expertise in complex family matters.
His business administration background aids in handling intricate asset divisions. The firm’s accolades, including the ‘Reviewer’s Choice’ and Avvo’s ‘Client Choice’ awards, reflect its commitment to quality service. Choosing this firm means relying on proven experience and recognized excellence in Utah divorce law.
34 South 500 East, Suite 105, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Nelson, Taylor & Associates Salt Lake divorce attorneys specialize in family law. Their expertise covers divorce, child custody, and prenuptial agreements. The firm also handles paternity, modifications, adoptions, and protective orders for domestic violence. Emphasizing client-centered services, they offer free initial consultations and attentive, one-on-one legal counsel.
Mark K. Nelson, a partner at Nelson, Taylor & Associates in Salt Lake City, is a seasoned Salt Lake City divorce lawyer with over 25 years of legal experience. He’s a member of the Utah State Bar and the American Bar Association and takes part in their Family Law and Probate and Estate Planning sections. He represents individuals in the Salt Lake City area and neighboring communities — including Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Weber, Summit, and Tooele Counties.
43 W 9000 S Ste B, Sandy UT 84070
Salcido Law Firm, situated in Utah, specializes in family law, particularly divorce. They’re recognized for their aggressive representation, ensuring client rights are well-protected during challenging family disputes. Their expertise spans a broad range of areas including child custody, alimony, property division, and more.
Partner Chris Salcido, one of the top divorce attorneys in Utah, excels in complex family legal matters. Salcido’s approach is notable for bringing calm to high-conflict situations. Clients appreciate his dedication to safeguarding children’s rights, reflected in his top rating on Avvo. This divorce attorney in Utah provides free consultation by phone or schedules a face-to-face meeting with clients.
2040 E. 3300 Suite 3. Salt Lake City, UT 84109
Just Law divorce lawyers in Utah have more than 75 years of combined experience in family law matters. They deal with custody, child support, adoption, mediation, alimony, modifications, paternity, and protective orders. During their work in Utah, these divorce lawyers have handled more than 4,000 cases in Park and Salt Lake City (Millcreek and Downtown).
Among many awards, founder and partner Laura J. Hansen is one of the top 10 local divorce attorneys for Client Satisfaction according to the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. Another founder, Jess Couser, is also a recognized female divorce attorney and Legal Elite by Utah Business.
244 West 4860 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84107
JR Law Group, divorce attorneys in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializes in family law. The firm handles child custody, support, uncontested divorce, alimony, and prenuptial agreements. Recognized as one of the “10 Best Family Law Attorneys” in Utah, they are known for their legal expertise and client-centered service.
Founder and family law lawyer in Salt Lake City Jaclyn Robertson, practicing since 2005 and licensed in California and Utah, handles cases from simple asset divisions to complex, high-conflict custody disputes. Her passionate advocacy ensures clients receive tailored guidance through challenging family law situations. This combination of experience, skill, and recognition makes the firm a reliable choice in Utah.
8915 South 700 East Suite #203, Sandy, UT 84070
Brown Family Law in Sandy, Utah has been offering a wide range of family law services since 2010. Their experience includes handling complex divorce, child custody and support, alimony, paternity, and modification cases. They also specialize in protective orders and adoptions.
The firm’s principal Utah divorce attorney and founder, Marco Brown, has 13 years of experience handling family law cases. The Utah Bar Association recognized him as Outstanding Family Lawyer of the Year in 2015, making him the youngest attorney to receive the award.
399 N. Main St. #140, Logan, UT 84321
The divorce lawyers at the Conflict Resolution Center operate out of Logan, Utah. They focus on family law, including custody, mediation, alimony, child support, etc. Their method emphasizes negotiation and mediation, aiming for efficient, cost-effective dispute resolution.
Lead Attorney Christopher M. Guymon is recognized with the Outstanding Negotiations Award. The firm uses a team approach and advanced software for effective case management. This ensures detailed, client-focused representation. Recognized by the American Institute of Legal Counsel for client satisfaction, they are a leading choice for skilled divorce legal services in Logan, Utah.
Based on the National Center for Health Statistics, divorce occurs in 3.3 cases out of 1,000 people in Utah. It is one of the 11 states with the highest marital dissolution rate, exceeding the national index by almost 32%. Divorce is always a difficult and stressful time. So, in this article, we will answer common issues related to the cost and process, as well as the nuances of finding a divorce attorney in Utah. So, let’s start!
In Utah, hiring a divorce attorney isn’t mandatory. But it’s advisable, especially in cases involving assets, children, or disputes. A lawyer can guide you through complex legal procedures and protect your interests.
Having a lawyer for your divorce in Utah brings several advantages. They have the expertise to handle legal complexities and give strategic advice. Divorce attorneys also manage legal paperwork and court procedures, reducing your stress. This is particularly important in cases with disputes over assets, children, or alimony.
Lawyers can negotiate on your behalf, aiming for favorable outcomes. Doing it yourself may seem cost-effective but could lead to overlooked legal details, affecting the outcome.
The average cost of a contested divorce in Utah is $10,500. This includes:
Also, if you use the Online Court Assistance Program (OCAP) to prepare court documents, there are costs involved as well. The same applies to the Office of Civil Registration and Statistics. Let’s take a closer look.
The cost of a lawyer depends on whether your divorce is contested or not. For simpler cases, attorneys may charge a flat fee. As a rule, this is a basic charge for the entire case, including all legal fees. For an uncontested divorce, lawyers ask for an average of $2000-3000 in Utah.
The cost of a lawyer in a contested divorce depends on the following factors:
As a rule, for contested cases, a divorce attorney in Utah sets a retainer fee, on average $3,500-6,000, to start the proceedings. Then, payment follows at an hourly rate, around $150-250.
Also, don’t forget to add the consultation fee. While some lawyers provide it for free, some may ask for $100 to $350. In general, the total cost of an attorney in a contested divorce in Utah is about $9,700.
In Utah, the cost of filing a divorce petition is $325. If you’re filing a counterclaim with your answer, there’s an extra $130 fee. But if these fees are unaffordable, you can apply for a fee waiver from the Utah courts.
To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must prove financial need. This includes:
For the fee waiver application, you’ll need to complete two forms: “Motion to Waive Fees” and “Statement Supporting Motion.” These forms ask for details about your financial situation, such as income, assets, debts, and monthly expenses. The court will review these and decide if your fees can be waived in full, in part, or not at all.
If your fee waiver request is initially denied and your financial situation worsens, for example, if you lose your income or face unexpected essential expenses, you can file a “Memorandum Demonstrating Inability to Pay Fees.” You need to do this within 10 days of your fee waiver denial.
In Utah, the most budget-friendly divorce option is an uncontested divorce. Here, both parties agree on all key divorce aspects, including asset division, child custody, and alimony. This mutual agreement simplifies the legal process and reduces costs.
To determine if an uncontested divorce suits you, consider the following:
Even in an uncontested divorce, hiring an attorney can be beneficial for several reasons:
Handling DIY divorce paperwork might seem less expensive at first. But, errors in filling out the documents can be costly. Also if your case requires expert witnesses, like child psychologists or property appraisers, this can further increase time and expenses.
Seeking a divorce attorney in Utah can help avoid these issues. With their representation, the divorce process becomes more streamlined and cost-effective, saving you time and potential complications in the long run.
The divorce process in Utah involves several steps:
After resolving all issues, either through mediation or at trial, the court issues a Final Decree of Divorce. This officially ends the marriage. Now let’s look at some of these procedures in more detail.
To file for divorce in Utah, either you or your spouse need to have lived in one county in Utah for at least 3 months before filing. If you are seeking a custody order for a child under 18, the minor must have lived in Utah with one of the parents for at least 6 months before filing.
Also, when you file, you must state the reason for your dissolution to the court. Although Utah accepts no-fault divorces for “irreconcilable differences,” you can give one of these grounds according to Utah Code 30-3-1(3) as well:
Next, you need to prepare all the necessary documents and submit them to the Utah District Court in the county where you live. You can do this with the help of a divorce attorney in Utah or the Online Court Assistance Program (OCAP).
When you file a divorce application, the court issues a Domestic Relations Injunction. This order stops you and your spouse from
This injunction starts as soon as you apply. Then, within 120 days, the petitioner must serve the divorce petition and summons the respondent.
In Utah, the law requires a mandatory waiting period of 30 days from the date you file the divorce petition. The court will not grant a divorce until this time has passed, even if both parties agree on all terms.
The total time to finish a divorce varies based on several factors:
A simple, uncontested divorce may end soon after the 30 days. In contrast, contested divorces can take 4 months to more than a year.
If you agree with the final decision, you can get a copy of your divorce decree. To do this, contact the court that handled your case. Please note that obtaining a copy will cost $4-6 per page.
For a successful divorce, first identify your needs, such as mediation, child custody, or property division. Then, choose a specialized divorce attorney in Utah with relevant experience. Review client testimonials and consider an initial consultation to learn more about their skills.
For expert legal help, consider the Top 10 divorce attorneys in Utah listed above or contact us and we will help you find the right one for your needs.
Utah doesn’t split assets 50/50 in a divorce. Instead, it uses equitable distribution, dividing property fairly but not always equally. The court looks at the marriage’s length, each spouse’s contributions, and financial situations to decide how to divide assets.
In Utah, who files first for divorce does not impact the final decisions on assets, custody, or alimony. Filing first may benefit in choosing the court location, but it doesn’t influence the court’s fair judgment of the case.
In Utah, alimony eligibility doesn’t depend on a minimum marriage duration. The court considers factors like financial need, earning capacity, and the length of the marriage in general. Alimony lasts no longer than the marriage duration, ending if the recipient remarries or cohabitates.
In Utah, adultery may influence alimony and child custody during divorce. It’s a reason for fault-based divorce but usually doesn’t change a property division, unless affair-related expenses used marital funds. Judges take adultery into account for alimony if it played a major role in the marriage’s end.
