Utah Divorce Lawyers
The End of a Marriage Can Be a New Beginning
Nearly half of all marriages in the United States end in divorce; Utah is no different. Some divorces are amicable and the parties can come together to work out an agreement. Others involve high levels of conflict. At Pearson Butler, we understand that each family and each divorce is unique. We also understand that with the right counsel and strategy, you can turn your divorce into a new beginning.
Regardless of your situation, our divorce attorneys at Pearson Butler can help you make the best of your circumstances and ensure that you can move forward with confidence, knowing your rights.
Strategic Counsel for Complex Situations
The attorneys at Pearson Butler are highly respected and experienced in representing clients through the divorce process in Utah. We understand that you need an attorney who will represent your best interest during the divorce and also educate you about what to expect moving forward, as many of the issues you deal with during your divorce may last beyond the end of your divorce action.
No matter how complex your marital estate is or how unique your goals are, Pearson Butler attorneys and mediators can help you achieve a swift and beneficial resolution. When properly handled, the end of your marriage can signify a new beginning and a better life for you and your family. Pearson Butler can help you in that process so that you get the new beginning you deserve.
Contact Pearson Butler at (800) 265-2314 for a confidential divorce consultation.
Utah Divorce Laws
One of the spouses must be a resident of Utah and have lived in the state for at least three months before filing for divorce. However, if the couple shares custody of a minor child, then the child must live with one of the parents in the state for six months at a minimum.
Utah allows for both fault-based and no-fault divorces. No-fault grounds typically involve irreconcilable differences or a period of separation. Fault-based grounds may include issues like adultery, impotence, willful desertion, and more.
Here is a general outline of the divorce process in Utah:
- Filing the Petition: The divorce process usually begins with one spouse filing a petition for divorce in the district court where either spouse resides. The petitioner (the spouse filing for divorce) is responsible for serving the other spouse with the divorce papers.
- Response: The respondent (the other spouse) has a certain amount of time to respond to the petition. This typically involves filing an answer to the divorce petition.
- Temporary Orders: In some cases, either spouse may request temporary orders to address issues like child custody, support, and spousal maintenance during the divorce process.
- Discovery: Both spouses exchange information and documents relevant to the divorce, including financial records, property valuations, and other relevant information. This process is known as discovery.
- Mediation: Utah often requires divorcing couples to attend mediation to attempt to resolve disputes related to child custody, visitation, and other issues. Mediation can be a helpful step in reaching agreements outside of court.
- Settlement Negotiations: The spouses and their attorneys may engage in negotiations to reach a settlement on issues such as property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. If an agreement is reached, it can be submitted to the court for approval.
- Trial: If the spouses cannot reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation, the case may proceed to trial. During the trial, each party presents their case, and the judge makes decisions on contested issues.
- Final Decree of Divorce: Once all issues are resolved, either through agreement or court decision, the court issues a final decree of divorce. This document outlines the terms of the divorce, including property division, alimony, child custody, and support.
- Post-Divorce Matters: After the divorce is finalized, both parties are expected to adhere to the terms of the decree. If circumstances change, either party may seek modifications to custody, support, or other provisions.
Dealing with Every Aspect of Your Divorce
Professionalism, hard work, and compassion drive our premier divorce lawyers in Utah, enabling Pearson Butler to secure favorable results even in the most complex, contested family law matters. Our skilled professionals have decades of experience and have worked with thousands of clients.
The firm’s divorce practice includes experienced representation for:
- Contested divorces: In cases where spouses cannot reach an agreement on key issues such as property division, alimony, child custody, and support, we advocate for our clients through the contested divorce process. This involves presenting a compelling case in court to secure a fair resolution.
- High-asset divorce: For individuals with substantial assets, high-asset divorces require a nuanced approach. We have the expertise to navigate complex financial situations, including the valuation and division of significant assets such as real estate, investments, and business interests.
- Child custody and visitation: Our team is dedicated to protecting the best interests of your children. We assist in negotiating and, if necessary, litigating child custody and visitation arrangements, working towards solutions that promote the well-being of the children involved.
- Child support: We help clients navigate the intricacies of child support, ensuring that financial responsibilities are fairly distributed. Our goal is to establish child support agreements that meet the needs of the child while considering the financial circumstances of both parents.
- Property division: Property division can be a complex aspect of divorce. We work diligently to assess and fairly divide marital assets, including real estate, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property.
- Business valuations: In cases where a business is part of the marital assets, our team has the expertise to conduct thorough business valuations. We ensure that the business's value is accurately assessed for equitable distribution.
- Spousal support: Whether seeking or contesting spousal support, we provide comprehensive legal counsel to protect our clients' financial interests. We strive to achieve fair and reasonable spousal support arrangements that consider the needs and circumstances of both parties.
- Modification of child support or custody: Life circumstances can change, necessitating modifications to child support or custody agreements. We assist clients in seeking or contesting modifications based on substantial changes in circumstances.
- Uncontested divorces: When spouses can reach agreements outside of court, we facilitate uncontested divorces. Our goal is to streamline the process, making it more efficient and less adversarial while ensuring that our clients' rights are protected.
- Enforcing custody orders: If the other party fails to comply with custody orders, we take swift legal action to enforce court-ordered custody arrangements, ensuring that the well-being and stability of the children are maintained.
Minimize the emotional and financial cost of your divorce by having the right lawyer on your side. Pearson Butler understands how difficult divorce can be, particularly when children are involved. After taking the time to strategize with you about immediate and long-term goals, our attorneys will take control of your case and strategically pursue your goals, no matter how complex.
With three offices across the state, Pearson Butler represents clients throughout Utah in all types of divorce proceedings, no matter how complex. Call us at (800) 265-2314 today.
Helpful Resources from Our Utah Divorce Attorneys:
