Utah Spousal Support Attorneys
Helping You Settle Alimony Fairly
Whether you’re just starting a divorce or have been divorced for several years, spousal support or alimony can have a big impact on your financial future and that of your ex-spouse. To determine alimony or make a modification to alimony, you should start by talking to a Utah spousal support lawyer from Pearson Butler, where we have 300+ years of combined practice experience and dozens of attorneys and support staff standing by to lend a hand. We can walk you through the entire process, so you always feel informed about your decisions and supported at every step.
Call (800) 265-2314 to arrange your initial consultation with our Utah spousal support lawyers.
Why Hire Pearson Butler?
At Pearson Butler, we know how difficult and emotional the divorce process can be, which is why our compassionate attorneys are committed to providing each and every client with the personalized, hands-on legal support they need. Our team consists of more than 60 dedicated professionals, 30 of whom are experienced attorneys. Thanks to our eclectic backgrounds and practice focuses, you can be confident that your spousal support attorney has the experience and tools necessary to handle your case and protect your best interests.
What is Alimony?
Alimony, referred to as spousal support under Utah law, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. Its purpose is not to punish either party, but rather to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a standard of living reasonably comparable to what existed during the marriage—at least temporarily.
In Utah, alimony is not automatic. The spouse requesting support must demonstrate financial need, while the other spouse must have the ability to pay. Courts aim to reach a fair and equitable result based on the circumstances of each marriage. Because these determinations are highly fact-specific, working with a Utah spousal support lawyer is critical to presenting a strong case.
Common Types of Spousal Support in Utah
Utah courts may award different types of spousal support depending on the length of the marriage, financial circumstances, and future earning potential of each spouse. Common forms of alimony include:
Temporary Alimony
Temporary alimony is awarded while the divorce is pending. It helps ensure that both spouses can meet their basic living expenses and maintain financial stability during the divorce process.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony is the most common type awarded in Utah. It is intended to support a spouse while they gain education, training, or work experience needed to become self-sufficient.
Long-Term Alimony
In longer marriages where one spouse may not realistically achieve financial independence due to age, health, or other factors, the court may award longer-term or permanent alimony. However, Utah law generally limits alimony duration to the length of the marriage.
Reimbursement Alimony
This type of support may be awarded when one spouse supported the other through education or career advancement, such as medical or law school, and is meant to compensate for that financial contribution.
How is Spousal Support Determined?
Spousal support can be negotiated during mediation, as long as you and your spouse are willing to cooperate to work toward an amicable amount for one to pay the other each month. If your case goes to trial, the judge will determine how alimony is awarded instead. The court will only award spousal support based on the needs of both parties, their economic situation, and other factors relevant to their livelihood, and its decision might not match what either you or your spouse wanted. For that reason, we encourage our clients to try to reach a spousal support agreement during negotiations.
The court will consider the following factors when determining a fair spousal support payment:
- Each spouse’s economic status
- Earning capacity of each spouse
- Length of the marriage
- Whether or not there were children from the marriage
- Child support payments, if applicable
- Child custody arrangement, if applicable
- How one spouse contributed to the earning capacity of the other
Modifying or Terminating Spousal Support
Spousal support orders are not always permanent. In Utah, alimony may be modified or terminated if there is a substantial material change in circumstances, such as:
- Job loss or significant income change
- Retirement
- Remarriage or cohabitation of the receiving spouse
- Serious illness or disability
If you are paying alimony and your financial situation has changed—or if you are receiving support and your former spouse is seeking modification—Pearson Butler can help you pursue or defend against changes to an existing order.
Spousal Support FAQs
Is alimony mandatory in Utah divorces?
No. Alimony is awarded only if one spouse demonstrates financial need and the other has the ability to pay.
How long does spousal support last in Utah?
In most cases, alimony cannot exceed the length of the marriage, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Can alimony be waived?
Yes. Spouses may agree to waive alimony in a prenuptial agreement or divorce settlement, as long as the agreement is fair and lawful.
Does remarriage affect alimony?
Yes. Alimony typically terminates automatically if the receiving spouse remarries or cohabitates in a marriage-like relationship.
Is alimony taxable in Utah?
For divorces finalized after 2018, alimony payments are generally not tax-deductible for the payer and not taxable income for the recipient under federal law.
Can men receive spousal support in Utah?
Yes. Utah law is gender-neutral. Any spouse may be eligible for alimony based on financial need and circumstances.
How We Support You Throughout a Spousal Support Case
Navigating spousal support in Utah requires a clear understanding of state statutes, a practical grasp of how courts apply those laws, and an ability to anticipate how financial evidence and marital history may influence the outcome of the case. With our extensive practice experience and award-winning attorneys, we can provide you with disciplined, informed guidance at every stage of the process. Our role is to help you make grounded decisions, present your position effectively, either as the person paying or receiving spousal support, and move through each step with confidence.
How we help clients in spousal support cases includes:
- Evaluating your financial circumstances to identify the factors that may influence spousal support determinations under Utah law.
- Preparing and organizing documentation, financial disclosures, and supporting evidence.
- Developing a case that reflects the realities of your situation and the applicable legal standards.
- Representing you in negotiations, mediation, or court proceedings involving temporary or long-term support.
- Addressing modifications, enforcement, or disputes that arise after an initial spousal support order is entered.
Contact Our Utah Spousal Support Attorneys Today
Whether you’re establishing a spousal support agreement or need help amending an existing support order, Pearson Butler in Utah can help you. We have significant experience working with complex and difficult spousal support cases, so you can be sure that we will be ready for whatever your case includes. Our attorneys know what to do to protect your financial interests, either as the person who is paying or receiving alimony, and we’d like to tell you more, so please reach out today.
Contact us online or call (800) 265-2314 to speak with a Utah alimony lawyer.
