Salt Lake City Family Law Attorneys
Helping Families in Utah Through Tough Times
A family law dispute might be the most complicated and emotional legal case that you’ll ever face. Whether you are dealing with a divorce, child custody dispute, spousal support conflict, or another family law issue, you should get an attorney who is experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate on your side. That’s who you’ll find here at Pearson Butler. Our legal team understands how family law issues affect you, your spouse, and your children, so we work tirelessly to help you through your case with as little stress, complications, and delays as possible.
Reasons why people in Salt Lake City choose to work with Pearson Butler include:
- Our firm was founded in 2010, and our reputation for reliable counsel has continually grown since.
- We have more than 30 attorneys with more than 300 years of total practice experience, as well as dozens of support staff.
- Numerous attorneys at our firm have been named to Utah Business Magazine’s Elite Legal, and several have been recognized by Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars℠.
- We can handle virtually any family law case, including rare, highly contested cases that go before the Utah State Supreme Court.
Choose the legal team that takes your family law case to heart. Call (800) 265-2314 or contact us online to arrange a consultation with our SLC family lawyers..
Let Us Handle Your Family Law Case
Our firm handles all areas of family law, including adoption and annulment cases, child custody matters, child support matters, divorce, property division, and more. Whether you are considering a divorce, already have one underway, or just got handed divorce papers, we can help you work through the details for you. Of course, we are also here to guide you through cases not directly related to a divorce, and even complex cases that involve business law and bankruptcy, such as when a divorcing couple runs a business together.
Our team handles the following types of family law cases:
- Divorce: Legal dissolution of a marriage, including division of assets, child custody, and support.
- Child Custody and Visitation: Determining where the child will live and how visitation rights will be granted to the noncustodial parent.
- Child Support: Establishing financial support from one parent to the other for the care and well-being of the child.
- Spousal Support or Alimony: Determining the amount and duration of financial support one spouse must pay to the other after separation or divorce.
- Adoption: Legal process of assuming parental rights and responsibilities for a child who is not biologically related.
- Paternity: Determining the legal father of a child, usually to establish parental rights, visitation, and child support obligations.
- Domestic Violence and Protection Orders: Seeking protection from abusive situations by obtaining restraining orders or protective orders.
- Property Division: Dividing assets and debts acquired during a marriage or domestic partnership upon divorce or separation.
- Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Drafting agreements that outline the division of assets and potential spousal support in the event of divorce or separation.
- Guardianship: Appointing a legal guardian to care for a minor or an incapacitated adult who cannot care for themselves.
What Does a Family Law Case Usually Involve?
Family cases in Salt Lake City typically go through the Utah District Court system. At Pearson Butler, we are very familiar with these courts, the judges and clerks within the court system, and even the attorneys we often see representing the other spouse or opposing party. You can depend on our familiarity to walk you through your case and any court-related steps, so you can feel confident in the direction your case is headed.
While each case is different, most follow a similar process:
- Initial Filing: A petition is filed with the court detailing your requests—such as custody, divorce, or support. The other party is then served with the documents.
- Response: The responding party has a set timeframe to reply. This step establishes the contested and uncontested issues.
- Temporary Orders: Family cases often require immediate solutions for custody, support, or living arrangements. We help clients request temporary orders to provide stability during the case.
- Discovery Phase: Both sides gather information such as financial documents, communication records, witness statements, and expert evaluations. Discovery ensures transparency and helps build a strong case.
- Mediation: Utah courts require mediation for most family law disputes. Mediation offers a structured environment to settle issues outside of court. Our attorneys help prepare, negotiate, and protect your interests throughout the process.
- Court Hearings & Trial: If mediation fails, the case proceeds to a judge. We present evidence, question witnesses, and make legal arguments on your behalf.
- Final Orders: The judge issues final rulings on custody, property division, support, and other matters. These orders are legally binding.
- Modification & Enforcement: Life changes—and sometimes court orders must change too. If you need to update or enforce an order, our firm provides continued representation and support.
Family Law FAQs
What types of cases are handled in family court?
Family court handles legal matters involving family relationships, such as divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, domestic violence, guardianship, paternity, and adoption.
What happens at the first family court hearing?
The first hearing often involves setting temporary orders (e.g., custody, support, visitation), reviewing case status, and determining the next steps in the case. It may also include a mediation referral or scheduling a trial.
Are family court proceedings public?
Family court proceedings are generally public, but sensitive matters—like child custody evaluations or domestic violence—may be sealed or heard privately at the judge's discretion.
Can I change a family court order?
Yes. Custody, support, and visitation orders can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances (e.g., income change, relocation, changes in a child’s needs).
What happens if someone disobeys a family court order?
Violating a family court order (e.g., withholding visitation or failing to pay support) can result in enforcement actions, including fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time in serious cases.
Can children testify in family court?
In some cases, children may be allowed to express their wishes—usually through a guardian ad litem, social worker, or private interview with the judge—especially in custody disputes. Direct testimony from minors is less common.
What is a guardian ad litem (GAL)?
A GAL is a court-appointed individual (usually an attorney) who represents the best interests of a child in a family court case, especially in contested custody or abuse situations.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a family law attorney?
Bring any relevant legal documents (marriage certificate, court orders, financial records, communication with the other party), a list of questions, and a summary of your goals or concerns.
How does mediation work in family law cases?
Mediation is often required in divorce and custody cases. A neutral third party helps the spouses resolve disputes outside of court to save time and reduce conflict.
Do I need an attorney for family court?
You are not required to have an attorney, but having one is strongly recommended—especially in complex cases involving custody, support, or contested divorce—because family law can be emotionally and legally complicated.
Benefits of Hiring a Family Law Attorney
Family law situations are often emotionally charged, complex, and filled with high stakes. Attempting to handle them alone could lead to costly mistakes, long-term consequences, and unnecessary stress that might have been entirely avoidable if you had a legal professional leading the way.
Hiring a knowledgeable Salt Lake City family law attorney provides several key benefits:
- Legal Knowledge and Experience: Family law includes intricate statutes, court procedures, filing requirements, and strategic considerations, which an attorney can handle efficiently for you.
- Objective Guidance During Emotional Times: Family disputes often cloud judgment. A lawyer provides professional, level-headed counsel to help you make decisions that support your long-term goals.
- Protection of Your Rights: Whether you’re fighting for custody, financial stability, or personal safety, your attorney’s role is to safeguard your legal rights .
- Skilled Negotiation: Many family law cases are resolved outside of court. Lawyers are trained negotiators who can push for fair agreements.
- Courtroom Representation: If your case goes before a judge, an attorney can present evidence, examines witnesses, and argues on your behalf.
Contact Our Salt Lake City Family Lawyers Today
Your family law case is a highly personal matter. Choose the legal team that delivers highly personal counsel: Pearson Butler. Our entire team, including dozens of attorneys and support staff, is ready to work together to handle your case with efficiency, compassion, and professionalism, just as you would expect from a law firm as reputable as ours. No matter what your case involves, bring it to us to learn how we can help you reach a fair solution for you and your family.
Contact us online or by dialing (800) 265-2314 to get more information about our legal services for clients and families in Salt Lake City.
