Salt Lake City Family Law Attorneys

Serving Families in Salt Lake City, UT

Family law cases can be some of the most complicated and emotional legal disputes that an individual or a couple can face. Whether you are facing a divorce, child custody, spousal support, or another family law issue, it is important to have an attorney who is experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate by your side.

At Pearson Butler, we understand how family law issues affect you, your spouse, and your children. We will work hard to help you work toward a solution that is fair and that works for everyone involved.

Call (800) 265-2314or contact us onlinetoday to learn how we can help you inside and outside the courtroom.

How We Can Help

Our firm handles all areas of family law, including adoption and annulment cases, child custody matters, child support matters, divorce, and property division. Whether you are considering a divorce or already have one underway, we can help you work through the details and ensure that all your rights and interests are protected.

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 Custodyand 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.

How Do I Get a Divorce in Utah?

In Utah, either you or your spouse must be a resident of the state for at least 90 days before filing for divorce. There is no waiting period before you can file for divorce, but the court will not grant the divorce until at least 6 months after you file.

To file for divorce, you must file a petition with the court and have a mandatory counseling session within the next 75 days. You must attend the counseling session with your spouse, and the counselor will file a report with the court. If the counselor finds that your marriage is broken beyond repair, the court will grant your divorce without you needing to wait 6 months.

If you and your spouse agree on all the terms of your divorce, you and your spouse can sign a document called an agreed divorce decree and an agreed judgment of divorce and file them with the court. If the judge approves the documents, the divorce will be granted without a hearing. However, both you and your spouse must agree on all the terms of your divorce for this to happen.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Utah?

The amount of time it will take to finalize your divorce will depend on your and your spouse's situation. For example, if you and your spouse are in agreement regarding all the terms of your divorce, you can file an agreed divorce, which would take less time to process than a contested divorce. If you and your spouse are in disagreement regarding any of the terms of your divorce, you will need to file a contested divorce and attend mandatory mediation with your spouse, which may increase the amount of time it takes to finalize your divorce.

In general, a contested divorce can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to finalize, while an agreed divorce can take less than 6 months.

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.

Contact Our Salt Lake City Family Lawyers Today

At Pearson Butler, we understand how difficult a family law matter can be. We will work hard to help you reach a solution that is fair and that works for everyone involved.

To find out more about how we can help you, please contact usat (800) 265-2314.