Salt Lake City Alimony Attorney
Protecting Your Financial Future During Divorce
Uncertainty about money can be one of the hardest parts of divorce. You might be wondering how you will cover rent or a mortgage, whether you will have to pay support that stretches your budget, or what happens if your spouse controls all of the finances. Talking with an alimony attorney Salt Lake City residents trust can help you replace worry with a clear plan.
At Pearson Butler, we help people throughout Utah understand how alimony and spousal support work and what those rules mean in their real lives. Our family law team listens carefully, reviews your financial picture, and explains your options in plain language so you can make informed decisions about your future.
Founded in 2010, our firm has grown into a full-service Utah law firm with more than 30 attorneys and over 300 years of combined legal experience. We offer free confidential consultations, so you can speak with our team about your situation before making any commitments.
Call (800) 265-2314 to schedule your confidential consultation today.
What is Alimony?
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another after a separation or divorce. Its primary purpose is to reduce the economic imbalance that can arise when one spouse earns significantly more income or has greater financial resources than the other.
In Utah, alimony is not automatically awarded in every divorce. Instead, the court evaluates multiple factors to determine whether support is appropriate and, if so, how much should be paid and for how long. Alimony can be temporary or long-term, depending on the unique circumstances of the marriage and each spouse’s financial needs.
A Salt Lake City spousal support lawyer can help gather the financial documentation and present arguments necessary to support your position, whether you are requesting alimony or contesting an unfair demand.
Common Types of Spousal Support in Utah
Utah courts may award different types of spousal support depending on the needs of the parties involved and the stage of the divorce process.
- Temporary Alimony: Temporary support may be ordered while a divorce is pending. This helps ensure that the lower-earning spouse can cover living expenses until a final settlement or court decision is reached.
- Rehabilitative Alimony: Rehabilitative support is designed to help a spouse gain financial independence. It may provide financial assistance while the recipient pursues education, training, or employment opportunities.
- Permanent or Long-Term Alimony: In some cases—particularly after long marriages—courts may award longer-term support. This type of alimony is less common and typically reserved for situations where one spouse cannot realistically become self-supporting.
- Lump-Sum Alimony: Instead of ongoing payments, the court may order a one-time payment. This approach can simplify financial arrangements and reduce future disputes.
Working with Pearson Butler can help you understand which type of support may apply in your case and what to expect from the legal process.
How to Determine Alimony
Utah courts consider a range of factors when deciding whether to award spousal support and how much should be paid. There is no single formula that applies to every case. Instead, judges evaluate the financial realities of both spouses.
Key factors include:
- The financial condition and needs of the recipient spouse
- The recipient’s earning capacity and ability to work
- The paying spouse’s ability to provide support
- The length of the marriage
- Whether one spouse contributed to the other’s education or career
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- Fault in the breakup of the marriage, in certain circumstances
Courts aim to create a fair outcome that balances the needs of the recipient with the financial limitations of the paying spouse. In many cases, alimony may last for a period similar to the length of the marriage, although this is not guaranteed.
Our Salt Lake City spousal support lawyer can analyze your financial situation, calculate potential support obligations, and advocate for terms that reflect your circumstances and goals.
Modifying or Ending Alimony in Utah
Spousal support orders are not always permanent. Life circumstances can change, and Utah courts allow for modifications when justified.
A modification may be requested if:
- Either party experiences a significant change in income
- The recipient remarries or begins cohabitating
- Health issues affect earning capacity
- Financial needs change substantially
Courts require evidence of a material and substantial change in circumstances before adjusting an existing alimony order. A lawyer can help determine whether you qualify for a modification and guide you through the legal process.
Spousal Support FAQs
How long does alimony last in Utah?
The duration of alimony often depends on the length of the marriage and the financial needs of each spouse. In many cases, it does not exceed the length of the marriage, but exceptions may apply.
Is alimony guaranteed in every divorce?
No. Utah courts evaluate each case individually. Alimony is awarded only when one spouse demonstrates financial need and the other has the ability to pay.
Can alimony be changed after a divorce is finalized?
Yes. If there is a significant change in circumstances—such as job loss, increased income, or remarriage—the court may modify or terminate support.
Does fault affect spousal support in Utah?
In some situations, a judge may consider fault, such as financial misconduct or other behavior, when deciding whether to award alimony and in what amount.
What happens if alimony payments are not made?
Failure to pay court-ordered support can lead to enforcement actions, including wage garnishment or legal penalties. An attorney can help enforce compliance or defend against unfair claims.
Do I need a lawyer for a spousal support case?
While not required, legal representation can significantly improve your ability to secure a fair outcome. An experienced attorney understands Utah law, court procedures, and negotiation strategies.
Why Choose Our Team
When your financial stability is at stake, you need more than a generic divorce practice. At Pearson Butler, our attorneys bring together family law experience with a deep bench of tax, business, real estate, and estate planning professionals. This gives our clients a broader view of how a support decision in this area can affect the rest of their financial lives.
Our firm has helped thousands of clients across Utah with divorce, custody, and related financial issues. Our attorneys have practiced in state, federal, and tax courts, including the Utah State Supreme Court, the Utah Court of Appeals, and the 10th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals. This history shows that we are comfortable handling complex and contested matters when spousal support becomes a major point of conflict.
Thirteen of our attorneys have been named to Utah Business Magazine's Legal Elite, and several have been selected for Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists. Members of our team hold strong peer review ratings and online scores, which reflect both legal skill and consistent client satisfaction. When you work with an alimony lawyer Salt Lake City clients turn to at our firm, you have that entire network of professionals behind you.
We built our practice on a client-focused philosophy. We limit caseloads so our attorneys can stay responsive, keep you updated, and give careful attention to your goals. With offices in South Jordan, Bountiful, and Utah County, we serve people with cases in the Third District Court and other Utah courts, without requiring you to fight downtown traffic every time you need to meet with us.
Contact our firm to let us help you today.
