Does It Matter Who Files for Divorce First in Utah?
If you are considering divorce, you may wonder whether you should file first or wait for your spouse to take that step. Some people worry that the person who files first automatically has an advantage when it comes to custody, property, or other important decisions. In Utah, filing for divorce first does not automatically give […]
What Happens to Joint Credit Card Debt During a Utah Divorce?
Dividing property is a major part of divorce, but deciding who is responsible for debt can be just as important. Credit cards can make that process particularly complicated, especially when both spouses used the account, or one spouse accumulated most of the balance. If you are going through a divorce in Utah, understanding how courts handle credit card debt […]
What Does “Best Interests of the Child” Actually Mean?
If you’re involved in a custody case, you’ve probably heard the phrase “best interests of the child.” It’s one of the most common terms used in family law, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many parents assume it means the court simply decides which parent is “better.” In reality, that’s not how custody decisions are made. Instead, the court looks at the child’s overall well-being […]
Can My Child Refuse to Visit the Other Parent?
As children get older, it’s not uncommon for parents to ask: “Can my child decide they don’t want to visit the other parent?” The answer is rarely as simple as yes or no. In Utah, parenting time is determined by a court order, and parents are generally expected to follow that order. While a child’s preferences may become more important as they mature, […]
Can I Take My Child on Vacation Without the Other Parent’s Permission?
Summer is one of the busiest times of year for family vacations. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip, visiting relatives, or flying across the country, travel is often a highlight of the season. For divorced or separated parents, however, vacation planning can raise an important question: Do I need the other parent’s permission to take our child […]
Could Unpaid Child Support Keep You from Attending the World Cup?
With the FIFA World Cup bringing fans from around the globe to North America, many people are making travel plans. Whether you’re hoping to attend a match in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, here’s a legal fact that may come as a surprise: In certain situations, unpaid child support can affect your ability to obtain or renew a […]
How Does a Parent’s New Relationship Affect Custody in Utah?
When an ex starts dating someone new, emotions can run high. Whether you’re worried about who your child is spending time with or wondering how your own relationship could affect a custody case, it’s a question many parents face after divorce or separation. The good news is that a new relationship does not automatically affect custody. However, there are […]
How Summer Custody Schedules Work in Utah
When summer break arrives, parenting schedules often change with it. School is out, vacations are planned, camps begin, and many parents want additional time with their children. While summer can create great opportunities for families, it can also bring added stress for co-parents trying to coordinate schedules. If you are divorced or separated in Utah, understanding how summer parent-time […]
What Can I Do If My Co-Parent Keeps Cancelling Parenting Time?
When Missed Visits Become a Pattern Parenting schedules do not always go perfectly according to plan. Work conflicts, illnesses, and unexpected situations happen, and occasional changes are normal in most co-parenting relationships. But when one parent repeatedly cancels visits or becomes inconsistent with parenting time, it can create frustration, instability, and emotional stress for both […]