When Family Law Turns into Civil Litigation
Many people are surprised to learn that not all legal disputes fit neatly into one category. While divorce, custody, and juvenile matters are handled in family or juvenile court, some disputes connected to family relationships, businesses, or personal conflicts may fall under civil litigation. Understanding when a case crosses into civil litigation, and why that matters, […]
Do Children Get to Choose Which Parent They Live With?
One of the most common questions parents ask during a custody case is whether their child gets to decide where they live. Many people assume that once a child reaches a certain age, the court will automatically follow the child’s wishes. But for Utah law, the answer can be more nuanced. The short answer Children do not […]
New Year, New Custody Schedule: When Can Parenting Plans Be Modified in Utah?
The start of a new year often brings changes such as new work schedules, school transitions, or shifts in family routines. For divorced or separated parents, these changes often reveal that an existing custody or parenting plan no longer works. If you are asking whether you can modify a custody schedule in Utah, the answer is yes, […]
Does It Cost Money to Change Your Name After a Divorce?
The short answer: it depends on when and how you do it. If Your Name Is Restored in the Divorce Decree In Utah, you can ask the court to restore your former name as part of your divorce. When this is included in the final decree, there is no additional court filing fee to change your name. This is usually the […]
How Are Holidays Divided in a Utah Custody Schedule?
How Are Holidays Divided in a Utah Custody Schedule? Holidays are one of the most common sources of stress for divorced or separated parents, especially in December. Utah law has specific rules for dividing holidays, and most parenting plans follow the state’s standard schedule unless the parents agree otherwise. If you’re unsure how Christmas, Thanksgiving, […]
Can Text Messages Be Used as Evidence in a Utah Custody Case?
When parents go through a custody dispute, communication often becomes stressful, especially over text. Many clients wonder whether those messages can help support their case. The short answer is yes. Text messages can be used as evidence in a Utah custody case, but only if they meet certain requirements and are presented correctly. Below is a […]
How Are Retirement Accounts Divided in a Utah Divorce?
Dividing retirement accounts is one of the most important, and often most confusing, parts of a Utah divorce. Whether you’ve been married for five years or twenty-five, your retirement savings can represent a major portion of your marital assets. Here’s what you need to know about how Utah courts handle 401(k)s, pensions, and other retirement funds when a marriage ends. Utah Is an “Equitable Distribution” […]
How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Divorce Attorney
Deciding to meet with a divorce attorney is a big step. Whether you’re certain that divorce is the next move, or you’re simply exploring your options, that first meeting can bring up a mix of emotions. The good news is that a little preparation can go a long way in helping you feel confident and […]
What Can You Lose if You Don’t Pay Child Support in Utah?
Many Utah parents are surprised to learn that falling behind on child support doesn’t just affect their finances — it can also take away certain rights and privileges. For example, your hunting or fishing license may be suspended if you fail to stay current on your payments. Imagine preparing for a weekend in the outdoors […]