How to Get Emergency Custody in Utah – Steps to Take in Urgent Situations
When a child’s safety is at risk, parents or guardians may need to take immediate legal action to secure emergency custody. In Utah, courts prioritize the well-being of children, and there are legal processes available for obtaining emergency custody in urgent situations. What Is Emergency Custody? Emergency custody is a temporary court order that grants […]
Can You Get a Divorce Without Going to Court in Utah?
Going through a divorce doesn’t always mean standing before a judge in a courtroom battle. In Utah, couples have several options to dissolve their marriage without the stress and expense of litigation. Mediation, collaborative divorce, and uncontested divorce processes can help spouses reach agreements outside of court while still ensuring a legally valid divorce. If […]
Alienation of Affection in Utah
Alienation of affection is a legal claim that allows a spouse to sue a third party for intentionally interfering in their marriage and causing the loss of love and companionship. Unlike many states that have abolished this law, Utah still recognizes alienation of affection claims, making it one of the few states where this cause […]
Equitable Division in Utah Divorce
Divorce can be complex under any circumstances, but when significant wealth and assets are at stake, the process becomes even more intricate. In Utah, divorcing spouses are subject to equitable division of marital property—a legal principle that aims to distribute assets in a fair, though not necessarily equal, manner. Below, we break down how equitable […]
What is a Putative Father?
At Christensen Law, we understand the complexities of family law and specialize in guiding individuals and families through adoption and paternity cases in Utah. While we do not offer adoption matching services, we focus on equipping our clients with the tools they need to navigate these sensitive issues. Definition of a Putative Father A putative […]
Modifying a Custody Order: When and How It’s Possible
Can you modify a custody order in Utah? Sometimes life changes, and a custody order that once worked well may no longer fit your family’s needs. In Utah, custody orders are not set in stone. Modifications are possible, but they require specific circumstances and legal steps to ensure the best interests of the child are […]
Utah Guardianship Appeals: How to Challenge a Decision
When a guardianship decision affects your family or loved ones, and you believe the ruling was unjust or legally flawed, you don’t have to accept it at face value. In Utah, if a court’s determination regarding guardianship seems improper—whether it involves who should be named as guardian or how an existing guardianship should be modified—you […]
Are Parents Responsible for Their Children’s Criminal Behavior?
When a child gets involved in criminal activity, many parents wonder: Am I legally responsible for my child’s actions? While children are typically held accountable for their behavior, parents may sometimes face legal or financial consequences, especially when the crime results in harm to others. This post will explore the concept of parental responsibility, when […]
Can I Appeal to Get My Parental Rights Back?
Losing parental rights can be one of the most heartbreaking and life-altering experiences for any parent. When the courts decide to terminate parental rights, it typically means that the legal bond between a parent and their child is permanently severed. However, in certain circumstances, it may be possible to appeal this decision and fight to […]