How to File for Divorce in Utah
Filing for Divorce in Utah
Residency Requirements
Petitioner must have been a Utah resident for at least 3 months before filing.
Waiting Period
- Without children: 30 days
- With minor children: 90 days (mandatory divorce education course)
Grounds
Utah has both no-fault (irreconcilable differences) and fault-based grounds.
Mandatory Course
Parents must complete a divorce education course before finalization.
Utah Family Court System
Family Courts in Utah
Family law cases in Utah are heard in District Court.
Court Structure
- 8 judicial districts
- 29 counties with district courts
Major Courts
- Salt Lake County: Third District Court
- Utah County: Fourth District Court
- Davis County: Second District Court
Self-Help Center
Utah Courts Self-Help Center provides forms and guidance.
Utah Divorce Filing Fees
Filing Fees in Utah
Fee Schedule
- Divorce filing fee: $325
- Divorce education course: $20-$50
Fee Waiver
Motion to Waive Fees available for those who cannot afford fees.
Typical Costs
- Uncontested: $1,000-$3,000
- Contested: $5,000-$25,000+
Free Legal Help in Utah
Free Legal Resources in Utah
Utah Legal Services
- Website: utahlegalservices.org
- Phone: 1-800-662-4245
Online Resources
- Utah Free Legal Answers: utah.freelegalanswers.org
- Utah Courts Self-Help: utcourts.gov/selfhelp
Pro Bono
And Justice for All - Utah pro bono network
Utah Divorce Deadlines
Critical Deadlines in Utah
Waiting Period
- Without children: 30 days
- With minor children: 90 days
Divorce Education Course
Must complete before divorce can be finalized (if children involved).
Response Deadline
21 days to respond after being served (30 days if out of state).
What Makes Utah Family Law Unique
Utah's Unique Family Law Features
Mandatory Divorce Education
Parents with minor children must complete a divorce education course before divorce can be finalized.
Parent-Time Terminology
Utah uses "parent-time" instead of "visitation."
Statutory Minimum Schedules
Utah statute provides detailed minimum parent-time schedules based on child's age (0-5, 5-18).
Short Residency
Only 3 months residency required - shorter than most states.
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This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult with a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.