Facing divorce can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Here at Fillmore Spencer, our skilled St. George divorce attorneys understand the unique challenges Southern Utah residents encounter during this difficult time. We provide compassionate and comprehensive legal guidance throughout the divorce process, ensuring your rights and interests are protected.
Our St. George family law attorneys are well-versed in Utah divorce laws and procedures specific to Washington County Courts. We will guide you through every step of the process, including:
Schedule a free consultation with our St. George divorce attorneys today. We understand the emotional and financial challenges of divorce, and we are committed to guiding you through this process with compassion and skill. Let us help you secure a brighter future for yourself and your family in Southern Utah.
There are only a few requirements for filing for divorce in a Utah district court and our St. George divorce attorneys are trained on each one.
One of the spouses must reside in the county in which the application for divorce will be filed for at least three months before the filing can be made. Members of United States armed forces who are not legal residents of the state but stationed here under military orders must also meet this residency requirement.
Every divorce petition filed in Utah must state the grounds for which divorce is based. There are two “no-fault” grounds for divorce:
Of course, that’s if the spouses agree there is no fault. If a divorce is contested, the petitioning spouse may prefer to cite, and must be prepared to prove, at least one of the following grounds for divorce:
A waiting period — and divorce mediation — are mandatory
An uncontested divorce tends to take less time and cost less than a contested divorce. Whether contested or not, Utah law requires 90 days to pass after the petition’s filing before a court hearing can be scheduled. That period can be shortened if minors are involved, but each spouse must complete a mandatory two- to three-hour educational course for divorcing parents.
If any aspect of the proposed divorce is contested, the court will not schedule a hearing until the couple has made at least one legitimate attempt at divorce mediation. The couple must pay for the mediation, but state assistance may be available to help cover costs. A couple can be excused from mediation in certain circumstances; for instance, if one spouse has a record of domestic violence and the other feels unsafe in their presence
The advantages of retaining a knowledgeable lawyer in a contested divorce are obvious, but retaining an attorney in an uncontested divorce gets you time- and cost-saving guidance and helps ensure you do not overlook all your options nor compromise your rights. To learn more about how Fillmore Spencer LLC helps you achieve a divorce that’s complete and final, schedule a free initial consultation with us by calling (435) 429-1096 or contacting us online.