How Much Does Divorce Cost in Salt Lake City, UT (2025 Guide)

In Salt Lake City and the greater Wasatch Front, your total divorce cost comes down to two levers: agreement vs. conflict and how many professionals you need. Couples who align on property, support, and parenting often finish for under $2,000 (plus court fees). Disputed cases—especially with complex assets or custody—can reach $15,000–$30,000+.

Average Salt Lake City Divorce Costs

*Timelines vary with court calendars, disclosures, and how quickly you reach agreement.

Salt Lake City Divorce Filing Fee

To open a divorce case (Petition for Divorce) in Utah state court, expect a base filing fee roughly in the mid-$300s. Add costs for service of process, certified copies, and any motion fees. If you qualify financially, you can apply for a fee waiver.
Tip: Court fees are a small slice of the total—attorney time and experts usually drive overall cost.

Salt Lake City Divorce Attorney Cost

Market rates along the Wasatch Front generally fall in these bands:

• Hourly rates: ~$250–$400+/hour (experience and firm size matter)

• Retainers (contested): $3,000–$10,000+ to start

• Flat fees (simple uncontested): sometimes $1,000–$2,000 for document prep/review

Cost-control tips

• Settle terms before heavy attorney involvement.

• Use limited-scope review for uncontested cases.

• Come organized with disclosures, budgets, and a proposed parenting plan.

Salt Lake City Uncontested Divorce Cost

If you both agree on property, support, and parenting:

• Typical total: $500–$2,000 + court/service fees

• Why it’s cheaper: fewer motions, minimal discovery, little (if any) court time

• Pro move: get a clean stipulation/settlement agreement to avoid revisions

Divorce.com advantage
Utah-specific workflows and optional attorney review keep costs predictable with flat pricing, avoiding open-ended hourly bills.

Salt Lake City Divorce Mediation Cost

Utah encourages mediation for contested domestic matters, and it’s often the fastest way to settle sticking points.

• Mediator rates: often $200–$350/hour

• Half-day: $800–$1,200 total

• Full-day: $1,500–$2,500 total
  Most couples resolve in 2–3 sessions (about $2,000–$6,000), saving months and thousands over litigation.

Salt Lake City Contested Divorce Cost

Litigation is expensive because it stacks attorney hours and experts.

• Typical total: $8,000–$25,000+

• Cost drivers: discovery & depositions, temporary orders, custody evaluations, business/real-estate valuations, multiple hearings, trial prep

• Timeline: 6–18+ months, depending on disputes and docket load

Asset Division Cost in Utah (Equitable Distribution)

Utah uses equitable distribution—a fair (not always 50/50) split of marital assets and debts. Add-on expenses can include:

• Home appraisal: $500–$1,000+

• Business valuation: $5,000–$15,000+

• QDRO or similar retirement division: $300–$700 per plan

• Forensic accountant: $200–$400+/hour

Agreeing on values—or appointing a single neutral expert—can slash thousands.

Custody & Parenting Dispute Cost

Parenting disputes are often the largest wildcard:

• Custody evaluation / GAL / minor’s counsel: $3,000–$10,000+

• Parenting coordinator / therapy: varies by provider

• Extra mediation & hearings: incremental attorney time and court fees

Courts emphasize co-parenting and mediation before trial to cut conflict and cost.

Divorce.com vs. Traditional Divorce in Salt Lake City

Typical Salt Lake City Divorce Budget

FAQs

Is there a waiting period in Utah?
Utah has a 30-day waiting period between filing and when a decree can enter, though courts may waive it for good cause.

Is mediation required?
For contested domestic cases, mediation is generally required before trial unless excused by the court.

What’s the cheapest way to get divorced in Salt Lake City?
An uncontested online divorce (plus filing fee) is typically the lowest-cost route: agree on terms, complete disclosures accurately, and avoid expert battles.

Where do I file?
At the Third District Court (Salt Lake County) for cases in Salt Lake City; much can be handled via Utah’s e-filing systems.

The Bottom Line

In Salt Lake City, cooperation = savings. Align on terms, use online prep, and reserve attorneys for targeted review—and your total may stay under $2,000 plus court fees. If not, expert-heavy litigation can push totals into the five figures.