Divorce Lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Finding the right divorce lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah can make a major difference in securing fair custody arrangements, protecting your assets, and reducing stress during the divorce process. Whether you're dealing with a contested divorce, dividing significant property, or preparing for an uncontested divorce, this guide explains everything you need to know about divorcing in Salt Lake City — including court procedures, attorney fees, residency requirements, and affordable alternatives to hiring a law firm.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Salt Lake City?

You may need a Salt Lake City divorce lawyer if your case involves:

• Disputes over custody, parenting time, or decision-making

• Complex communication or an uncooperative spouse

• Real estate, retirement accounts, or investment portfolios

• Business ownership or professional practices

• Disputes over alimony or child support

• Domestic violence or protective order needs

• Suspected hidden income, cryptocurrency, or assets

• A case requiring mediation, hearings, or trial

However, a lawyer may NOT be necessary if your divorce is uncontested, meaning you and your spouse agree on:

• Custody & parenting schedules

• Support (child support & alimony)

• Property & debt division

• Retirement & pensions

• Real estate & the marital home

For uncontested cases, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Salt Lake City divorce paperwork at a fraction of attorney fees.

Where to File for Divorce in Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City divorces are handled by the Third District Court — Salt Lake County.

Primary Filing Location

Matheson Courthouse
450 S State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 238-7300

This courthouse manages:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & parenting plans

• Child support & alimony

• Protective orders

• Mediation & dispute resolution

• Hearings & trials

Utah supports mandatory electronic filing (e-filing) for divorce cases.

Utah Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Salt Lake City:

• One spouse must have lived in Utah for at least 3 months, AND

• Must have lived in Salt Lake County for at least 3 months

Utah allows both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce.

How Divorce Works in Salt Lake City, UT

Here’s the typical divorce process:

1. File the Petition for Divorce

This starts your case.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service may be completed by:

• Constable

• Sheriff

• Private process server

• Acceptance of service

3. Mandatory Financial Disclosures

Both spouses must exchange:

• Income evidence

• Asset & debt disclosures

• Bank, retirement, and investment statements

• Tax returns

Utah requires full financial transparency.

4. Waiting Period

Utah requires a 30-day waiting period, though this can be waived for good cause.

5. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Salt Lake County requires:

• Divorce Orientation Course

• Divorce Education Course

• Mediation for disputed custody or parenting issues

• A formal parenting plan

6. Mediation, Settlement, or Trial

Uncontested cases can be resolved quickly.
Contested cases may include:

• Temporary order hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• GAL (guardian ad litem) investigations

• Custody evaluations

• Trial

7. Final Decree of Divorce

A judge signs the decree, legally ending the marriage.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Salt Lake City, UT?

Attorney fees in Salt Lake City vary by complexity and conflict level.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $250–$450

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $2,000–$6,000

• Contested divorce: $10,000–$25,000+

• High-asset or complex cases: $30,000–$75,000+

Custody and financial disputes significantly raise costs.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Salt Lake City, UT

Here are respected Salt Lake City divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Pearson Butler

https://www.pearsonbutler.com

2. CoilLaw, LLC

https://www.coillaw.com

3. Dart, Adamson & Donovan

https://www.dartadamson.com

These firms handle contested custody, mediation, settlement negotiations, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, you may not need a traditional attorney.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee options:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Utah divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file your documents with the Third District Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A divorce specialist supports your entire case from start to finish.

These solutions are ideal for couples seeking an affordable, low-stress divorce process.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Salt Lake City divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or parenting time is contested

• Domestic violence or safety issues exist

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or substantial property

• You suspect hidden assets or cryptocurrency

• Litigation is expected

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Salt Lake City Couples

• Utah-specific divorce forms

• Transparent, flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Much more affordable than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested cases

Divorce.com helps Salt Lake City couples navigate divorce with confidence and clarity.

Start Your Salt Lake City Divorce Today

Whether you choose traditional legal representation or an online platform, the most important step is simply getting started. Divorce.com offers a fast, affordable, and stress-free way to complete your divorce in Salt Lake City.