How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Divorcing without a lawyer in Salt Lake City is absolutely possible — and for many Utah couples, it’s the fastest and most affordable way to end a marriage. Utah allows people to represent themselves (“pro se”), and Salt Lake County’s District Court provides multiple tools — including online forms — to help individuals complete an uncontested divorce without hiring an attorney.

This guide walks you through each step of filing for divorce without a lawyer in Salt Lake City, including Utah’s mandatory waiting period, required forms, fees, and when legal help may still be needed.

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT?

Yes. Utah’s court system is specifically designed to support DIY divorces, especially for couples who can reach a full agreement.

A self-represented divorce works best when:

• You and your spouse agree on major issues

• Your case is low-conflict

• Your finances and assets are simple

• Both spouses are willing to cooperate

• You want to avoid attorney fees of $8,000–$20,000+

If you have complex assets, high-conflict custody issues, or domestic violence concerns, legal help may still be beneficial — but for uncomplicated situations, most people complete the process without an attorney.

Utah’s Divorce Requirements You Must Meet

Before filing in Salt Lake City, you must satisfy Utah’s statewide rules:

1. Residency Requirement

You (or your spouse) must have lived:

• In Utah for at least 3 months, and

• In Salt Lake County if filing there

2. Grounds for Divorce

Most people use Utah’s no-fault ground:

• Irreconcilable differences

Other fault grounds exist but aren’t used in uncontested cases.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Salt Lake City — Step by Step

1. Decide if You’re Filing as an Uncontested Divorce

To file uncontested, both spouses must agree on:

• Property and debt division

• Custody and parenting time

• Child support (mandatory if minor children)

• Alimony

• All financial and parenting issues

Your agreement is submitted to the judge for approval.

2. Generate or Download Utah Divorce Forms

Utah gives you two options:

Option A — OCAP (Online Court Assistance Program)

OCAP prepares the Utah-required forms for a small fee.
Useful for people who want guided steps.

Option B — Download Paper Forms

Common forms for Salt Lake County include:

• Petition for Divorce

• Acceptance of Service or Proof of Service

• Financial Declaration

• Certificate of Divorce, Dissolution, or Annulment

• Parenting Plan (if children)

• Child Support Worksheet

• Stipulation and Settlement Agreement

• Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law

• Decree of Divorce

Divorce.com can prepare state + county-specific forms for you.

3. File Your Divorce Papers With the Utah District Court

You will file in:

Salt Lake County District Court – Domestic Division
450 South State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Filing Fee

• ~$325 for divorce
  Additional costs may include:

• Parenting class fees

• Notary fees

• Service of process fees

4. Serve Your Spouse (Unless They Sign Acceptance of Service)

If your spouse will not voluntarily sign an Acceptance of Service, you must formally serve them.

Approved service methods:

• Sheriff

• Private process server

• Third-party adult (18+)

• Certified mail (limited cases)

After service, file a Proof of Service.

5. Exchange Utah Financial Declarations

Each spouse must prepare:

• Income documentation

• Asset and debt disclosures

• Tax returns

• Retirement account information

• Monthly expense details

These disclosures support your Property & Debt Division and any support requests.

6. Take Required Utah Parenting Classes (If Minor Children)

Utah requires:

• Divorce Orientation Course

• Divorce Education Course

Both must be completed before your final decree will be signed.

7. Complete Your Settlement Agreement (Stipulation)

Your agreement must cover:

• Custody and parenting time

• Child support (Utah Child Support Calculator required)

• Property and debt division

• Alimony

• Insurance, taxes, and future responsibilities

This document is critical for an uncontested divorce.

Divorce.com guides couples through creating a complete settlement agreement.

8. Follow Utah’s Mandatory Waiting Period

Utah requires a 30-day waiting period after filing.

You can request a waiver, but waivers are granted case-by-case.

9. Submit Your Final Documents for Judge Review

After the waiting period ends and all forms are complete, file:

• Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law

• Decree of Divorce

• Settlement Agreement

• Child support documents

• Proof of parenting class completion (if children)

Uncontested divorces are typically signed without a hearing, though a judge may request one.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Salt Lake City?

Timelines vary depending on your circumstances:

• Fastest (with waiver): 30–45 days

• Typical: 45–90 days

• If children are involved: 60–120+ days

Salt Lake County is one of the more efficient districts for uncontested filings.

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Salt Lake City?

Typical expenses include:

• $325 filing fee

• $0–$75 for service of process

• $35–$50 total for parenting classes

• $0 if you prepare all forms yourself

• $499–$1999 using Divorce.com for full form prep + settlement agreement

Hiring a lawyer in Utah typically costs $10,000–$20,000+, making DIY divorce the affordable option for most uncontested cases.

When You Should Still Consider Hiring a Lawyer

Legal help may be useful if:

• Domestic violence or safety fears exist

• A spouse hides income or assets

• One spouse owns a business

• High-conflict custody disputes arise

• A spouse refuses to participate

For cooperative couples, no-lawyer divorce in Salt Lake City is straightforward.

Why Salt Lake City Couples Choose Divorce.com

Divorce.com helps Utah families:

• Prepare all required state and county forms

• Build a complete settlement agreement

• Avoid filing delays and paperwork errors

• Understand Utah’s waiting periods and service rules

• Access optional attorney support if needed

It’s the fastest, most affordable way to complete a no-lawyer divorce in Salt Lake City.

Final Thoughts

Divorcing without a lawyer in Salt Lake City is entirely achievable — especially when your case is uncontested and both spouses cooperate. With the correct forms, complete disclosures, and a thorough settlement agreement, you can finalize your divorce confidently and affordably.

Divorce.com provides everything you need to file and complete your Salt Lake County divorce from start to finish.