Experienced Family Law Attorney in Ogden, UT

In your initial consultation with a divorce lawyer, bring a list of questions you want to ask so you don’t forget anything and a pen and paper (or your notes app) to take notes. You’ll also need key documents affirming your legal marriage, the birth of any shared children, financial documents containing each spouse’s earnings and assets, and any potential prenuptial agreements. Your lawyer may also request copies of any communication between both spouses that may indicate certain custody or visitation agreements or offers of support during or after the divorce.

The duration of the process, from initial filing to a judge signing the final divorce decree, depends on many factors, including how readily you and your spouse can agree on dividing assets and debts, whether there are children involved, and if there are requests for alimony. If your Ogden divorce lawyer believes that your spouse isn’t being forthcoming about assets or earnings, it may take longer to investigate to determine what you’re fairly due. In uncontested divorces, in which the parties can agree on the terms, it can take as little as 2 to 6 months. However, if there are matters of contention and neither spouse can compromise with the other, like child custody or spousal support, then the process can take a lot longer. The court schedules can also influence how long it takes to settle the matter, such as scheduling hearings or scheduling a divorce trial.

Yes, it’s possible to modify a child support amount or custody schedule. However, certain conditions must be met first. For a child support modification, you must demonstrate a significant change in financial circumstances (income changes, employment changes, etc.) or a significant change in a child’s needs (for example, they may develop a medical condition that requires intensive treatment). Custody agreements may be modified if there is a change that impacts the child’s welfare, like a parent’s change in job location or if the child is old enough to have their preferences considered. You typically must file a petition with the court, and your attorney can advise you of your options for changing the arrangement.

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution. It’s intended to help people with family law concerns find an acceptable compromise to their dispute without going to trial. In mediation, you have more control over the outcome of the matter and have room to “think outside the box” and come up with solutions that best fit your family. Mediation isn’t always required, but many Utah family law judges will order the parties to attempt mediation before going to trial. Your lawyer can represent you and sit beside you in mediation sessions, helping you focus on what’s most important to you.

Yes, often you can, but you must ensure you meet certain legal requirements. Suppose your custody decree indicates that one parent must remain in the child’s school district, for example. In that case, you may have to petition the court for a modification of your custody arrangement. In some cases, you may require the other parent’s consent to move or may have to file a petition with the court, which may determine whether the move is in the child’s best interests. Some factors a court considers when granting requests are the child’s relationship with the parent, their age, and the child’s preference, as well as how the move would impact the child’s well-being and stability.