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Reviewed by:

Jonathan Felt

Updated: October 26, 2026

Read time: 3 minutes

Contents

When a Contentious Process Cannot (or Should Not) Be Avoided
When a Non-Contentious Process Is in Your Best Interests

If you have either decided to divorce or are contemplating the divorce process, it is important to understand that whether the legal aspects of your divorce process end up being costly or financially manageable is largely up to you and your spouse. Certainly, there are fees that must be filed that are non-negotiable, and you will need to incur some legal fees in order to make sure that your paperwork is properly drafted, filed, and formalized. However, the most significant legal costs associated with the divorce process are incurred when divorces become contentious. Whether your divorce process is amicable or contentious is primarily up to you and your spouse.

When a Contentious Process Cannot (or Should Not) Be Avoided

Some couples cannot avoid a contentious divorce process because they harbor fundamental differences that cannot be settled without judicial intervention. If you have a legal issue—be it property-related or related to a child custody matter—that is worth fighting for, the costs associated with a contentious divorce process may be worth it to you. Additionally, if your marriage was affected by marital abuse, a low-cost strategy to the divorce process may not be in your best interests. As an experienced family lawyer – including those who practice at The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright – can confirm, a non-contentious and low-cost approach to divorce is not the best option for everyone. And that’s as it should be. Sometimes, a particular aim is worth fighting for.

When a Non-Contentious Process Is in Your Best Interests

With that said, if you and your spouse do not harbor fundamental differences, you can keep your divorce costs comparatively low by engaging in mediation or attorney-led negotiation in pursuit of finalizing your divorce. If a judge doesn’t need to intervene to settle any differences with your spouse, you won’t have to incur costly court-related legal fees. Instead, you can work with your spouse and both of your attorneys to come to a mutually agreeable settlement in a non-contentious fashion.

If you and your spouse already know how you’d like to divide your property and (if applicable) handle child custody, a lawyer can confirm these details in a legally enforceable way at minimal cost to you. Negotiation and/or mediation will cost you some money, but if you and your spouse don’t draw the process out unnecessarily, this non-contentious approach will cost far less than a traditional court battle would.

Why Choose Us

1 10+ Years in Utah Family Law
2 Mediation and Courtroom Advocacy
3 Led by a Master Mediator

    
 
 
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   SSTK Coffee 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We greatly appreciate all of Jonathan Felt's support. His exceptional experience and expertise in the Law has made this process go smoothly even though we know how extremely difficult it is to work with the opponent. We would highly recommend Jonathan for any legal support you need!!
  
 
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   Tammy Sibert 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Right from the beginning scheduling was a smooth & easy process speaking with Cari & Jonathan was very prompt, attentive, & super knowledgeable regarding the process of guiding us through the divorce mediation process. We also had to have our final documents filing postponed due to some unresolved issues listed in the paperwork due to one of us not upholding one of the stipulations listed during mediation & Cari was able to make that a smooth process,  paperwork was & is being held for 1 month following our mediation agreement until this part of the agreement is addressed & taken care of between the two of us. Jonathan and Cari were a pleasure to have worked with during this already difficult process! I personally would highly recommend using their services to anyone going through the mediation process!
  
 
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   Michael Anderson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't express how helpful and caring Challin and Jon were during my time with them. They understood my frustrations and took the time to defend me in the most passionate and assertive manner possible. They were upfront on everything including my rights, costs, and overall feeling of the case. I would and will recommend them to anyone in need of a caring and helpful hand in the future. If you need help with any family legal matters, I can't stress enough how much I appreciate them and their time.
Thank you both.
  
 
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   Steve Woolley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best experience ever! The team at Felt Family Law worked with speed and compassion to guide me through a challenging change in my life. Highly recommend!
  
 
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   Brooke Gulian 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Johnathan was so smart and kind. Really made the not so fun process a joy. He is quick and calm and his staff is super helpful. I had a lot of questions and his whole team took the time to walk me through it all. 10/10 recommend
  
 
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   Michael Colvin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Came in looking for a consultation and the sense of ease that Jon and his team provided from that opening moment was a relief when dealing with the stress of a divorce. Very punctual, open to answering questions and gives guidance to make the whole process as painless as possible. You hire a lawyer for their knowledge/expertise and it showed.
  
 
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   Kevin Porter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I knew the moment I walked into his office that he was the person to represent my daughter in her upcoming mediation if he could fit her in; which he did willingly by adjusting his schedule to accommodate us. TYvm Johnathon
  
 
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   Ema Griffiths 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Grateful to have been able to attend a mediation with Jonathan. He knew the law about what could be taken care of in mediation and what could not, and did not let anyone railroad him. He’s a trustworthy mediator.