While divorce can be one of the most challenging and overwhelming times in a person’s life, there are ways to make the whole process less dramatic and complicated. An uncontested divorce, for example, allows couples to reach an agreement without having to go through a long legal battle. The process is quicker and less expensive. A Salt Lake City divorce attorney can determine if an uncontested divorce is a good option for you.
What’s uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce is one of the few options wed couples have in Utah. They are more affordable and faster than other types of divorce. As long as you and your former spouse can agree on all issues, including child custody and visitation, an uncontested divorce may work for you. But if you and your spouse can’t reach an agreement, you may need to explore other options with the help of a Salt Lake City divorce attorney.
Some issues you need to resolve before filing an uncontested divorce include:
Uncontested divorce process
In order to file an uncontested divorce in Utah you must first meet some criteria:
- You have lived in Utah for at least 3 months and up to 6 months if you have minor children.
- You agree with your former spouse on all things related to your divorce.
- You have a written agreement that already covers child custody and child support issues.
You will need to fill out some forms such as the petition for divorce, vital statistics form, the decree of divorce, child support worksheet and locator. You will have to wait 90 days to complete your divorce. Also, parents will need to complete the Divorce Education Course before the divorce is granted. Check with your attorney for more information about what forms you need to file. You will not have to attend a court hearing before a judge to finalize your divorce. As long as you file all the required paperwork, the judge will sign your final divorce decree.
Once the papers have been signed, you are bound by the terms of your divorce decree. If you violate the agreement, you will be put in contempt of court. Some of the most common violations involve visitation schedules, child support, and spousal support issues. If your former spouse doesn’t bring back the kids as expected, the police won’t do anything about it unless the kids aren’t safe. However, your family law attorney can help you make a record of visitation interference, which you can be used as evidence. Furthermore, if your ex is unemployed and not paying spousal support, you can’t make him or her pay. Ask your attorney about how you can resolve all these legal matters.
We offer simple solutions
If you have additional questions about obtaining an uncontested divorce in Salt Lake City, call us today and schedule your initial case evaluation with family law attorney Emy A. Cordano. We understand that going through a divorce can be draining in so many ways but we will make the process easy for you so you can focus on family and other important things.