Salt Lake City Divorce Lawyer

Helping Families in Draper & the Greater Salt Lake Area

At Emy A. Cordano Attorney at Law, we understand that family law matters can be emotionally draining and financially stressful. We are here to help you resolve your issues and get you through this process as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.

Attorney Emy Cordano has been practicing family law for more than 20 years. She is passionate about helping families and is dedicated to helping you resolve your case in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. Attorney Cordano is a former prosecutor and is familiar with the other side of the courtroom and how they approach cases. She is also a trained mediator who can help you reach an amicable resolution with your spouse.

Contact us online or call (801) 901-8159 to speak with an experienced Salt Lake City family law attorney.

Divorce Matters We Handle

We help clients with a wide range of family law matters, including:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Spousal support, or alimony
• Property division
• Protective orders
• Relocation
• Post-decree modifications

What Types of Divorce Can You File in Utah?

In Utah, there are two primary types of divorce:

• Contested Divorce: This occurs when spouses are unable to reach an agreement on one or more critical issues, such as the division of property, child custody, or alimony. In contested divorce cases, the court is responsible for making the final decisions on these issues.
• Uncontested Divorce: An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all of the key issues. In such cases, the divorce process is typically quicker and less expensive, as both parties cooperate to settle their differences outside of the courtroom.

While an uncontested divorce may be a smoother path, many divorces, especially those involving complex financial or custodial issues, require professional legal assistance to navigate the contested process.

What are the Grounds for Divorce in Utah?

Utah allows for both no-fault and fault-based divorce. In a no-fault divorce, the spouse filing for divorce does not need to provide evidence of wrongdoing by the other spouse. 

Common grounds for no-fault divorce in Utah include:

• Irreconcilable differences: The marriage has broken down, and the spouses cannot resolve their issues.
• Living separately: The spouses have lived separately for at least three years.

A Salt Lake City divorce lawyer can help you determine which grounds are most appropriate for your situation and ensure the proper paperwork is filed.

What Steps Do You Need to Take in Order to Start the Divorce Process?

To start the divorce process in Utah, the initial step is to file a Petition for Divorce with the district court in the county where either spouse resides. The petitioner (the spouse initiating the divorce) must also serve the other spouse (the respondent) with a copy of the petition and a summons, which notifies them of the divorce proceedings. The respondent then has 21 days (if served within Utah) or 30 days (if served outside Utah) to file a response. If the respondent fails to respond within the specified time frame, the petitioner may request a default judgment.

If the respondent files a response, the parties may engage in discovery, which involves exchanging information and documents related to the divorce. If the parties can reach an agreement on all issues, they can submit a stipulation and settlement agreement to the court for approval. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the case may proceed to mediation or trial. Once all issues are resolved, the court will issue a decree of divorce, which officially terminates the marriage.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Utah?

The duration of a divorce in Utah can fluctuate based on the circumstances and whether it's contested or uncontested. Typically, if both parties agree on all aspects of the divorce, such as child custody, asset division, and spousal support, an uncontested divorce can be finalized relatively quickly, often within a few months.

However, if the divorce is contested and the parties can't agree on these issues, the process can take significantly longer, potentially extending to a year or more. Additionally, Utah mandates a 90-day waiting period from the divorce petition filing until finalization, irrespective of the divorce's contested or uncontested nature.

What Are The Benefits of Hiring a Skilled Divorce Attorney?

Hiring an experienced Salt Lake City divorce lawyer when going through a divorce can be crucial for several reasons. Firstly, a lawyer can provide experienced guidance on the complex legal processes and requirements involved in divorce, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and on time. Also, a lawyer can advocate for your interests, especially in cases where there are disputes over child custody, spousal support, or division of assets. 

A skilled divorce attorney can help negotiate a fair settlement, potentially saving time and money by avoiding lengthy court battles. Finally, a lawyer can provide emotional support during what can be a challenging and stressful time, helping you navigate the divorce process with confidence and peace of mind.

Streamlined Uncontested Divorce Services in Salt Lake City

At Emy A. Cordano Attorney at Law, we understand the unique challenges faced by families in Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas like Draper and Sandy. Navigating an uncontested divorce can be particularly stressful, especially when trying to balance the emotional and financial aspects. Our firm is committed to providing compassionate and efficient legal support to help you through this difficult time.

We are well-versed in the local legal landscape and familiar with the procedures at the Salt Lake County District Court. While we do not partner with specific government entities, we are knowledgeable about the resources available to residents, such as the Utah State Courts' Self-Help Center, which can provide additional guidance on family law matters.

One common pain point for our clients is the 90-day waiting period mandated by Utah law, which can feel like an eternity when you're eager to move forward with your life. We aim to make this period as smooth as possible by ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly and promptly, minimizing delays. Additionally, we offer mediation services to help you and your spouse reach an agreement without the need for prolonged court battles.

Living in the Greater Salt Lake Area, you may also be concerned about the impact of divorce on your children, especially regarding custody arrangements. Our firm is dedicated to helping you create a parenting plan that prioritizes your children's well-being while respecting both parents' rights. We understand the local school districts and community resources, which can be crucial in crafting a plan that works for your family.

Protecting Your Rights with Dedicated Legal Support

Attorney Emy Cordano is a dedicated family law attorney who is passionate about helping you through this process and getting you the best possible outcome. She is also a trained mediator who can help you and your spouse reach an amicable resolution.

Schedule a Consultation with a Salt Lake City divorce attorney or call (801) 901-8159 to speak with an experienced Sandy family law attorney.