What Steps are Involved in Pursuing a Divorce?

Posted by Angela Medrano on December 27th, 2020

Making the decision to end a marriage is one that should never be entered into lightly. Individuals need to know their options and have an understanding of the laws that govern divorce in their states. Although some divorces seem to proceed more easily than others, it is always wise to get legal guidance in the process. Knowing the steps involved in pursuing the end of a marriage will assist individuals in making the right choices as they pursue their filing options.

Steps Involved in Ending a Marriage Legally

When a person goes through an uncontested divorce, they can expect the process to go much easier. Contested divorces are sometimes lengthy and can be tied up in court for months or even years. The following offers some insight into the steps that are involved in getting a legal end to a marriage.

First, a person should consult with an attorney to learn about their rights and best legal recourse. During this consultation, they will learn about the divorce process in Utah, so they will be prepared properly.

Next, the papers will need to be filled out. When using an attorney, the attorney takes over all the paperwork, ensuring every form is filled out properly, so there are no delays.

The attorney will then file the paperwork with the court. The paperwork must be filed precisely and in a timely manner. When filing with the office of the county clerk, there is a 0 filing fee that must be paid.

As a part of the requirements for divorce in Utah, individuals must serve their spouses with the papers. Individuals have 120 days to serve their spouses. The attorney takes care of this process.

The served spouse is then given time to offer an answer. They will typically have 21-30 days to respond. They can contest at this time. If the spouse does not respond, the court can decree a default judgment that allows the petitioner to get everything they asked for in the petition.

The state of Utah also requires education classes and mediation. In some cases, the process ends up in a trial. No matter how the process proceeds, the attorney will protect the rights of their clients.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are ready to get started, now is a perfect time to schedule a consultation appointment. Call today to get started right away, so you can have peace of mind knowing your case is in good hands.