Last Updated on February 16, 2026 by Johnny Peter
Knowing that you cannot continue with your marriage can be a hard decision to process. Before you decide to file for divorce in Utah, you need to consider relevant state laws and must weigh the pros and cons of your decision. The divorce will not just impact your marital status but will largely influence your financial standing and family relationships. Protecting your interests should be your priority, and when you don’t know where to start, your best bet is to seek legal consultation from an experienced family law attorney. In this post, we have answered some of the commonly asked questions about divorces in Salt Lake City.
How much will the divorce cost?
At a time when your entire life is up for a spin, you are understandably concerned about your finances. The cost of your divorce depends on a number of factors. If there are no evident issues that you need to sort out with your spouse or have already managed to do so, you don’t have to pay much for an uncontested divorce. In a contested divorce, where there are significant disagreements between spouses, the cost can run into thousands of dollars. If you are concerned about the cost of a divorce lawyer, they charge much less for uncontested divorces, often even asking for a flat fee. For contested cases, there is usually an hourly rate along with a retainer fee, and if the divorce continues for a long time, the overall expenses can be quite high.
What are the grounds for a divorce in Utah?
Utah is a no-fault state for divorces, which means you don’t have to pass the blame or accuse your spouse of something wrong they have done to end the marriage. Just state that there are irreconcilable differences, which should be enough. There are also other legal grounds for divorce, such as adultery, willful neglect, willful desertion, and cruelty. If you decide to file for divorce on any of these grounds, you need to provide evidence. For that very reason, most divorces are usually based on irreconcilable differences.
Will it help to file for the divorce first?
No, there is no imminent advantage of filing for divorce before your spouse does so. If you file for divorce, you are the petitioner, where your spouse is called the respondent. As the petitioner, you get to present the case first and present their narrative. However, your spouse will also have the chance to present their side, which means technically, there is no significant advantage.
If there are no major issues, does hiring an attorney matter?
Legally, there is no requirement for you to file an attorney. You can work on the papers and file for the divorce online. If you have managed to work things out with your spouse, it is always great, but the paperwork can be hard to deal with. Most people just don’t understand the complex legalese, and as a result, they end up making mistakes that further delay the divorce. Your lawyer will help with the initial settlement agreement, and as things progress, they will also handle the final divorce documents.
How long will the divorce take?
Again, there is no one answer to that question. Usually, couples start fighting over issues like the division of marital assets, child custody, child support, and alimony, and those things can delay the divorce significantly. However, at the least, you have to wait for at least 30 days to get a divorce in Utah. Under extraordinary circumstances, one of the spouses can request the court to waive that waiting time.
Find a divorce attorney in Salt Lake City today!
