Getting divorced is rarely easy, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic or confusing. Understanding how divorce works in Utah — from legal requirements to parenting plans and costs — can help you make thoughtful, informed decisions as you move forward. This page was created to give you a clear overview of what to expect, along with practical guidance to help you navigate each step with confidence and calm.
At Separate Ways, we know divorce is about more than just court filings. It’s a major life transition that affects your finances, your family, and your future. That’s why we created a 100% free app and concierge service to help you stay organized, reduce conflict, and find trusted Utah professionals when you need them most. Whether you’re preparing to file, working through the process, or simply trying to understand your options, Separate Ways helps make the journey easier, more affordable, and far less stressful.
Divorce is never easy, but understanding how it works in Utah can help you approach it with clarity and confidence.
Utah calls divorce a “dissolution of marriage,” and it’s a no-fault state — meaning you don’t need to prove wrongdoing to end your marriage. The most common reason cited is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
Utah law allows for two main types of divorce:
A calm, organized approach — focusing on resolution rather than conflict — is the foundation for a smoother divorce in Utah.
Every state has its own divorce laws, and Utah’s are relatively straightforward — but it’s important to know what’s required:
Even though these laws shape the process, divorce is about far more than paperwork and courtrooms. The right preparation — emotionally, financially, and practically — makes all the difference.
While every situation is unique, the general process of filing for divorce in Utah includes the following steps:
The Separate Ways app includes detailed Utah-specific filing guidance and resources to help you stay organized through each step.
Choosing the right attorney shapes how manageable your divorce feels from start to finish. With Separate Ways, your Utah process begins with a confidential questionnaire designed to understand your situation, priorities, and concerns.
Based on your responses, we connect you with carefully vetted Utah divorce attorneys, mediators, or financial professionals who align with your needs and preferred approach.
Every professional in our Utah network is reviewed for:
Ethical standards and transparent billing with no unnecessary fees or cost padding
A resolution-focused mindset that prioritizes cooperation whenever appropriate
Proven experience in Utah family law and familiarity with local courts and procedures
Our purpose is clear: connect you with the right Utah professional for your circumstances, without pressure, sales conversations, or confusion.
Learn more about Finding a Divorce Attorney in Utah.
At Separate Ways, we believe the attorney you work with directly influences both the outcome and experience of your Utah divorce. Our secure app-based questionnaire gathers insight into your legal needs, goals, communication preferences, and case complexity.
Using this information, we provide targeted recommendations for Utah family law attorneys who align with your expectations—whether you prefer mediation, collaborative divorce, or representation for more involved matters.
Each recommendation is intentional and specific. You are connected only with Utah professionals suited to your situation, helping you avoid unnecessary consultations, reduce stress, and stay focused on resolution.
Divorce often exposes wide differences in legal practices. Some professionals drive conflict or allow costs to escalate without meaningful progress. Separate Ways actively evaluates every Utah attorney in our network for integrity, accountability, and commitment to efficient resolution.
Strong representation in Utah includes clear communication, honest pricing, and a focus on guiding clients forward without prolonging the process. Our screening standards ensure that only professionals who respect both your time and finances are recommended—eliminating those who create delays or excessive expenses.
The cost of divorce varies widely depending on complexity, cooperation, and professional involvement.
Here’s a general overview:
By promoting cooperation and using the Separate Ways app to stay organized, you can avoid unnecessary attorney fees and reduce overall costs.
The financial side of divorce often surprises people. In Utah, filing fees range from $400–$450, depending on your county. Beyond that, your total cost depends largely on complexity and cooperation:
Uncontested Divorce: Typically $500–$2,000 total
Contested Divorce: $5,000–$15,000+ if litigation is involved
Mediation: $150–$300 per hour, usually shared by both spouses
At Separate Ways, our goal is to help you minimize unnecessary costs by promoting cooperation and connecting you only with professionals who charge fair, transparent rates.
The single most effective way to lower divorce costs in Florida is to stay cooperative. Mediation and clear communication can reduce both time and attorney fees dramatically.
Mediation allows couples to resolve disagreements outside the courtroom, focusing on practical solutions rather than emotional battles. Many Florida counties even require it before trial because it saves everyone — including the court — time and money.
The Separate Ways app helps by providing resources for communication, organization, and mediation referrals, so you can make progress calmly and cost-effectively.
If you have children, Utah law requires a clear parenting plan that outlines custody, parental responsibility, and child support.
Key points:
Our app can help you stay organized, manage co-parenting schedules, and access resources for peaceful communication.
Utah law doesn’t use the word “custody” — it uses physical and legal custody to describe where children live and how major decisions are made. Courts prefer shared parental involvement whenever possible.
A Parenting Plan is required for all divorces involving children. It outlines:
Parents can create their own plan through mediation or let the court decide if no agreement can be reached. The Separate Ways app helps parents stay organized, offering tools to track schedules, manage communication, and keep the process child-focused.
Utah calculates child support using a state formula based on both parents’ incomes, the number of overnights each parent has, and shared expenses like insurance or daycare. Once established, payments are typically managed through the Utah Office of Recovery Services.
Beyond the financial aspect, successful co-parenting depends on clear communication and consistency. The Separate Ways app provides access to co-parenting resources, communication tools, and professional support to help parents work together — minimizing conflict and keeping children at the center of calm, predictable routines.
Utah follows the principle of equitable distribution — meaning assets and debts are divided fairly, though not always equally.
Key points:
To make this process easier, the Separate Ways app includes a Marital Asset Inventory Tool to help you list and value everything clearly before negotiating terms.
Utah strongly encourages mediation as a way to resolve disputes without going to trial. Mediation allows both spouses to work with a neutral third party to reach fair agreements on property, custody, and finances — saving time, money, and emotional strain.
The Separate Ways app can connect you to qualified Utah mediators committed to fairness and resolution, not conflict.
Divorce impacts more than finances and legal documents — it affects your sense of stability, confidence, and peace of mind.
A few helpful tips:
Divorce doesn’t define you; it simply opens space for something new.
Separate Ways is your free, all-in-one divorce companion — designed to make every part of the process smoother and less stressful.
With the app, Utah residents can:
Our goal is to make divorce easier, faster, cheaper, and more peaceful — helping you move forward confidently and begin your next chapter with clarity and calm.
