(801) 254-9450 Utah state law defines a distinct process that you must follow to formally dissolve a marriage. The courts will not act unless you meet certain eligibility requirements, and even then, you must follow the appropriate steps to ensure you get your desired outcome.
Navigating the South Jordan divorce process can be tricky, especially when you lack the support of skilled legal counsel. The good news is that a skilled divorce attorney could walk you step-by-step through each stage of the process to reach the outcome you deserve. We could ensure you avoid any mistakes that cause costly and frustrating delays, answer your questions, ensure you meet residency requirements, and help you take the financial steps that are crucial for your independence.
Before you can file and begin the process for divorce in South Jordan, you must be able to prove you meet the state residency requirements set out by Utah law. The main requirement to file is that either you or your spouse must have lived in a single county for at least six months before divorcing there.
Begin by compiling all essential documents such as your financial records, asset and debt information, custody wishes, and support considerations. If possible, discuss temporary arrangements with your spouse. It is advisable to cancel any credit cards held jointly with your spouse and open one in your own name. This early step could help your South Jordan attorney get a clear picture of your financial situation to help you prepare to live independently after the divorce.
The process formally begins when you file a petition for divorce with the court in South Jordan. Once you have filed, the next step is to formally serve the other party with notice of the court proceedings. Your case cannot move forward without perfecting service against your spouse.
Once they are served, your spouse then has 21 days to file their response. If they live out of state, that deadline is increased to 30 days. If they do not respond, a default judgment may be entered.
Ultimately, a Utah court will hold a hearing for entering a default judgment if the opposing party does not reply, or your decree is entered following a settlement or a trial. This part of South Jordan divorce proceedings is typically a formality, but Utah law requires a 30-day waiting period between the filing of the petition and issuance of the final decree. A waiver may be possible under extenuating circumstances, but the waiting period is usually strictly enforced. Accordingly, you should prepare for this process to take a minimum of a month from start to finish, not including any preparation you completed before filing the petition.
If you intend to end your marriage, it is prudent to become familiar with the South Jordan divorce process. This might seem daunting on your own, but our attorneys are here to help you avoid the missteps that could impede your divorce case. Reach out to Carr | Woodall today to get started.