Take the first step toward your new beginning by downloading your Utah divorce papers today.
Get your divorce papersWhat Divorce Papers needs to be valid in Utah
- Residency: You or your spouse must have lived in Utah for at least 3 months before filing.
- Grounds for divorce: Utah is a no-fault state, so you can cite irreconcilable differences.
- You must have a legal reason to file, such as separation or irreconcilable differences.
- Complete the required forms: Complaint for Divorce, Summons, and other county-specific forms.
- If you have children, you must provide a proposed parenting plan and child support worksheet.
- You may need to complete a financial declaration (if the divorce is not uncontested).
How to set up a Divorce Papers in Utah
- Obtain the correct forms: You can get them online from the Utah Courts website or from your county clerk's office.
- Fill out the forms: Provide all requested information about you, your spouse, your marriage, and any children.
- File the forms: Take the completed forms to the district court in the county where either you or your spouse lives. Pay the filing fee (unless waived).
- Serve your spouse: You must have your spouse formally served with the divorce papers. This can be done by a sheriff, process server, or any adult not involved in the case.
- Wait for response: Your spouse has a limited time (usually 21 days) to respond. If they don't, you may proceed with a default judgment.
- Attend court hearings (if needed): For contested issues, you may need to go to court. For uncontested divorces, you may only need a final hearing.
How much it costs
The filing fee for divorce in Utah varies by county, typically ranging from $300 to $400. Additional costs may include service of process fees (about $50) and attorney fees if you hire one. You can request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the costs.
Before You Begin: Utah Divorce Checklist
Prepare the essentials and avoid common filing delays by gathering documents and meeting Utah's requirements before you start your divorce forms.
- Meet Utah's residency requirement: you or your spouse must have lived in Utah for at least 3 months before filing.
- Gather necessary documents: marriage certificate, financial records, tax returns, and information on assets, debts, and children.
- Decide on grounds: Utah allows no-fault (irreconcilable differences) and fault-based grounds; choose the one that fits your situation.
- Complete the required parenting class if you have minor children (approved course, certificate needed before final hearing).
- File in the correct district court (usually where either spouse resides) and pay the filing fee or apply for a fee waiver.
- Ensure notarization where required: Utah requires notarized signatures on certain forms like the Summons and Decree; witness not required.
Questions people ask
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Utah?
No, you can file for divorce yourself. Many people handle uncontested divorces without a lawyer. The court offers self-help resources, but it's wise to consult an attorney if your situation is complex.
What are the grounds for divorce in Utah?
Utah allows both fault and no-fault grounds. The most common is "irreconcilable differences," which means you and your spouse can't get along and there's no chance of reconciliation. Other grounds include adultery, abuse, and abandonment.
How long does it take to get a divorce in Utah?
For an uncontested divorce, it can take as little as 30 days after the respondent is served, if all paperwork is in order. Contested divorces can take months or even years.
Do I need a notary or witnesses for the divorce papers?
Some forms, like the financial declaration, may need to be signed in front of a notary. Witnesses are not typically required for the forms themselves, but a notary is often needed for verifications.