# How Long a Divorce With Children Takes | Call Now

**Table of Contents***[*SHOW*]*

1. There’s No Single Timeline for a Divorce With Children
2. Several Decisions Have To Be Resolved Before the Divorce is Final
3. Custody and Parent-Time Can Affect the Timeline of Your Case
4. Parenting Courses are Usually Part of Utah's Divorce Process
5. To Learn How Long Your Divorce With Children May Take, Contact Brown Family Law

A divorce with children can take anywhere from a few months to a year, if not longer. It all depends on the details of your case, specifically any factors relating to custody, finances, property division, disagreements between the parents, and whether the case goes to trial.

At Brown Family Law, we recognize that divorce is a major transition, and when children are involved, this detail can further complicate matters. That’s why legal representation from a [divorce lawyer in Salt Lake City](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/salt-lake-city-ut/divorce-lawyer/) is important.

## There’s No Single Timeline for a Divorce With Children

A Utah [divorce](https://www.utcourts.gov/en/self-help/case-categories/family/divorce.html) involving children does not have one universal timeline. Some cases are resolved relatively quickly because both spouses agree on these arrangements:

- Custody
- Parent-time
- Child support
- Property division
- Additional important terms

Others take considerably longer because the parents disagree about one or more of those issues. Utah law places the state’s divorce provisions in [Title 81, the Utah Domestic Relations Code.](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title81/81.html)

According to current state laws, a Utah court generally cannot enter a divorce decree until at least 30 days after the petition is filed unless the court finds extraordinary circumstances. The court can also enter interim orders before that 30-day period ends.

That 30-day requirement is only one part of the timeline. It does not mean a divorce with children will automatically be finished after 30 days. A parent who has an uncontested divorce will have a different experience from a case involving disagreements about certain details.

The practical timeline also depends on how quickly documents are exchanged, how easily the parties communicate, whether agreements can be reached, and the court’s schedule. Brown Family Law can help you understand what might impact the duration of your divorce.

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## Several Decisions Have To Be Resolved Before the Divorce is Final

Parents sometimes hear the word “divorce” and think primarily about ending the marriage. When children are involved, however, the divorce also has to address the legal and financial arrangements that will govern the family after the marriage ends.

A final divorce decree involving minor children generally needs to address these matters:

- Custody
- Parent-time
- Child support

Utah law also requires a divorce decree involving a child to include an order concerning child support and medical expenses. Depending on the circumstances, divorce also includes property and debt division, alimony, insurance issues, tax considerations, and other financial concerns.

That means the timeline can depend heavily on how many decisions need to be made and how much disagreement exists between the spouses. For example, two parents who agree about where their children will live, how parent-time will work, and how expenses will be handled may experience a faster process than another couple that disagrees on these matters.

At Brown Family Law, we can also help you figure out how your property will be divided. That way, there will hopefully be fewer disputed issues for the court to resolve than parents who disagree on nearly every part of the divorce.

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## Custody and Parent-Time Can Affect the Timeline of Your Case

Custody disputes can make a divorce substantially more involved because the court’s focus is the best interests of the child. Utah law directs courts to consider the best interests of a minor child when determining custody and parent-time.

The law also identifies factors that can be relevant to that determination, including each parent’s ability to meet these needs of their child or children:

- Physical
- Emotional
- Educational
- Medical
- Special

The court also considers issues such as parenting skills, co-parenting abilities, emotional stability, financial responsibility, and any evidence of domestic violence, physical abuse, or sexual abuse involving the child, a parent, or a household member.

Those considerations can require more than agreeing to a weekly schedule. This is common if one parent has concerns about the other parent’s ability to care for these parts of their child’s life:

- School arrangements
- Communication between the parents
- Travel between households
- How a particular custody arrangement would affect the children’s stability

Addressing those concerns properly can take time because the attorney needs to understand the family’s circumstances and determine how those facts relate to Utah law.

When custody is disputed, a lawyer at Brown Family Law can help a parent present relevant information in a way that keeps the focus on the children’s interests instead of allowing the case to become a collection of personal accusations.

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## Parenting Courses are Usually Part of Utah’s Divorce Process

Parents should also account for Utah’s mandatory course requirements when considering the timeline. Under the current Utah Domestic Relations Code, when parties to a divorce have a child, they generally must complete mandatory courses.

The petitioner has 60 days after filing to complete the required courses, while the respondent has 30 days after being served. The court can waive the requirement under circumstances identified by law. The requirements are not simply another box to check at the end of the case.

Utah law provides that the court cannot grant the divorce until the required courses have been completed and the appropriate certificates have been presented, unless the requirement has been waived. Brown Family Law can explain which courses apply to your circumstances.

## To Learn How Long Your Divorce With Children May Take, Contact Brown Family Law

There is no reliable way to promise that every divorce with children will take a particular number of weeks or months. The timeline depends on the circumstances of the family, the number of disputed issues, the parties’ ability to reach agreements, and procedural requirements.

The court’s involvement in your case can also affect how long it takes to finalize your divorce. At Brown Family Law, we understand this might not be the answer you were hoping for, but we can help you keep your divorce process moving along in a timely manner.

Founded in 2010, we have 15-plus years of experience helping thousands of clients in the local community. Our exclusive focus on family law allows us to concentrate on your case while helping you make informed decisions throughout the process. Call us today for legal help.

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