Making the decision to legally separate from your spouse is never easy. It involves emotions, important financial decisions, and questions about your family’s future. At Brown Family Law, we believe that this process doesn’t have to be more difficult than it already is.
Our legal separation lawyers in Salt Lake City bring over 150 years of combined experience to every case we take on. Whether your circumstances are straightforward or involve asset division, child custody arrangements, or spousal support questions, our team is equipped to guide you.
At Brown Family Law, our mission is to make every step of your legal separation simpler and smoother. Request a confidential consultation with our Salt Lake City family lawyers now to take the first step.
What Is Legal Separation in Utah?
Legal separation, referred to in Utah as separate maintenance, allows spouses to live apart while remaining legally married. This option provides time to address financial, parenting, and personal concerns without fully dissolving the marriage. Separate maintenance is distinct from a temporary or informal separation, which does not involve court orders.
To obtain separate maintenance in Utah, one spouse must file a petition with the court and demonstrate that they meet certain legal requirements. Courts may grant separate maintenance when circumstances such as these exist:
- Desertion: One spouse deserts the other without good and sufficient cause (imprisonment could be a contributing factor).
- Failure to provide support: One spouse has the financial ability to support the other but willfully neglects or refuses to do so.
- Property within Utah: One spouse has property within the state and fails to provide support or abandons the other spouse.
- Living apart without fault: The spouses live separate and apart without any fault of the petitioner.
Unlike a temporary separation, separate maintenance can include court-ordered provisions for child custody, parent-time, child support, spousal support, and division of marital property. The court’s orders remain in effect as long as the parties are under a separate maintenance decree.
If a couple later chooses to proceed with a divorce, they must file a separate divorce action. Often, the terms established in the separate maintenance decree can be incorporated into the divorce judgment.
Get Clear Guidance for Your Divorce
Why Trust Brown Family Law for Your Legal Separation?
Choosing the right legal team during such a significant life transition matters. At Brown Family Law, we combine deep legal knowledge with a genuine commitment to the well-being of every client and family we serve.
Here’s what sets us apart.
150 Years of Combined Family Law Experience
Our Utah separation attorneys have dedicated their careers to family law. With over 150 years of combined experience across our legal team, we bring a level of depth and insight that is difficult to match.
We’ve handled thousands of separations, divorces, and custody disputes, and we use that accumulated knowledge to anticipate challenges before they arise and advocate fiercely on your behalf at every turn.
Founded in 2010
Brown Family Law was founded in 2010 with a clear purpose: to provide families in Utah with exceptional legal representation during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Over the years, we’ve grown into one of Salt Lake City’s most trusted family law firms, building our reputation case by case, client by client. Our roots in this community run deep, and we take our responsibility to the families we serve seriously.
Thousands of Clients and Families Served
Since our founding, we have had the privilege of helping thousands of clients and families work through legal separations, divorces, custody matters, and more.
Each case has reinforced what we already know: that every family is unique, and that thoughtful, personalized legal counsel makes all the difference. The trust our clients have placed in us over the years is something we never take for granted.
A Gentler, Kinder Approach
Legal proceedings can feel cold and adversarial, but they don’t have to. At Brown Family Law, we’ve built our practice on a foundation of empathy, respect, and compassion. We understand that behind every case file is a real family going through a real struggle.
That’s why our legal separation lawyers in Salt Lake City take the time to truly listen to your concerns, explain your options in plain language, and pursue resolutions that protect your interests while minimizing unnecessary conflict.
A Calmer, Clearer Way Through Divorce
What Does a Salt Lake City Separation Lawyer Help With?
A legal separation involves many of the same legal issues as a divorce, and having an experienced attorney by your side ensures that nothing is overlooked and that your rights are fully protected throughout the process.
At Brown Family Law, our legal separation attorneys assist clients with a wide range of matters, including:
- Filing for legal separation in Utah: We handle all the required paperwork, filings, and court procedures so you don’t have to face the legal system alone.
- Division of marital assets and debts: We help you reach a fair and legally sound agreement on how property, savings, investments, and liabilities will be divided.
- Child custody and parenting plans: We work with you to establish custody arrangements and parenting schedules that prioritize your children’s well-being.
- Child support: We ensure that child support calculations comply with Utah guidelines and that agreements reflect the true needs of your children.
- Spousal support and alimony: We advise on whether alimony is appropriate in your situation and advocate for terms that are equitable for both parties.
- Modification of existing agreements: If your circumstances change down the road, we can help you seek modifications to your separation agreement through the proper legal channels.
- Converting a legal separation to divorce: If you and your spouse eventually decide to formally end the marriage, we can guide you through the transition smoothly and efficiently.
No matter where you are in the process, Brown Family Law is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Salt Lake City legal separation attorney and take the first step toward a clearer, more secure future for you and your family.
Talk to a Salt Lake City Legal Separation Attorney Today
At Brown Family Law, our experienced legal separation lawyers in Salt Lake City will help you obtain a legal separation. Whether you have agreed with your spouse on the terms of the separation, or need one because your spouse has abandoned you, we will help you through the process.
Contact us now to schedule a confidential separation or divorce consultation. When you meet with your lawyer, we will go over your entire case, your children, your money, and everything else that’s important to you.
Our goal is to remove the fear associated with divorce and separation by protecting your money and maximizing your time with your kids. To learn more, visit our divorce FAQ page.
