A divorce dissolves a marriage. Yet, some Salt Lake and Utah County residents have discovered that divorce proceedings can get complicated. What can you do to prevent family law matters from damaging your parent-child relationship and your financial future?
Turn to the qualified, experienced divorce attorneys of Brown Family Law. Our compassionate legal services include listening to your concerns. Then, we offer simple, clear answers to your questions and tailor legal representation to your needs.
The best possible outcome for your divorce is within your reach. Schedule your divorce consultation today. Contact our West Jordan, UT, representatives at (801) 685-9999 or message us so we can contact you.
Recognize When You Need a Family Law Attorney
Some wait until their family law case is in crisis mode to seek out legal assistance. However, acquiring high-quality legal services promptly can make a massive difference in the outcome of your Utah divorce case. The following section will explain the importance of seeking help for family law matters sooner rather than later.
When you are fighting for child custody
Would you like to maximize your parent time with your kids? Experienced lawyers must work diligently to secure custody. Professionals can resolve legal issues blocking your path.
A former spouse may not want to share custody after a divorce in Salt Lake City, UT. A court may need to decide what is in the best interests of the child. Let’s discuss the child custody process in Utah to gain a better understanding of how it works.
In general, custody cases apply to children:
- Under 18 years of age
- Whose parents are not married, including those going through a legal separation or a divorce
- Whose parents disagree on a parenting plan
In West Jordan, UT, a judge can order a custody evaluation in the court proceedings. An impartial party would then evaluate the suitability of each parent to have physical custody and legal decision-making for the minors. He or she will then make a written report for the court.
Other court-ordered evidence, such as proof of paternity and criminal records, influences the decision. Utah custody cases may be separate or a part of a divorce, separation, annulment, adoption, or neglect case. Family law attorneys who understand the complex divorce system can ensure your interests are represented in child custody cases.
When domestic violence threatens your future
West Jordan courts consider the children’s best interests when making decisions regarding child custody and parenting time. A person accused of the following could jeopardize his or her likelihood of receiving sole, joint, or split custody:
- Domestic violence
- Neglect
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
What if the allegations did not involve a child? Utah Courts also consider abuse involving a parent or a household member.
Yes, criminal defense and family law attorneys can help you with the legal issues of domestic violence and abuse. If you are accused, an experienced West Jordan law office can fight hard to overcome false or unfair assumptions. On the other hand, if you or someone in your family is the victim of such abuse, we can reveal the truth to the court and pursue protective orders if necessary.
When calculating child support
In West Jordan, UT, the court relies on a set law code to determine child support payments. Some significant rules that you should know are:
- If parents have joint physical custody, they must both contribute to the expenses of the minor child in addition to paying child support
- A parent may not withhold child support or interfere with visitation due to the other party’s failure to comply with court-arranged visitation schedules
- If parents fail to comply with parenting plans, they can be held in contempt of court
West Jordan support varies according to set schedules. For instance, the amount of time your children spend overnight with each parent will factor into the payment amount. However, during your divorce consultation with us, our family law attorneys can help you determine how extenuating circumstances will affect your arrangement.
When family law cases involve special circumstances
Utah family law matters vary as much as the families of West Jordan do. At a difficult time, unique circumstances surrounding a divorce can alter child custody, property division, or the course of civil litigation in unexpected ways.
Share your personal experience during your initial consultation, especially if you are experiencing any of the following changes or issues:
- Address: Short-distance moves like from South Jordan to Salt Lake City, UT
- Significant relocation: Long-distance moves out of Utah or to a different country
- Income: Loss of a job, raises, promotions
- Paternity doubts: Doubts about the father of a child can be resolved before assigning child support and custody
- Pre- or postnuptial agreements: Written agreements with an ex-spouse prepared before (prenuptial agreements) or after (postnuptial agreements) a couple enters a marriage or civil union, usually regarding marital assets
When revising a legal matter, you often need to follow a formal process, which may involve court proceedings. If you miss a step, you could lose your spousal support and even be held in contempt of court. Rather than take the risk, consult family law attorneys whenever your circumstances take a significant turn.
Choose the Right Divorce Lawyer for You
Selecting a divorce lawyer is not about resolving a single, urgent family law issue. Seek out an attorney who cares for your best interests. This concern should include how property division and alimony decisions made now could impact the rest of your life.
Why experience matters in divorce and family law cases
Suppose you and your ex-partner disagree on what is best for your children. You are fighting about property division for your marital assets. What could happen without the knowledge of a seasoned family law attorney?
You could end up with a rushed agreement with unmanageable spousal support or custody arrangements. Having someone with experience advocating for clients could result in the best outcome.
Our lawyers understand how to consider the whole picture. After all, legal solutions should not unfairly favor one party over the other. A Utah family law attorney who has handled divorce cases involving spousal support, alimony, and contested custody can bring that deep knowledge to your West Jordan case.
Why your family law lawyer should focus on the long-term outcome
Choosing a family law attorney is about securing your future. Our lawyers work to ensure that decisions made now, such as property division or support arrangements, will still be in your best interests years from now.
At our firm, we take the long view, serving clients throughout South Jordan and West Jordan, UT, with strategies that prioritize stability, especially when children or marital property are involved.
What to ask during a free family law case review
A divorce consultation is your chance to see whether a family law attorney is the right fit for your divorce case. Use this opportunity to ask practical questions that will help you understand how they handle family law cases, including property division for divorce proceedings and legal separation.
Here are some key questions to consider asking:
- How much experience do you have handling divorce and family law cases in Utah?
- What is your approach to resolving disputes involving marital assets, spousal support, and child custody?
- How do you protect the long-term interests of your clients, especially when children or significant property is involved?
- Have you handled civil law cases like mine in Salt Lake City, West Jordan, or South Jordan?
- What strategies do you use in both negotiation and litigation?
- How do you communicate with clients throughout the process?
- What timeline, costs, and steps for filing divorce paperwork should I expect?
- Will you communicate with the other attorney so I don’t make costly mistakes?
- Do you also provide representation for personal injury or criminal defense cases? Or, do I need a separate trial attorney for issues not directly related to family law?
- How do you ensure affordable legal support without compromising quality?
These questions can guide you to a family law lawyer who aligns with your goals. Together, you can strive for the best possible outcome for the end of your marriage.
Family Law Attorneys You Can Trust in Utah
Family law cases can benefit you or destroy what you have built. Finding a divorce lawyer who fights hard for your best interests is the best way to protect the things that matter most.
If you want high-quality legal services, Brown Family Law attorneys provide affordable and compassionate help. Serving West Jordan, South Jordan, Salt Lake City, UT, our lawyers can advise and guide you. Reading about our satisfied clients to learn the difference a family law lawyer can make.
Divorce, alimony, marital property — stop the worry and frustration now. Dealing with a former marriage or life partner might be difficult. Yet, it will likely become even more challenging during a family law dispute. Why not get help from experienced family law attorneys? Call (801) 685-9999 to schedule your divorce consultation today.