Divorce in Utah
State-specific overview · Family Law
Utah requires a 30-day waiting period and allows both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce.
How Utah treats Divorce
Utah imposes a 30-day waiting period from the date the divorce petition is served on the other spouse before a decree can be entered. The state permits no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences and also recognizes fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, abandonment, and conviction of a felony. Utah uses equitable distribution for property division, weighing factors such as length of marriage, earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage. The state applies statutory guidelines for child support and spousal support based on income and custody arrangements.
The general definition of Divorce
The legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the spouses' rights and responsibilities to each other.
Divorce is the legal process by which a married couple ends their marriage. It involves a court officially terminating the marriage and typically requires decisions about property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. The process can be contested, where the spouses disagree on terms, or uncontested, where they agree on the major issues. Once a divorce is finalized, both parties are free to remarry and are no longer legally responsible for each other.
Read the full Divorce entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Utah.