Divorce & Family Law
Divorce
We work to provide complete divorce and family law services designed to address your specific situation. An uncontested, quick, and amicable divorce may be preferable but is often not possible. High-conflict cases call for robust negotiations and aggressive trial strategy. My goal is to achieve an equitable resolution that will form a strong foundation for your family's future.
Child Custody and Parent-Time
In Utah there are two type of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody is the right to make major decisions on behalf of your child(ren). Physical custody concerns the number of overnights your child(ren) spend with each parent. Courts focus on the "best interests of the child" when allocating custody or parenting time.
Child Support
Child support is based on each parent's gross income, the number of children involved, and the number of overnights the child(ren) spend with each parent.
Alimony
Unlike child support (which is mandatory), alimony is ordered at the court's discretion. It is based on the length of the marriage, the parties' net income(s), the needs of the parties, and each party's ability to pay.
Division of Property, Assets, and Debts
"Marital Property" includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage and is divided in a manner the court considers "fair and equitable". "Separate Property" includes property owned before marriage, and gifts or inheritances received by one spouse.
Motions to Enforce
If a party fails to comply with a court order in a family law case the other party can file a "Motion to Enforce Order." These are often filed when a party fails to pay child support or alimony, a party is not complying with a child custody and parent-time order, or a party is in violation of property division as outlined in a divorce decree.
Motion to Modify/Petition to Modify
A party seeking to modify a divorce decree must show a "substantial and material change in circumstances" since the last court order was issued. A Motion is simpler but can only be used in limited circumstances. Both documents are used to modify child support, parent-child time, or when a child reaches the age of 18.
Divorce Family Law Lawyer
About Alderman Family Law
Divorce can be among the most challenging of life's major events. It takes a toll on your family's well-being, on you emotionally, and of course, on your finances. Our goal is to mitigate all of these aspects. We work closely with you to explain when negotiation may be the more appropriate approach and when to stand your ground.
As far as your finances are concerned, we've chosen to utilize modern technology and practice without a physical office. The courts have been using such technology for years. All pleadings, motions, and other documentation can be filed electronically. Many hearings allow for remote participation using Webex, the courts' version of Zoom, in which all or some parties appear remotely. By availing ourselves of this technology, we can keep our rates more reasonable than many other firms.
Please click the "Book a Consult" button to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.
Divorce Family Law Legal Team
Meet the team
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