Updated June 7, 2026

Salt Lake City · UT · Vetted Directory

Top Divorce Lawyers in Salt Lake City

If you are getting divorced in Salt Lake City, Utah law requires a 90-day waiting period after you file before a judge can finalize anything, even when both spouses agree. Below are vetted Salt Lake City firms, plus plain-English answers on how the process works, how long it takes, and what lawyers charge.

90-day wait
Mandatory after filing
3 months
Residency requirement
Equitable split
Property divided fairly
3rd District
Salt Lake County court

How divorce works in Salt Lake City

To file for divorce in Utah, you or your spouse must have lived in the county for at least three months. Cases in Salt Lake City are heard in the Third District Court for Salt Lake County. Utah is a no-fault state, so you can simply cite irreconcilable differences, though fault grounds still exist. After you file, Utah requires a 90-day waiting period before a judge can sign the final decree, and that clock runs even in a fully agreed, uncontested case. If you have minor children, both parents must complete a divorce orientation course and a divorce education class before the case can be finalized.

How property and custody are decided

Utah divides marital property and debt equitably, which means fairly, not always 50/50. Separate property you owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance usually stays yours if you kept it separate. For children, Utah courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child and now start from a presumption that joint legal custody and meaningful time with both parents serves the child, unless the facts show otherwise. Child support follows Utah's statutory guidelines based on both parents' incomes and the parent-time schedule.

When you need a Salt Lake City divorce lawyer

  • Your spouse has hired a lawyer, or you expect the divorce to be contested.
  • You and your spouse disagree about custody or parent-time.
  • There is a house, retirement account, or business to divide.
  • You are worried about alimony, either paying or receiving it.
  • There is any history of domestic violence or a protective order.

What a Salt Lake City divorce lawyer costs

$200-$400/hr
Typical hourly rate
$1,500-$3,500
Flat uncontested divorce
$5,000+
Retainer if contested
$375
Approx. Utah filing fee

Most Salt Lake City divorce lawyers charge $200 to $400 an hour. A straightforward uncontested divorce often runs as a flat fee of roughly $1,500 to $3,500, while a contested case with custody or property fights usually starts with a retainer of $5,000 or more that the lawyer bills against. Utah's court filing fee for a divorce is around $375. The single biggest cost driver is conflict, so if you and your spouse can agree on the major issues, you keep the price down significantly.

Salt Lake City firms that handle divorce

These firms are profiled in full, with practice focus and recognition, in our Top 10 Divorce Lawyers in Salt Lake City guide. Each is a real, independently listed UT firm verified across legal directories.

1

JR Law Group

Salt Lake City, UT Hourly or flat fee

Salt Lake City family-law firm handling contested and uncontested divorce, custody, and modifications.

Free Consult Common DivorceCustody
2

Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law

Salt Lake City / Murray, UT Hourly or flat fee

Long-running Utah family practice covering divorce, alimony, and property division.

Free Consult Common DivorceFamily Law
3

David Pedrazas, PLLC

Salt Lake City, UT Hourly or flat fee

Salt Lake City divorce attorney focused on custody-heavy and contested family matters.

Free Consult Common DivorceCustody
4

Kelly & Bramwell

Salt Lake City / Draper, UT Flat-fee options

Utah family-law firm handling divorce, custody, and prenuptial agreements with flat-fee options.

Free Consult Common DivorceFamily Law
5

Hepworth & Associates

Salt Lake City area, UT Hourly or flat fee

Utah firm offering divorce representation and mediation for separating couples.

Free Consult Common DivorceMediation

See all firms with full profiles →

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Divorce in Salt Lake City — FAQ

How long does a divorce take in Salt Lake City?
Utah requires a 90-day waiting period after filing before a judge can finalize the divorce, and that applies even to fully agreed cases. An uncontested divorce often wraps up shortly after the 90 days; a contested case can take many months to more than a year.
Do I have to live in Utah to file?
Yes. You or your spouse must have lived in the county where you file for at least three months before filing. Salt Lake City cases are heard in the Third District Court for Salt Lake County.
How is property divided in Utah?
Utah divides marital property and debt equitably, meaning fairly rather than automatically 50/50. Property you owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance usually stays separate if you kept it that way.
How much does a Salt Lake City divorce lawyer cost?
Most charge $200 to $400 an hour. An uncontested divorce often runs $1,500 to $3,500 as a flat fee, while a contested case usually starts with a retainer of $5,000 or more. The court filing fee is around $375.
Do we have to take a class if we have children?
Yes. If you have minor children, both parents must complete a divorce orientation course and a divorce education class before the case can be finalized in Utah.
Can we use mediation instead of fighting in court?
Often, yes, and Utah courts encourage it. Mediation lets you and your spouse settle custody, support, and property with a neutral third party, which is usually faster and cheaper than a trial. Several Salt Lake City firms offer mediation.

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