Cost of Divorce in Utah
How expensive will your Utah divorce be? That depends. Most people pay a court filing fee and process server fees, but not everyone has to pay attorney fees and other court costs.
The total cost of your divorce depends on how cooperative or complicated it is and how much legal intervention you need. It could range from the cost of the filing fee – approximately $325 – to thousands of dollars in additional attorneys fees and court costs.
If you and your spouse can agree on the terms of your settlement agreement without the added costs of divorce lawyers and court intervention, you will pay less for your divorce.
The nature of your divorce impacts your cost
In Utah, there are two types of divorce cases: uncontested and contested.
Uncontested divorce
An uncontested divorce requires you to agree on matters concerning your property division, the support and custody of your minor children, and spousal support/alimony. It is often the most desirable type of divorce. Because you agree to your divorce terms outside of court, no court order is required. The judge will review your agreement for fairness and sign off on your divorce.
If you want an uncontested divorce but disagree on some matters with your spouse, you may be able to work them out through divorce mediation. Working with a mediator is generally cheaper than hiring a divorce attorney and paying their retainer fee. (Once lawyers get involved and the mechanics of the divorce process begin, attorney fees and court costs will begin to mount.)
Contested divorce
A contested divorce is when both spouses disagree over some aspects of the divorce or even over the divorce itself. In a contested divorce, each spouse has a family law attorney to help them work through contested issues. The attorneys try to reach a settlement and guide the divorce through the court process.
If disputes can’t be resolved, the divorce will go to trial, and a judge will make the final decision.
A contested divorce can be stressful, cost a lot of money, and lead to even more post-divorce animosity between couples.
How to save money on your Utah divorce
Most divorcing couples don’t want the stress and cost of a contentious divorce. They would like to legally end their marriage quickly and inexpensively so they can move on to their next chapter.
Fortunately, there are options for couples who don’t want the hassle, expense, and anger of a long, drawn-out divorce. With a DIY divorce, you can get divorced for little more than filing fees. You may even be able to waive these fees.
At Hello Divorce, we understand the overwhelm that comes with the divorce process, and we’re here to help.
We are an online divorce platform that offers as much or as little help as you need. With online divorce plans and flat-fee professional services, including time with attorneys and mediators, we can help you navigate your Utah divorce for far less.
Schedule a free 15-minute phone call to see how we can help.
