Divorce Decree Utah

• What’s included in a Utah divorce decree?
• How to get a copy
• Is a divorce decree enforceable in Utah?

A divorce decree contains your official roadmap to life as a single person. It includes every detail about your split, including the Utah court hearing your case, childcare arrangements, financial health, and more.

The Utah court will provide a divorce decree signed by a judge when your marriage is officially over. If you lose that document, you can contact the court that processed your divorce to get a fresh copy. 

What’s included in a Utah divorce decree?

Almost every part of your marriage was discussed and settled during your divorce. Every detail and agreement is recorded within your divorce decree. 

Your final divorce decree, which could be anywhere from 8 to 25 pages in length, may include the following:

• Your names, including any name changes after the split
• The name and location of the court that handled your divorce 
• Final child custody arrangements and visitation schedules 
• Child support and spousal support arrangements 
• Property and debt divisions 

Divorce decrees are detailed because they offer legal protections. If your spouse breaks the arrangements outlined in the decree, you can head to court. Your decree is proof that your spouse isn’t respecting your arrangement. 

Keep your original Utah divorce decree in a protected space, like a safe or safety deposit box. Like all legal paperwork, it’s something you might need later in life. 

What do you need to get a copy? 

Accidents happen, and people sometimes lose their original divorce decrees. If you do, getting another copy is relatively easy. 

Start with the court that handled your divorce case. If you can’t remember, think about where you lived when you filed for divorce. The Utah county you lived in for six months before you filed was likely the court you used. This tool can help you find that court. 

Head to that courtroom with proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license or passport. Alternatively, you could send a lawyer who handled your divorce to get a copy for you. 

Courts can charge record fees. The more you know about your case (and the less work staff must do for you), the less you will pay. Typical fees include the following:

• Paper copies: 25 cents per sheet 
• Electronic copy: $15 per unit 
• Fax: $5 for 10 pages or less 
• Personnel time: First 15 minutes free 
• Clerical assistance: $15 per hour 

If you have your court case number and divorce dates handy, you won’t need much help to find your file. But if the details are foggy, your price will go up accordingly. 

Who has access to a Utah divorce decree?

Access in Utah is complicated. Before April 1, 2012, divorce records in Utah were accessible to the public, so anyone could request a Utah divorce decree. If you were divorced after that date, however, your records are not readily available to the public.  That said, there are some items from your divorce, such as a motion to waive a waiting period, that the public may still access.

It’s complicated. For a detailed list of what the public can and cannot see, visit the Utah State Courts Non-public Records information page.

Where can you get a copy of your divorce decree?

The Utah court that handled your divorce can provide copies of your divorce decree. Several versions are available. 

You can ask the court for one of the three following copy types:

• Certified: Your copy is signed, dated, and stamped by the Clerk of the Court. This is an official and true record of your divorce. 
• Exemplified: Your copy is hand-signed (not a copy) and certified by the Clerk of the Court. If you want to record a judgment in another state, you may need this kind of copy. 
• Apostille: This copy contains a seal affixed by the Lieutenant Governor. You must complete a special form to ask for this kind of decree. 

If you have questions about which type of form you need, the courthouse clerk could help. 

What’s the difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate?

A divorce decree is a legal document that proves your marriage was dissolved. But it contains far more details about the split. It might include important information, such as child support arrangements or specifics on asset distribution.

A divorce certificate contains sparse details like your names, the applicable dates, and the court personnel involved. If you need quick proof that you’re not married, this type of document could be enough for you. 

You can order this type of document online. 

Is a divorce decree enforceable in Utah?

A divorce decree is a legal document, and it is fully enforceable. If your spouse isn’t following the agreement as it’s outlined, you can ask the court to step in. 

For example, you could ask the court that handled your divorce to enforce temporary orders. You’d begin by filing a Motion to Enforce Order and including your official divorce decree as supporting paperwork. The court can ensure that the arrangements you crafted during your divorce are followed properly.

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