5 Tips for Choosing the Right Family Attorney in Utah for Legal Matters

Traditionally, Utah is known for its tight-knit communities and family values. Although fewer Utahans are getting divorced, the divorce rate in the beehive state (3.2) is still higher than the average divorce rate across the country, which stood at 2.3 in 2020.

No matter how short your marriage is, ending it is never easy. When you are making a difficult choice like this, you want a trusted legal advisor on your side. A reliable, competent family law attorney in Utah can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.

A family law attorney in Utah specializes in legal areas that affect family relationships. That includes divorce, child custody, alimony, child support, paternity, and marital asset division. They know the Utah family law inside out. Besides offering legal guidance, your lawyer will draft and file the necessary documents and represent you in court.

So, when should you hire a family lawyer, and how to find one?

Let’s walk you through it.

When Do You Need to Hire a Family Law Attorney in Utah?

Hiring a family law attorney in Utah comes with many benefits. For one, they provide objective legal advice during these emotionally turbulent times. Second, they protect you from making legal blunders you might regret later. Third, they don’t let your ex roadroll you into making poor decisions, especially in a contested divorce. These reasons are enough to hire a family lawyer in Utah.

The following three situations are when you certainly need their legal services.

1. Filing for Divorce

Ending a marriage is more than just living apart. In Utah, this complicated legal process involves dividing your assets, debts, and sometimes, deciding alimony. Things could get a lot more complicated if domestic is involved. 

Getting through this legal maze is easier said than done for a noice like you. Imagine dealing with a ton of legal paperwork, negotiating spousal support with your ex, and analyzing your debt and assets, while dealing with the emotional highs and lows of a divorce. It’s not easy even for the strongest of us. 

Hiring a skilled family law attorney in Utah relives from the stress of handling legal affairs. They take care of everything, from filing your divorce papers to representing you in court. This leaves you with enough time to emotionally heal yourself and focus on your future.

2. Getting Child Custody

In Utah, courts typically offer joint child custody unless there is a good reason, like domestic or child abuse. That doesn’t mean you will get custody of your kids. The court will consider your income, education, and the age of your children, among other things, when making this decision.

Utah family law attorneys know how this process works. They ensure the court hears your side of the story and awards custody after a thorough scrutiny. More importantly, your lawyer aims for an arrangement that serves the best interest of your children.

3. Seeking Spousal or Child Support

Today, both spouses work. Still, alimony can be a point of conflict in a divorce. It’s difficult to decide the right amount and duration of spousal support. In some situations, where one spouse is a stay-at-home mom or dad, you may need a temporary alimony during the court proceedings.

Most people are unaware of these legal provisions. But a good family law attorney in Utah knows how to help you through this pickle. They can ensure you get the spousal support you deserve. They can negotiate these agreements without getting emotionally triggered.

Tips for Choosing a Reliable Family Law Attorney in Utah

As one of the leading family lawyers in Salt Lake City, we have seen many divorce cases get complicated, though they started on friendly feet. That’s a strong reason for you to hire a reliable divorce lawyer immediately. Here’s how you can find them:

1. Understand Your Needs

Before you hit the search box on your laptop, understand why you want to hire a family lawyer in Utah. Are you going through a divorce? Do you need help with paternity testing? Do you need to modify your custody arrangements? Know what you require from the attorney. This will simplify your search and decision-making process.

2. Research and Shortlist Potential Attorneys

Google is the best place to start looking for divorce attorneys. A quick search, like “family lawyers in Salt Lake City,” will provide more accurate results. Another option is to explore online directories like Justia or Avvo. You can also get referrals from friends and family.

Check each attorney’s profile carefully. Check reviews and client testimonials. This can tell you how competent and trustworthy the lawyer is. Look for someone who has handled similar legal issues. They should be well-versed in family law cases in Utah, particularly in your county.

3. Consider Communication and Comfort Level

Divorce is emotionally and physically exhausting. Its effects on mental health are well documented. In this delicate situation, the last thing you want is the added stress of dealing with an unprofessional lawyer.

You want a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable sharing your personal details. They should also communicate clearly and proactively with you.

Schedule an initial consultation with the shortlisted lawyers to see if you can understand them easily. Also, check if they show a genuine interest in your case. Find someone who offers personal attention to your case and keeps you updated at every step.

4. Schedule a Consultation

Many Utah family law attorneys offer free initial consultation. At Henriksen and Henriksen, we also offer a free consultation. If you have questions for a family law attorney, this is the best opportunity to get your doubts cleared.

You can ask the lawyer about their track record, if they have handled similar cases, and how they plan to approach your case. Be open and honest about what you want to know. This will help you understand if the attorney is the right fit for you.

5. Understand Fee Structures

This is the most critical part. Many Utah family law attorneys charge on an hourly basis. Let’s say an attorney charges $200 an hour. If they spend 10 hours working on your case, they will charge $2000. However, some lawyers may charge a flat fee. This cost will depend on how complicated your case is.

Sometimes, the lawyer may ask for a retainer. You may need to pay court fees and other expenses in addition to the lawyer’s fees. So, make sure to understand their fee structure thoroughly. You require transparency in billing to avoid surprises.

Conclusion

Whether getting divorced or modifying child custody, you need a skilled, reliable family law attorney in Utah. They can help you navigate the legal waters with ease. However, selecting the right lawyer requires you to consider their skills, track record, communication, client testimonials, and fee structure. And most importantly, you need to schedule a consultation to see how comfortable you are with the lawyer. Choose wisely because this decision will affect your future.

Looking for a trusted family law attorney in Utah? Look no further than Henriksen and Henriksen. With over 60 years of experience, we are one of the most trusted family law attorneys. Contact us today!