Dividing Investment Accounts in a Utah Divorce: What Every Spouse Needs to Know

Robert M. HenriksenDivorce Law

Child support modification lawyer in Sandy, Utah reviewing financial documents with a father across a desk with a calculator

TL;DR: Utah divides investment accounts fairly, not necessarily equally, based on ownership history, account value, and tax implications. Retirement accounts require specific transfer procedures, so review the paperwork and after-tax value before agreeing to a split. You spent years building a 401(k) or brokerage account, and now you’re asking who keeps what. After the family home, these accounts are often … Read More

How Are Bonuses, Commissions, and Irregular Income Handled in a Utah Divorce?

Robert M. HenriksenDivorce Law

Divorce mediation attorney in Lehi, Utah guiding two people through a discussion at a round table with mountain views

TL;DR: Utah courts may count bonuses, commissions, and irregular earnings when determining child support and alimony. Compensation earned during the marriage may also be marital property, even if paid after separation. Your pay history, compensation agreements, and the wording of your divorce order help determine how that income is handled. You work in sales, run a business, or count on … Read More

How Is Child Support Calculated When a Parent Is Self-Employed in Utah?

Robert M. HenriksenChild Support

Woman using a calculator to review spousal support paperwork at her kitchen table in Bountiful, Utah

TL;DR: Utah child support for self-employed parents is based on income determined under Utah’s child support guidelines, not simply the profit shown on a tax return. Courts may review business expenses, bank records, and other financial documents, and may impute income when a parent voluntarily reports less than they can reasonably earn. Custody arrangements, child care, and medical expenses also … Read More

How Much Does a Prenuptial Agreement Cost in Utah?

Robert M. HenriksenPrenuptial Agreement Lawyers

prenuptial agreement attorney in Murray, Utah reviewing documents with a married couple holding hands in a law office

TL;DR: There is no standard price for a prenuptial agreement in Utah. The cost depends on the couple’s finances, the terms they want, and the work needed to complete the agreement. Drafting an agreement and reviewing one are different jobs. Each partner may have separate legal fees. Before hiring a lawyer, ask what the quote includes, how revisions are billed, … Read More

6 Situations Where You May Need a Guardianship Attorney in Utah

Robert M. HenriksenFamily Law

Woman going through guardianship paperwork with an elderly man in a recliner at home in West Valley City, Utah

TL;DR: A court-appointed guardian may be needed when someone caring for a child or an adult lacks the legal authority to make necessary decisions. Utah has different guardianship procedures for minors and adults. An emergency involving an adult may require a separate, short-term court order. A guardianship attorney helps determine whether guardianship fits the situation, requests the appropriate authority, and … Read More

How to Navigate Interstate Moves and Relocation Laws in Utah Family Court

Robert M. HenriksenFamily Law

Father playing with his smiling toddler at home in Provo, Utah, with mountains visible through the window

TL;DR: If you’re planning to move 150 miles or more from your child’s other parent, Utah’s relocation rules generally require at least 60 days’ written notice. If the other parent objects, the court can decide whether the move serves the child’s best interests and may create a new long-distance parenting schedule. Interstate moves don’t automatically transfer the custody case to … Read More

What Is the 10/10 Rule in a Military Divorce?

Robert M. HenriksenMilitary Divorce

Military spouse in Layton, Utah writing notes on a legal pad at her kitchen table, with dog tags and a folder beside her

Somebody on base told you that if you weren’t married for ten years, you have no right to any of your spouse’s military pension in the divorce. Military spouses hear that constantly, and it is wrong in a way that costs people real money. The pension keeps growing after the divorce, too. Military retirees received a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment this … Read More

7 Steps to Take When an Ex Threatens You With a Lawsuit Before You’re Served

Robert M. HenriksenFamily Law

Attorney pointing to a legal document as a client takes notes at a desk, reviewing what to do when an ex threatens to sue in Utah

TL;DR: If your ex threatens to sue, don’t panic or argue back. Identify what they could actually claim, preserve every relevant message and record, check whether filing deadlines apply, and consider speaking with a lawsuit defense lawyer before you’re served. If legal papers arrive, don’t ignore them—response deadlines can start immediately. Repeated court harassment may also be addressed through Utah’s … Read More

7 Steps to Change Your Last Name After Divorce

Robert M. HenriksenDivorce

A woman at a kitchen table smiles while looking at a card, with mail and documents spread out in front of her.

TL;DR: Changing your last name after divorce requires legal proof of the name change and updates with government agencies and personal accounts. In Utah, the easiest option is requesting restoration of your former name during the divorce process so the change appears in the final decree. If the divorce is already complete, a separate name change case may be required. … Read More

How Is Military Retirement Pay Divided During a Divorce?

Robert M. HenriksenMilitary Divorce

A woman rests her chin on her hand while looking at a laptop and papers at a kitchen table, with a mug beside her.

TL;DR: Military retirement pay can be divided during a Utah divorce, but it is not automatically split between spouses. State courts decide how marital retirement benefits are divided, while federal rules determine how payments can be processed and what benefits are eligible for division. Factors such as the length of the marriage, overlapping military service, retirement status, and the divorce … Read More