Lehi, UT Family Law & Divorce Attorneys

We Provide Solutions-Focused Family Law Services in Lehi

At CoilLaw, our Lehi family & divorce lawyers are skilled, experienced, and committed to providing the top level of legal advocacy to clients. Family is important. Our team believes that every case requires personalized attention. Your rights and your interests matter. If you have any specific questions or concerns about divorce or another family law issue, we can help. Contact us today for a fully confidential consultation with a top Lehi family lawyer. 

If you are you are navigating the often confusing world of family court in the city of Lehi, Utah, you must work with a family law attorney who the experience handling specific types of cases you are facing. Our skilled lawyers at CoilLaw, LLC are standing by ready to assist you with any family law issues that you may be facing.

We Provide a Full Range of Family Law Services in Lehi, Utah

CoilLaw is a boutique family law firm. We are domestic litigation professionals who strive to help clients find the best solution for their specific cases across a wide array of family law cases. Our Lehi, UT family lawyers are here to protect you, your family, your finances, and your future. Going through any type of family law case can be immensely stressful. It is crucial that you have reliable advocacy. Along with other types of family law issues, our Lehi attorneys have experience with:  

• Divorce: In Utah, a divorce legally terminates a marriage between two parties. The process begins with one spouse filing a petition for divorce in the district court of the county where at least one of the spouses resides. Utah law requires a mandatory 30-day waiting period from the filing date before the divorce can be finalized—although this can be waived under certain circumstances. Our Lehi divorce lawyer handles both contested and uncontested divorce cases. We know divorce is hard and we are committed to helping clients find a better, more stable tomorrow. If you are going through a divorce in Utah County, please do not hesitate to contact our Lehi family lawyer today for a confidential consultation.
• Marital Agreements: We have experience with both prenups and postnups. Broadly defined, these are legal contracts that define how a couple will divide assets, debts, and financial responsibilities in the event of divorce or death. The difference is simply when they were signed (before marriage or after marriage) In Utah, these agreements are enforceable if they are entered voluntarily, include full disclosure, and do not promote unfair outcomes. Our Lehi family lawyers draft, negotiate, and review prenups and postnups. If a dispute arises, we are always prepared to represent you in domestic litigation or a marital agreement. If you have any questions, our Lehi family lawyers are here as a resource.
• Annulments: There are some cases in which a marriage in Utah could be annulled instead of going through the traditional divorce process. An annulment is a legal action that declares a marriage invalid—essentially treating it as though it never occurred. In Utah, annulments are only granted for specific legal grounds, such as bigamy, fraud, lack of consent, or incapacity to marry. Unlike divorce, an annulment erases the marriage from a legal standpoint. With that being said, issues such as child custody and property rights may still need to be resolved. If you have any questions about the annulment process—from eligibility to filing requirements—our Lehi family lawyers are available to help.  
• Property Division: One of the most challenging aspects of a divorce in Lehi is determining who gets what. Property division can be difficult—especially so for high-income and high-asset couples. Utah is an equitable distribution state. A divorcing couple’s marital property is divided in a fair (equitable) manner. That can be but is by no means guaranteed to be, a 50/50 split. To be clear, both marital property (acquired during the marriage) and separate property (owned before marriage or received as a gift/inheritance) are considered, but only marital property is divided. Notably, the debts accumulated during the marriage are also subject to division. Our Lehi family lawyers handle the full range of property division issues. We are qualified to help net-worth divorcing couples handle complex assets. 

• Spousal Support: Spousal support (alimony) in Utah is not automatic. Instead, it can be awarded based on the financial needs of one spouse and the other spouse’s ability to pay. The court considers several factors including the recipient’s earning capacity, the payer’s ability to provide support, the length of the marriage, and the standard of living established during the marriage. We represent spouses who may be entitled to receive alimony and spouses who may be required to pay alimony. If you have any questions about spousal support and divorce, our Lehi family lawyer can help. 

• Child Custody: For parents, custody can be especially stressful. If you are divorcing, separating, or are already divorced/separated, it is imperative that you have a proper child custody arrangement in place. Your relationship with your children matters. The term child custody in Utah County refers to both physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody is the physical residence of the child. Legal custody is parental decision-making authority related to the child’s upbringing. The best interests of the child standard are used by courts to resolve any disputes over custody or visitation. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact our Lehi child custody attorney today. 
• Child Support: Child support in Utah is determined according to state guidelines, which calculate payments based on the income of both parents, the number of children, and the custody arrangement. The guidelines use a formula that accounts for the parents’ gross incomes, childcare costs, and health insurance expenses. Child support is mandatory and is intended to cover the child’s basic needs, including food, housing, clothing, and education. The support continues until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school—whichever comes later. Child support is cut off at a child’s 19th birthday except in exceptional circumstances. If you have any questions or concerns about child support obligations, our Lehi family lawyers are here as a resource.
• Paternity Cases: Paternity is required for a man to have rights (and responsibilities) as a father in Utah. For married couples, paternity is automatic. For unmarried couples, it needs to be proactively established. If both parents agree on parentage, that is straightforward and can be done through a voluntary acknowledgement. However, if there is any dispute, the process is more complicated. A paternity suit is a legal proceeding to establish the biological and legal father of a child. Courts may order genetic testing when there is a conflict over parentage. Our Lehi family lawyers handle the full range of paternity cases. 
• Domestic Violence:  In Utah, domestic violence includes any criminal offense involving violence or physical harm, or the threat of violence or harm, committed by one cohabitant against another. Utah law provides for protective orders to prevent further abuse, which can be issued on an emergency basis and without the alleged abuser’s knowledge initially. These orders can include a wide range of provisions—from a no-contact order to temporary custody of children. We advocate for justice and safety for victims of domestic abuse. We also represent people who have been falsely accused. Our Lehi family law attorneys provide compassionate representation in domestic violence cases.
• DCFS Actions: The Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) is the state agency that is responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment in Utah. Notably, the DCFS has the power to remove children from their homes and initiate court proceedings to terminate parental rights. These investigations can be highly invasive and  they can move quickly. Parents in Lehi have important legal rights throughout the process, but they must act to protect them. Our Lehi family attorneys represent parents and guardians at every stage of DCFS proceedings—from investigation of alleged misconduct through formal court hearings and, if necessary, an appeal. We communicate directly with DCFS on your behalf and work to resolve safety concerns while protecting your parental rights. If you have any questions, our Lehi DCFS lawyer is here as a resource.
• Adoption Cases: Adoption is the legal process through which a person or couple becomes the permanent parent(s) of a child. Utah law requires background checks, home studies, court filings, and, in some cases, the termination of biological parental rights. There are several different types of adoption in Utah, including private adoption, agency adoption, foster care adoption, and step-parent adoption. While deeply rewarding, the process can be stressful and confusing. Our Lehi family lawyers have the skills, knowledge, and experience to help prospective parents navigate all types of adoption proceedings. 

An Overview of the Divorce Laws and Divorce Process in Utah

Many people reach out to a family law attorney in Lehi because they are preparing for or going through a divorce. Divorce is complicated. It can be a stressful process. On top of the emotions, there are many legal and logistical issues. It is crucial that you have a general understanding of your rights and your responsibilities. Here is an overview of the divorce laws and divorce process in Utah: 

• A 90-Day Residency Requirement (County of Filing): You can get divorced in Utah even if you got married in another jurisdiction. However, you must meet the residency requirement in order to be allowed to file. In Utah, there is a 90-day residency requirement. You must have lived in the county (Utah County for Lehi) for at least 90 days to file for divorce. 

• Most Divorces are No-Fault Divorces: Utah primarily operates under a no-fault divorce system. A spouse can file for divorce without proving wrongdoing by the other party. The most common ground for no-fault divorce in Utah is irreconcilable differences, which simply acknowledge that the marriage cannot be saved. While less common, there are also some fault-based grounds for divorce in our estate. 

• A Divorce May Be Contested or Uncontested: In Utah, a divorce can be contested or uncontested. A contested divorce is a divorce in which a court needs to decide on one or more material family law matters—such as property division, spousal support, or child custody. An uncontested divorce is one that has been fully settled by the spouses. An uncontested divorce is generally faster and less expensive. 
• 30-day Waiting Period to Finalize Divorce: State law imposes a 30-day waiting period from the date the divorce petition is filed before the court can finalize the divorce. Technically, you can file a petition to seek a waiver for the mandatory waiting period. However, it will only be granted in very narrow circumstances. Most people in Lehi should be prepared to wait at least 30 days after filing for a divorce to be finalized. 

Of course, getting a divorce in Lehi is about a lot more than completing the paperwork and meeting all of the legal requirements. Divorce is about addressing and resolving all of the key family law issues—from property division to child custody—that impact your life with your spouse. Our Lehi, UT divorce attorneys provide truly comprehensive family law representation that is designed to set our clients up for a better, more stable future.

We Put an Emphasis On Helping People Find Amicable Family Law Solutions

Most people are looking for an amicable, cost-effective solution to their family law case. A collaborative approach—whether through negotiation, mediation, or another method—can often help. Our Lehi family and divorce attorneys put an emphasis on helping people find collaborative solutions whenever possible. We are skilled in mediation and negotiation.  

At the same time, we are an experienced domestic litigation law firm. Our trial-tested Lehi family lawyers are always ready to take aggressive action to protect your rights. You matter. What is best for you should never take a backseat to your spouse/co-parent. Our Lehi family and divorce attorneys are prepared to take your case as far as it needs to go to get the best results. 

Why Trust Our Lehi Family Lawyers

Family law is complicated. Any type of family law case can be stressful and confusing. At CoilLaw, we see you, we hear you, and we are here to advocate for your best interests. Our founding attorney Jill Coil is committed to encouraging and empowering clients. You can learn more about us and reach out to us with any specific questions about your case. We are proactive and we believe in personalized service. Along with other things, our Lehi family law attorneys are prepared to: 

• Conduct a comprehensive initial consultation;
• Answer any questions you have about family law in Utah; 
• Investigate the matter—gathering and organizing relevant information; 
• Represent you in any settlement negotiations with a spouse/co-parent; and
• Develop a strategy focused on helping you secure the best outcome for your needs. 

Family and Divorce in Lehi, UT: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I am getting divorce in Lehi—will I have to go to court?

Maybe. Not every divorce in Utah requires a court appearance. If you and your spouse agree on all major terms, the court may be able to finalize the divorce without a hearing. A brief appearance (or no formal appearance) may be needed. However, in contested divorce cases, court appearances—often several if the case goes to a full trial—will likely be required. 

Can a child custody order be changed after it is finalized in Utah?

Yes. As long as the child custody order is still active, it can be modified in Utah. However, courts will not necessarily modify a child custody order/agreement simply because one parent desires it. There needs to be a substantial and material change in circumstances that justifies a modification. A change might involve a parent relocating to another town, job schedule shifts, or concerns about the child’s welfare. Our Lehi family lawyer can help you navigate a modification case. 

What happens if one parent does not pay court-ordered child support in Utah?

Child support is legally binding when a court order is put in place in Utah. There can be serious consequences for falling behind on support obligations. The failure to pay child support can lead to a garnishment of wages, the interception of tax refund, the suspension of a driver’s license and/or professional license, and even the delinquent parent being held in contempt of court. If you are owed support, an experienced Lehi, UT family lawyer can help you seek enforcement.

Do grandparents have any visitation rights in Utah?

It depends. Grandparents can petition for legally-protected child visitation in certain circumstances under Utah law. However, they will by no means be automatically granted. A grandparent’s rights are far secondary to a parent’s rights. Still, a court in Utah may grant visitation to a grandparent if it finds it is in the child’s best interests and that the parent is unreasonably denying access. The burden of proof is high—especially if both parents are alive and object. There is a balance between the inherent rights of parents to care for their children and the best interests of the child.

Contact Our Lehi Family and Divorce Attorney for a Confidential Consultation

At CoilLaw, our Lehi family and divorce lawyers are standing by, ready to help you find the best solution for your specific situation. If you have specific questions about family law, we can help. If you have any questions about family law, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a fully confidential consultation. We provide family and divorce services in Lehi, Utah County, and beyond.