How Long Does a Divorce Take in Utah?
If you are considering ending your marriage, one of your first questions may be: how long does a divorce take in Utah? Utah law requires a minimum waiting period, but the total timeline depends on whether the spouses agree, whether children are involved, and how complicated the financial and custody issues become.
Utah’s 30-Day Divorce Waiting Period
Utah law generally requires at least 30 days between the date the divorce petition is filed and the date a judge signs the final divorce decree. A court may waive this waiting period only when extraordinary circumstances justify doing so.
However, the 30-day rule is only a legal minimum. It does not mean every divorce will be completed on day 30. All required documents must be properly filed, the other spouse must receive legal notice, and the parties must resolve every issue before a judge can finalize the case.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Utah if It Is Uncontested?
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on every major issue, including:
- Child custody and parent-time
- Child support
- Alimony
- Division of property and debts
- Responsibility for attorney fees
An uncontested case is generally the fastest type of divorce. If both spouses cooperate, submit complete paperwork, and satisfy all court requirements, the divorce may be finalized soon after the 30-day waiting period ends.
Delays can still occur because of incomplete forms, court scheduling, required parenting classes, or disagreements that arise during the process. The parties are not legally divorced until the judge signs the final divorce decree.
How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take?
A contested divorce occurs when the spouses disagree about one or more terms. These cases commonly take several months and may last a year or longer when they involve complex property, business interests, disputed custody, expert evaluations, or a trial. Utah Courts notes that divorce and custody cases can sometimes take a year or more to complete.
When the responding spouse files an answer, the parties generally must participate in at least one mediation session before the case can move forward. The court may excuse mediation when there is good cause.
Mediation can help spouses resolve disagreements without asking a judge to decide every issue. If mediation does not produce a complete agreement, the case may proceed through additional hearings, discovery, settlement negotiations, and eventually trial.
Factors That Can Delay a Utah Divorce
Several procedural requirements can influence how long a divorce takes. After receiving the petition, a spouse served in Utah generally has 21 days to file an answer. A spouse served outside Utah generally has 30 days.
Parents with children under age 18 must also complete Utah’s required divorce orientation and parenting courses. The petitioner must complete the courses within 60 days after filing. The court generally will not sign the final order until both parents have completed the courses or received a waiver.
Other common causes of delay include:
- Difficulty serving a spouse
- Incomplete financial disclosures
- Disputes over the value of a home or business
- Requests for temporary custody or support orders
- Failure to submit documents by court deadlines
- Disagreements involving child custody or parent-time
Can You Speed Up the Divorce Process?
Although you cannot control every part of the process, you may be able to reduce unnecessary delays. Gather financial records early, respond promptly to document requests, complete required courses, and approach negotiations with clear priorities.
Working with an experienced Utah divorce attorney can also help ensure documents are prepared correctly and important legal issues are addressed before they develop into larger disputes.
Speak With a Utah Divorce Attorney
So, how long does a divorce take in Utah? An agreed divorce may be completed relatively quickly after the mandatory 30-day waiting period, while a contested divorce may take many months or longer. Every family’s circumstances are different.
Larsen Law Firm helps Utah clients understand their options and move through the divorce process with greater confidence. Contact our office to discuss your situation and receive legal guidance based on the specific details of your case.
