I Live in Utah and my Spouse Lives in Another State; Should I File for Divorce in Utah?

Years ago, you and your spouse realized your marriage wasn’t working.

You moved back to Utah, probably to be closer to family, and your spouse stayed where you were living.

Now, you’ve decided it’s time to divorce, but you’re not sure where you should file.

Here in Utah? Back where we used to live?

The answer depends on a few things.

First, how long you’ve been in Utah. If you don’t have kids, and you’ve been here for more than 3 months, then you can file in Utah. If you have kids, and they’ve been in Utah for more than six months, then you can file in Utah.

Second, where your property and stuff is located. If your property is located where you used to live, and your spouse has never been to Utah, then you may need to file for divorce where you used to live. That’s a pretty odd set of circumstances that doesn’t happen often, so you’ll likely be fine filing in Utah, even if your property is in another state.

Third, which state has laws that will benefit you the most. All states have different divorce laws. For example, Indiana has very restrictive alimony laws, as does Texas. On the other hand, California and New York have very progressive generous alimony laws. If you had to choose between trying to get alimony in Utah and trying to get alimony in Indiana, you’ll almost always come out ahead in Utah. If you had to choose between fighting for alimony in Utah or California, you’ll almost always want to pick California.

Alimony is just one example. You’ll want to sit down with attorneys in both states and compare what you can expect to happen in each. That will help you decide where to file for divorce.

Call Brown Family Law

If you find yourself facing a Utah divorce or paternity situation, please call 801.685.9999 for an in-person consultation, or use our online scheduling tool.

Excellent

Brown Family Law

4.8

Based on 910 reviews

See all reviews

Meghann Christensen

I cannot say enough good about my experience with Brown Family Law. Ray Hingson and paralegal Carren did an excellent job with my case. I will definitely use this firm again for any legal issues.

Monica Cooper

I have worked with Andrew Christensen many times in a variety of situations. I am very impressed with his friendly demeanor in a difficult situation. I would highly recommend him to you without any reservations.

Michael Bringhurst

Highly recommend Brown Family Law. Life is hard, divorce is harder, and Andrew Christensen is your guy to help you through to the other side.

David Thimm

When you’re going through a tough time and need legal help, this firm isn’t just a one-person operation. It’s a team of attorneys who work together to support you every step of the way. So you’re not just getting a lawyer, you’re getting a legal team behind you.

Navigating the legal system was a steep learning curve for me, and my situation was fairly complex. What stood out about this law firm was the way multiple attorneys collaborated to address my case. It wasn’t just one person working in isolation, but a team supporting each other to find the best path forward. That kind of collective effort is a real strength, especially in hard out complex situations like mine.

There was one issue I felt should have had a different outcome with the court. When I brought it up, the team responded in a very professional and respectful manner, which I truly appreciated. It came to my understanding that the legal system sometimes works in a way that is distant than I thought. This was presented to me in a way that someone outside of the legal system could understand.

In my experience, this firm takes the time to not only assist you, but also help you understand why things are happening. That made a big difference for me, and it’s something that really sets them apart.

Response from the owner:David, thank you for our conversation and taking the time to leave this review.

Steve Baum

My experience with Jennifer and Brown Family Law was nothing short of amazing. From the very beginning of my initial consultation all the through until my case was settled, I was well taken care of and updated every step of the way. I felt like my team genuinely cared about the outcome of my case, which was refreshing. You get what you pay for, and Brown Family was worth every penny. To say I highly recommend this group is an understatement.

Response from the owner:Thank you very much, Steve. Glad Jennifer took good care of you.

Casey Bingham

Andrew Christensen was a great divorce lawyer. He is very experienced, professional, and was great to work with during this difficult process.

Response from the owner:Casey, thank you and so glad Andrew served you well.

Brian Lapp

Made my divorce quick and painless. 5 months ago I was feeling very overwhelmed. There was legal issues with protective orders, my ex wife had taken my kids to another country without my consent, I was in way over my head. After speaking with brown law they calmed my nerves took over my case. A few video calls and 5 months later my divorce is finalized with a fair outcome for everyone. It was easy and stress fee, it didn’t even feel like I was going through a divorce.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Brian. Sorry you went through all of that, but glad we were able to help.

Tashell Smith

Jennifer was excellent! She was always responsive and kept me updated on my case. while the billing was a little different from what I expected, her expertise was invaluable. I highly recommend her. And I appreciate everything she's done for me and may case.

Response from the owner:Jennifer, thank you and glad Jennifer was able to help you and kept you updated.

Lesia Patterson

Going through the divorce process can be overwhelming, exhausting and emotionally draining.
I did my homework to find the perfect lawyer to represent me knowing I could have peace of mind throughout the process.
Leilani Whitmer and her paralegal Idania did not disappoint. Their professionalism and dedication to my case was outstanding and fair.
Leilani had just had surgery a few days before mediation and showed up on crutches and ready to go. That’s dedication!!!
I am highly recommending them to anyone looking to feel at ease during a difficult time.

Response from the owner:Lesia, glad Leilani and Dani took such good care of you.

Belynda Magalei Winger

Anne-Greyson helped me with my post divorce issues after Clay handled my divorce. She was amazing in getting my issues resolved and I was even more thankful to have worked with Brown Family Law again. I will never stop praising this team for all of their hard work!!

Response from the owner:Belynda, thank you for your kind words.

More reviews

I Live in Utah and my Spouse Lives in Another State; Should I File for Divorce in Utah?

Related Posts