Family Law Attorneys in Davis County

Davis County’s Family Law Attorneys

Family law is a fairly broad term that encompasses many types of cases, including divorce, alimony, child custody, modification of existing orders, and more.

While family law cases aren’t the only types of legal cases we work on, it’s what we’re best known for in the Davis County and surrounding area.

What Cases Does a Family Law Attorney Handle?

Our family law attorneys work on a variety of legal issues. Some of the more common types of cases we see are:

• Divorce
• Child support
• Guardianship
• Paternity issues
• Visitation agreements

Divorce is typically the most common legal issue that a family lawyer handles. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist spouses with separation, mediation, or negotiations regarding child or spousal support.

Unlike other types of cases where parties go their separate ways after their legal matters are resolved, divorced spouses may still have to interact with one another if they have minor children. At Fontenot Law, P.C., we aim to help individuals and families find real-life solutions for their legal issues. Our law firm recognizes that it can be challenging to think about going to court against someone in your own family. We’ll be with you at every stage of your case to ensure your peace of mind remains intact, and so we can give you the keys to start fresh – no matter the situation.

Contact our office and schedule a consultation with one of our family attorneys to discuss possible solutions to your case.

What Types of Child Custody Arrangements Are Available in Utah?

One of the most contentious aspects of any divorce can come down to who should have child custody and how visitation arrangements should be decided. Under Utah law, a family court could order several types of child custody arrangements. These child custody arrangements include:

• Sole physical and sole legal custody: In this type of custody arrangement, the child lives with the custodial parent, who makes all critical life decisions for the child. Important life decisions include religious upbringing, education, and medical decisions. If one parent is awarded sole physical custody, the court typically grants the non-custodial parent parenting time with the child.
• Sole physical and joint legal custody: If the court awards this type of custody, the child will live with one parent for more than 225 nights per year while the other parent is granted regular parenting time. However, joint legal custody significantly differs from sole legal custody arrangements, where one parent makes all the important life decisions for the child. Instead, both parties have an equal say in the decision-making process.
• Joint physical and joint legal custody: In this custody arrangement, the child resides with both parents alternately, with each having physical custody of the child for at least 111 nights per year. Under joint legal custody arrangements, both parties share equally in being able to make important life decisions for the child.

It should be noted that joint physical and joint legal custody is Utah’s most common legal custody arrangement. Courts typically err on the side of caution when deciding custody arrangements, especially if there has been a prior history of child abuse or domestic violence.

Fontenot Law, P.C. can assist you with understanding what custody arrangements may suit your situation.

How Do Utah Courts Determine Spousal Support Issues?

Utah law dictates that either spouse may request spousal support. Spousal support, also called alimony, may be granted while a divorce case is ongoing or for a longer period after the divorce has been granted.

Utah courts use various factors when determining whether or not to grant one party alimony, which include:

• The length of the marriage.
• The intended recipient’s earning capacity, such as their ability or inability to work, past employment history, and any income received from other sources.
• Whether the recipient lacks work experience due to them being the primary caregiver to children produced by the marriage.
• The financial needs of the party who wishes to receive spousal support and the ability of the other party to pay.
• Whether the recipient contributed to the paying spouse’s ability to increase their earning capacity by supporting the other spouse during their marriage or helping to pay for their education.
• Whether the recipient has minor children that need child support.

Additionally, the chances of having to pay alimony increase if one party is found to have contributed to the end of the marriage by having an extramarital affair or committing acts of domestic violence.

The family law attorneys of Fontenot Law, P.C. can provide more information about other factors the court may use to determine if spousal support should be awarded.

What Makes Your Law Firm the Best Choice For My Family Law Case?

If you have a family law issue, it is best to seek legal representation immediately. Emotions often run high when deciding on issues that revolve around divorce, spousal support, or child custody, it is always best to hire a skilled family law attorney who will act as your legal advocate.

If you are dealing with complex family law issues, contact our law firm immediately. Our highly trained attorneys can assist you with your legal needs and help you make decisions that will benefit you and your loved ones in the long run.

Contact Fontenot Law, P.C. at 801-448-0156 to schedule a free case evaluation to determine your legal options.