Layton Divorce Lawyers

Divorce Help Right Here in Layton, Utah

Divorce is hard—emotionally, financially, and legally. In Layton, many families face tough choices when it comes to separating, especially when children or shared property are involved. Our firm understands what’s at stake and offers clear, dependable guidance from start to finish. We’ve worked with clients throughout Layton, including neighborhoods like East Layton, Fairfield, and Valley View, and we’re familiar with the Second District Court in nearby Farmington, where most divorce cases are filed.

Why You Need a Layton-Based Divorce Attorney

It’s not just about filling out paperwork. Divorce often involves contested custody, division of significant assets, or disagreements about spousal support. In Utah, mistakes during the process can delay your case or affect your future. We help clients in Layton avoid these issues by managing every legal detail and keeping their goals front and center.

We’ve represented teachers from Layton High School, Hill Air Force Base personnel, and local small business owners—people who need strong representation and compassionate guidance. Whether your divorce is amicable or heated, we’ll be your advocate every step of the way.

Utah Divorce Basics

Utah is a no-fault divorce state. That means you don’t need to prove that your spouse did anything wrong. You only need to show that the marriage is broken and can’t be fixed. But if one party’s behavior—such as abuse, addiction, or infidelity—has impacted the marriage, it can still influence things like custody or alimony.

To file in Layton:

One spouse must have lived in Davis County for at least three months.
There’s a mandatory 30-day waiting period after filing.
If you have minor children, you must complete court-required parenting courses.

How Property Is Divided

Utah courts divide marital property equitably. That means “fairly,” not necessarily equally. We help clients protect assets like homes in Layton’s Hidden Hollow or Vistas at East Gate, retirement savings, and family businesses. Debts, like shared credit cards or auto loans, are also part of the equation. We’ll work to ensure you receive what you’re entitled to—and protect what’s yours.

Some of the factors that Utah courts use to determine how property should ultimately be divided include:

When the property was acquired, property acquired by either spouse before their marriage is not considered marital property and, therefore, not subject to division.
Each spouse’s contributions to the marriage and financial needs.
Each spouse’s age, health, contributions, and earning capacity.

Finally, Utah courts must also consider the non-monetary contributions made by both spouses during the marriage. Non-monetary contributions may include determining the value of work provided by the stay-at-home spouse, such as:

Childcare
Household chores
Supporting the other spouse professionally

If you still need clarification about how courts in Utah determine how marital property should be divided, contact Fontenot Law, P.C. and book an appointment with a member of our legal staff who can provide you with more information

Talk to a Layton Divorce Lawyer Today

If you’re going through a divorce or just considering your options, we’re here to help. We’ll guide you through child custody, support, property division, and more. Call us today at 801-312-9330 or schedule your free consultation online. We serve clients throughout Layton and surrounding areas like Kaysville, Syracuse, and Clearfield.

FAQ

Q: Where do I file for divorce if I live in Layton?
A: Divorce cases for Layton residents are typically filed at the Second District Court in Farmington, which serves all of Davis County.

Q: Do I have to go to court in person for my divorce in Layton?
A: Not always. Some uncontested divorces can be handled without a court appearance. However, if there are disputes over custody, support, or property, a hearing may be required. We’ll prepare you for every step.

The Importance Of Having An Attorney In Your Divorce Case

While divorce is incredibly common these days, it’s not something anyone wants to experience. Between the emotional aspect of separating from your partner and the logistics involved when dividing up assets, it’s easy to see why going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful times in one’s life.

Our team of attorneys have worked on countless divorce cases, each with their own unique set of circumstances, but with the common goal of finding a positive and amicable resolution. We understand the significance of the trust our clients put in us when they bring us onto their case.

Divorce cases can start off seemingly simple and straightforward, but we often see them ending up being more complex and drawn out than either party anticipated, even when it’s fairly amicable.

Navigating the legal system, filing the paperwork, noting deadlines, and ensuring that the final decree is in your best interest are all aspects that you don’t want to handle alone. No matter where you’re at in the divorce process, our team is here and ready to help. To get started, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

How Long Do Divorce Proceedings Take to Complete?

The amount of time it takes to obtain a divorce depends on several factors, such as whether the couple can agree on issues that frequently include child support, child custody, parenting time, spousal support, or property division.

If the parties fail to agree on these vital issues, such as in a contested divorce, their divorce can be significantly delayed. The judge overseeing their case may order them to go through mediation to try and negotiate a resolution to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation.

However, if both spouses agree to an uncontested divorce, the time it takes to obtain a divorce can be relatively short.

Additionally, if couples have minor children, the fathers and mothers must participate in mandatory educational and orientation courses. A judge can sign a divorce decree once both parents have completed the required training.

Finally, Utah also requires a 30-day waiting period after a petition divorce petition has been filed. A judge may not sign a divorce decree until after the 30 days have elapsed. However, one of the spouses may request the court waive the 30-day waiting period if they can prove they have extraordinary circumstances that warrant such an action.

What Makes Fontenot Law, P.C. the Best Choice to Handle My Divorce Case?

The legal team of Fontenot Law, P.C. recognizes that obtaining a divorce can be devastating for both parties. In cases of high-asset divorce, complex financial issues often must be resolved before a judgment can be reached.

If you have been separated or have come to the difficult decision that your marriage must end, you need to hire a divorce attorney who will fight for your rights. Our law firm is qualified to handle various types of divorces, including those that involve a non-U.S. citizen, immigrant, and LGBTQ. Our attorneys can also handle divorce modification issues for our clients.

Divorce is never easy, but our highly trained legal team is dedicated to members of the LGBTQ community clients to get through this time of their lives so they can start building the next chapter. Contact Fontenot Law, P.C. of Woods Cross, UT, at 801-448-0156 to schedule a free case evaluation to determine your legal needs and learn how we can help.

Divorce Attorneys in Layton, Utah