Divorce Attorney in American Fork
Over 30 Years of Combined Experience Serving Utah County Families
Divorce touches every part of a family’s life, from where children sleep each night to how retirement savings are divided. At Stevens & Gailey, PLLC, we represent individuals and families navigating divorce in American Fork, UT, with over 30 years of combined legal experience across family law and criminal defense. Whether your case is straightforward or involves contested custody, protective orders, or allegations of misconduct, our attorneys are prepared to guide you through every stage.
We handle all aspects of family law connected to divorce: child custody, parenting plans, alimony, asset division, and more. Our bilingual services in English and Spanish, virtual and in-office consultations, and flexible payment plans make high-quality representation accessible to Utah County families across a range of circumstances.
Call (801) 761-2124 now or contact us online to schedule your consultation. We offer flexible payment plans and bilingual services in English and Spanish to support your needs.
Key Issues That Must Be Resolved in a Utah Divorce
Before a court issues a final decree, every divorce requires resolution of a defined set of legal and financial matters. These issues shape both immediate living arrangements and long-term stability.
The main issues include:
- Property division
- Debt allocation
- Child custody
- Parenting time/visitation
- Child support
- Alimony (spousal support)
- Division of retirement accounts
- Business ownership interests
- Tax considerations
- Health insurance and benefits
The Divorce Process in Utah
The path to divorce in Utah is governed by the Utah Code and the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure. The process can range from a relatively quick uncontested resolution to prolonged contested litigation. Our attorneys guide clients through every stage, from filing to potential trial.
Typical stages include:
- Filing the petition: starting the case and putting the other party on notice.
- Temporary orders: immediate short-term rulings on custody, support, and possession of the home.
- Discovery and negotiation: exchanging financial documents, appraisals, and evidence to build toward resolution.
- Mediation or settlement talks: most cases resolve by agreement through careful negotiation.
- Trial: when agreement isn’t possible, we prepare to litigate and present evidence to the court.
Grounds for Divorce in Utah
Utah is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you don’t have to prove wrongdoing to end your marriage. The most common ground is irreconcilable differences, which establishes that the marriage has irretrievably broken down with no reasonable expectation of reconciliation.
Utah law also permits fault-based grounds. While the no-fault path is typically simpler, citing a fault ground can be strategically relevant in some cases, particularly when it comes to property division or spousal support. Proving fault requires a higher burden of proof and can extend the process, so the decision warrants careful analysis.
Fault-based grounds for divorce in Utah include:
- Adultery
- Willful desertion for more than one year
- Cruel treatment causing bodily injury or great mental distress
- Habitual drunkenness
- Willful neglect to provide common necessities of life
- Felony conviction
- Incurable insanity
- Impotence at the time of marriage
We help clients evaluate the most appropriate grounds for their case, weighing the practical benefits and drawbacks of each option before moving forward.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in American Fork
Not every divorce follows the same path. The distinction between contested and uncontested determines how long the process takes, how much it costs, and what role the court plays in resolving disputes.
Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all key terms, including property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support, and present a marital settlement agreement to the court for approval. This path is typically faster, less expensive, and less emotionally taxing than contested litigation. Even when spouses have reached their own agreement, having an attorney review the marital settlement agreement protects your rights and helps avoid terms that may create problems later.
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce arises when spouses can’t agree on one or more issues. These cases move through negotiation, mediation, and, if necessary, litigation in the Utah County Fourth District Court. Contested cases can take several months to a year or more, depending on complexity. When proceedings involve allegations of misconduct or intersect with criminal matters such as domestic violence or protective orders, having attorneys experienced in both family law and criminal defense can be valuable. We handle both paths and are prepared to litigate on your behalf when a negotiated resolution isn’t possible.
Driven by integrity, compassion, & commitment Why Choose Stevens & Gailey, PLLC?
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Trusted AdvisorsWhether facing complex legal challenges or high-value disputes, you need a firm you can trust. With extensive experience and a reputation for excellence, we are here to guide you through every step with confidence and expertise.
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Unwavering CommitmentYour success is our priority. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to deliver the best possible outcomes, offering personalized attention and a strategic approach that’s always focused on your needs.
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Tailored StrategiesHandling complex, high-stakes cases requires a deep understanding of financial intricacies. We specialize in managing high-net-worth cases, crafting personalized legal strategies designed to protect your assets and interests.
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Bilingual Legal ExpertiseWe’re proud to offer legal services in both English and Spanish. Our bilingual team ensures that language is never a barrier to receiving top-tier legal representation, providing clear communication for all our clients.
Why American Fork Families Choose Stevens & Gailey, PLLC
Divorce cases don’t always fit a single mold. Some involve straightforward asset division; others bring custody disputes, protective orders, or financial misconduct into the picture. Our background in both family law and criminal defense means we can handle the full range of circumstances that arise in American Fork divorce cases, including situations where those two areas of law intersect.
Practical access matters too. We offer bilingual legal services in English and Spanish, so clients can discuss their case in the language they’re most comfortable with. Consultations are available virtually or in-office with flexible scheduling, and we provide affordable fees with payment plans designed to make quality representation reachable. Learn more about our attorneys and approach at our firm page.
Throughout your case, we prioritize clear communication. Every step of the process is explained in plain terms, and our team remains accessible as your case develops. You won’t be left guessing where things stand or what comes next.
Call us at (801) 761-2124 or reach out online right now for a compassionate and collaborative approach to your divorce case.
