10/30/2026
"I want a divorce." Now what?
We get that divorce wasn't part of the plan when you said "I do."
But many people in our Have You Met? community have been through it, and some are navigating it right now.
Relationships change. Life changes. And sometimes moving forward means legally closing one chapter before beginning another.
For this week's Fine Print Fridays, our Community Advocate Partner, Intermountain Legal, is sharing what you can expect during a divorce in Utah.
Because saying "I want a divorce" might feel like the end, but legally, it's the beginning of a process.
Here's how it generally works:
1. Filing & Serving
One spouse files for divorce, and the other is served. They generally have 21 days to respond if served in Utah or 30 days if served outside Utah.
2. Temporary Orders
Courts can make temporary decisions about custody, support, housing, and expenses while the divorce is pending.
3. Dividing Your Life
Property, debts, alimony, and arrangements for children need to be addressed. If both spouses agree, the divorce may proceed uncontested.
4. Mediation or Court
Utah generally requires mediation for contested divorces. If disagreements remain, a judge may decide them.
5. Making It Official
Utah generally has a 30-day minimum waiting period, but the process can take longer. Your divorce is final when the judge signs the Decree of Divorce.
How to Date Smart
Whether you're divorcing, recently divorced, or dating someone who's separated, understanding the difference between separated, filed, and legally divorced matters.
And remember, there's no universal timeline for the emotional side of starting over.
Our community includes people who've never married, people who've been married more than once, and people rebuilding after relationships they thought would last forever.
Everyone has a story, and there's room for all of them here.
For those who've been through a divorce, what's one thing you wish you'd known beforehand?
Your experience might help someone navigating it today.
Fine Print Fridays is a weekly educational series presented by Intermountain Legal.
This post provides general information only and is not legal advice.
