8 Practical Ways to Simplify Your Contested Divorce and Reduce Stress

Jeremy AtwoodDivorce, Family Law

stressed man reviewing legal documents at home desk late at night with warm lamp light

When you first realized that your marriage was heading toward a contested divorce, your mind likely raced to the worst-case scenarios: endless courtroom battles, skyrocketing legal fees and a permanent state of emotional exhaustion. It is a natural reaction. A contested divorce occurs when spouses can’t agree on one or more key issues – whether that is child custody, alimony … Read More

How to Protect Children From Conflict During a Child Centered Divorce

Jeremy AtwoodDivorce

Parent and child sharing a calm outdoor moment in an Ogden Utah neighborhood during a child-centered divorce article

TL;DR: Children suffer because of the conflict they witness during a divorce. You can protect your kids by keeping arguments away from them, maintaining predictable routines, communicating calmly with your co-parent, and never placing them in the middle of adult disputes. Most children do not struggle because their parents divorce. They struggle because of what they are exposed to during … Read More

How to Protect Your Children’s Interests During Divorce 

Jeremy AtwoodDivorce

mother talking to her child

When you’re facing divorce, your heart is likely pulled in two directions at once. You’re dealing with your own grief, fear, and uncertainty while also trying to shield your children from the same feelings. If you’re worried about the effects of divorce on children, you’re not alone. Almost half of the children growing up in the United States have seen … Read More

Divorce Division of Debts in Utah: How Debt Is Divided

Jeremy AtwoodDivorce

couple separating debt in utah

Debt can be one of the most complicated and stressful parts of a divorce. Sometimes, even more so than dividing property or deciding custody arrangements.  When couples separate in Utah, they not only have to determine what they’re entitled to keep, but also who will be responsible for the debts accumulated during the marriage. Household debt in the United States … Read More

How to Calculate Spousal Support in Utah

Jeremy AtwoodDivorce

Law office desk with scale of justice and divorce documents, illustrating Utah alimony factors

Spousal support is one of the most debated (and most misunderstood) parts of a Utah divorce, especially when both sides are trying to predict a number the court never hands out upfront. Our state doesn’t hand you a neat formula when you’re trying to figure out spousal support. There’s no magic Utah spousal support calculator, automatic percentage, or quick plug-and-play … Read More

What Happens If a Spouse Hides Assets During a Utah Divorce?

Jeremy AtwoodDivorce

divorce process with jeremy atwood divorce attorney in his office

TL;DR: Hiding assets during a Utah divorce is illegal and can lead to serious consequences, including contempt of court charges and an unfair division of property. The court has methods to detect hidden assets, and such actions can negatively affect the outcome of your case. Divorce can be challenging enough, but the situation becomes even more stressful if your spouse … Read More

What Happens to Pets in a Utah Divorce?

Jeremy AtwoodDivorce

The family dog with divorcing parents

TL;DR: When it comes to divorce in Utah, pets are considered property, and custody is determined based on ownership and any prior agreements. The court considers the best interests of the pet, including factors like care and living arrangements, when making decisions. Are you worried about who gets pet custody in a divorce?  You’re not alone.  Divorce affects more than … Read More

What is Contested Divorce in Utah? Tips for Protecting Your Rights and Assets

Jeremy AtwoodDivorce

contested divorce lawyers syracuse utah

Most people going through a divorce hope for a smooth process so they can start fresh as soon as possible. But sometimes, disagreements over property, finances, or child custody make it impossible to settle on your own.    Once negotiations stall, the court treats your divorce as contested.   If you’re in this position, you need someone who knows Utah’s divorce laws … Read More

How Domestic Violence Affects Divorce and Custody Cases in Utah

Jeremy AtwoodDivorce

domestic violence divorce lawyer syracuse utah

TL;DR: Domestic violence significantly affects divorce and custody cases in Utah. Courts prioritize the safety and well-being of children and the abused spouse. Evidence of domestic violence can influence custody decisions and division of property, and may also lead to protective orders. Domestic violence not only destroys a marriage but also affects everything that comes after, including divorce and custody … Read More

What Happens to Retirement Accounts in a Utah Divorce?

Jeremy AtwoodDivorce

divorce attorney in layton utah

TL;DR: In a Utah divorce, retirement accounts are considered marital property and may be subject to division. This includes assets like 401(k)s and IRAs, which are divided based on the length of the marriage and other factors, often requiring a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). When a marriage ends, few assets cause as much confusion, or as many disputes, as … Read More