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 Prepare for Your First Family Law Consultation

Jeremy AtwoodFamily Law

family law consultation with a utah attorney

Most people don’t schedule a family law consultation unless something important is already on the line. A marriage may be ending. A custody issue may be developing. Financial stability, parenting time, or long-term rights may be at stake.  And for many people, that first meeting with a family law attorney comes at a moment when the pressure feels very real. … Read More

What to Know About Obtaining a Death Certificate in Utah

Jeremy AtwoodFamily Law

death certificate on table at utah law firm

TL;DR: You can request a death certificate in Utah through the state or local health department. You need proper identification and a valid reason. This document helps you handle legal, financial, and administrative tasks after a loss. When a person passes away, paperwork is rarely the first thing families want to think about.  However, a death certificate becomes one of … Read More

What Is a Probate Lawyer & When You May Want to Hire One

Jeremy AtwoodFamily Law

Attorney Jeremy Atwood greeting clients in his office during a probate consultation.

Most people don’t think about probate until they’re suddenly dragged into it. One day, you’re sorting through a loved one’s estate. Next, you’re staring at unfamiliar legal documents, deadlines, and a probate court calendar that doesn’t seem to care about your grief.  A skilled probate lawyer steps in as someone who can take the weight of a complicated legal process … Read More

What Is a Utah Advance Health Care Directive and Why Do You Need One?

Jeremy AtwoodFamily Law

advance care directive utah paperwork

Life has a way of surprising us. Sometimes those surprises are beautiful, like a new grandchild or a long-awaited trip. Other times, they’re harder to face.  One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is clarity about what kind of medical treatment you’d want if you couldn’t speak for yourself. That’s exactly what a Utah Advance Health … Read More

Why Hiring a Local Family Law Attorney Matters in Utah 

Marketing MopheadFamily Law

consulting with a family law attorney

When something shifts inside your family, everything else shifts with it. Decisions about divorce, child custody, or child support carry long-term consequences that touch your home, finances, and relationship with your children. These are no small details, and they deserve the utmost support and attention. In Utah, the outcome of family law cases often depends on how the family court … Read More

How Guardianship Works in Utah: When and Why It’s Needed

Jeremy AtwoodFamily Law

guardianship and when it's needed in utah

TL;DR: In Utah, guardianship involves appointing a responsible individual to care for a minor or incapacitated adult. The court evaluates the need for guardianship, considering the person’s well-being, and appoints a guardian who manages personal, financial, or medical decisions. There are moments in life when someone we care about, like an aging parent, an adult child with a disability, or … Read More

How to Choose Between a Living Trust and a Will in Utah

Jeremy AtwoodFamily Law

choosing between a living trust and a will

TL;DR: Choosing between a living trust and a will depends on your estate planning goals. A living trust helps you avoid probate and provides more control over asset distribution during your lifetime, while a will is simpler but requires probate after death. Deciding how to pass on your property is one of the most significant steps you can take to … Read More

How Legal Separation Affects Child Custody in Layton

Jeremy AtwoodChild Custody, Family Law

chalkboard with letters spelling child custody

Like the rest of Utah, in Layton, couples can file for a divorce and legally end their marriage. However, if you aren’t sure about taking such a drastic step, you might think about legal separation. It’s often a critical step for couples who are contemplating divorce. Unlike a divorce, a legal separation allows you to live apart while still remaining … Read More

The Role of a Family Law Attorney in Drafting Separation Agreements in Utah

Jeremy AtwoodFamily Law

paternity attorney

The path of separation is strewn with tough decisions, emotional conversations, and yes, piles of paperwork. Each step can feel like a minefield, where even the smallest misstep can lead to complications down the line. Decisions about who gets what, how to divide shared assets, and determining custody arrangements can be overwhelming. You’ll need a well-drafted divorce separation agreement to … Read More