Utah Divorce Cost Estimator
Estimate your total cost of divorce in Utah using verified state data. Filing fees, attorney rates, child support, and alimony, all in one place.
Utah divorces typically cost 36% less than the national average of $12,900.
Divorce in Utah
- Property system
- Equitable distribution
- Filing fee
- $318
- Waiting period
- 90 days
- Residency requirement
- 90 days
- Uncontested cost range
- $1,500 - $4,500
- Attorney hourly rate
- $225/hr - $400/hr
Divorce Cost Estimator in Utah: What You Should Know
Utah requires mediation in contested cases, which adds an upfront cost but settles many disputes before trial. The filing fee is a relatively high $318, attorney rates run $225 to $400 per hour, and a 90-day waiting period applies. Uncontested cases cost $1,500 to $4,500, while contested cases run $12,000 to $38,000. Because mediation is mandatory, fewer Utah divorces reach a full trial, which often holds total costs below what a litigated case would reach. Property is divided equitably.
Key point: Utah requires mediation before a contested divorce can go to trial, which adds a session cost but settles many cases for far less than litigation.
Where will you file, and what type of divorce are you expecting?
Locked to Utah on this page.
Divorce Cost in Utah - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does divorce cost in Utah?
An uncontested divorce in Utah typically runs $1,500 - $4,500, while a contested divorce ranges from $12,000 - $38,000. Your actual cost depends on whether you and your spouse agree on the major terms, how complex your assets are, and whether children are involved. The calculator on this page gives you a personalized estimate based on your situation.
What is the filing fee for divorce in Utah?
The court filing fee for divorce in Utah is $318. Add about $60 for serving papers on your spouse. Filing fees vary by county, so check with your local court for the exact amount. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay.
How long does divorce take in Utah?
An uncontested divorce in Utah usually takes about 4 months from filing to final judgment, while contested cases average around 12 months. Utah requires a mandatory waiting period of 90 days after filing before a divorce can be finalized. You also need to meet a residency requirement of 90 days before filing.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Utah?
No, Utah allows you to file for divorce without a lawyer (called pro se filing). For uncontested divorces with no children and few shared assets, many people file successfully on their own. If your case involves children, retirement accounts, real estate, a business, or any disagreement, hiring an attorney is strongly worth considering. Utah attorneys typically charge $225/hr - $400/hr. Utah also requires mediation in many divorce cases, which can reduce the need for adversarial legal representation.
How is property divided in a Utah divorce?
Utah follows equitable distribution, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly based on the circumstances, not always equally. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property (assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance) usually stays with the original owner. Retirement accounts, real estate, business interests, and pensions often need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide, which typically costs $500 to $1,500 in Utah.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.