Divorce in Utah: Costs, Laws, and Calculators (2026)

Everything you need to understand the financial reality of divorce in Utah. State-specific costs, formulas, and free calculators.

Avg. uncontested
$1,500 - $4,500
Avg. contested
$12,000 - $38,000
Typical timeline
4 - 12 months
DCE State Score
57 / 100

Utah divorces typically cost 36% less than the national average of $12,900.

Utah requires mediation in contested divorces and applies a 90-day waiting period.

Utah is an equitable distribution state and uses the Income Shares model for child support. One feature sets it apart procedurally: mediation is mandatory in contested cases before they can move toward trial, which keeps more disputes out of the courtroom and can hold down total cost. A 90-day waiting period applies after filing, and the residency requirement is also 90 days. Attorney rates run $225 to $400 per hour, with contested cases typically between $12,000 and $38,000.

Key Fact

Utah requires mediation in contested divorce cases before they can proceed, and the filing fee is $318, one of the higher court fees in the Mountain West.

Recent Development

Effective May 1, 2024, Utah enacted HB 272, known as Om's Law, directing judges to prioritize child safety in custody decisions and to weigh evidence of domestic violence. The law limits reunification therapies that separate a child from a bonded parent, requires credentialed expert witnesses, and mandates child-safety and domestic-violence training for judges and court staff.

Utah Divorce Quick Facts

Verified statutory data, attorney rates, and procedural rules for Utah.

Property division system
Equitable Distribution (judicial discretion)
Alimony formula type
Judicial Discretion
Child support formula
Income Shares Model
Mandatory waiting period
90 days
Residency requirement
90 days
Mediation required
Yes
Equal parenting presumption
No
Fault divorce available
Yes
Collaborative divorce available
Yes
Filing fee range
$318
Attorney hourly rates
$225 - $400/hour
Data last verified
January 1, 2025

DCE State Score Breakdown

Our proprietary index ranks every state on cost, complexity, and timeline. Higher is more favorable.

Overall DCE State Score

57/ 100

A score of 57 means Utah is roughly average in terms of divorce cost and complexity.

Cost Score

27/ 40

Based on filing fees, attorney rates, and total typical costs in Utah.

Complexity Score

19/ 30

Reflects judicial discretion, mandatory mediation, and procedural hurdles.

Timeline Score

11/ 30

Driven by waiting periods and average case duration from filing to decree.

Divorce Calculators for Utah

All 15 calculators preconfigured with Utah statutory data.

Utah Divorce Laws Overview

Property Division

Utah uses equitable distribution to divide marital property. This does not mean equal, it means fair, based on the circumstances. Judges consider factors including each spouse's income and earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, length of the marriage, and the economic circumstances of each spouse. Outcomes can vary significantly from case to case.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Utah judges have broad discretion in setting alimony awards. There is no statutory formula. Courts weigh a set of statutory factors including: length of the marriage, standard of living during the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, financial resources of each spouse. This means outcomes can vary significantly depending on the judge and the specific facts of your case.

Child Support

Utah uses the Income Shares Model for child support. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, the total support obligation is determined from a guideline table, and each parent's share is proportional to their share of the combined income. The paying parent pays their share to the receiving parent.

Custody and Parenting Time

Utah courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. While there is no statutory presumption of equal time, courts generally favor arrangements that allow both parents meaningful involvement in the child's life.

Other Notable Factors

  • Utah requires mediation before a contested divorce case can proceed to trial. This adds cost and time but often results in settlement without a court hearing.

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.

Recent Law Changes in Utah

All state updates

Notable updates to Utah family law that affect divorce outcomes and costs.

Utah Enacts Om's Law on Child Safety in Custody

Moderate

Effective May 2024

Utah custody cases now place greater weight on documented safety concerns, and courts face new limits on reunification treatments and new training requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce cost in Utah?
An uncontested divorce in Utah typically costs $1,500 - $4,500. Contested cases run $12,000 - $38,000, depending on attorney involvement, custody disputes, and the complexity of the marital estate. Court filing fees alone are $318.
How long does a divorce take in Utah?
Utah requires a 90-day waiting period after filing. Uncontested cases finalize in roughly 4 months on average, while contested cases take about 12 months from filing to final decree.
How is property divided in Utah?
Utah uses equitable distribution. Marital assets are divided based on what the court considers fair, not necessarily equal. Judges weigh income, contributions, length of marriage, and the economic circumstances of each spouse.
How is child support calculated in Utah?
Utah uses the Income Shares Model. Utah uses the Income Shares Model for child support. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, the total support obligation is determined from a guideline table, and each parent's share is proportional to their share of the combined income. The paying parent pays their share to the receiving parent.
How is alimony determined in Utah?
Utah alimony follows a judicial discretion approach. Utah judges have broad discretion in setting alimony awards. There is no statutory formula. Courts weigh a set of statutory factors including: length of the marriage, standard of living during the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, financial resources of each spouse. This means outcomes can vary significantly depending on the judge and the specific facts of your case.

Divorce Costs in Nearby States

See all 50 states for complete cost breakdowns and calculators.