Divorce & Legal Separation
Helping You Navigate Major Transitions with Stability
Deciding to dissolve a marriage or pursue a legal separation is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make. The legal processes that follow will shape your financial future, your parental rights, and your peace of mind. At Canyons Law Group, we stand beside you, providing clear-eyed, practical advice to help you reach a fair resolution without unnecessary delay or escalation.
We handle all aspects of marital dissolution in Utah, from simple uncontested divorces where both parties agree on terms, to complex, high-asset contested litigation. We also counsel clients on alternative paths, such as legal separations and annulments, ensuring you choose the legal structure that best fits your family's needs.
Divorce & Separation Practice Areas
We provide targeted, strategic representation across the full spectrum of marital dissolution:
- Contested Divorce: When agreement cannot be reached, we prepare a strong, evidence-based case for mediation or trial regarding asset division, alimony, and child custody.
- Uncontested Divorce: If you and your spouse agree on all terms, we draft precise, legally binding settlement agreements and court pleadings to finalize your divorce efficiently and cost-effectively.
- Legal Separation (Separate Maintenance): For couples who wish to live apart and establish formal, court-ordered rules for custody and finances without legally ending their marriage.
- Annulments: A legal decree declaring a marriage void from its inception. Annulments are granted only under narrow, specific statutory grounds in Utah.
- Alimony & Spousal Support: Helping spouses establish fair monthly maintenance payments based on the length of the marriage, standard of living, and financial need.
Understanding Annulment vs. Divorce in Utah
Many clients ask if they can obtain an annulment rather than a divorce. In Utah, annulments are not granted simply because a marriage was very brief. To obtain an annulment, you must prove that the marriage is legally void or voidable due to specific reasons, such as:
- Fraud or Misrepresentation: One spouse lied about a critical element (such as the ability or intent to have children, or an existing marriage).
- Underage Marriage: A spouse was under the legal age to marry without required consents.
- Incest or Bigamy: The marriage was illegal under Utah state law.
If you do not meet these narrow requirements, filing for divorce or separate maintenance is the proper legal channel to divide your assets and formally separate.