Family Law

Divorce is the first thing most people think of when it comes to family law. While divorce certainly falls into this category, family law, also known as domestic law, also includes adoption, paternity actions, protective orders, and guardianships or conservatorships. At Cache Law, our goal is to guide you through any of these processes with compassion and professionalism.

Divorce

Most divorces require the resolution of four issues: child custody and parent time, child support, spousal support, and division of property and debt.

When children are involved, Utah requires the divorcing parents to attend both a divorce orientation class and a divorce education class. The divorce orientation class covers the basic divorce process as well as alternatives to divorce. The divorce education is geared toward educating parents about the potential reactions their children may have to the divorce and how to help children navigate those feelings. An optional class for children ages 9-12 is also offered.

Temporary orders may be required during the divorce process in order to establish provisions for child custody and support, living arrangements, and other matters until the divorce is finalized. In cases where abuse has occurred or is likely to occur, a party may seek a protective order at any time.

Parties to a divorce are generally required to engage in at least one good-faith mediation attempt before going to trial. Divorce cases are often resolved in mediation, which reduces the total cost of a divorce. If the parties come to an agreement during mediation, the case is resolved by filing a stipulation with the court that outlines the details of the agreement.

Whether the divorce issues are resolved through trial or stipulation, the divorce is finalized once the judge signs the divorce decree. Once the decree is signed, the parties are expected to follow its provisions. In some situations, a change in circumstances may allow for a modification through the court may be necessary. Additionally, parties sometimes need to file enforcement actions where the other party is not following the decree.

The attorneys at Cache Law are ready and able to guide you through your divorce or any of your post-divorce modification or enforcement needs. 

Protective Orders

A victim of threatened, attempted, or actual violence may seek a protective order from the court. An adult may also seek a protective order on behalf of a child or vulnerable adult. A person who seeks a protective order is called a petitioner. A protective order can order the offender to:

• stop all violence or threats of violence against the petitioner,
• stay away from the petitioner's home, work, school, and/or place of worship,
• avoid any contact or communication with the petitioner and others listed on the order, and
• not have a firearm or other type of weapon.

A stalking victim may seek a stalking injunction against the offender. Stalking occurs when a person engages in behaviors such as following, photographing, confronting, or sending materials to a person physically or electronically in a way that causes a reasonable person to experience emotional distress or to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others. A stalking injunction orders the offender to not contact or go near the persons protected by the injunction.

If you believe you need a protective order or stalking injunction, please contact us today.