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Whether you are facing a divorce, a child custody dispute, or the need to modify an existing court order, Utah law provides a pathway to resolve each of these.
While the law aims for equitable outcomes, the definition of what is fair is subjective and hotly contested. This ambiguity may turn an already difficult situation into a contentious battle. Without a clear understanding of your rights and the legal standards at play, you risk making concessions that might negatively impact your financial stability and parental rights for years to come.
As Salt Lake City family law attorneys, we know that staying on top of legal statutes, court deadlines, and mediation requirements while you are trying to restructure your family life is the last thing on your mind. The law is not meant for you to handle alone, and it is easy to make mistakes with long-term consequences. At RCG Law Group, we handle the legal process so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
If you have questions about your specific situation, we are ready to help. Call RCG Law Group today at 385-503-3663.
Why Choose RCG Law Group for Your Utah Family Law Case
When your family’s future is at stake, you need a team that understands the full scope of what you are going through. At RCG Law Group, we operate differently from many other firms and take a holistic approach because we recognize that a family law case affects your finances, your mental health, and your living situation. A legal victory is hollow if the rest of your life is in disarray.
That’s why we connect our clients with a network of complementary professionals, including therapists, financial planners, and real estate agents. This network is designed to provide you with the resources needed to transition successfully into your next chapter. Our mission is to inspire our clients to transcend their trials and build their best lives, and we provide whatever support you need to make that possible.
A History of Legal Excellence in the Valley
RCG Law Group was founded by Ryan C. Gregerson, a graduate of Baylor Law School with foundational experience as a former Prosecuting Attorney. His vision of a client-centered firm has shaped our growth and our reputation.
The firm’s leadership includes Partner and COO Joey Carlson, who became an equity partner in May 2025. As a third-generation Utah native and a father of four, Joey possesses a deep, personal understanding of the local family dynamics that shape so many of our cases.
This local insight is complemented by the dedication of attorneys like Cleve Burns, whose background with Utah Legal Services and various mentorship roles demonstrate a commitment to serving our community.
Our Track Record and Experience
Our results speak for themselves. With a team of 10 dedicated divorce attorneys and over a dozen support staff, we ensure you are never left in the dark. Our firm has:
- Represented thousands of individuals in divorce and family law cases.
- A combined team experience of more than 50 years.
- Served more than 3,000 clients to date.
Conveniently Located to Serve the Wasatch Front
Our office is based in South Jordan at 10619 S Jordan Gateway #100, strategically located to serve the greater Salt Lake City area. We are just five minutes from South Jordan City Hall and less than three miles from South Jordan City Park. With easy access via Interstate 215, we are available to clients across the Wasatch Front, from Salt Lake City to Provo and beyond.
Industry Recognition
Our commitment to high-quality legal representation has been recognized by our peers and leading industry organizations. Ryan C. Gregerson was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2018-2021 and holds a 10.0 Top Attorney Rating on Avvo. As a firm, RCG Law Group has earned the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, the highest possible rating for both legal ability and ethical standards.
Understanding Financial Outcomes and Custody Goals
Economic Division (Assets and Debts)
The division of your marital estate is one of the most significant parts of a divorce. Key assets that must be addressed include:
- Real property: The marital home is commonly the largest asset. Decisions must be made about whether one spouse will buy out the other’s equity or if the home will be sold.
- Retirement accounts: Pensions, 401(k)s, and other retirement plans acquired during the marriage are typically subject to division. This is accomplished through a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), a specific court order that directs the plan administrator to distribute funds to the non-employee spouse without tax penalties.
- Business valuations: In high-asset divorces involving a family business, obtaining an accurate valuation is essential to ensure a fair division of this complicated asset.
Support Structures (Alimony and Child Support)
Financial support is sometimes necessary to help one spouse become self-sufficient or to ensure the children’s needs are met. Alimony in Utah is determined based on several factors, including the receiving spouse’s need and the paying spouse’s ability to pay, often referred to as the Jones factors issues a Salt Lake City alimony lawyer can help evaluate and present effectively.
Child support, on the other hand, is calculated using strict guidelines based on the parents’ gross incomes and the number of overnights the children spend with each parent.
Will My Past Actions Influence the Result?
Utah allows for both no-fault and fault-based divorces. A no-fault divorce is typically based on irreconcilable differences. While asserting fault (such as adultery or cruel treatment) generally has a limited impact on asset division, it may influence a judge’s decision regarding alimony.
How Family Law Works in Salt Lake City
A missed deadline or an improperly filed document may delay your case or even result in an unfavorable default judgment against you. Our role is to provide clear guidance, ensuring every step is handled correctly and your rights are protected throughout the process.
The Utah Divorce Process Decoded
Most divorces in Utah follow a structured path:
- Filing the Petition: This officially starts the case and the mandatory 30-day waiting period. A judge may not finalize a divorce until at least 30 days have passed.
- Temporary Orders: While the divorce is pending, the court may issue temporary orders to establish who lives in the marital home, who pays which bills, and what the parent-time schedule will be.
- Discovery: This is the information-gathering phase. Both sides exchange financial documents, answer written questions (interrogatories), and provide a full picture of the marital estate.
- Mediation: In Utah, mediation is generally mandatory for contested cases before you can go to trial. We prepare you to negotiate from a position of strength, aiming for a fair settlement without the expense and stress of a court battle.
Common Family Law Matters We Handle
Our practice at RCG Law Group is focused on all areas of family law. We have deep experience in:
- Divorce & Modifications: Whether you are ending a marriage or need to change an existing decree due to a change in circumstances, we help.
- Child Custody & Parent-Time: We advocate for physical and legal custody arrangements that serve the child’s best interest.
- Adoptions: We assist with both stepparent and private adoptions, helping you grow your family.
- Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreements: We draft and review agreements to protect assets before or during a marriage.
- Guardianships: We establish legal authority for individuals to care for incapacitated adults or minors.
Important Legal Concepts
- Best Interests of the Child: This is the guiding principle for all custody and parent-time rulings in Utah. A judge will evaluate numerous factors to determine what living arrangement best supports a child’s well-being.
- Equitable Distribution: As mentioned earlier, this is the standard for dividing marital property, focusing on fairness rather than a strict 50/50 split.
- Deadlines: After being served with a divorce petition, you typically have 21 days to file a response. Failing to do so could result in a default judgment, where the court grants the other party everything they asked for.
Navigating the Local Legal Landscape
Where Family Court Cases Are Heard
Family law cases in the Salt Lake City area fall under the jurisdiction of the Third District Court, which serves Salt Lake, Summit, and Tooele counties. Depending on where you live, your case may be heard at the Matheson Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City or the West Jordan District Court, which is where cases for our South Jordan clients are typically handled.
Local Family Dynamics
Utah has a unique cultural and demographic landscape, with generally higher marriage rates and larger family sizes compared to national averages. This makes custody and parent-time schedules a primary focus of a divorce. We are well-versed in the statutory minimum parent-time guidelines and how to argue for schedules that fit the unique needs of your family.
Dealing with the Opposing Party (Spouse/Ex-Spouse)
Even if you hope for an amicable divorce, remember that your spouse’s interests are now legally opposed to yours. Their goal may be to pay less in support or get more assets, which directly conflicts with your goal of securing your financial future.
What to Watch Out For
While you focus on the emotional aspects of the separation and divorce, the other side may be taking steps to gain a financial or legal advantage. Be aware of certain tactics:
- Hiding Assets: Some spouses may attempt to move money, sell assets, or undervalue a business to reduce the amount available for division.
- Gaslighting or Pressure: You might be subjected to emotional manipulation or pressure to make you feel guilty for asking for what is rightfully yours under the law.
- Parental Alienation: These are subtle or overt attempts to turn your children against you, which may be damaging to your parental rights and, more importantly, to your children.
- Lowball Settlement Offers: The let’s just sign this kitchen table agreement tactic is common. These informal agreements typically bypass your legal rights to retirement accounts, home equity, or alimony.
FAQ for Salt Lake City Family Law
Start Your Next Chapter with Confidence
The legal system in Salt Lake County is cumbersome, but you do not have to face it alone. The decisions made during a family law case will have a lasting impact on your life, and securing knowledgeable legal guidance is the best step you can take to secure a stable future.
At RCG Law Group, we have the track record and the holistic resources to see you through this transition. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you build a positive new beginning for yourself and your family.Whether you need a strong litigator to advocate for you in court or a skilled mediator to help you reach a collaborative agreement, our team is here. Call RCG Law Group at 385-503-3663 to schedule your case review.