Navigating through a divorce can be a challenge, even in the most amicable circumstances. Today, we explore the divorce journey of Jane and Robert, a Utah couple, to demystify the process.

Robert kick-started the divorce process by filing a Petition for Divorce in their district court, having met the 90-day residency requirement. He served Jane the petition, and she responded by filing an Answer, marking the commencement of a contested divorce due to disagreements over child support, property division, and alimony.

Utah law mandated Jane and Robert to attend mediation, a process aimed at resolving disagreements with the aid of a neutral party. They were unable to agree on child support, with Jane arguing that Robert’s proposed amount would not cover their child’s needs.

At the scheduling conference, the judge outlined the timetable for discovery and the next hearings. During the discovery phase, they exchanged information pertaining to their financial statuses, crucial for decisions on property division and alimony.

The couple owned a successful business. Jane argued that since she had contributed significantly to its growth, she deserved a larger share. After lengthy deliberations and expert evaluations, they agreed to an equitable division that recognized Jane’s contributions, in line with Utah’s property division laws.

Child support was the next hurdle. Jane, as the primary caregiver, believed that the child support Robert proposed was insufficient. After considering the child’s needs, Robert’s income, and Jane’s earnings, the court ordered Robert to pay an increased amount that was fair and adequate for the child’s upbringing.

Lastly, alimony was discussed. Robert, being the higher earner, was ordered to pay Jane alimony. The court considered the length of their marriage, their standard of living during the marriage, Jane’s earning capacity, and Robert’s ability to pay while maintaining a similar standard of living.

Jane and Robert’s journey serves to highlight the complexities involved in a divorce. However, it also illuminates how the legal system strives to ensure fairness and uphold the best interests of all parties involved.