Divorce Lawyer in Ogden, UT

Patient Divorce Counsel Since 1979

Free Consultations With No Pressure to File
Mediation, Collaborative Divorce, and Trial-Ready
24-Hour Response Standard, So You're Never in the Dark

Why Ogden and Layton Families Choose Froerer & Miles for Divorce

Focusing on Family Law for Decades

Froerer & Miles has practiced family law for Northern Utah families since 1979. Bob Froerer (Robert L. Froerer) leads the divorce practice with more than 30 years of personal experience. Five attorneys from two families bring continuity, so your file does not depend on any one person being available on any one day.

You Stay in the Loop on Every Decision

The single posture that defines a Froerer & Miles divorce engagement is communication. You will be in the loop on every meaningful step, you will approve every major filing before it goes out, and our team will not push the case forward without your sign-off. Our office-wide response standard is 24 hours.

Mediator, Collaborative Practice, and Litigation Ready

Froerer & Miles serves as a mediator and practices collaborative divorce when those paths fit. When the marriage is salvageable, Bob will say so and refer you to marital counseling rather than push you toward filing. When the marriage is over, and the other side wants a fight, the team is trial-ready.

“Robert Froerer was my attorney. I retained his services for my divorce. I could have NEVER done it without him. He protected me through the whole process. He covered so many details that I never thought of. There is no way a person can go through this process alone. Robert was very attentive and detailed. I am VERY pleased with the outcome! I would highly recommend Robert Froerer to family and friends. Would I use him again in needed? ABSOLUTLY!” – Lisa, 5-Star Review

Meet Bob Froerer

Bob Froerer is a divorce attorney at Froerer & Miles in Ogden. Having practiced for more than 30 years, Mr. Froerer brings deep familiarity with Utah family law and the local courts in Weber and Davis counties. Bob has guided families through the divorce process for decades and treats each case with the patience and attention it deserves.

“Bob did a great job seeing our difficult situation through to a resolution. If you're looking for an professional attorney then don't hesitate to give the team at Froerer and Miles a call!” – Jeffery, 5-Star Review

Do You Really Need a
Divorce Lawyer?

There are three scenarios in which hiring a divorce attorney can provide a tremendous benefit:

The Most Serious Challenges of Your Divorce Need a Lawyer's Expertise

Property Division

Utah law calls for marital property to be divided in a "fair and equitable" manner rather than a 50-50 split. Marital property includes any property, income, assets, retirement savings, or debt that was acquired during the course of the marriage, but does not include property inherited by either spouse, property owned by either spouse before the marriage, or gifts given to either spouse. When dividing property, the court will take several factors into account, including the length of the marriage, the financial and health status of each spouse, and the occupation and income of each spouse. Our Ogden attorneys can help you ensure that only marital property is divided and that it is divided fairly.

Alimony

Alimony, or spousal support, often leads to disagreement between couples. Depending on the circumstances, alimony may be awarded to the spouse who has lesser earning capacities, or has given up a career to stay home with children. In Utah, alimony may not be ordered for a longer period than the length of the marriage, and discontinues upon the recipient’s remarriage. Cohabitation also terminates alimony, but a petition must be filed with the court before payments can be halted.

Child Custody

Child custody is often one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce. With the help of an attorney, you can avoid a "custody battle" and reach an agreement that upholds your child's best interests and long-term welfare. In Utah, there are two types of child custody. Legal custody determines which parent will make important decisions on behalf of the child, while physical custody mandates where the child will live. You know your child better than anyone else. Rather than leaving your child's future up to a judge, you should contact an attorney who can help you reach a custody agreement that meets your child's needs.

Visitation

Once a child custody agreement has been reached, you will also need to determine parent-time for the non-custodial parent. Our attorneys can help you compose a parent-time schedule that serves the best interests of you and your child. Our Ogden divorce lawyers have also assisted military families in reaching visitation plans that meet their unique needs.

Child Support

Although the state of Utah has Uniform Child Support Guidelines in place to calculate child support payments, most families will need the help of an attorney to ensure that their income, family size, and costs are properly calculated. Our Layton and Ogden lawyers can represent you whether you are seeking child support, providing support, or pursuing a modification to your previous child support agreement.

Modification

Life happens. If you experience a sudden change in circumstances such as a loss of income, illness, or relocation, you can seek modification of your previously agreed upon child custody, visitation, or child support agreements. Whether you are seeking modification or attempting to prevent modification, our divorce lawyers can examine your case and work to achieve your desired results.

Enforcement

By law, your former spouse is required to follow the divorce decree decided upon at the time of your divorce. If he or she fails to provide the proper support, a lawyer can help you with the enforcement of a divorce decree. Our attorneys can help you hold your former partner accountable to you and your children.

Your Finances & Family Are at Stake During a Divorce

Utah Has Unique Divorce Laws

Divorces are difficult to navigate on your own, especially because each state has unique laws surrounding the matter. In Utah, there are a couple of special considerations to take into account:

Filing Requirements

To dissolve your marriage in Utah, at least one of the parties must be a resident of the state, residing in the county of filing for at least three months. The process is initiated by the “petitioner” spouse, and the other spouse, known as the “respondent” must file a reply. If no answer is filed within the time period specified in the summons, the petitioner can move for a default judgment. A default judgment is a binding decision in favor of one party based on the failure of the other party to take action. It is most often granted in favor of the plaintiff, or petitioner.

Fault vs. No-Fault

State divorce laws differ, but most, like Utah, grant divorce on both a no-fault and fault basis. The grounds for a fault-based divorce in Utah fall into one of eight basic categories:

Impotency
Adultery
Willful desertion
Willful neglect
Habitual drunkenness
Felony conviction
Cruel treatment (such as domestic violence causing bodily injury or great mental distress)
Incurable insanity

What to Expect from Filing to Finalization

The waiting period from the time of initial filing to final judgment is 30 days, although special circumstances can allow for a waiver to obtain a divorce more quickly. Prior to the establishment of a permanent plan, temporary orders are often sought to provide support and other immediate needs.

The primary issues to be resolved in any dissolution pertain to property division, alimony, child custody, visitation, and child support. Partners who have been married for only a short time, have no children, and have few assets to divide can have a simple, uncontested divorce.

Marriages of a longer duration with shared property and debts tend to be more complex, and issues relating to children can create potentially difficult disputes. The courts routinely require mandatory mediation for contested issues and education classes when minor children are involved.

Although every situation is different, here is what you can generally expect from the time you file to your final decree in the state of Utah:

Filing

The petitioner will complete the divorce documents. Our Layton and Ogden divorce attorneys can prepare these documents on your behalf to ensure that they are not rejected by the courts. The petitioner will then file the documents with the appropriate court.

Serving Documents

The petitioner must serve the respondent with all divorce-related documents within 120 days after the court filing date. Our divorce lawyers can assist with serving papers and obtain the necessary Proof of Service.

Respondent Answers

The respondent will have 21 days to answer the petition if it was served in Utah, and 30 days if it was served outside the state. If the respondent disagrees, we will begin mediation or trial proceedings. If the respondent agrees, we will file a stipulation on your behalf. But if the respondent does not answer the petition at all, we will begin petitioning for a default divorce.

Waiting Period

As long as there are no extenuating circumstances, you will have to wait 30 days after your filing date until receiving a final decree signed by a judge.

Divorce Education Classes

If you and your spouse share children who are minors, you will need to attend special classes that are designed to help you and your children maintain stability throughout the separation.

Temporary Orders

Some families need temporary orders in place during the waiting period. Temporary orders provide guidelines for support, custody, and living arrangements.

Divorce Decree

At the end of the waiting period or trial, a judge will sign the divorce decree to finalize the separation.

Divorce Mediation: An Amicable Alternative to Litigation

Whenever possible, our lawyers try to resolve family law matters through reasonable discussion outside of the courtroom. Collaborative divorce employs mediation and negotiation to reach a peaceful resolution. By choosing a collaborative approach, you and your former spouse can benefit from:

A faster process
A more economical process
A more stable relationship after the divorce

Although our lawyers prefer a collaborative approach whenever possible, we will do whatever it takes to help you reach a favorable resolution.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Utah

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Utah?

Filing for divorce (initiating the process with the state) costs $325. This may involve other fees depending on which county you're filing in. Other costs, including hiring a lawyer, depend on many variables, including the complexity of your case and the amount of time it takes to resolve it.

How much does a mediator cost in Utah?

Mediators charge an hourly fee that could range from $30 to more than $350 an hour. Parties typically agree to split the mediator's fee.

Can you file for divorce while pregnant in Utah?

Yes. Being pregnant will have no bearing on your eligibility for filing for divorce in Utah.

How long do I have to live in Utah before I can file for divorce here?

If you or your partner have resided in the same Utah county for three months or longer, you can file for divorce in Utah.

How long does a divorce take in Utah?

The amount of time it takes to finalize a divorce in Utah can range from a month to more than a year, depending on whether it is contested and other factors. The state requires judges to wait at least 30 days before finalizing a divorce (except when either party can demonstrate extraordinary circumstances), so you can expect the process to take at least that long.

Are divorce records public in Utah?

No. Since 2012, divorce records have been private in Utah. That means they can only be viewed by the divorcing parties and their attorneys.

How do I change my last name after my Utah divorce?

The judge can restore your former last name as part of the finalized divorce if you request it. This is much simpler than trying to change your last name after a divorce has been finalized. Your divorce petition has a name change section that allows you to specify whether you would like to use your former last name or your birth name. An attorney can help make certain you are aware of options like this and take advantage of them if you wish.

What will it cost to find out if I like the attorneys at Froerer & Miles?

Nothing. We are not in this business to turn a quick buck, and we believe our clients deserve an opportunity to find out if we are the right firm for their needs. Your initial consultation is free. For many, this consultation is the first time they have discussed their issues with a neutral third party. If it seems like there may be a way to salvage your marriage as you discuss your situation with our attorneys, they can help connect you with marriage counseling. We are not here to push you toward divorce or make you feel obligated to hire us. You are in control of your choices, and will remain in control if you decide to hire us.