Family Law Section

Finding & Working With an Attorney

Working with a Lawyer in a Family Law Case

Before you meet with an attorney on your case, it is important that you prepare. You will save yourself money and your lawyer's time. If you have been served with a complaint or petition, you will need to have a copy of that for your attorney. Read through the document and be prepared to give your attorney answers about the things claimed.

If you have a property dispute, you will need to provide records about the property, i.e. receipts for purchase, cancelled checks, deeds, loan documents.

If you have any juvenile court matters, you will need to take your paperwork from those proceedings to your attorney.

If you have filed for bankruptcy, bring copies of those documents.

If you have minor children, bring any information your attorney may need regarding custody and parent-time.

If there has been any domestic violence, bring copies of police reports and court orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will a judge appoint an attorney for me in my divorce?

There is no right to appointed counsel in a divorce. There are some services established for lower-income households who need help with legal matters. To find those available in Utah, go to:

• Legal Aid Society of Salt lake
• Utah Legal Services

2. How do I find an attorney?

To find a lawyer in Utah, use this unique online service provided by the Utah State Bar and LegalMatch. Simply follow the instructions provided on LegalMatch's site. For those individuals whose disability prevents access to the Internet, LegalMatch maintains a toll-free number: 866-678-5342. For all others wishing assistance through this call-in service, there will be a fee.

You can also find attorneys listed in the Yellow pages of the telephone directory. Those who deal with family law issues will primarily be listed under one of the following headings: “Adoption”, “Divorce & Family”, and “Mediation”. You may also access the information online using DexOnline.