Family-related legal issues can affect nearly every part of your life. Whether you are facing a divorce, a custody dispute, or questions about child or spousal support, these moments are often emotionally charged and legally complex. Without proper guidance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, unsure of your rights, and unclear about how to protect your family and future.
Working with a family law attorney gives you a more straightforward path forward. Legal counsel helps you understand your options, avoid costly mistakes, and prioritize outcomes that align with your long-term goals. Whether you’re seeking to resolve matters in court or through negotiation, an attorney ensures that every decision is backed by strategy and grounded in the law.
At Gordon Law Group, we serve families throughout Heber Valley with steady, informed legal support. Our firm provides clients with the experience, compassion, and attention that family law matters deserve. We work closely with you from the start, helping you make informed choices and develop solutions tailored to your specific situation, rather than offering generic advice or rushed decisions.
Legal Support for Utah Families
Family law encompasses a broad range of legal matters, each with its own specific procedures, legal standards, and emotional implications. At Gordon Law Group, we assist clients in Heber Valley with issues such as divorce, custody, parenting time, support, and legal modifications. Our role is to help you address these matters with the guidance, communication, and care they deserve.
Divorce and Separation
Divorce can significantly impact your children, finances, and emotional well-being. In Utah, the divorce process includes the division of marital property, the assignment of debts, and decisions regarding custody and support. Utah follows an equitable distribution model, which means the court aims for a fair (not necessarily equal) division of assets. This may involve a detailed review of financial records, real estate holdings, and retirement accounts.
We represent clients in both uncontested and contested divorces. In uncontested cases, where both parties agree on all terms, we help ensure the agreement is clear, enforceable, and filed correctly. In contested divorces, we advocate strongly for our clients in court, helping them resolve when cooperation breaks down. We also assist with temporary orders for financial support or parenting time while a divorce is pending, ensuring our clients remain protected during the legal process.
You can learn more about what we offer in divorce and related matters by reviewing our comprehensive practice area overview.
Child Custody and Parenting Time
Custody disputes are among the most sensitive and significant issues in family law. Utah courts distinguish between legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives), and either type may be shared jointly or awarded to one parent. In every case, the court’s primary focus is the best interest of the child, and judges evaluate a variety of factors to determine the most suitable arrangement.
We help our clients build parenting plans that promote stability, cooperation, and meaningful involvement from both parents when appropriate. These plans include details such as weekly schedules, holidays, school breaks, and transportation arrangements. If your co-parent violates the parenting plan or refuses to comply with court orders, we assist you in taking the necessary legal steps to enforce your rights. When changes to the plan become necessary, we also help with requesting modifications that reflect your child’s evolving needs.
Child Support and Spousal Support
Both parents have a duty to support their children financially. Utah uses a formula to calculate child support based on parental income, custody arrangements, and the number of children involved. However, the court may also account for extraordinary expenses, such as health insurance, daycare, or medical needs. We help our clients understand their support obligations and entitlements, ensuring that calculations are accurate and fair.
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is another issue that often arises in divorce cases. The court may award alimony based on the length of the marriage, the financial condition of each party, and each spouse’s ability to earn income. Whether you are requesting or contesting spousal support, we help present the facts of your case in a way that reflects your current needs and future stability.
Experienced professionals lead our team. You can view more about who we are by visiting our attorneys page.
Modifications and Enforcement
Court orders are designed to reflect a family’s needs at the time they are issued, but life is unpredictable. If you’ve experienced a significant change in income, parenting time, or personal circumstances, you may be eligible to request a modification. Courts in Utah generally require proof of a material and substantial change in circumstances before altering custody, support, or visitation orders.
We assist clients in gathering the necessary documentation and evidence to present a compelling request for modification. This includes employment records, school reports, health information, or evidence of noncompliance from the other party. If your former spouse or co-parent refuses to comply with existing orders, we help you seek enforcement through the court system. This can include filing motions, attending hearings, and ensuring consequences are issued when someone violates legal obligations.
Other Family Law Services
In addition to divorce and custody matters, our firm handles other aspects of family law, including paternity actions, guardianships, and legal name changes. These issues often involve overlapping emotional and legal considerations. Whether you are trying to establish parental rights, take legal responsibility for a loved one, or reclaim your personal identity, we ensure every step is handled with care. Our team ensures that all filings are timely and thorough, and that your voice is represented in court with clarity and respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the residency requirements for divorce in Utah?
At least one spouse must live in a Utah county for a minimum of three months before filing for divorce in that jurisdiction. If child custody is involved, the child must have resided in Utah for at least six months before the filing of the petition.
Do I need to go to court to get a divorce?
Not in every case. Many divorces are resolved through mutual agreement, mediation, or negotiation, without the need for a full trial. However, if there are unresolved issues, a court appearance may be required.
How does Utah determine child custody?
Custody is based on what the court believes is in the child’s best interest. The court evaluates factors such as each parent’s involvement, home stability, emotional bonds, and ability to meet the child’s needs.
Can I modify a custody or support order?
Yes. You can request a modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a job loss, relocation, or changes in the child’s needs or living arrangements.
What can I do if the other parent isn’t following the custody agreement?
You can file a motion to enforce the order. The court may require compliance, issue sanctions, or even modify the custody arrangement if violations are serious or repeated.
Trusted Support for Families in Heber Valley
Family law cases can leave you feeling anxious about your future. Divorce, custody battles, and legal support issues touch every aspect of your life, and the uncertainty involved only adds to the emotional stress.
Our team at Gordon Law Group offers more than legal advice. We provide steady, results-focused support grounded in our local experience and a clear understanding of Utah law. Whether you’re pursuing a new custody arrangement or preparing for divorce, we’re here to help you through each phase of the process.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your family law matter.
