3 Things a Family Law Attorney Can Help You With

If you're thinking about divorce or if you're hoping to establish a child custody order, you might wonder what an attorney can do for you. With more than 10,000 people divorcing each year in Utah, you're not alone. Here are three ways that a family law attorney can help you with your case:

We help you make informed decisions

At Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC, we don't just represent our clients. Instead, we educate them about Utah family law and how it applies to their case. That way, they can make informed choices about the best steps in their case.

For example, once a custody order is in place, there are some aspects that are hard to change. Other parts of a custody order are significantly easier to change. Clients can make better decisions about resolving a child custody dispute when they understand the law and how it applies to them. We also make sure that our clients understand how any special circumstances might affect their cases such as a parent's service in the military or a parent's criminal history or substance abuse. Our family law attorney Salt Lake City team helps clients make smart decisions for their case with a full understanding of the law.

We discover and value assets

When you get divorced, it's up to you to prove to the judge what the marital assets are and what they're worth. It's not uncommon for people getting divorced to try to hide their assets or try to convince the other party that the asset is worth much less than its actual value. Our family law attorney Salt Lake City team has a process to find assets and make sure that they're valued fairly.

Our training allows us to demand that the other side produces information about assets and their value. Our experience allows us to look at each piece of information with a critical eye to make sure that the other side has nothing to hide. The end result can be a more favorable outcome for our client than they might have received otherwise.

We can look for loopholes

Our family law attorney Salt Lake City professionals have represented hundreds of divorce clients over many years. We know how to make sure that a divorce judgment and custody order are written in a clear and understandable way. Ambiguities or omissions can become a problem almost as soon as the ink is dry on a court order. When provisions are written in a way that's not clear or that we've seen become a problem in another case, we can correct a potential problem before it even starts.

If you're facing a family law case, let's talk. At Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC, we look for solutions for our clients. We take the time to answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease, and our team measures success one client at a time. You can learn more about our company at WallLegalSolutions.com. Contact us today to meet with our team and explore what we can do for you.


About the Author:
Cory Wall has over 28 years experience as a divorce and family law attorney and is a member in good standing of the State Bars of both Utah and California. Cory aggressively representing his clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property, and debt division.



Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388

3 Tips for Creating a Parenting Plan

Creating a parenting plan after divorce can seem extremely challenging at first. However, creating a plan for your family doesn't have to be stressful. With the help of us here at Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law, you'll be able to create a plan that keeps both the parents and the children happy. Here are some useful tips for creating a plan after divorce from our attorneys.

Consider the strengths of each parent.

Every family's plan is very different. This is because all parents and children have very different needs. Even within your family, it's almost certain that each parent has a specific skill set and is good at very different things.

For example, if one parent has always handled financial matters such as setting up bank accounts and health insurance for the children, allow them to keep these responsibilities after the divorce. If the other parent normally handled child care responsibilities and managing the education of the children, they should keep these responsibilities as well.

When creating a plan, a good rule of thumb is to let each parent continue doing what they're good at.

Let the children have a say and keep their wishes in mind.

Obviously, there are some parts of the parenting plan that children won't understand. eir medical records or who claims them on their income taxes. However, it's important to let them have input in areas that they do understand.

For example, if your child is worried about missing the parent they don't live with during the week, specify in the plan that they can have video calls with them once a day. If they want to spend a certain holiday with one parent and their family, those wishes should be taken into consideration. It's easy for a child to feel like their life is no longer in their hands when a plan is too strict. Therefore it's important to let them have some input about matters that concern them.

Take revisions into consideration.

It's important to include options for revision in the plan. Things may change through the years, and since the plan is intended to last for a long time it's normal to have to revise it now and then. Your plan should clearly discuss the process of revision and how you can incorporate revisions into the plan in the future. Therefore if someone isn't happy with how things are working out, there can always be changes. This freedom of choice will make everyone feel a lot better about the plan.

Creating a plan for your family doesn't have to be difficult. At Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law PC, we aim to make the process as easy as possible for everyone involved. We also strive to create a plan that everyone is hap

About the Author:

Cory Wall has over 28 years experience as a divorce and family law attorney and is a member in good standing of the State Bars of both Utah and California. Cory aggressively representing his clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property, and debt division.

Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388

3 Things a Utah Divorce Attorney Can Do for You

Virtually everyone would agree that divorce is never pleasant. Even during amicable divorce proceedings, disputes frequently arise that can significantly complicate the process and cause you to become tangled in endless red tape. The cause of such complications is usually one or more legal mistakes. Below are three of the most common mistakes that our experienced lawyers at Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC will advise you to avoid:

Failure to Protect Assets

It is advisable for all clients to protect their assets. If you suspect your spouse is disposing of assets, the holder of the notes should be informed that a dissolution is pending. The correspondence should state that a divorce is in a process and the distribution of assets will be determined at the hearing. Court orders are often needed to protect a person's assets, and therefore you should never procrastinate if it becomes obvious that your spouse is attempting to sell off personal property or real estate before the court date. It is also important to keep a close eye on liquid investments: pay special attention to the cash value of insurance policies and closely watch the balance of any joint bank accounts.

Overlooking Tax Implications

The impact of your divorce settlement on taxes can be costly if not properly addressed. Unfortunately, it is very common for a person to misunderstand the tax implications of a divorce and the impact of alimony, child support or capital gains on his or her return. This is yet another area where our professionals at Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law can offer invaluable advice. For example, evaluating capital gains tax when real estate is divided is a vital step. People who attempt to handle a divorce without professional help often overlook this aspect or are unaware that capital gains laws may apply to investments such as mutual funds.

Concerning taxes, you must also proceed with caution regarding any real estate received in a settlement. For example, if you did not seek the advice of an attorney, you may be tempted to take property from your spouse as part of a settlement, but at the same time be unaware of the property's tax liability.

It is easy to see why it is necessary to consult with one of our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys before attempting to wade through the complicated effects of divorce on your taxes.

Perils of a Do-it-Yourself Divorce

Many people fall into the trap of thinking it is possible to become a legal expert by reading a few books on divorce or seeking advice from others who have been divorced in the past. Unfortunately, in most cases, a do-it-yourself divorce ends badly. This is because when expert advice is sought too late or not at all, the legal mistakes that occur cannot be undone.

Seek Competent Counsel Today

Fortunately, our experts are always available to assist you with all phases of your divorce and support you throughout the process. We will ensure that the best possible advice is given and subsequently the most positive outcome achieved. If you are in the process of a divorce and need legal counsel, do not hesitate to contact Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC for professional help.

About the Author:

Cory Wall has over 28 years experience as a divorce and family law attorney and is a member in good standing of the State Bars of both Utah and California. Cory aggressively representing his clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property, and debt division.

Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388

3 Questions to Ask a Divorce Lawyer on First Visit

Preparing for a divorce is a challenging task many people often dread. That is why we take our time to educate clients on the best practices when hiring and engaging a divorce attorney. According to the National Marriage Project, the number of divorce attorneys in the country has nearly doubled since 1960. Due to the increased numbers, clients are most likely to come across untrained and inexperienced divorce lawyers. Here are critical questions to ask a divorce attorney on the first visit to help you get the best experience.

How Much Will the Divorce Case Cost?

We don’t promise clients exact fee quotes. Instead, we analyze the scope of the case to establish a suitable fee. Someone who wants legal services will pay more than a client who needs less. We issue our clients with a retainer agreement for them to review. The retainer agreement includes our hourly rate, the advance retainer amount and a list of other costs related to the case. The agreement also contains our collection approach in case a customer fails to pay the fees as indicated and the penalties for late payments. We allow our clients to ask questions about the retainer before they sign it. We also provide a monthly itemized statement that highlights all the costs related to the case.

What is the Mode of Communication?

We understand how a divorce can affect our customers' assets, children and home. As a result, we take our time to design a mode of communication that is secure, convenient and cost-effective to take care of their interests. Our customer service representatives are always on standby to return calls, emails and texts within 24 hours. We always keep customers informed of what is going on in their case. This includes settlement negotiations, court appointments and witness conferences. The clients also have the freedom to choose their most preferred communication channel.

How Many Divorce Cases Have You Handled?

A good divorce attorney should have at least 10 years of experience. An experienced attorney knows what he is doing and can come up with the best approach to a particular divorce case. An experienced attorney should have a good number of cases in his resume, including custody and parenting time cases. Our team of divorce lawyers boasts a lot of experience spanning over 30 years. They have the required skills and knowledge to negotiate local settlements and handle cases that go to trials. They know the right approach to take when preparing subpoenas, exhibits, trial questions and witnesses. The lawyers handle complex issues such as alimony and division of business assets. They work day in day out to ensure the client achieves the best outcome out of the case.

Do not hesitate to call Wall & Wall Attorneys if you are facing a divorce. Our attorneys will work with you in the most convenient way possible to ensure you get the best out of the case. We also work with many legal professions to enhance customer experience. Call us today for a free initial consultation.

About the Author:

Cory Wall has over 28 years experience as a divorce and family law attorney, and is a member in good standing of the State Bars of both Utah and California. Cory aggressively representing his clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property and debt division.

Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388

3 Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce in Utah

Does anyone really want to spend more time on their divorce? Does anyone really want to drag it out any longer than necessary? If you're like most, your primary goal is to bring the relationship to an end so you can move on with your life. Unfortunately a typical divorce is an adversarial process that naturally brings a great deal of stress to your life. If you choose an uncontested divorce is Utah, though, you'll be able to benefit from the factors below.

It's (Typically) Cheaper - And Faster

Generally speaking, divorce is an expensive proposition. It's not just the fees you have to pay to your lawyer that count - you may have to take time off of work to go to court or miss out on important job opportunities in order to bring the marriage to an end. When you get an uncontested divorce, though, you'll be given a chance to resolve things quickly and inexpensively. Because there is less work involved, there is always a lower cost for an uncontested divorce than a contested divorce. Because there is no need to go to court and less of a need to negotiate, there's also less time spent for all involved.

Less Public Information

If you value your privacy, an uncontested divorce might be for you. Even if there are things about which you disagree, it might be better to simply sign off and move on for those who don't want their dirty laundry aired in public. Once the divorce goes to the court, you'll likely have to air a good bit of dirty laundry that you might hope to keep private. If your divorce is uncontested, though, you can keep these issues between you and your former spouse.
Uncontested divorces are especially important for people how value their standing in the community. Contested divorces will almost always involve some degree of disclosure and you never know who will use that information in the future. Choose an uncontested divorce if you wish to keep your secrets to yourself.

Easier on All Involved

Perhaps more importantly, an uncontested divorce is far easier for everyone involved. Because it is generally faster than a contested divorce, you will be able to bring your relationship to an end without drawing out the process. You will also be given the chance to move on without going through an adversarial process - something that can help you to set the tone for any relationship you might have in the future. Uncontested divorces are also far easier on children, as there will be less of a need for the children to become involved in the divorce process. You can put your children first by avoiding court and going through an uncontested divorce.

An uncontested divorce is your best chance to reduce the length, expensive, and stress generated by your divorce. If you need help moving forward with your divorce process, make sure to contact us at Wall and Wall Attorneys at Law. We're here to help you make the right decisions for your divorce.


About the Author:
Cory Wall has over 28 years experience as a divorce and family law attorney, and is a member in good standing of the State Bars of both Utah and California. Cory aggressively representing his clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property and debt division.

Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388

Things That Determine Alimony Payments in Utah

The state of Utah takes marriage seriously when couples decide to divorce. There are always several factors that must be considered during the decree determination and division of assets is one of the most important. Several factors can impact this division, including length of the marriage and the earning capacity of the paying spouse. The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage can matter as well with regard to income potential and personal assets brought to the marriage. Some property can be allocated as personal, but financial gains accrued on those assets during the time of the marriage could well be included in property division. For couples with significant assets, this can be a very complicated and contentious issue in the final divorce decree, and having an experienced law firm handling the case is very important for an equitable divorce settlement.

Financial Status of the Family

Financial status of the family is involved practically in every aspect of a divorce. Some of factors that will be included are evaluating the asset value and the time at which the assets were acquired. Utah is not a community property state, but the general rule of a one-half split does not necessarily apply in certain situations because the court has considerable latitude when inspecting all marital finances. Debt can be a major factor as well. Value determination of assets can be complicated when retirement packages are included or if the couple owned a viable profitable business. In addition, if the recipient spouse contributed to the earning power of the paying spouse during the marriage by paying for any education leading to that increase, a portion of the ongoing earnings can be included in a final decree. Spouses who have contributed in any manner to the success of the business will be entitled to a portion of the value of the family business based specific factors of valuation.

Fault

In some states, the fault that is listed in the divorce papers for the dissolution of the marriage is not applicable during division of property. Utah is not one of those states. If the behavior of one spouse regarding infidelity or illegal activity is listed as part of the reasoning for the divorce filing, the court can include those claims when determining any financial disposition of property, including direct alimony payments. Behavior that contributes to the need for a divorce can matter greatly in Utah, including ongoing financial viability and standard of living had the marriage continued until the death of one spouse. Emotional damage done during the course of the marriage can matter when the court makes financial decisions.

Dependents

Although child support is usually a separate issue from alimony, the number and health of minor dependent children can matter when alimony is being determined. The earning capacity of the paying spouse is a central consideration along with accumulated assets, but ongoing financial support of dependent children can include valuation of assets that would also contribute to that support, including the cost of health care and insurance.
Alimony can be a complicated issue in a Utah divorce, and it is always a good decision to retain an attorney that is focused in practice on divorce cases like the legal professionals at Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law. Let them put their experience and expertise at work for you.


About the Author:
Cory Wall has over 28 years experience as a divorce and family law attorney, and is a member in good standing of the State Bars of both Utah and California. Cory aggressively representing his clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property and debt division.


Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388

Parenting Plans: What Matters Most

Making decisions about where kids will live is among the most frightening and challenging tasks of divorce. The prospect of not being with your children all the time is distressing. The idea of losing your kids is even worse. The worries--and the disputes that can come from them--often are intensified by conventional legal language: Either Mom or Dad wins custody, while the loser just gets "visitation rights."

Excellent parenting isn't a contest. Moms and dads can take various approaches to both legal settlements and the child-rearing contracts they build. Like many specialists, I prefer to consider this difficult job as creating a parenting strategy, a legal contract that define a clear, particular schedule for children in addition to guidelines for each moms and dad's co-parenting duties and function in choice making. In truth, you do not even need to use terms like custody and visitation in your parenting plan.

Bear in mind that one size does not fit all. The strategy you and your child's other parent develop will be as special as each of the individuals in your divorced family. The ideal strategy will take into factor to consider all of your relative' needs-- particularly your kids's requirements. Aim to see this experience through your kids's eyes. It will probably be quite different from yours.

Here are a few tips for exactly what your plan should include:

The Important Elements

• A clear, well-defined schedule consisting of provisions for vacations, trips, school holidays, and so on.
• An outline of who is responsible for making which decisions and how those choices are made if both moms and dads are responsible.
• A schedule for who offers transportation to the other parent's house and to extracurricular events, and so on.
• An overview of the monetary obligations for each moms and dad.
• A breakdown of particular parenting obligations (e.g. who stays home when a kid is sick; who goes on school sightseeing tour and other occasions; who helps with homework; who takes kids to medical and dental visits, and so on).
• A method for handling differences when they emerge.
• A system for sharing info.
• A timetable to evaluate and change the parenting plan if needed.

A Few General Rules to Consider

Divorce has to do with you and your co-parent, but parenting strategies are about the kids. Subsequently, a couple of additional rules can go a long method toward helping them make the transition, such as:

Do all you can to prevent your kids from hearing anything disparaging about the other moms and dad, whether from your own mouth or somebody else's. Many kids will internalize any criticism of a moms and dad as criticism of themselves.

Do not turn your kids into messengers between you. Especially if it's bad news, your children will concern frown at one or both of you for forcing that duty on their shoulders rather of managing it yourself.

Do not try to force your kids to distance themselves from the other moms and dad. That includes not forcing them to call your co-parent by his or her given name and not demanding your children calling your brand-new partner "Mom" or "Dad". Children need both moms and dads in order to mature psychologically and mentally healthy, specifically right away after the divorce. They might grow closer to one or the other parent over time, however you shouldn't press it.