3 Myths About Alimony in Utah

The U.S, Census Bureau places the rate of divorce in Utah at around 16%. This makes it the state with the lowest number of divorce cases in comparison to regions such as Washington DC whose divorce rate stands at 31%.
One of the issues that come up in most divorce cases is alimony. Alimony is aimed at helping each spouse maintain the same standard of living they had when they were married. We demystify the 3 most common misconceptions about alimony in Utah.

Only Women Can Be Awarded Alimony

Utah’s law dictates that either sex could receive alimony. However, cases in which the husband receives alimony are quite rare. This is because they are the breadwinners in most cases. With more women taking high-paying jobs and some men becoming the stay-at-home caregivers, cases in which alimony is being awarded to the man are trickling in.

Alimony Is Always Awarded in a Divorce

Some circumstances may cause alimony not to be awarded. If the marriage lasted less than 4 years, the likelihood of being awarded alimony is low. The court also looks into such factors as the ability of the requesting party to realistically work, their education level, their age, and whether there is money for the alimony payment. If the court determines that both parties can work or that there is not enough money, it is more likely not to order alimony. Divorce in Utah is a fault case, and if the requester is at fault, they might not be awarded alimony.

You Are Not Eligible for Both Child Support and Alimony

While child support may decrease the need for alimony, it does not mean that you do not qualify for it. Alimony is also different from marital property distribution and child support. Nonetheless, the court will consider both before ruling on whether to award alimony. It is hard for anyone to figure out how alimony is calculated and the basis on which it is awarded. You need the services of a competent family law attorney to help you through the divorce and accompanying issues.

Contact Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law at 801 441 2388. A skilled alimony attorney Utah will review your case for 30 minutes free of charge and advice you on the best course of action. Having an understanding of how alimony works in Utah, you are assured of the best result possible. We offer military discounts for service members.

Author Statement:

The Wall's have over more 190 years of combined legal experience as divorce and family law attorneys. They aggressively represent their 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 Your First Halloween After a Divorce

Halloween remains the most popular holiday in America enjoyed by both adults and children. However, you may need proper planning to have a thrilling experience especially if you recently divorced. How? Here are three tips on how to enjoy Halloween after divorce from an experienced divorce attorney Utah.

1. Avoid Fighting the Other Parent

Children get traumatized when they see their parents fighting especially in public. If you are currently living with your children, do you best to work with the other parent to coordinate holiday activities. Avoid engaging in heated arguments. Instead, try to follow the parenting agreement and use other methods such as negotiation to solve conflicts and misunderstandings.

However, at times, it's challenging to avoid disagreements. Often, you can foresee them before they occur. If your holiday plan isn't flexible and you disagree with your partner about it, it's wise to discuss it in advance before the Halloween holiday, such as during summer.

2. Stick to Your Holiday Plan

Many people maintain friendly relationships with their partners while others have difficulty on coming to agreement on holiday plans. If you find it hard to have a calm discussion or correspondence on holiday plans with your ex-spouse, you might have to create a personal holiday plan. Alternatively, you can consult a divorce attorney Utah to solve specific parenting issues. It isn’t wise to determine plans just before or during a holiday, advanced planning is best.

Once a plan is agreed upon, stick to it without deviating. It should be clear and realistic. Also, consider aspects such as traffic congestion and travel time if you are sharing holiday time. Planning ahead helps you to plan fun activities for your children and then everyone can know what to expect, and can enjoy the Halloween celebrations even more!

3. Halloween Safety

Safety is crucial for any holiday. You can get several tips online including the National Safety Counsel. Try to have a balance between fun and safety during the festivity. Stay with your children to watch over their trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, and at parties.

Often, kids can detect when you are depressed or anxious and it hinders their enjoyment of the holidays. Strive to focus on their fun and making great memories. Are you having difficulties with your ex-spouse during the holidays or planning to divorce? Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law is a leading law firm in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have over 40 years of experience in family law. A divorce attorney Utah from our firm will listen to your marital issue and offer genuine advice. Call us at 801-441-2388 for a free 30 min consultation.


Author Statement:
The Wall's have over more 190 years of combined legal experience as divorce and family law attorneys. They aggressively represent their 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 Common Reasons Couples Get Divorced

Are you in need of a competent and compassionate divorce lawyer Utah? If you are beginning the difficult process of a divorce case, it is in your best interest to seek out one of the best family law attorneys in Utah. He or she will make this go smoother, which is necessary during such an emotional time. Divorces are especially tough legal matters that happen for a variety of reasons. Here are top 3 common reasons couples get divorced.

Addictions

One of the main reasons people get divorced is due to addiction, whether it is one or both partners who are addicted. This can range from sex to opiods and even work as types of addictions. This is because the behaviors and substances can highly alter the individual’s brain and become a top priority. Once the other spouse realizes that they have had enough and decide to leave, it often leads to a divorce.

Issues with Money

Although money problems do not directly lead to divorce, it is pretty clear why this is high on the list of contributing factors. This is especially true when each partner has different ideas about how to save and spend money and what to do about financial issues. Also, women now are rising up in the ranks career-wise, making more money than their spouses in some instances. Even in this modern world it can be stressful on the couple and bring the relationship into troubled times.

Infidelity

Marriages often break down due to one or both partners cheating. This can be either emotional or physical in nature. Our extremely connected world, with social media bringing people closer together than they might be otherwise, has led to emotional cheating at the very least. If the relationship is already weak, infidelity can cause lessened trust and an abrupt or eventual end to the marriage if the couple is not able to work through the trust issues.


When you have questions about how to start your divorce case, including how to proceed with getting legal representation, do not hesitate to contact us online or by phone. We offer a free 30 minute consultation, have English and Spanish-speaking staff and can acquire interpreters for other languages, as well as offer military discounts for those who have served in the military. Our full-service divorce program and DIY assistance will put you in the best position to work through the case as painlessly as possible. Reach out to us today for a quick response to your important questions.


Author Statement:
The Wall's have over more 190 years of combined legal experience as divorce and family law attorneys. They aggressively represent their 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 Coparenting After a Divorce

“The best security blanket a child can have is parents who respect each other.” - Jane Blaustone. If you and your child’s other parent is having a hard time seeing eye-to-eye with co-parenting, divorce lawyers in Utah want to help you get the matter resolved. Parenting is a difficult job when both parents are in the home. Factor in divorce or separation, and the insurmountable stress flows like a fountain from parents to children. Here are three steps you can put in place to improve your role as a co-parent.

You Can Only Control You

Benjamin Franklin knowingly said, “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain but death and taxes.” Realistically, no one marries to divorce. No one has children to abandon them purposefully. Life happens, and it does not always play out how we hoped it would.
With co-parenting, it’s easy for fear to dictate behavior, especially at the beginning of a separation or divorce. You may feel yourself wanting to control the other person in hopes that things go your way. That’s normal, but it doesn’t make it okay. The only thing in your co-parenting situation that you can change and control is you.

Forgiveness

Hurt and anger can negatively impact your co-parenting ability. Take some time to address your emotion. Then understand that your feelings do not have to dictate your behavior.Co-parenting can often mean that you will come face-to-face with someone that hurt you. Divorce lawyers in Utah can help you prepare for this step.
The hurt, if left unchecked, can cause you to act or behave in a manner that is detrimental to your child’s well-being. It can be traumatic for your child to witness his/her parents arguing fussing, and fighting. Forgiveness is a process that takes time, but it’s possible for you to get there with the right frame of mind.

Work as a Team

Co-parenting means that you and the other parent are on the same team with the same goals. Your primary co-parenting goal is to raise independent, successful children who grow up to contribute positively to society one day. The foundation you lay for your children today will be evident in their outcome tomorrow. Here are a few ways to work as a team to achieve co-parenting goals:

• Be respectful
• Show restraint and don’t lash out
• Listen
• Keep the children as the topic of conversation
• Learn how to handle stress in the moment

How do you feel about your co-parenting abilities? Do you need to seek the professional guidance of divorce lawyers in Utah? If so, you are not alone. Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law P.C. have been a family owned law practice since 1973. We have the experience needed to assist you in your divorce. Your time is valuable, and we understand. We offer a free 30-minute consultation. If you’re not ready to discuss and consult with an attorney yet, consider reading about our DIY divorce services. The sooner you take a step to resolve your situation, the closer you will be to fulfilling co-parenting goals.

About the Author:
The Wall's have over more 190 years of combined legal experience as divorce and family law attorneys. They aggressively represent their 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

What are the possible punishments for drug possession in Utah

Drug charges in Utah can be very severe depending on whether it’s classified as a misdemeanor or as a felony. Most people don’t know that drug crimes in Utah are enhance-able offenses; as such a simple case of drug possession could lead to felony charges. Utah drug laws and penalties are very complex. Therefore, to know exactly what you are up against, consult a drug crime attorney in Utah. That said, here are the possible punishments for drug possession in Utah.

Possession

Possession of illegal drugs often falls under class B misdemeanor. First-time offenders can face a jail term of up to 6 months and a fine of up to $1,000. A second conviction gets you charged under class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by a one-year jail term and up to $2,500 in fines. Subsequent offenses are classified as third-degree felonies, which can get you imprisoned for 5 years.

Possession with the aim to deliver

Possession with the aim to distribute drugs is charged as second-degree felonies. Offenders can be imprisoned for up to 15 years.

Distribution

Distribution involves people who share, give, or provide drugs to others. This includes those who sell, deliver, cultivate, and manufacture illegal drugs. These offenses are charged as second-degree felonies. As such, they are punishable by 15 years in prison, together with fines that could go over $19,000.

Trafficking

Drug trafficking charges are brought about when there are large quantities of drugs involved or when drugs crimes cut across states. Offenders can be charged with federal or state crimes. First-time offenders can face up to 5 years in prison whereas subsequent offenses could get up to 20 years in prison or a life sentence. In the case that drug trafficking activities result in injury or death, offenders could face a life sentence.l

Every drug conviction will get your driver’s license suspended for 6 months. There are several factors that could increase your penalty; past convictions, possession of a weapon, type of drug, etc.

Have you or any of your loved ones been charged with a drug crime? It’s not the end of the world. At Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law, we can help you sort out the kind of charges you face. We understand that Utah laws embrace treatment over sentencing and will help you get the best possible outcome for your situation, which includes having your penalties reduced. Contact us today for a free consultation.


About the Author:
The Wall's have over more 190 years of combined legal experience as divorce and family law attorneys. They aggressively represent their 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 Myths About Child Support in Utah

A divorce is an extremely stressful life event in which one must take all possible steps to protect yourself and your children. Child support is one of the main concerns involved in trying to work out a workable and fair custody agreement. According to Utah law, there are strict guidelines for determining who will pay the bulk of child support. Three myths about child support in Utah which make advice from a child support lawyer Utah critical are:

• Child Support Payments Always Stop When a Child Turns 18 or Graduates From High School
• Child Support Orders Can Never be Modified
• Both Parents Can Always Claim Their Children as Dependents on Their Taxes

Myth #1 – Child Support Payments in Utah Always Stop When a Child Turns 18

Usually, child support payments in Utah continue only until a child turns 18 or graduates from high school.
However, there is an exception to this age cutoff for child support in Utah. If a dependent child has special needs, the appropriate and responsible parent may be required to pay child support well into adulthood.

Myth #2 – Child Support Payments in Utah Cannot be Modified

Usually, child support payments cannot be modified unless there has been a significant change in the incomes of one or both parents. If this is the case, there are 2 circumstances in which the child support agreement can be modified:

• The first circumstance is when it has been at least 3 years since the child support order was first established or last modified and the change in incomes results in a change of the child support amount of more than 10%.
• The second circumstance is when it has been less than 3 years since the child support order was issued and income levels of one or both parents have resulted in a change in child support amount of more than 15%.

Myth #3 – Both Parents Can Always Claim All Children as Dependents for Tax Exemptions

The fact is that the court will decide which parent pays most of the financial support for the children and who would gain the most from a tax exemption.

Call An Experienced Utah Child Support Lawyer

Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law is a family owned law firm with experienced and compassionate lawyers who specialize in child support issues in Utah. Call us today for a free consultation at 801-441-2388.



About the Author:
The Wall's have over more 190 years of combined legal experience as divorce and family law attorneys. They aggressively represent their 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

Seeking Protective Orders - Get Domestic Violence Help

Signs of domestic violence are sometimes obvious, and other times they can go unnoticed until the victim realizes that years of emotional, psychological, and financial damage have left them in a very negative position. But, domestic violence lawyers in Utah know the warning signs and the results that constitute domestic violence - and are punishable by Utah and Federal law.
Every relationship is different, but the domestic violence laws in Utah support and advocate for those that are experiencing abnormal relationships which are causing damaging results. Some warning signs of domestic violence include:

• physical abuse including choking, kicking, and slapping
• forced work or dictating what a person eats, drinks, or does
• emotional abuse including cheating, lying, and insults
• psychological abuse including threatening, blaming or controlling
• sexual abuse that is forceful, insulting, or harming

If you are in a marriage or a domestic partnership relationship with cycles of domestic abuse, contact a domestic abuse lawyer in Utah that can explain your rights and help you receive the financial, medical, and emotional help you deserve.

Regain Your Power After Domestic Violence

The very act of domestic abuse takes away a person's self-esteem, freedoms, and right to live a full and happy life. Our domestic violence lawyers in Utah are compassionate, working to remove the stress and difficulties that victims are experiencing. We take control of your legal concerns, but we always listen to our client's needs and stick to our client's goals.

You can help your domestic violence case by filing police reports after a violent behavior, false imprisonment, sexual battery, aggravated stalking, or any other criminal offense that leads to physical injury or damaging mental and psychological abuse. Intense fear, anxiety, and abnormal demands that leave you feeling helpless and without control are all signs that your partner may be guilty of domestic violence laws in Utah.

Domestic Abuse Laws in Utah

In Utah, the law supports victims of violent crime including stalking or harassment against persons living in the same habitation. If police officers have a reasonable belief that domestic abuse is occurring, they are bound by law to make an arrest or issue a citation. Additionally, if they believe the victim is in danger of further assault within the household, they may make an arrest of the violating person.

At Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law, P.C., our respected and family-owned law firm has been serving members of the Salt Lake City, Utah community since 1973. We offer compassionate, yet aggressive representation by listening carefully to your legal situation and exploring all of your legal options. As divorce attorney experts we also provide you DIY Divorce Assistance to save you from the burden of extreme financial costs.

About the Author:
The Wall's have over more 190 years of combined legal experience as divorce and family law attorneys. They aggressively represent their 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