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Step-by-step guide on how to file for divorce in Utah without a lawyer. Learn legal timelines, required documents, and legal information.

How to File for Divorce in Utah Without a Lawyer

UTAH LAW

How to File for Divorce in Utah Without a Lawyer

A plain-English, step-by-step guide with Utah-specific rules, forms, timelines, and pitfalls

In Utah, you can file for divorce on your own by meeting residency rules, completing the official forms, filing with the right District Court, serving your spouse correctly, waiting Utah’s mandatory period, and finalizing in court. Each step has technical requirements—mistakes (wrong forms, late service, missed deadlines) can delay or even dismiss your case.

This guide walks you through every step in plain English, with Utah-specific timelines, required classes, and common pitfalls so you can proceed with confidence.

01

Quick DIY Divorce Checklist (Utah)

Use this at-a-glance list to plan your filing. Expand each item as you work:

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Check Eligibility

You or your spouse lived in a Utah county for 3+ months. Kids usually lived in Utah for 6+ months. Utah allows no-fault (“irreconcilable differences”).

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Complete the Forms

Petition for Divorce, Summons, Certificate of Divorce. Use official PDFs or MyCase/OCAP.

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File at District Court

File in the county where either spouse has lived 3+ months— in person, by email, or by mail.

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Pay or Waive Fee

About $325 filing fee. If needed, submit a Motion to Waive Fees with your petition.

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Serve Your Spouse

Sheriff, constable, process server, or an unrelated adult (not you) must serve within 120 days.

Wait 30 Days

Utah requires a 30-day wait. Your spouse has 21 days to respond (30 if out of state).

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Take Classes (If Kids)

Both parents complete Divorce Orientation & Education within 60 days of filing.

Finalize

Judge signs Decree of Divorce. Uncontested: often no hearing. Contested: mediation, possibly trial.

02

Eligibility to File (Residency & Grounds)

Either spouse must have lived in Utah and in the same county for at least 3 months immediately before filing. For cases with minor children, the child must usually have lived with a parent in Utah for 6+ months to give Utah courts custody jurisdiction (limited exceptions apply).

Utah is a no-fault state. You may allege “irreconcilable differences” without proving fault (though fault grounds exist). You’ll state your ground in the petition; for no-fault, the court doesn’t require detail. (See Utah Code § 30-3-1.)

residency 3+ months in county before filing (military stationed in Utah counts)
children Child typically in Utah 6+ months for custody jurisdiction
grounds No-fault: “irreconcilable differences” (most common)

File in the correct county and choose the right “with children / without children” path from the start to avoid re-work.

03

Where to File & How to Submit

Pick the Right Court

District Court: File in the county where either spouse has lived for 3+ months. If spouses live in different Utah counties, either county works.
Example: You live in Salt Lake County; spouse moved out of state—Salt Lake County is still fine if you meet residency.

Choose a Filing Method

In Person: Clerk files, stamps, and assigns a case number—bring extra copies.
By Email: Many districts accept PDF filings by email; use a clear subject line and follow clerk payment instructions.
By Mail: Slowest. Case is “filed” only when processed—use certified mail and include a return envelope.

Pay the Fee / Waive It

Filing Fee: About $325 due at filing; include Motion to Waive Fees if you can’t afford it.
Process: Court won’t process your case until fee payment or waiver decision is recorded.

Automatic Injunction

Applies When: Immediately to the filer; to the other spouse upon service.
Restricts: Harassment, hiding/transferring property, canceling insurance, and major financial changes.
Service Tip: Include a copy of the injunction when serving; violations can trigger sanctions.
04

Required Forms (Pro Se)

Utah provides official forms online and via the MyCase/OCAP interview:

Petition for Divorce Use the correct version: with children / without children.
Summons Notifies your spouse and starts response deadlines (21/30 days).
Certificate of Divorce Vital statistics form filed with your petition.
Other Motion to Waive Fees, UCCJEA (with kids), Civil Cover Sheet (some districts).

MyCase/OCAP guides you through questions and generates the right forms for your situation—fewer mistakes, faster filing.

05

Serving Your Spouse (Utah Rules)

After filing, you cannot serve your spouse. Service must be by a sheriff, constable, process server, or another adult who isn’t a party. Service must be completed within 120 days. The server files a Proof of Service with the court.

Once served, your spouse is officially on notice and bound by the automatic injunction. Response is due within 21 days (30 if served outside Utah).

06

Final Hearing & Case Paths

Uncontested

Default / Agreement: Submit a proposed Decree. Many courts sign without a hearing after the 30-day wait.

Short Prove-Up

Brief Hearing: Some counties still require a short Q&A before the judge signs.

Contested

Mediation First: If unresolved, the case proceeds to trial where the judge decides.

Decree & Follow-Through

Certified Copy: Get certified copies, then carry out orders: divide property, update insurance, refinance, pay support.
07

Next Steps & Tips

Use the latest forms from the Utah State Courts site. Stay organized: keep copies, track deadlines, and set reminders for service, classes, mediation, and disclosures. The Self-Help Center can answer procedure questions; MyCase/OCAP helps generate forms. If you’re unsure, consider a limited consultation with an attorney or Licensed Paralegal Practitioner for document review or targeted advice.

Common Pitfalls: incorrect service, missing vital forms (like the Certificate of Divorce), skipping required tasks (parent classes, disclosures, mediation), and missing hearings or filing deadlines.

Need a Quick Gut-Check?

Doing your own divorce saves money, but details matter. A short consult can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Talk to a Utah Attorney
08

YouTube & Instagram Resource Hubs

Key Takeaways

File in the correct District Court, serve properly within 120 days, and calendar Utah’s 30-day waiting period.

Use the correct “with / without children” forms and complete required parent classes within 60 days if applicable.

Uncontested cases may finalize without a hearing; contested cases require mediation and can go to trial.

This page is legal information, not legal advice. When in doubt, get counsel before you file.

Wrapping Up

DIY divorce is doable if you follow Utah’s steps precisely. If things get messy or contested, consider a brief strategy consult.

Book a Divorce Consult

We can review your documents, flag risks, and map your next filings so you keep momentum.

Utah Law Explained makes complex legal topics simple. Our guides help you understand Utah law and take informed next steps. This article is legal information, not legal advice. If you’re unsure, consult a Utah attorney for tailored help.

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