Jordan Ngatikaura filed for divorce from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jessi Draper in a Utah court on March 19, 2026, according to TMZ, after she admitted to an emotional affair with Vanderpump Villa star Marciano Brunette. The couple married in 2021 and share two children together, plus a child from a previous relationship. For Utah residents watching this story unfold, the filing triggers a legal process governed by Utah Code § 30-3-1 through § 30-3-5, including a mandatory 90-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| What happened | Jordan Ngatikaura filed for divorce from Jessi Draper (Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) |
| When | March 19, 2026 |
| Where | Utah state court |
| Reason cited | Jessi admitted to an emotional affair with Marciano Brunette |
| Marriage duration | Approximately 5 years (married 2021) |
| Children involved | Two shared children, plus one child from a prior relationship |
| Key statute | Utah Code § 30-3-1 et seq. (Divorce) |
| Waiting period | 90 days mandatory under Utah Code § 30-3-18 |
Utah Does Not Require Proving Fault to Obtain a Divorce
Utah is a no-fault divorce state, meaning Jordan Ngatikaura does not need to prove Jessi Draper's emotional affair caused the marriage to fail. Under Utah Code § 30-3-1(3)(h), a court can grant a divorce on the grounds of "irreconcilable differences of the marriage," which is the standard no-fault basis used in the vast majority of Utah divorce filings.
That said, Utah also recognizes several fault-based grounds for divorce under Utah Code § 30-3-1(3), including adultery, cruel treatment, and willful desertion. While an emotional affair does not necessarily meet the legal definition of adultery under Utah law, it can still surface in the proceedings in a different way. Utah courts may consider marital misconduct, including an affair, when making alimony determinations under Utah Code § 30-3-5(10).
The practical reality is that most Utah divorces proceed under the no-fault "irreconcilable differences" ground regardless of the underlying circumstances. Filing on fault-based grounds adds litigation complexity and cost without changing the outcome on property division, which Utah handles through equitable distribution rather than a community property model.
How Utah Law Handles Divorce With Minor Children
The Draper-Ngatikaura divorce involves minor children, which means the case will be subject to Utah's parenting and custody statutes. Utah courts determine custody and parent-time arrangements based on the best interest of the child standard outlined in Utah Code § 30-3-10 and § 30-3-10.2.
Utah requires both parents to file a proposed parenting plan under Utah Code § 30-3-10.7. The parenting plan must address physical custody schedules, decision-making authority for education and healthcare, holiday and vacation time, and a process for resolving future disputes. Utah courts strongly favor arrangements that allow both parents meaningful involvement in the children's lives.
For parent-time minimums, Utah Code § 30-3-35 establishes a default schedule for children ages 5 through 18, including alternating weekends (Friday 6:00 p.m. to Sunday 7:00 p.m.), one weekday evening per week, alternating holidays, and extended summer time of up to 4 weeks. Courts can deviate from these minimums based on the specific circumstances of the family.
Child support in Utah is calculated using an income shares model under Utah Code § 78B-12-301. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and support obligations are allocated proportionally. For a couple with two shared children and combined income in a higher bracket, monthly child support in Utah typically ranges from $800 to $2,000 or more depending on the income disparity between the parties.
The mandatory 90-day waiting period under Utah Code § 30-3-18 means the earliest this divorce could be finalized is approximately June 17, 2026, assuming all issues are resolved. Contested cases involving custody disputes or significant assets frequently take 6 to 12 months or longer in Utah courts.
How an Emotional Affair Can Factor Into Utah Alimony Decisions
Utah courts consider fault when awarding alimony, and an admitted emotional affair could influence the outcome. Under Utah Code § 30-3-5(10), the court evaluates several factors when determining alimony, including the fault of the parties in causing the divorce, the financial condition and needs of each spouse, the length of the marriage, and each spouse's earning capacity.
A 5-year marriage is relatively short by Utah standards. Under Utah Code § 30-3-5(10)(f), alimony generally cannot exceed the length of the marriage, which would cap any alimony award at approximately 5 years. Utah courts have broad discretion within that timeframe to set the amount and duration based on financial need and the paying spouse's ability to pay.
For celebrity divorces involving reality television income, the financial picture can be complicated. Reality TV compensation, social media sponsorship income, and appearance fees all factor into the income calculations for both child support and alimony. Utah courts look at actual income rather than imputed income when a party has a demonstrated earning history, even if that income is irregular or project-based.
Practical Takeaways for Utah Residents
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Utah requires a 90-day waiting period after filing before any divorce can be finalized under Utah Code § 30-3-18. Use this time to organize financial documents, establish a proposed parenting schedule, and consult with an attorney about your specific situation.
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Emotional affairs do not automatically constitute legal adultery in Utah, but admitted marital misconduct can influence alimony decisions under Utah Code § 30-3-5(10). Document relevant communications if fault may be at issue in your case.
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Both parents must submit a parenting plan when children are involved. Utah's minimum parent-time schedule under Utah Code § 30-3-35 provides a starting framework, but parents can negotiate arrangements that better fit their family's needs.
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Income from social media, content creation, and entertainment work is treated as income for purposes of child support and alimony calculations in Utah. If you or your spouse earn income from non-traditional sources, gather at least 2 to 3 years of tax returns and 1099 forms to establish an accurate income picture.
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Utah offers mediation as an alternative to contested litigation. Many Utah courts require mediation before trial under local rules, and resolving custody and financial issues through mediation typically costs $3,000 to $7,000 compared to $15,000 to $30,000 or more for a fully litigated divorce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an emotional affair grounds for divorce in Utah?
Utah does not require any specific grounds because it allows no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences under Utah Code § 30-3-1(3)(h). An emotional affair is not the same as legal adultery, but admitted infidelity of any kind can influence alimony awards under Utah Code § 30-3-5(10), where courts weigh the fault of each spouse.
How long does a divorce take in Utah?
Utah imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period under Utah Code § 30-3-18 before a divorce can be finalized. Uncontested cases with full agreement on all issues can be completed in approximately 90 to 120 days. Contested divorces involving custody disputes or complex financial issues average 8 to 14 months in Utah courts.
How does Utah determine child custody in a divorce?
Utah courts apply the best interest of the child standard under Utah Code § 30-3-10, evaluating factors including each parent's moral character, emotional stability, past conduct toward the child, and ability to provide care. Utah favors joint legal custody arrangements and establishes minimum parent-time schedules under Utah Code § 30-3-35.
Does cheating affect alimony in Utah?
Fault is one of several factors Utah courts consider when awarding alimony under Utah Code § 30-3-5(10). A spouse who caused the divorce through infidelity may receive a reduced alimony award, though courts weigh fault alongside financial need, earning capacity, and the length of the marriage. For a 5-year marriage, alimony is generally capped at 5 years maximum.
How much does a divorce cost in Utah?
The filing fee for a divorce petition in Utah is approximately $330 as of 2026. Total costs vary significantly based on complexity. An uncontested divorce using mediation typically costs $3,000 to $7,000 in attorney and mediator fees. A contested divorce with custody and financial disputes averages $15,000 to $30,000 or more in Utah, depending on the issues litigated.
If you are considering divorce in Utah or have questions about how these legal principles apply to your situation, speaking with a local family law attorney is the best next step. Use our Utah attorney directory to find an exclusive divorce attorney in your county.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.