Utah Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/utah/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
90 days minimum for uncontested divorce (30-day waiting period plus processing), 4-6 months typical for stipulated divorces with children (including mandatory parenting courses), 9-18 months for contested divorces requiring mediation and trial in Utah
Documents to Gather
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificates for Minor Children
- Photo Identification (Driver's License or State ID)
- Social Security Cards or Numbers
- Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
- Existing Court Orders (Protective Orders, Temporary Orders)(if applicable)
Financial Documents
- Federal and State Income Tax Returns (Last 2 Years)
- Pay Stubs (Last 12 Months)
- Bank and Financial Account Statements (Last 3 Months)
- Retirement Account Statements
- Real Estate Documents
- Loan Applications and Financial Statements (Last 12 Months)
- Credit Card Statements (Last 3 Months)
- Business Financial Records(if applicable)
- Insurance Policies
- Vehicle Titles and Loan Statements
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Residency Requirements
- Gather Essential Personal and Financial Documents
- Develop a Safety Plan if Domestic Violence Is Present
- Determine Grounds for Divorce
2. Filing Process
- Prepare the Petition for Divorce and Required Forms
- File the Petition with the District Court
- Complete the Divorce Orientation Course (If Minor Children)
- Complete the Divorce Education Parenting Course (If Minor Children)
3. After Filing
- Serve Your Spouse with the Divorce Papers
- Wait for Your Spouse's Response
- Exchange Mandatory Financial Disclosures
- Participate in Mandatory Mediation (If Contested)
- Negotiate a Settlement or Prepare for Trial
- Submit Final Divorce Papers and Obtain the Decree
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Utah, you must first establish that either you or your spouse has resided in the same Utah county for at least three continuous months under Utah Code § 30-3-1. File a Petition for Divorce along with the Summons (Form 1015GEJ), Declaration of Jurisdiction and Grounds (Form 1051FAJ), and Certificate of Divorce (UDOH OVRS Form 404) at the district court in your county, paying the $325.00 filing fee. Serve your spouse within 120 days — they have 21 days to respond if served in Utah or 30 days if served out of state. If children under 18 are involved, both parents must complete a one-hour Divorce Orientation Course and a two-hour Parenting Course through USU Extension. Exchange Financial Declarations (Form 1352FAJ) with all tax returns, pay stubs, and account statements within 14 days of the Answer. Contested cases require mandatory mediation under Utah Code § 30-3-39. Utah imposes a 30-day mandatory waiting period before the court can finalize the divorce. Uncontested cases typically resolve in 90 days to 4 months, while contested cases may take 9-18 months.