Compassionate And Experienced Family Law Attorneys In Utah
Few legal matters are as deeply personal or life-changing as those affecting your family. At Scalley Reading Bates Hansen & Rasmussen, P.C., our attorneys bring a steady perspective to these challenging situations. Whether you are facing the end of a marriage, fighting for custody of your children or welcoming a new child through adoption, we are here to guide you.
Why Choose Scalley Reading Bates Hansen & Rasmussen, P.C.?
Our lawyers have extensive experience handling a wide variety of family law matters. Having served the Salt Lake City area for over five decades, we understand how crucial it is to have both compassionate counsel and aggressive representation.
We also understand that every family is different. Some cases require a delicate touch and negotiation to preserve relationships, while others require steadfast litigation to protect your safety and financial security. Our family law attorneys are prepared to do both. From the initial filing to the final decree and beyond, we provide the support you need to move forward with your life.
Protecting Your Interests During Divorce And Annulment
The dissolution of a marriage is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. When the breakup of a marriage becomes inevitable, our attorneys help you pursue a fair outcome regarding:
- Spousal support (alimony): Determining fair maintenance based on the length of the marriage and the earning capacities
- Child support: Ensuring financial obligations are calculated correctly
- Asset division: Securing an equitable share of the marital estate
Our family law lawyers will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the financial stability you need.
Fighting For Your Fair Share Of Marital Property
Dividing assets can be one of the most complex aspects of a divorce. Utah laws mandate an “equitable distribution.” Rather than an equal split, the court will decide on the division based on various factors. This includes the duration of the marriage, the source of the assets and the financial condition of each spouse.
Our attorneys apply deep financial knowledge to advocate for your interests, particularly in assets such as:
- Real estate: We assist with professional appraisals and negotiate for the fair allocation or sale of family homes, vacation properties and rental investments.
- Business interests: We fight to protect your share of a family business or professional practice.
- Retirement accounts: We draft the specialized court orders (QDROs) required to divide 401(k)s, pensions and investment portfolios correctly.
- Debt allocation: We negotiate the distribution of marital liabilities to minimize your exposure to debts that belong to your ex-spouse.
Our strategy focuses on securing your financial stability long after the final decree.
Finding Amicable Resolutions Through Mediation
Court is not your only option. We recognize that for many families, a courtroom battle is unnecessary and damaging. Divorce can often be resolved through the less costly means of mediation.
Mediation is a process where parties meet to settle their disputes through negotiation rather than litigation. Our attorneys can help you negotiate a divorce settlement through mediation and work toward a settlement that is fair and reasonable.
Advocating For Child Custody And Parent-Time Solutions
If minor children are involved in a divorce proceeding, the court must make a determination as to where the children will reside. Utah courts will generally grant one parent primary custody, or primary custodial care, of the parties’ minor child or children. The children will then live most of the year with the parent granted primary physical custody. However, there are many variations to these physical custody arrangements, which may include joint physical custody where both parents provide substantially equal custodial care.
The parent who does not receive primary custodial care is referred to as the noncustodial parent and will be granted visitation rights. Visitation is more accurately referred to as parent-time, meaning the time the nonresidential parent spends with the minor children. Our family law attorneys at Scalley Reading Bates Hansen & Rasmussen, P.C., will work hard to secure parents the time and contact they deserve with their children.
Establishing And Modifying Child Support
Utah law requires that the noncustodial parent contribute financial support to the custodial parent for the care of the parties’ minor children. If you are a custodial parent who is not receiving child support payments from the noncustodial parent, our lawyers can assist you in petitioning the court to require that such payments occur.
If you are a noncustodial parent and are struggling to pay the child support obligation that has been imposed upon you, we can assist in determining whether your circumstances justify modification of the child support order.
Assisting With Post-Divorce Matters
Ideally, a divorce decree settles matters permanently. However, life changes, and there may be cases where an ex-spouse fails to uphold their end of the agreement. We can help you petition the court to require your former spouse to fulfill their court-ordered obligations. Whether your former spouse is failing to pay child support, alimony or daycare expenses, or refusing to follow visitation guidelines, we act aggressively to hold them accountable.
Growing Your Family Through Adoption
For the many people who wish to open their homes to another child, Scalley Reading Bates Hansen & Rasmussen, P.C., stands ready to help you realize your dreams. Adoption is often a lengthy process, with significant red tape and bureaucracy. We can help you through this process so that you can start your new family with as little delay as possible.
Family Law Attorneys
Discuss Your Case With A Dedicated Attorney
You deserve to have experienced counsel representing you during these significant life changes. Call 866-471-0614 or send us a message today to schedule your initial consultation. Let us help you protect your family and your future.