Utah Family Law Blog

Welcome to the BartonWood Family Law Blog, your trusted resource for insights, updates, and guidance on family law matters in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah. Kara Barton and Ashley Wood, are experienced attorneys dedicated to helping families navigate legal challenges with clarity and compassion. This blog offers practical information on divorce, custody, adoption, and more. Whether you’re just beginning your legal journey or looking for guidance along the way, we’re here to help you stay informed and empowered.

Portrait of a mother sitting on the sofa and hugging her teenaged son. Visual concept for a blog discussing does child support end at 18?

Does Child Support Automatically Stop at 18 in Utah?

Child support is payment made by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent to ensure a child’s basic needs are met, regardless of the parents’ marital status. It is typically ordered until the child is 18. However, it’s important to unde… Read More
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Categories: Child Support
A judge holds a gavel above wooden figures representing a family. Visual concept for family law blog discussing divorce during pregnancy.

Can You Divorce During Pregnancy?

Divorce can be a complex process, and it can become even more complicated when a pregnancy is involved. While a spouse is permitted to file for divorce during pregnancy in Utah, it’s crucial to understand that the issues of child custody and child… Read More
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Categories: Utah Divorce
Two panel images of divorcing couple and wedding couple. Visual concept for a blog discussing the effect of divorce and remarriage on child support.

Divorce, Remarriage, and Child Support in Utah

If you are divorced and paying or receiving child support, you may wonder whether remarriage will affect the amount of the obligation. As a general rule, the decision to remarry will have little or no impact on support payments in Utah. The settlemen… Read More
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Word ALIMONY composed of wooden letters. Visual concept for a divorce law blog discussing Utah alimony laws.

Alimony Reform: Utah Alimony Guidelines

Alimony can be among the most contentious issues a couple must resolve in divorce, especially in situations where one spouse sacrificed their career goals for the benefit of the marriage. Also referred to as “spousal support,” alimony is payment… Read More
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Categories: Alimony
A multi-ethnic group of elementary age children are getting on a school bus happy and eager to get back to school. Visual concept for a family law blog discussing back to school transition tips for co-parents.

Back to School Tips for Co-Parents

The back-to-school season can be an exciting time for children — but it can sometimes be stressful for co-parents. Whether you are going through a divorce or facing a custody dispute, establishing a solid routine for the school year is crucial to h… Read More
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Closeup of young couple in serious discussion with a mediator. Visual concept for a family law blog discussing divorce mediation.

Is Mediation Right for My Divorce Case?

Litigation isn’t the only way you can legally end a marriage. Divorce mediation in Utah is a form of alternative dispute resolution that can allow you to part ways with your spouse peacefully, cost-effectively, and privately. While there are many b… Read More
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Categories: Mediation
Happy brother and sister blowing bubbles, visual concept for a family law blog discussing child support for special needs children.

Child Support for Special Needs Children

Both parents have a legal obligation to financially support their child, regardless of whether they were ever married. Child support payments can be crucial to ensure a child’s basic needs are met. However, in cases where a child has a physical or… Read More
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Categories: Child Custody
Same sex couple is stressed and not communicating with each other. Sitting on a couch, not touching. Visual concept for a family law blog discussing Utah's same sex divorce laws.

Dividing Assets in a Same-Sex Divorce

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in the landmark case, Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex marriages became legally recognized nationwide, including in the state of Utah. Consequently, in addition to having the same right to marry as opp… Read More
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Categories: Utah Divorce
An anxious couple. Close up of the man's hands. Visual concept for a family law blog discussing the key differences between collaborative and traditional divorce.

What is the Difference Between Collaborative Divorce and Traditional Divorce?

Divorce is, by definition, a life-changing process. No one goes into marriage planning to divorce, but if you find yourself at that crossroads, you want to end your marriage in the way that is least damaging: for you, your finances, and especially yo… Read More
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Categories: Utah Divorce
Shot of son and father brushing teeth, visual concept for a Utah family lawyer blog discussing Utah Child Support Guidelines.

Utah Child Support Guidelines: What Parents Need to Know

Utah Code 81-6-304 and 305: Changes to Child Support Guidelines Both of a child’s parents have an obligation to support their child. When the parents are divorced or have never been married, that obligation is formalized through a child support ord… Read More
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Categories: Child Support