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.
Prenatal Child Support in Utah
January 31st, 2026
Both parents have a legal obligation to contribute financially to raising their child, regardless of marital status. Although formal child support cannot be ordered until after a child is born, Utah law allows for prenatal child support. The first st…
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Categories: Child Support
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What is the Mediation Process for Family Law and Divorce?
December 18th, 2025
Not every family law matter or divorce case needs to be litigated in the courtroom. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that can allow the parties to settle their cases amicably, respectfully, and efficiently without judicial interv…
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Categories: Mediation
Does Child Support Automatically Stop at 18 in Utah?
November 20th, 2025
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…
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Categories: Child Support
Can You Divorce During Pregnancy?
October 27th, 2025
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…
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Categories: Utah Divorce
Divorce, Remarriage, and Child Support in Utah
September 30th, 2025
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…
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Alimony Reform: Utah Alimony Guidelines
September 5th, 2025
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…
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Categories: Alimony
Back to School Tips for Co-Parents
July 31st, 2025
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…
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Is Mediation Right for My Divorce Case?
July 2nd, 2025
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…
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Categories: Mediation
Child Support for Special Needs Children
June 17th, 2025
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…
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Categories: Child Custody
Dividing Assets in a Same-Sex Divorce
April 24th, 2025
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…
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Categories: Utah Divorce