The Importance of McPherson v. Copp for Unsolemnized Marriage Claims in Family Law

Common Law Marriage

The case of McPherson v. Copp, recently decided by the Utah Court of Appeals, sheds light on the complexities of unsolemnized marriages in family law. This decision emphasizes the importance of evidentiary standards and the interpretation of “uniform and general reputation” as required by Utah Code section 30-1-4.5(1)(e). Case Background Sean McPherson and Lynn Copp…

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Enforcing Divorce Decrees: Lessons from Elder v. Elder

Enforcement Issues

Introduction. Divorce decrees are intended to be final and enforceable judgments that both parties must follow. However, when one party fails to comply, the other may need to seek legal remedies. The recent case of Elder v. Elder illustrates the complexities and legal processes involved in enforcing a divorce decree. Background of the Case. Brittany…

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Navigating Property Division in Divorce: Lessons from Thorup v. Thorup

Division of Property in Utah Divorce Cases

Property division in divorce can be complex, especially when distinguishing between separate and marital assets. The recent Utah Court of Appeals case, Thorup v. Thorup, provides valuable insights into how courts handle these intricate issues. Case Background In Thorup v. Thorup, Marcus and Mona Thorup’s divorce involved dividing equity in their marital home. The house,…

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Navigating Life After Divorce: Key Mistakes to Avoid

Post Divorce Mistakes to Avoid

Divorce can present significant challenges and may have enduring effects on everyone involved. Even after the legal proceedings conclude, it’s vital to approach the post-divorce period with caution to ensure a seamless transition and safeguard your interests. In this blog post, we’ll delve into five essential steps to steer clear of common post-divorce pitfalls, offering…

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New Mandatory Parenting Course Requirement in Utah Family Law

Preparing for Divorce

Understanding the latest updates in Utah family law is crucial for both married and unmarried parents involved in legal actions concerning child custody and parent-time. One of the most significant recent changes is the implementation of mandatory parenting courses for custody cases. Here’s what you need to know about this new requirement and how it…

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Key Changes in Utah Alimony Law: Imputation of Income for Recipient Spouses

Alimony in Utah Family Law Cases

Understanding the latest changes in Utah family law is essential for anyone involved in alimony cases. One significant update focuses on how the courts determine the imputation of income for recipient spouses. These changes are designed to ensure fairer outcomes for individuals who have reduced their workplace experience due to family responsibilities or disability. Here’s…

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Navigating Utah’s Extended Summer Parent-Time Schedule

Child Custody

Summer is coming! This blog post will focus on the extended parent-time schedules set forth in Utah Code Ann.  § 30-3-35(4) and/or § 30-3-35.1(8). These extended parent-time schedules ensure both custodial and noncustodial parents have ample opportunity to spend quality time with their child(ren). Let’s delve into the specifics of Utah’s extended parent-time schedules as outlined…

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Navigating Child Custody Determinations in Utah: Understanding Key Factors

Child Custody

Child custody is a paramount consideration in divorce and custody cases, and courts aim to make decisions as to custody that prioritize the best interests of the child(ren). In Utah, specific factors are taken into account when determining custody arrangements. Understanding these factors can provide clarity and help parents navigate this emotionally charged process. At…

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