Divorce has a way of putting emotional, financial, parenting, and legal decisions into one very unpleasant blender. Suddenly, everyone has advice, including your coworker who got divorced in 2007 and your cousin who “basically knows the law.”

Before making major decisions, getting reliable information can help. Every divorce is different. Utah divorces can involve property, debt, alimony, child support, custody, and parent-time.

Here are a few things to do, and a few things definitely not to do, when divorce becomes a possibility.

What to Do

What Is the First Thing I Should Do If I Want a Divorce?

Start by getting organized and understanding your situation before making major financial or parenting decisions.

Gather information about:

• Income
• Bank accounts
• Retirement accounts
• Debts
• Real estate
• Significant property
• Existing court orders

If children are involved, note current parenting arrangements, schedules, and expenses.

You don’t need to arrive at your first meeting with three banker boxes organized with color-coded tabs. But having basic information can make your conversation with a divorce attorney much more productive.

Consider speaking with an attorney before taking significant actions that could affect your case. Intermountain Legal’s divorce and custody attorneys can explain the legal issues that may apply to your particular circumstances.

What Type of Lawyer Is Best for Divorce?

Divorce falls under family law, so look for divorce lawyers who regularly handle Utah family-law matters. Depending on your circumstances, that could mean experience with property division, child custody, child support, alimony, mediation, negotiation, or litigation.

The Utah State Bar recommends considering an attorney’s experience and expertise, communication style, billing practices, and whether you feel comfortable working with that attorney.

In other words, don’t search “divorce lawyer” and hire whoever has the fanciest headshot.

What Should I Tell the Divorce Attorney?

Everything relevant, even the uncomfortable stuff.

Tell your attorney about your finances, debts, property, children, parenting arrangements, existing agreements or court orders, and any significant disputes or safety concerns. Mention facts you think your spouse may raise, too.

Your attorney is one of the last people you want learning an important fact for the first time when the other side brings it up.

What NOT to Do

What Is the Biggest Mistake During a Divorce?

There isn’t one universal “biggest mistake,” because every divorce is different. However, making impulsive decisions without understanding the potential consequences can create unnecessary complications.

Don’t hide assets or financial information. Don’t destroy potentially relevant records or messages. Don’t use your children as messengers. Don’t sign agreements you don’t understand. And please don’t document every argument on social media.

Facebook has many fine qualities. Becoming Exhibit A in your divorce probably shouldn’t be one of them.

Also, don’t assume your friend’s divorce tells you what will happen in yours. Utah’s divorce process depends on the specific circumstances involved, and contested cases generally include financial disclosures and mediation before trial.

Get Information Before Making Big Decisions

You don’t need to know every answer before calling a divorce attorney. You need to know what’s happening, what matters to you, and what questions you want answered.

Intermountain Legal’s family law practice handles contested and uncontested divorces, custody and paternity matters, support issues, mediation, modifications, and related cases.

If you’re considering divorce in Utah, contact Intermountain Legal to discuss your circumstances, your options, and what may come next.