Utah Divorce Checklist — Step-by-Step (2026)

Phase 1 — Pre-Filing Requirements

• Confirm 90-day residency in the county where you plan to file (Utah Code § 30-3-1)
• Confirm grounds: irreconcilable differences
• If minor children: Both parties complete Divorce Orientation class before filing (Utah Code § 30-3-11.3)
  • Online or in-person options at utcourts.gov
  • Obtain certificate of completion ($30–$50 per person)
  • Required for both Petitioner and Respondent before filing
• Determine process: uncontested (agreed) or contested
• Gather all financial documents: income, bank accounts, investments, real estate, retirement, debts, tax returns

Phase 2 — Financial Inventory

• All real estate: FMV, mortgage balance, marital vs. separate equity
• Bank and investment accounts: all balances, marital vs. separate
• Retirement accounts: total balance; marital portion (contributions from marriage date to separation date)
• Vehicles: fair market values; outstanding loans
• All debts: creditor, account number, balance, marital vs. separate
• Business interests (if any): valuation documentation
• Monthly income and expense documentation (for alimony analysis)
• Tax returns: last 2–3 years for income verification

Phase 3 — Use MyPaperwork ($20) or Download Forms

MyPaperwork (recommended):

• Go to utcourts.gov/en/self-help/divorce.html
• Select MyPaperwork → Divorce
• Complete guided interview ($20 fee)
• Download all generated, court-ready forms

Alternatively: Download paper forms directly from utcourts.gov (free)

Phase 4 — Draft and Execute the Marital Settlement Agreement

• All marital real property addressed — assign, buyout, or sale
  • Agreed FMV; mortgage balance; marital equity calculation
  • One keeps: buyout + refinancing deadline + Deed → Utah County Recorder
  • Or sale: proceeds split per agreement
• All marital financial accounts assigned
• Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer language
  • Utah Retirement Systems (URS): urs.org — DRO after Decree (state/public employees)
• Vehicles assigned; Utah DMV title transfer
• All marital debts assigned; indemnification language
• Separate property acknowledged and confirmed
• Alimony: award (standard of living during marriage = primary factor, Utah Code § 30-3-5) — or explicit waiver
• If children: legal custody, physical custody, Parenting Plan, child support per Utah Guidelines
• Both spouses sign and notarize the Marital Settlement Agreement

Phase 5 — Complete All Court Forms

Forms via MyPaperwork or utcourts.gov/en/self-help/divorce.html

• Petition for Divorce
• Summons (if serving Respondent individually)
• Vital Statistics form
• Marital Settlement Agreement / Stipulation
• Financial Declaration (both parties — required in Utah)
• If children: Divorce Orientation certificate (both parties)
• If children: Parenting Plan — must meet Utah's detailed requirements
• If children: Child Support Worksheet per Utah Guidelines
• Proposed Decree of Divorce

Phase 6 — File at Utah District Court

• File Petition + all exhibits at District Court in your county
• Pay $325 filing fee
• Obtain case number

Phase 7 — Serve the Respondent

• Serve Respondent with Petition and Summons
• Respondent has 21 days to file an Answer after personal service
• Or: Respondent signs and files Acceptance of Service / Waiver

Phase 8 — 30-Day Waiting Period

• Utah mandatory 30-day waiting period from date of filing (Utah Code § 30-3-18)
• If extraordinary circumstances warrant: file Motion to Waive with supporting affidavit
• Typically pends during this period while scheduling hearing

Phase 9 — Final Hearing or Entry on Papers

• Many Utah District Courts schedule a brief final hearing for uncontested divorces
• Confirm residency, grounds, agreement is voluntary and fair
• Child support compliance and Parenting Plan compliance (if applicable)
• Decree of Divorce entered

Phase 10 — Post-Divorce Steps

• Real estate deed: Quitclaim Deed → Utah County Recorder in the county where property is located
• QDRO for all employer retirement plans
• Utah state/public employees: Utah Retirement Systems (URS) — urs.org — DRO procedures
• Vehicles: Utah DMV
• Name restoration: Utah DMV → Social Security Administration → bank accounts
• Update all beneficiary designations: life insurance, 401k/IRA, payable-on-death accounts

Last reviewed: March 2026 | 90-day county residency (Utah Code § 30-3-1) | 30-day waiting — waivable (Utah Code § 30-3-18) | Divorce Orientation required with children (Utah Code § 30-3-11.3) | MyPaperwork $20 | $325 fee | Financial Declaration required | Parenting Plan — detailed requirements | Utah County Recorder | URS DRO — urs.org | Utah Child Support Guidelines | utcourts.gov/en/self-help/divorce.html | utahlegalservices.org

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.