Utah Divorce Clinic
Our goal is to make your divorce experience as simple,
cost-effective, and painless as possible.
Consultation (Phone or Zoom)
To get started, you can schedule a free, 15-minute phone or Zoom consultation with one of our mediators. The mediator can explain the process, answer any questions you have, and help make sure that mediation is a good fit for your case. The consultation is also an opportunity to get to know the mediator and make sure you feel good about working with them.
You can use the link below to schedule a free consultation.
Intake & Preparation
After the consultation, you'll begin gathering the documents and information you'll need for mediation. This includes basic information about your children, real property, your incomes, and any major financial assets. Gathering this information ahead of time helps make the mediation process smooth and efficient.
You can also download our Divorce Guidebook, which provides an overview of the common issues that arise in divorce. The guidebook will help you begin thinking through the terms of your divorce prior to coming to mediation.
Before mediation, we'll have you and your spouse / partner sign an "Agreement to Mediate." This agreement covers that basic rules of mediation such as confidentiality, courtesy, timeliness, and negotiating in good faith.
Mediation Session
On the day of mediation, you and your spouse / partner will meet with the mediator to discuss all the terms of your divorce. This includes everything from custody and parent time, to selling your home and dividing assets. The mediator will listen to both sides, help identify any common ground, and suggest ideas to help you move forward.
Though the mediator can't give you legal advice, they can explain concepts and point you to resources that explain the law, such as the Court's Self-Help Website.
Mediation sessions can be done in-person or via Zoom. You can choose to meet together in a single room, or else be in separate rooms with the mediator going back and forth. In most cases, only a single session of mediation is needed to resolve all issues. However, you have the option of holding multiple sessions if needed.
At the end of the session, your mediator will draft a Memorandum of Understanding that reflects the terms you've agreed on.
Finalizing Your Divorce
If you reach a full agreement, the final step is filing your agreement with the Courts.
Before you finalize the agreement, you are encouraged you to have an independent attorney review your drafted agreement (the Memorandum of Understanding). An attorney can advice you on whether the agreement is fair and reasonable.
When you're ready to finalize, we'll refer you to a licensed paralegal practitioner (LPP) who can file it with the Courts for a flat fee. The LPP will not give you legal advice or change any of the terms of the agreement. Instead, they will only act in an administrative capacity to file the divorce.
Yes. Although the Utah Divorce Clinic is designed to help parties who don't have full-representation, we're happy to work with attorneys as part of the mediation process. During the intake process, please let your mediator know if you plan to be represented.
Yes. We understand that every case is unique. Some cases my require only the assistance of only a mediator, while others may require the help of a family law attorney, private guardian ad litem (children's attorney), a financial professional, or other professionals. During the intake process, you and your mediator can explore which other types of professionals may be helpful to include.
Yes. We recommend that all parties have an independent attorney review their drafted agreement before signing. An independent attorney can help ensure that the agreement is fair and reasonable, and that it adequately protects your rights and interests.
In some cases, it may be helpful to have multiple sessions of mediation. Your mediator can help you schedule additional sessions if needed.
Though mediation has a very high success rate, it's possible that you and your partner / spouse will not be able to reach a full agreement during mediation. In that case, you still have the option of hiring attorneys, going to Court, or seeking other means of resolving your divorce.
There is no obligation to reach an agreement during mediation.
The total cost of a mediated divorce, through our process, is typically $1,500–$2,000, total. This includes all preparation, the mediation session, and filings fees. This does not include the cost of having an attorney review your agreement before signing. For a full breakdown, please visit our Cost Breakdown page.
Have questions? Schedule a free consultation with one of our mediators. There's no fee, and no obligation to continue after the consultation.
801-995-3336 | scheduling@utahdivorceclinic.com
