Money and Divorce

Every divorce, whether it involves children, a long term or short term marriage, or any other circumstance that may be unique to you, involves financial issues.  Some financial issues can be settled between the parties relatively easy; other money issues can be very difficult and take a lot of time to be able to solve.

In many cases one party or perhaps both has no idea what assets were acquired during the marriage, how many bank accounts there are, how much money is in the retirement accounts, whether there is life insurance, etc.  With this lack of knowledge, going into a divorce can seem like a gauntlet.  You have to get out of the dark and ensure that you know where all the money is.  That is where we come in.  Our Utah divorce lawyers will make sure to protect your assets by doing everything we can to discover all of the financial assets to which you are entitled.

The Financial Declaration

Utah divorce law provides certain protections for parties involved in a divorce case.  One such protection is the requirement that each party mush fill out and provide the other party with a financial declaration.  In a financial declaration a party must provide the following information to the other:

• Salary;
• Taxes;
• Insurance;
• Mortgage;
• Monthly living expenses;
• Debts;
• All real property;
• Retirement accounts

You also have to attach tax returns for the two previous years, documentation supporting all debts, property ownership, retirement accounts and everything else listed in the financial declaration.  Additionally, you have to include loan applications, pay stubs for the last 12 months, documentation verifying the value of real property, and the most recent three months’ worth of bank account statements.

The information contained in the financial declaration is critical to making sure the appropriate amount of alimony, child support, and property division is included in the divorce decree.  Otherwise, one of the parties runs the risk of getting ripped off.

If you are facing a divorce and have concerns about your financial situation call us at 801.413.1753 to set up a divorce consultation with a family law attorney.

A Provo Divorce Lawyer at Salcido Law Firm can you represent you through these difficult times and ensure your rights are protected with your children. If you live in Utah County and are looking for a family attorney, you have found the right place. We have helped numerous individuals, both men and women alike, resolve their martial disputes and move forward with their new lives. If you or someone you love is looking for representation in a pending divorce, call us today at 801.413.1753.

Child Custody | Provo | Orem | American Fork

One of the most contested issues in any divorce involving children is the question of child custody. Often, one parent wishes to have sole physical custody of the kids while the other desires a more joint custody arrangement. We have helped clients on both sides of this argument resolve their custody dispute. From Provo, Orem, American Fork, to Springville and Spanish Fork, we help families all throughout the valley. When deciding custody, the court will look at many different factors in determining what is in the best interests of the children. We focus our arguments to give you the best chance of receiving the custody arrangement you desire from the judge.

Provo District Court

The family law attorneys in our office understand the special circumstances surrounding the Provo District Court. If you file for divorce in Utah county, you will most likely be in the District Court in Provo and you will most likely have a family law commissioner appointed to your case that will hear most of your issues, not a judge. We have experience in this court and regularly appear before the commissioners and judges in this county. Don’t go into this system without a lawyer who understands what they are up against.

Free Consultation – 801.413.1753

At Salcido Law Firm, we offer free consultations. We are available anytime by phone or email and can schedule a time for you to meet with a Provo divorce attorney now. Call us now to get the legal advice you need before you do something that can hurt your legal position moving forward. We will meet with you and put a game plan together right away so that you can take steps now to protect yourself. Contact us as 801.413.1753, we look forward to your call.

On Christmas Eve a Sandy woman that was being kept against her will and abused by her boyfriend was able to sneak a computer into a closet and send out a distress signal on Facebook. The message read “Hello, Is anyone out there? I am having a serious problem and me and (my son) will be dead by morning.” Those who had added the woman on Facebook quickly jumped into action and tried to figure out what the problem was and where the woman was located. Eventually a call was made to Sandy city police who arrived at the home of Troy Critchfield, the boyfriend, and the officers were able to get the girlfriend out of the home. She later stated that she had been abused physically and sexually for over five days before she was able to send out the plea for help.

Utah Abuse Laws and Protective Orders

As evidenced by this story, domestic violence and abuse between intimate couples continues to be a problem in this country. Violent crimes and sex crimes are both areas of the law that are aggressively prosecuted and heavily punished. In a case like the one above Critchfield is likely to receive a very harsh penalty if convicted. One avenue that the girlfriend has for protecting herself in the future as well as all those facing abuse is a protective order. A protective order can limit the rights of the abuser as far as how close they can be to the victim, gun rights, and more; it can also allow officers to act before harm has been inflicted.

Utah Criminal Attorney | Utah Protective Order Attorney

At Salcido Law Firm you will find help for all your legal needs. Our lawyers are very experienced in both family and criminal law and can help defend against abuse charges or help a person protect themselves against an abuser by filing a protective order. We offer free consultations so call or email us today to set up an appointment.

Looks like the rumors are true. Kim Kardashian is filing for divorce this morning, that according to Ryan Seacrest who is the executive producer of Kim’s reality TV show “Keeping up With the Kardashians.” Seacrest posted on his twitter account this morning that he had confirmed in conversations with the star that she would filing the papers on Halloween morning. Kim and her husband Kris Humphries have been married for only 72 days. The divorce presents some interesting legal issues that we address as if Utah law were to apply below:

Question of Annulment

Many people believe they can have their marriage annulled if they have only been married for a short period of time. In Utah, this is not true. There is no law in Utah that allows you to qualify automatically for annulment in the even your marriage has only been for a short period of time. So if Kim and Kris were to be going through divorce in Utah, they would not qualify for an annulment under the short period of marriage only.

Who is at Fault?

Many people in the tabloids and media have been investigating the reasons for the divorce. Some people believe in order to file for divorce one of the parties must be at fault or their must be some justification for the divorce. This is not the case in Utah. Here in the beehive state, you can file for divorce based on “irreconcilable differences.” This means that neither party has to prove one or the other is at fault for anything. If you simply don’t get along anymore, you can get divorced. All of the leaks in the media regarding Kim and Kris’s break up seem to suggest the couple will be filing on grounds similar to irreconcilable differences.

Utah Divorce Lawyer

If you or someone you know is going through a divorce and would like help from a Utah divorce lawyer, call us today at 801.413.1753. We have helped many individuals through the divorce process in Utah. Whether you have a short term marriage like the Kardashian’s, or a long term marriage with multiple issues to address, we can help.

The Susan Powell story has rocked Utah news for the past year.  Ever since the young Utah mother went missing last year, there have been many speculations as to what happened to her.  Some believe her husband may have had something to do with her disappearance, while others may believe she was mentally ill and her illness drove her away from her family and home.  The Utah media seems to be obsessed with the story so any new development in the case is covered by the many different news outlets.  This week the news is heavily following the child custody battle that Ms. Powell’s husband, children, and parents are involved in.  Many Utah family law attorneys are weighing in on what’s usually a private, familial issue.

Utah Courts Decide in the Best Interest of Children

The Powell case is highly publicized but this new development in the case is not unfamiliar or unique for Utah child custody attorneys.  Utah child custody attorneys experience child custody disputes on a regular basis.  Though the Powell case be unique in some ways, essentially it is just like the thousands of other cases Utah courts hear every year.  Whether the battle is between a couple going through a divorce or a parent fighting the Division of Child and Family Services, a Utah court will always look at what’s best for the children.

The concern for a child’s welfare will always be the primary motive in any Utah judge’s decision on who should have custody of child.  The Powell child custody battle is occurring in Washington State but the court there will also look to what is best for the Powell children when granting custody.  It is sad that parents, family members, and government agents can’t agree on child custody issue without going to court.  Utah child custody battles usually end up hurting the children most, much like a divorce.  Utah child custody attorneys understand the emotional toll family law fights produce and are sensitive to the needs of those going through family crises.

Family Law Help

If you are experiencing a family law problem, such as a child custody or divorce dispute, contact a Utah family law attorney from Salcido Law Firm.  A SLF divorce lawyer will help you quickly resolve your family law problem so you can devote your time to the most important thing in your life: your family.  Call 801.413.1753 to set up a free consultation with a Utah child custody attorney or contact us by email.

The Importance of a Grandparent in a Child’s Life

Many people in Utah believe that family is the most important thing in life.  Families bring happiness and grief to individuals living in Ogden, Salt Lake, Provo, St. George, and the rest of Utah.  The importance of families contributes to the reason why there is so much emotion in family law issues such as child custody.  Because of the importance of families in individuals’ lives, the Utah State Legislature has recognized that family members besides a mother and father have certain visitation rights concerning children.  The state legislature has specifically recognized the importance of a grandparent in a child’s life by allowing a grandparent to have standing before a court to enforce visitation rights with a grandchild.  A Utah family law attorney can help grandparents enforce their visitation rights.

Utah Visitation Rights For Grandparents

Since 2005, the Utah law has allowed grandparents the right to bring an action in a Utah district court to petition the court for visitation rights.  In a pending divorce or other child custody battle, a grandparent may file a petition for visitation rights.  There is a presumption that a parent’s decision concerning grandparent visitation is in the child’s best interest.  A court may, however, overrule this presumption if the grandparent has rebutted the presumption based on different relevant factors considered by the court such as the loss of a relationship between the child and the grandparent is likely to cause harm to the grandchild.

Even if a child is adopted by a step-parent, a visitation order will not be altered or diminished merely because of the adoption.  A grandparent’s visitation rights will still be valid and enforceable.  When considering the visitation rights of a grandparent, the court may inquire of the child what he or she wants and will often take into account the child’s desires regarding visitation.

Protect Your Rights as a Grandparent

If your visitation rights are being threatened by a pending divorce or other child custody issues, contact a Utah family law attorney from Salcido Law Firm.  An SLF lawyer will ensure your visitation rights are protected and will fight hard for you to keep the valuable time you spend with your grandchildren continuing.  Call 801.413.1753 to set up a free consultation with a Utah family law attorney today.

Utah Divorce Attorneys Help Quell Emotions

As much as we would like to always be rational, reasonable beings, we just aren’t.  People, some more than most, allow their emotions to control their actions which can lead to damaging consequences.  Many crimes such as domestic violence and assault occur because individuals become so upset they don’t realize their emotional state is leading them to commit crimes.  Emotions are not a bad thing but to let them overcome one’s sense of reasonableness can be.  If more people kept their emotions in check it is likely that their would not be as many crimes, divorces, and other legal disputes requiring the services of a Utah full service law firm.

The Emotion Demands of Divorce

One legal dispute where emotions run exceptionally high are Utah divorces.  A Utah divorce involves property division, child custody, and alimony arguments.  Because family and money are usually hotly contested issues in a divorce, emotions naturally run high.  A slighted spouse may want to make life difficult for the other spouse by fighting hard to keep him or her from receiving any alimony, child support, or custody of children.  Bitterness, anger, and depression all affect the way individuals in a divorce behave and view their situation.  The highly-charged emotional state of a divorce is just one of many reasons why it is wise to have a Utah divorce attorney on your side.

A Utah divorce attorney understands the emotional demands of a divorce and can help those going through a divorce to keep emotions contained so the best possible outcome can be achieved.  A divorce is difficult for all of those involved and a Utah divorce attorney understands the difficulties.  This is why it is important to have an experienced Utah divorce attorney on your side.  A Utah divorce attorney helps you reach your divorce goals but also helps you to see past the emotions so a realistic outcome can be expected.

There Is Someone To Help You During This Difficult Time

If you are facing a divorce, don’t let your emotions dictate how your situation ends up.  Hire a Utah divorce attorney from Salcido Law Firm.  A Salcido Law Firm lawyer will fight hard for your rights and help you deal with the emotional turmoil that accompanies a family law case.  Call 801.413.1753 for a free consultation today.

Historic Franchise Hits Financial Low Point

Yesterday it hit national news that the Los Angeles Dodgers were filing for bankruptcy protection in a Delaware court. The franchise’s financial woes have been highly publicized and the team’s owner Frank McCourt has made a last ditch effort to keep control of the franchise and find a way to make payroll. The legal action would allow McCourt to obtain $150 million in financing if he were successful. McCourt will be arguing that the financial woes of the franchisee are the result of baseball commissioner, Bud Selig’s refusal of a T.V. deal that would have allowed the Dodgers to stay financially afloat. If Selig is successful the MLB would be taking control of the team

McCourt in Court

The Dodgers owner Frank McCourt is currently fighting four different legal battles. The original financial downturn of the Dodgers began with the divorce of McCourt and his ex-wife who continue to battle in court. McCourt is also in a legal dispute with his former law firm, and with the family of Bryan Stow, the Giants fan that was critically beaten in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium on opening day.

Divorce Mediator in Salt Lake City, Provo

If you are already divorced but looking for a divorce mediator in Salt Lake City or Provo, it likely means that despite having a divorce decree entered, you and your former spouse are facing issue(s) that need to be resolved. This is not at all uncommon. In fact, many people come to our office for mediation services long after their divorce decree was entered for post divorce matters. Such matters often include things like spousal support or child support adjustments or a change in custody. If a new issue has arisen which may justify the modification of your divorce decree, it often makes sense, and in some cases is required by your decree, to attempt mediation as a means of a more amicable resolution.

Post Divorce Financial Issues

What happens if one party was ordered to pay X amount of dollars in child support or alimony but said person loses their job or there is some other change in the finances of either party that makes support impossible to pay or creates a greater need in the recipient spouse? In some cases, such financial matters can mean you are drug back into the court to re litigate the issues you thought were behind you. However, a change in a party’s financial circumstances doesn’t have to mean more time and money in court. Many people are turning to post divorce mediation in Utah as a means of resolving future financial disputes without paying what money there is to attorneys.

Changing Custody

Maybe one parent can no longer care for the children for the same amount of time as they once could. Perhaps one parent would like to move out of state and define how the custody and parent time would work in such an out of state arrangement. The fact is that things rarely stay exactly the same with people after they divorce. Remarriage, relocation, and other issues can bring new challenges to resolve between you and your ex. Before hiring us to represent you in a hotly contested post divorce custody dispute, you may want to consider having one of our skilled mediators facilitate a resolution that may work for you both.

Family Mediation – Call Us Today

If you are considering mediation as a potentially better alternative to resolve your post divorce conflict, we can help. Call us today to speak with one of our experienced mediators. We can schedule a mediation that works around your schedule and help facilitate the peaceful and amicable resolution of your dispute. Call anytime at 810-413-1753 or send us an email. We look forward to your call. If you are not hopeful your ex will work with you, speak with one of our Utah divorce lawyers instead.

Mediation in Utah

Do you have to battle it out in court if you and your spouse can’t agree on the terms of divorce, custody, or other family law matters? The simple answer is NO and more people are turning to mediation in Utah as a means of avoiding the long and expensive process of litigation. So where do you begin? How does mediation work? How much does it cost? These are many of the first questions that come to mind for people looking to mediate as an alternative to going before a judge. This blog was written to provide answers to the most basic questions of mediation and help you get started on the right track to the successful resolution of your case. At Salcido Law Firm, we provided mediation services to help you resolve your divorce in Utah in a quick, affordable method that is voluntary so you are not forced to give up any rights.

The Basics of Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary process in which you and your spouse meet with a neutral third party who is trained to help resolve your conflict. A mediator is not a judge and you are not required to agree to anything. Everything that happens in mediation is completely up to the parties; you can always walk away from the process and pursue your rights with your own lawyer if you choose. However, many individuals find the mediation process much more empowering than having a judge order you to something very potentially undoable.

Divorce, custody, paternity, support, and many other family issues all can be mediated, and in the process, you can save thousands of dollars and time by keeping your case out of the courts. Mediation is especially helpful for parents who must learn how to co parent with each other after divorcing. At our law firm, we have helped numerous families succeed in resolving their conflicts and moving forward with the best interests of their children in mind.

Salt Lake City, Provo Divorce Mediator

Many people from Salt Lake City to Provo call our office each week to either schedule a mediation session with one of our trained Utah divorce mediators, or to retain one of our lawyers to represent them at mediation. We provide a wide range of divorce and family law services tailored to meet your specific goals. We provide fixed fees or hourly rates depending on your case. We also provide payment plans for some matters. Unlike many other offices, each of our mediators are practicing attorneys so we understand the latest updates to the laws in Utah and can more effectively guide you in the process. If you want the quickest, most cost effective, and best resolution to your divorce, call us today at 801.413.1753. We look forward to your call.