Utah divorce forms include the Petition for Divorce, Summons, Financial Declaration, and Certificate of Divorce. These forms are available on the Utah Courts website at utcourts.gov. Filing fees range from $325 to $375 depending on the county. Additional forms are required if the parties have minor children or are seeking temporary orders.
Last updated: July 2026
Key Takeaways
- Standard Utah divorce forms are available for free on utcourts.gov.
- The Petition for Divorce is the primary document that initiates the case.
- Financial Declarations must be completed by both parties in every case.
- Cases with minor children require additional forms including a Parenting Plan.
- Incomplete or inaccurate forms can delay the divorce process.
Filing for divorce in Utah requires completing several court forms and submitting them to the district court in the correct county. The Utah Courts website provides all standard forms as fillable PDFs with detailed instructions. Understanding which forms you need and how to complete them correctly is the foundation of a smooth divorce process. Errors in the initial paperwork can cause delays, require amended filings, and increase legal costs.
The Utah Courts Self-Help Center publishes divorce packets organized by county and case type. These packets include all the forms you need and step-by-step instructions. Some counties have additional local forms or specific formatting requirements. Before filing, check your county’s district court website for any local rules or additional forms that may apply to your case. Following the court’s requirements precisely helps avoid procedural rejections.
The Utah Courts Self-Help Center provides free divorce forms, instructions, and educational materials for self-represented litigants at utcourts.gov/howto/divorce/.
What are the required forms for a Utah divorce?
The required forms for every Utah divorce case include: the Petition for Divorce, which starts the case and states the grounds, the relief requested, and jurisdictional facts; the Summons, which notifies the respondent of the lawsuit and the deadline to respond; the Civil Cover Sheet, which provides administrative information to the court; the Financial Declaration, which discloses each party’s income, assets, debts, and expenses; and the Certificate of Divorce, which collects demographic data for state records.
If the parties have minor children, additional forms are required. These include the Child Support Worksheet, which calculates guideline child support based on both parents’ incomes; the Parenting Plan, which proposes custody arrangements and a parent-time schedule; and the Certificate of Completion of the court-approved divorcing parent education class. Some counties also require a cover sheet or a proposed parenting plan order.
Where do you find Utah divorce forms?
Utah divorce forms are available for free on the Utah Courts Forms page. The forms are organized by category: family law, divorce, custody, and support. The Self-Help Center provides divorce packets that bundle all necessary forms for specific situations. These packets are available for download as PDF files that can be filled out on a computer or printed and completed by hand.
Some district courts maintain their own form libraries on their county websites. If you are filing in a less populous county, check the county’s official website for any local forms or instructions. The Utah Courts website also provides a directory of Self-Help Center locations where you can get in-person assistance with completing forms. Law libraries at most district courthouses also have form books and reference materials.
How do you complete the Petition for Divorce in Utah?
The Petition for Divorce is the most important document in your case. It must include: the full legal names and addresses of both parties, the date and place of marriage, the date of separation, the ground for divorce, a statement confirming the 90-day residency requirement under Utah Code Section 30-3-1, whether there are minor children of the marriage, a description of the relief requested (property division, alimony, custody, support, attorney fees), and a signature block with your contact information.
Accuracy and completeness are critical. The court will use the information in the petition to determine jurisdiction and to understand what you are asking for. If you omit required information, the court may reject the petition or require an amended filing. If you are unsure how to answer a particular question on the petition, consult the instructions provided with the form or speak with an attorney. Guessing incorrectly can cause problems later in the case.
What is the Financial Declaration in a Utah divorce?
The Financial Declaration is a sworn statement that details your income, assets, debts, and monthly expenses. Both parties must file a Financial Declaration in every divorce case. The form requires you to list all sources of income, all bank accounts, retirement accounts, real estate, vehicles, investments, and personal property. You must also list all debts including mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and personal loans. Monthly expenses must be itemized.
The Financial Declaration is crucial because it forms the basis for property division, alimony determinations, and child support calculations. Providing incomplete or inaccurate information on the Financial Declaration can result in court sanctions. If you intentionally hide assets or understate income, the court may award additional assets to the other party as a penalty. The Financial Declaration must be updated if your financial circumstances change during the case.
| Form Name | Purpose | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Petition for Divorce | Initiates the divorce case | Filed first, before service |
| Summons | Notifies respondent of lawsuit | Filed with petition, served after |
| Civil Cover Sheet | Court administrative information | Filed with petition |
| Financial Declaration | Discloses finances | Within 30 days of filing |
| Certificate of Divorce | State demographic data | Filed before final decree |
| Child Support Worksheet | Calculates guideline support | Before final decree (if applicable) |
| Parenting Plan | Proposes custody schedule | Before final decree (if applicable) |
What forms are needed for a default divorce in Utah?
For a default divorce in Utah, you still need the Petition for Divorce, Summons, Financial Declaration, and Certificate of Divorce. Additionally, you need a Motion for Default Judgment and an Affidavit of Default, which document that the respondent was properly served and failed to file an Answer within 21 days. You may also need a Military Affidavit to confirm the respondent is not in the military, as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act requires additional protections for military defendants.
The court will review the proposed default decree to ensure it is consistent with Utah law and supported by evidence. Even in a default case, the court will not automatically grant everything you request. You must provide sufficient evidence to support the property division, alimony, and custody orders you are seeking. The court’s obligation to protect the interests of children applies regardless of whether the respondent appears.
How do you file Utah divorce forms with the court?
Once your forms are complete, you must file them with the district court in the correct county. Filing can be done in person at the courthouse or by mail in most counties. Some counties offer electronic filing for self-represented parties. You must pay the filing fee at the time of filing unless the court has granted a fee waiver. After filing, the court stamp on your copies serves as proof of filing.
After filing the petition, you must arrange for service of process on the respondent. The court does not serve the papers for you. You must hire a sheriff’s deputy, a licensed process server, or ask someone over 18 who is not a party to the case to serve the documents. The server must complete a Proof of Service form and file it with the court to confirm that the respondent was properly served.
What happens after the forms are filed and served?
After the forms are filed and served, the respondent has 21 days to file an Answer. If the respondent files an Answer, the case proceeds to discovery and potentially trial. If the respondent does not file an Answer, you may request a default judgment. In either scenario, you must continue to update your Financial Declaration if your circumstances change and comply with all court deadlines and orders.
If the case is uncontested, you will submit a Stipulated Decree of Divorce for the judge’s approval. The judge will review the decree to ensure it is consistent with Utah law and, if children are involved, that the custody and support provisions serve the children’s best interests. Once the judge signs the decree, the divorce is final. You should order certified copies of the decree for your records and for changing your name, updating insurance, and other post-divorce needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill out Utah divorce forms online?
Yes. The Utah Courts website provides fillable PDF forms that can be completed on a computer. You can also use online form preparation services, but these charge fees.
What if I make a mistake on my Utah divorce forms?
You may file an amended petition to correct errors. However, significant mistakes may delay the case. Having an attorney review your forms before filing is advisable.
Do both parties need to file Financial Declarations in Utah?
Yes. Both parties must file sworn Financial Declarations in every divorce case, regardless of whether the case is contested or uncontested.
How do I get certified copies of my Utah divorce decree?
After the judge signs the decree, you may order certified copies from the district court clerk’s office. Certified copies cost approximately $2 to $5 per page.
Are Utah divorce forms different for each county?
The standard state forms are the same across all counties, but some counties have additional local forms. Check your county’s district court website for local requirements.
Can I file an incomplete divorce petition in Utah?
The court may reject incomplete petitions. At minimum, the petition must include all required information about the parties, the marriage, residency, and the relief requested.
Do I need to notarize my Utah divorce forms?
Some forms, such as the Financial Declaration, must be signed under oath and notarized. Other forms require only a regular signature. Check the instructions for each form.
Can I change my name on the Utah divorce forms?
Yes. You may request a name change as part of your divorce. Include the request in your Petition for Divorce and state the name you wish to resume using.
Ready to file your Utah divorce papers?
Completing and filing Utah divorce forms correctly is the first and most important step in the divorce process. Take the time to read the instructions carefully, complete every required field, and verify your information before filing. If the process feels overwhelming or if your case involves complex financial or custodial issues, consulting with an experienced Utah divorce attorney can help ensure your paperwork is accurate and your legal rights are protected.
Going through a divorce in Utah? Jeremy D. Eveland, MBA, JD, can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
Call (801) 613-1472 or visit jeremyeveland.com to schedule a consultation today.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified Utah family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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