Riverton Utah Divorce Records
Riverton divorce records are filed at the Salt Lake County Third District Court. Riverton is a suburban city in the southern Salt Lake Valley with about 45,000 residents. All divorce cases for Riverton are processed through the Salt Lake County court system. This page explains how to search for Riverton divorce records, how to request copies, and what to know about the Utah divorce process for residents of this city.
Riverton Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in Riverton
Riverton residents file for divorce at the Salt Lake County Third District Court. The Scott M. Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City handles all Riverton divorce cases. Even though Riverton is on the south end of the valley, it is fully within Salt Lake County. That means the courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City is the correct place to file and where all Riverton divorce records are stored.
| Court | Third Judicial District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Scott M. Matheson Courthouse 450 South State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84111 |
| Phone | (801) 238-7300 |
| County Clerk | 2001 South State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84190 |
| Website | utcourts.gov |
The Salt Lake County Clerk's office at 2001 South State Street handles county administrative records but not divorce case files. For the divorce case file and certified copies of Riverton divorce records, contact the District Court Clerk at the Matheson Courthouse. Bring valid photo ID when picking up copies in person.
Searching Riverton Divorce Records Online and In Person
You can start your search for Riverton divorce records using the Utah Court System online portal. The portal covers Third District Court cases and lets you search by name or case number for free. Results show party names, filing dates, and current case status. This is a fast way to confirm whether a case exists before requesting copies.
Riverton City maintains information about local government services and can direct residents to the appropriate resources for court and records inquiries.
To get copies of documents from a Riverton divorce case, contact the Third District Court Clerk. They can pull the file and make plain or certified copies. Certified copies carry the court's seal. They are needed for legal and official uses. Plain copies cost less and work for personal reference. You can request copies by phone at (801) 238-7300, by mail, or in person at the Matheson Courthouse.
For older Riverton divorce records that may not appear in the online system, contact the Utah Division of Archives and Records Service. Older court files may have been transferred there from the Third District Court. Staff can search by name and county for records not available through the online portal.
Note: When searching online, try both the full married name and the maiden name if you do not find results on the first try. Either name may appear as the petitioner or respondent in the case.
Riverton Divorce Filing Process
The divorce process for Riverton residents follows Utah state law. Filing starts with a petition submitted to the Third District Court Clerk. Each document filed becomes part of the official Riverton divorce records file.
At least one spouse must have lived in Utah and in Salt Lake County for three months before filing. This is required under Utah Code § 30-3-1. Riverton is in Salt Lake County, so time living there counts toward the residency requirement.
Most Riverton residents file on the ground of irreconcilable differences, which is a no-fault basis. Fault grounds are also permitted under Utah law. They include adultery, impotency, cruel treatment, habitual drunkenness, willful neglect, willful desertion for over one year, and felony conviction. Utah courts also handle property division under the equitable distribution standard set out in Utah Code § 30-3-5. Custody, support, and alimony are all addressed in the same case.
After filing, Utah law requires a mandatory waiting period. The wait is 30 days if no minor children are involved. It extends to 90 days when minor children are part of the case. During the waiting period, the court may enter temporary orders covering custody, child support, and use of property. Once the waiting period passes and all terms are resolved, the judge signs a final decree. That decree becomes a public record under GRAMA, Utah Code § 63G-2, with sensitive personal data redacted before the file is made available to the public.
Riverton Divorce Certificates
After a divorce is finalized in Riverton, you may need a divorce certificate from the state. This is a short record from the Utah Office of Vital Records that confirms the divorce took place. It shows the names of the parties, the date, and the county. It does not include the full terms of the court order.
Utah Code Title 30 governs marriage and divorce throughout the state, setting the rules that apply to every Riverton divorce case filed in the Third District Court.
The state issues certificates for divorces that occurred between 1978 and 2010. Orders from outside that range require you to contact the Third District Court Clerk directly. To order a certificate, visit vitalrecords.utah.gov. The first copy costs $18. Under Utah Code § 26-2-22, access to certified divorce certificates is limited to qualifying parties. For the full decree of a Riverton divorce, always contact the Third District Court Clerk.
Legal Help for Riverton Divorce Cases
Riverton residents who need help with a divorce have several options. Some programs provide free help based on income. The court also offers self-help tools for those who want to file on their own.
Utah Legal Services provides free civil legal help to eligible low-income residents in Salt Lake County, including Riverton. They can help with forms, explain your legal rights, and in some situations provide court representation. Check their eligibility rules before reaching out.
The Utah Courts Self-Help Center has all the forms and step-by-step guides needed to file for divorce in Riverton without an attorney. The site covers the full process in plain language, from the initial petition to the final decree. It also includes forms for cases with minor children. All forms are free to download and print.
Salt Lake County Divorce Records
Riverton is a city in Salt Lake County. All Riverton divorce cases are part of the Salt Lake County court system. For a broader look at county resources, court contacts, and related information, visit the Salt Lake County divorce records page.
Nearby Utah Cities
Residents of nearby cities file for divorce at their own county courthouse. Select a city below to learn about divorce records in that area.