Salt Lake City Divorce Records
Salt Lake City divorce records are filed at the Salt Lake County District Court. Salt Lake City is the state capital and the largest city in Utah with about 200,000 residents. All divorce cases for Salt Lake City go through the Salt Lake County courts. The District Court Clerk keeps all divorce files and provides copies of judgments.
Salt Lake City Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City residents file for divorce at the Salt Lake County District Court. The Scott M. Matheson Courthouse is located in downtown Salt Lake City. This is where you file new cases and obtain copies of divorce records in Salt Lake City. The court serves all residents within Salt Lake County.
| Court | Third Judicial District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 450 South State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84114 |
| Phone | (801) 238-7300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | utcourts.gov |
The courthouse is in downtown Salt Lake City near the state capitol. Paid parking is available at nearby garages and meters. Security screens all visitors at the entrance, so bring a valid photo ID and avoid large bags when going to get divorce records in Salt Lake City.
How to Search Salt Lake City Divorce Records
You can search for divorce records in Salt Lake City online or in person at the courthouse. Online searches work well when you only need basic case information like dates and party names. In-person visits let you review the full case file and get certified copies the same day. Both methods give you access to divorce records going back many years in Salt Lake City.
The Utah Court System case information portal covers Salt Lake County. You can search by party name or case number. The system provides access to party names, filing dates, and case status at no charge. For copies of actual documents, you need to contact the District Court Clerk or visit the courthouse. Go to utcourts.gov to begin your search for Salt Lake City divorce records.
To search divorce records in Salt Lake City, you need:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Year the divorce was filed
- Case number if you know it
You can also visit the District Court Clerk office in person to search divorce records in Salt Lake City. Staff can look up cases by name or case number and make copies from the file. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Call ahead at (801) 238-7300 to ask what you need to bring. Salt Lake City residents can also use the Utah Court System portal at utcourts.gov to look up case information online.
Divorce Filing Process in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City residents follow Utah state law when filing for divorce. The process is the same statewide, but you must file at the correct court. Salt Lake City residents file at the Salt Lake County District Court. Each step creates records that become part of your case file, and you can get copies of any document once it is filed in Salt Lake City.
First, you must meet the residency requirement under Utah Code § 30-3-1. At least one spouse must have been a resident of Utah and of Salt Lake County for at least three months before filing. If you live in Salt Lake City now, you can file here.
You file the petition for divorce at the District Court Clerk in Salt Lake City. The filing fee is approximately $330 for a standard divorce case. Next, you must serve your spouse with the papers. You can use the Salt Lake County Sheriff, a private process server, or other methods allowed by Utah law. Proof of service goes in the court file in Salt Lake City.
Utah offers no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences under Utah Code § 30-3-1. Fault grounds include adultery, impotency, willful desertion for more than one year, willful neglect, habitual drunkenness, conviction of a felony, and cruel treatment. Salt Lake City residents must meet one of these grounds before the court can finalize the divorce.
Utah law requires a mandatory waiting period before finalization. The waiting period is 30 days if there are no minor children and 90 days if there are minor children. If both parties agree on all terms, you can submit a stipulation and settlement agreement for the judge to approve. The divorce decree dissolves the marriage and becomes a public record under GRAMA (Government Records Access and Management Act), Utah Code § 63G-2.
Note: Property is divided through equitable distribution under Utah Code § 30-3-5. Spousal support, alimony, and custody arrangements are all addressed within the same divorce case in Salt Lake City. Utah courts handle these issues together rather than as separate claims.
Salt Lake City Divorce Fees
Fees for divorce in Salt Lake City follow the standard Utah fee schedule and apply at the Salt Lake County courthouse. The cost to start a new divorce case is approximately $330. Fees can change, so call the District Court Clerk at (801) 238-7300 to confirm current rates before you file in Salt Lake City.
The main fees for divorce in Salt Lake City are:
- File a petition for divorce: ~$330.00
- Response filing fee: varies
- Motion filing fee: varies
- Certified copy of decree: varies
If you have low income, you may apply for a fee waiver (in forma pauperis) in Salt Lake City. You complete the appropriate petition form with the court. You must show proof that you cannot afford the fees, such as receiving public assistance or having income below the threshold set by the court. The court reviews your petition and decides if you qualify. Getting copies of existing divorce records in Salt Lake City has its own fees. Plain copies cost less than certified ones. Call the District Court Clerk to ask about current copy costs for divorce records in Salt Lake City.
Legal Help for Divorce in Salt Lake City
Several organizations offer help with divorce cases in Salt Lake City. Some provide free legal representation to people with low income. Others offer initial consultations at a reduced rate. These resources can help you understand the law, complete court forms, or find a family law attorney in Salt Lake City.
Utah Legal Services has offices serving Salt Lake City and all of Salt Lake County. They provide free legal help to people who qualify based on income. Visit their website at utahlegalservices.org for more information on services available in Salt Lake City.
The Utah State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at (801) 531-9077. The Utah State Bar also offers resources for residents who need a family law attorney in Salt Lake City. The Utah Court System at utcourts.gov has step-by-step guides, court forms, and instructions for people handling their own divorce cases in Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City Community Resources
Salt Lake County Human Services offers resources that may help during a divorce. These are not legal services, but they can assist with related needs like child care, housing, and crisis support. Many people going through a divorce in Salt Lake City face challenges beyond the court case itself. These city and county programs can help fill some of those gaps.
Salt Lake City community resources include:
- Child care assistance programs
- Child protective services through Utah DCFS (Division of Child and Family Services)
- Child support enforcement through Utah Office of Recovery Services
- Domestic violence legal advocacy
- Emergency shelters and transitional housing
- Crisis hotlines and counseling services
- Mental health and substance abuse services
Find more through Salt Lake County Human Services. For domestic violence help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 any time of day or night. Salt Lake City offers legal advocacy and safety planning services for domestic violence survivors. For child support questions, contact the Utah Office of Recovery Services for assistance.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Salt Lake City
Some Salt Lake City residents file for divorce on their own without an attorney. This is called filing pro se. It works best when both spouses agree on the divorce and there are no complicated issues with property or children. The court does not provide legal advice, but several resources can help you handle your own divorce case in Salt Lake City.
The Utah Court System at utcourts.gov has all the court forms you need to file for divorce in Salt Lake City. The site has petition forms, response forms, and all other required papers. Forms specific to family matters are grouped together for easy access. All forms are free to download and print.
The Salt Lake County courts can assist with form selection and filing procedures. If children are part of your case, you may need additional forms including a permanent parenting plan and child support worksheets. The District Court Clerk can tell you exactly what forms you need to file for divorce in Salt Lake City.
Divorce Certificates in Salt Lake City
After a divorce is final in Salt Lake City, you may need a divorce certificate. This is not the same as the divorce decree. A certificate is a shorter document from the state health department that confirms the divorce happened. A decree is the full court order. Most legal matters need the decree, but some only need a certificate.
The Utah Department of Health, Office of Vital Records issues divorce certificates. You can order one by mailing a request to the Office of Vital Records, 288 North 1460 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. The fee is $25 per certified copy.
For the full divorce decree, you get that from the District Court Clerk in Salt Lake City. The decree shows the court order dissolving the marriage and all other terms. The certificate only shows basic facts: names, date, and county. Most people who need to prove their divorce in Salt Lake City will want the decree since it contains more detail than a certificate.
Note: Divorce certificates from the Office of Vital Records are available for divorces from July 1945 to the present day in Utah.
Salt Lake County Divorce Records
Salt Lake City is located in Salt Lake County, and all divorce filings go through the Salt Lake County District Court. The county court handles all cases within the county. For more on the county court system, full fee lists, related records, and other resources, visit the Salt Lake County divorce records page.
Nearby Utah Cities
Residents of nearby cities file for divorce at their own county courthouse. Pick a city below to learn about divorce records in that area.