Can I represent myself in a child custody dispute and win?

Can I represent myself in child custody matters of my own children and win? What you really mean is, “Can I represent myself in child custody matters of my own…

Continue ReadingCan I represent myself in a child custody dispute and win?

Hesitant to talk to a lawyer? That’s normal. And wise.

Some people are hesitant, even scared, to talk to a divorce lawyer or a family lawyer. But being nervous or afraid of making a mistake is normal. And wise. Hiring…

Continue ReadingHesitant to talk to a lawyer? That’s normal. And wise.

I wasn’t kidding when I told you the “rent a reputation” offers are a dime a dozen.

I wasn't kidding when I told you the "rent a reputation" offers are a dime a dozen. Yesterday I posted this blog: https://www.divorceutah.com/2018/01/31/rent-a-reputation/. In a nutshell: if you think lawyer honors are…

Continue ReadingI wasn’t kidding when I told you the “rent a reputation” offers are a dime a dozen.

My bank account was subpeonaed. Will the bank share business account transactions or only personal account?

My bank account was subpeonaed. Will the bank share business account transactions or only personal account? In Utah, where I practice law, here’s how the bank will respond to the…

Continue ReadingMy bank account was subpeonaed. Will the bank share business account transactions or only personal account?

What is the best way to get the courts to follow the laws already on books and the constitution for custody battles?

What is the best way to get the courts to follow the laws already on the books and the constitution for custody battles? To be frank, in my opinion there…

Continue ReadingWhat is the best way to get the courts to follow the laws already on books and the constitution for custody battles?

As a divorce lawyer, what is the most petty thing one of your clients had you do?

QUESTION: As a divorce lawyer, what is the most petty thing one of your clients had you do? ANSWER: Thanks for the question. The answer is: nothing. Legal whores do…

Continue ReadingAs a divorce lawyer, what is the most petty thing one of your clients had you do?

Cool as a Cucumber: How to Testify Successfully at Your Deposition or in Court in a Domestic Relations Case

Cool as a Cucumber[1]: HOW TO TESTIFY SUCCESSFULLY AT YOUR DEPOSITION OR IN COURT IN A DOMESTIC RELATIONS CASE [1] This phrase (c. 1732) derives from ancient folk knowledge confirmed by…

Continue ReadingCool as a Cucumber: How to Testify Successfully at Your Deposition or in Court in a Domestic Relations Case

Look, I know you want to believe mediation is the magic pill for divorce but you’re missing a crucial point

Way too many mediators (whether of the collaborative stripe or other persuasion) insinuate that 1) divorce without mediation is doomed to anger and misery; and 2) merely engaging in mediation…

Continue ReadingLook, I know you want to believe mediation is the magic pill for divorce but you’re missing a crucial point

What if two divorced parents have joint legal custody, but one parent has physical custody of the children more than 50% of the time?

Question: What if two divorced parents have joint legal custody, but one parent has physical custody of the children more than 50% of the time? What effect can this have…

Continue ReadingWhat if two divorced parents have joint legal custody, but one parent has physical custody of the children more than 50% of the time?

My ex just announced he’s taking the children during my parent-time.

QUESTION: I have a question about parent-time inference. My ex-husband is taking the children out of town last minute and his plans overlap and will interfere with my holiday parent-time.…

Continue ReadingMy ex just announced he’s taking the children during my parent-time.

5 Things Divorce Will Never Save You From

5 Things Divorce Will Never Save You From Make sure you know what you're doing before you make a decision you can't undo. Are you feeling frustrated, unsatisfied, and even…

Continue Reading5 Things Divorce Will Never Save You From

4 Reasons Divorce Makes Good People Act Like Total Jerks

4 Reasons Divorce Makes Good People Act Like Total Jerks Don't let the it get the best of you! Why is it that people who seemed to be fairly rational…

Continue Reading4 Reasons Divorce Makes Good People Act Like Total Jerks

Why get a divorce lawyer who thinks and acts like a judge, not like a spouse, and not like a hired gun?

Why get a divorce lawyer who thinks and acts like a judge, not like a spouse, and not like a hired gun? The best divorce lawyer is not someone who…

Continue ReadingWhy get a divorce lawyer who thinks and acts like a judge, not like a spouse, and not like a hired gun?

How can I call my 10-year-old as a witness to say where she would like to live?

QUESTION: How can I call my 10-year-old as a witness in family court to say where she would like to live, and why? ANSWER: First, you may want to re-think your…

Continue ReadingHow can I call my 10-year-old as a witness to say where she would like to live?

The court gave Mom full custody of me; can I live with Dad instead?

QUESTION: The court gave my mom full custody of me, can I live with my father without her doing anything about it? ANSWER: First, we start with the obligatory “don’t…

Continue ReadingThe court gave Mom full custody of me; can I live with Dad instead?

Christmas Break Parent-time 2017 – how it works

NOTE: this will explain how to calculate Christmas break parent-time for any period, in any year (but we'll use 2017 as an example). QUESTION: I'm trying to figure out what day…

Continue ReadingChristmas Break Parent-time 2017 – how it works

How common is it for lawyers not to receive their clients’ calls or not to return calls? What are the reasons for this avoidance?

Question: How common is it for lawyers not to receive their clients’ calls or not to return calls? What are the reasons for this avoidance? Answer: Inexcusably all too common.…

Continue ReadingHow common is it for lawyers not to receive their clients’ calls or not to return calls? What are the reasons for this avoidance?

How do I stay calm during my divorce deposition when my ex has told extreme lies about me?

QUESTION: How do I stay calm during my divorce deposition when my ex has told extreme lies about me? My ex gave his depo first. He said things that made…

Continue ReadingHow do I stay calm during my divorce deposition when my ex has told extreme lies about me?

Spousal (and Ex-Spousal) Spying – You Can Go to Prison, If You Do It Wrong

Have you ever thought about “bugging” your children’s teddy bear or diaper bag to eavesdrop on your ex? A parent in Utah tried this exact thing (spoiler alert: it didn’t…

Continue ReadingSpousal (and Ex-Spousal) Spying – You Can Go to Prison, If You Do It Wrong