Why Can’t I Just Submit a Letter as Evidence in Court?
What “Laying Foundation” Actually Means One of the most common frustrations in Utah divorce cases is this: a party has a letter, email, report, or written statement that feels decisive—and…
When Representation Replaces Evidence: The Procedural Problem with PGAL Recommendations
Appointing a private guardian ad litem in a child custody and parent-time dispute case often creates a closed loop in which children who are the subject of the dispute cannot…
The PGAL Problem: Utah’s Well-Intended System Has Deteriorated Into Something It Was Never Designed to Be
Utah Code § 78A-2-705 provides that (1) The court may appoint an attorney as a private attorney guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of the minor in any…
Sample Objection Language for GAL and Custody Evaluator Overreach in Utah Courts
(For educational purposes only. Consult your attorney before you considering using these in your own case.) GAL Acting Like a Witness Without Being Sworn “Your Honor, I object. The Guardian…
Ream v. Ream – 2025 UT App 105 – What Does and Does Not Constitute Civil Stalking Injunction Violation
2025 UT App 105 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS DEBRA JEAN REAM, Appellant, v. JACOB M. REAM, Appellee. Opinion No. 20230799-CA Filed July 10, 2025 Fourth District Court, Provo Department…
Why You Can’t Replace Live Witness Testimony With Just a Written Statement
In Utah family court cases (divorce, child custody, etc.), you generally cannot wholly substitute affidavits or verified declarations for live witness testimony in contested matters. Even if the court allows…
Small v. Small – 2024 UT App 173 URE 408 and statute of frauds
Small v. Small - 2024 UT App 173 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS NATHAN DALE SMALL, Appellant, v. TRISHA DAWN SMALL, Appellee. Opinion No. 20230487-CA Filed November 29, 2024 First…
2024 UT App 54 – Tilleman v. Tilleman – custody factors, income, fees
2024 UT App 54 - Tilleman v. Tilleman THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS MICHAEL ROBERT TILLEMAN, Appellant, v. MICHAL CHRISTINE TILLEMAN, Appellee. Opinion No. 20210637-CA Filed April 11, 2024 Fourth…
2019 UT App 205, Utah Court of Appeals, State v. Wall – ex-wife murdered
2019 UT App 205 - THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, Appellee, v. JOHNNY BRICKMAN WALL, Appellant. Opinion No. 20151017-CA Filed December 12, 2019 Third District Court, Salt…