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Your guide to navigating child custody and visitation matters in Payson, UT. Child custody and visitation issues are among the most emotionally charged and draining situations a parent can face. When your relationship with your child is thrust into the legal world, understanding your rights and options is crucial. If you are facing a custody issue in Utah, working with an experienced custody and visitation lawyer can make a meaningful difference in both the process and the outcome. Below, we answer frequently asked questions surrounding how a custody dispute lawyer can help protect your parental rights and guide you through…

Law Office of Kelly Peterson | Your Family Law Advocate in Payson, Utah Currently, it’s estimated that 40% of US marriages may end in divorce. While the good news is divorce rates have steadily declined over the past few decades, divorce is still common enough to consider the profound emotional and financial impact it would have on your life. Most people enter marriage with optimism and hope. It may seem unnatural to approach one of the most significant commitments of your life by contemplating all that might go wrong in the future. Yet, there are compelling reasons to confront some…

Protective and restraining orders are legal tools used to establish safeguards for individuals suffering from harassment, abuse, stalking, or threats of harm. If you or a loved one is considering filing for one in Payson, Utah, getting familiar with the process can make an otherwise overwhelming situation easier to manage. Below is a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions outlining how the protective order filing process works and when it might be time to seek the guidance of a qualified restraining order lawyer or protective order attorney. Where Should The Request Be Filed? In the state of Utah, a request…

For the most current overview and guidance on Child Support Orders click here to visit our updated Modification Of Child Support Orders page. Introduction & Scope Taylor: Hi, I’m Taylor Teachworth, and I’m here with family law attorney Kelly Peterson to talk about how you can transfer jurisdiction of a divorce or custody case from one state to another. Kelly, who would want to transfer their custody case to another state? Kelly: This applies to parents or former spouses who have an existing custody order or parent-time schedule that was issued in one state, but one or both parties have…

For the most current overview and guidance on Child Support Orders click here to visit our updated Modification Of Child Support Orders page. Today’s discussion is intended for parties who want to modify the child support provisions in their Decree. If you are more interested in preventing such a change on defending against the other side’s request to modify child support, please take a look at Kelly’s other video on that subject. Could You Please Give Us A Roadmap For Our Discussion For When Someone Wants To Change Or Modify Child Support Provisions? First, I’ll talk about the legal standards that…

For the most current overview and guidance on Child Support Orders click here to visit our updated Modification Of Child Support Orders page. Today’s discussion is intended for parties who want to defend against the other party’s attempt to modify the child support provisions in their Decree. If you are more interested being the one to to modify child support, please take a look at Kelly’s other video on that subject. Could You Please Give Us A Roadmap For Our Discussion For When Someone Wants To Defend Against The Modification Change? First, we’ll talk about legal standards that have to be met,…

Your guide to navigating child custody decisions in central Utah. When it comes to family law matters, it’s especially important to understand your rights and how the inner legal system operates. Because there are many factors involved and emotions can run high, educating yourself is foundational to ensuring sustainable outcomes are achieved. On its own, divorce can be a challenging process to endure. However, when children are involved, circumstances can become more complicated and ripe for disputes. While both parents want what is best for the child, disagreements can arise over the details of the decision-making process. Because of this,…

Legal Matters and Utah Domestic Violence Law A police officer in Utah has the right to make an arrest in a domestic violence situation, as long as there is probable cause that a violent act has already taken place, or if there is a strong possibility that one will occur. The police officer then has to make an arrest against the aggressor, or the future defendant in situations like this. In Utah, once a person is convicted of a domestic violence crime, any other subsequent domestic crimes may lead to an increase in possible punishment. Once an arrest is made,…

Are you being harassed by a former spouse, co-worker, or someone that once played a role in your life? No matter what the circumstances are, a restraining order is the first line of defense in protecting you against physical, mental, sexual and emotional abuse. Understanding Utah Restraining Orders If you are feeling threatened by another person, but they have not physically done something to you law enforcement cannot do anything to protect you. The protective order is the tool to provide that protection. Restraining orders are often referred to as protective orders. When the order has been filed, the other party must stop harming…

Several states have different laws pertaining to domestic violence. In a number of states, people are entitled to refuse testimony against their spouse in a court proceeding. Utah Code § 76-5-109.1 deems it is a crime for anyone to commit domestic violence in the presence of a child. Individuals arrested for domestic violence of any kind should contact an attorney immediately to discuss action. The individual whom the crime was committed against can legally refuse to testify, this right is called “spousal testimonial privilege.” The privilege is meant to promote peace and harmony within a marriage, removing a damaging testimony against…