Understanding Collaborative Divorce in Utah
Collaborative divorce is an alternative approach that helps couples resolve disputes respectfully and without going to court. At Porter Law Firm, we support Utah families in working together to find solutions that protect children, preserve dignity, and create lasting outcomes that work for everyone involved.
Collaborative Divorce in Utah
Collaborative divorce is a voluntary, client-centered process that enables couples to dissolve their marriage amicably without resorting to traditional courtroom litigation. In Utah, this approach involves both spouses working alongside trained collaborative professionals—including attorneys, financial experts, and mental health coaches—to negotiate mutually agreeable terms in a respectful and private setting


Key Features of Collaborative Divorce
Participation Agreement: Both parties and their attorneys sign a contract committing to resolve disputes without court intervention. If the process fails, the collaborative attorneys must withdraw, and new legal representation is required for litigation.
Team Approach: The process often includes neutral professionals, such as financial advisors and child specialists, to address specific issues, ensuring informed and balanced decisions.
Confidentiality: Unlike public court proceedings, collaborative divorce maintains privacy, as discussions and agreements are kept confidential.
Benefits of Collaborative Divorce
Control and Flexibility: Couples maintain control over the outcome, crafting personalized solutions that suit their unique circumstances.
Cost-Effective: By avoiding prolonged court battles, collaborative divorce can be more economical, reducing legal fees and associated costs.
Preservation of Relationships: This method fosters respectful communication, which is particularly beneficial when children are involved, as it lays the groundwork for effective co-parenting.


Process of Collaborative
Divorce in Utah
Initial Consultation: Each spouse consults with a collaboratively trained attorney to discuss goals and understand the process.
Signing the Participation Agreement: All parties agree in writing to engage in the collaborative process and refrain from litigation.
Joint Meetings: Regular sessions are held to negotiate and resolve issues related to property division, child custody, support, and other pertinent matters.
Incorporating Neutral Experts: As needed, neutral professionals provide expertise to facilitate informed decision-making.
Finalizing the Agreement: Once a consensus is reached, the agreement is drafted, reviewed, and submitted to the court for approval, resulting in a legally binding divorce decree.
Is Collaborative Divorce
Right for You?
Collaborative divorce is ideal for couples who are willing to communicate openly and work cooperatively to reach a fair settlement. It is particularly suitable when both parties prioritize privacy, wish to minimize conflict, and are committed to the well-being of their children.

FAQs
How does collaborative divorce differ from traditional divorce?
Collaborative divorce focuses on out-of-court negotiations facilitated by a team of professionals, whereas traditional divorce often involves court proceedings and adversarial tactics.
What happens if we cannot reach an agreement through the collaborative process?
If an agreement cannot be reached, the collaborative attorneys must withdraw, and the parties may proceed to litigation with new legal representation.
Are the agreements reached in collaborative divorce legally binding?
Yes, once the agreement is finalized and approved by the court, it becomes a legally binding divorce decree.
Learn from the Experts
Our Blog
The Benefits of Choosing Collaborative Divorce Over Traditional Litigation
Understanding the Role of Neutral Experts in Collaborative Divorce
How Collaborative Divorce Supports Healthy Co-Parenting Relationships
Divorce is never a pleasant experience but the team at Porter Law made it a lot more bearable. I felt like they were supportive, informative and had mine and my kids best interest at heart. They were great to work with and I could not have gotten through this without their patience and kindness. They were always willing to answer my many questions and were very thorough, detailed and honest.
Nicole Marshall
March 23, 2024Mr. Porter is great at what he does. He was happy to spend some extra time with me to clarify what sections of my stipulation actually meant so I had nothing to stress over. He is trustworthy and just a good dude. I could feel a genuine intention of him actually wanting to help and not just trying to sell me on being his lawyer. I highly recommend him if you are on the search. The reception desk was also extremely friendly and helpful.
Dr Doofenshmirtz
March 23, 2024I am very grateful for Jonathan Porter and the wonderful team at Porter law firm. Everyone I've had the pleasure to work with has been extremely helpful, empathetic, and informative every step of the way. I would certainly recommend this firm 100 times over.
michael wood
March 23, 2024Jonathan was very thorough in helping me with my divorce. I had a pretty complex situation but he was planned and prepared every step of the way. We were able to come to a resolution without a trial and he had everything drafted and prepared at our pre trial scheduling conference. He had my back the whole way and I’m truly grateful for him and his fantastic paralegal, Stephanie. She was always very quick to get back to me with any questions I had. I would highly recommend Jonathan to any and everyone going through a divorce. I’m so thankful I had him and Stephanie through the process.
Chelsey Olsen
March 23, 2024Jon was very professional and handle my sensitive custody case. He got a good out come and I was very pleased with how well he handled all the punches my exs lawyer through out. I would recommend Jon over and over again. We have now been using him for 4 almost 5 years for my custody stuff and now my husband. I will always recommend him.
Tiena Hockin
March 23, 2024An attorney of the utmost integrity, with a keen mind and a care and passion for his clients.
Trevor Casperson
October 23, 2024Jonathan was fantastic to work with, he was professional, and so quick responding to any questions that I had!!! Thank you for everything you literally changed my life!!!!!
jared love
March 23, 2024Divorce case - I was in a hard spot with a firm that wasn't advocating for me and had already taken a huge chunk of my savings and equity from selling my marital home. I was heartbroken. I sent out a handful of new "contact us online" to different firms in Utah, and Jonathon Porter reached out to me almost instantly and we set up an in-person meeting. Less than a month after retaining Porter Law I already feel I am in better hands. I see the holes that were left open by my previous firm, and where Porter Law is picking up the pieces. They have been more proactive than the large firm I signed with from May - September. I wish I would have started here and saved my heartache and pocketbook from the beginning. If you are in a similar position, looking for new representation I highly suggest speaking with Jonathon. Even though my case is not complete, I truly look forward to working with Porter Law to until we are able to close this chapter. 12/26/2024 - UPDATE: From October when I first met with Porter Law I asked if we could get this done by the holidays and today I open up my email to see my divorce is FINAL and everything has concluded. I am so grateful to Porter Law and their diligence and communication that they had with me. My case wasn't rocket science, but felt like so from the other party. Jonathon and his staff kept things upbeat and positive and they got it done! Thank you Porter Law, you truly were a blessing during this time and I really wish I would have found you sooner!
Kindel P
January 23, 2025Our journey began shortly after I returned from the last deployment of my career. I learn that my children had been moved across the country and I was being told I could only see them on/around summer break and winter breaks. This was alarming given that I was court ordered the majority custody of my children. After one hearing with Porter Law Firm my children were returned into my custody. Unfortunately, what seemed to be a simple enforcement issue, became a bit of a living nightmare. I started working initially with Cassidy, who is a really amazing and caring person, but shortly thereafter worked mostly with Stephanie and Jon directly. Stephanie has been nothing short of phenomenal, there have been too many instances in which I have needed her and Jon's expert advice, and albeit this moderately simple enforcement case became quite complex in the blink of an eye. With that being said, given the complexity, Stephanie and Jon are great at providing quick and accurate answers to the many questions I have had. We are nearing what I hope to be the conclusion of this ordeal and regardless of the outcome, I have felt that they have been there for me when I needed them the most. To be a little more descriptive, there have been many conversations derived by a lot of emotions, (and admittedly I can be a bit long winded) yet each time I am in contact with them it really feels like they are hearing me as more than that of a client, but as a person. While it has been difficult to process that sometimes things take longer than what I would hope they did, I can say that after working with Porter Law-Firm for well over a year, I am grateful for all they have done to help!
Michael Carfaro
August 23, 2024Jonathan and his team are seriously amazing! Jon has represented me in a few different legal matters over the years and I couldn't be more pleased every time. If you need an attorney that actually cares, communicates with you, fights for you and makes sure you understand everything that is going on- Jon literally is the best!
Amber VanDerWoude
December 23, 2024