Mediation

Mediation is required — use it well

In any contested Utah divorce, the parties must make a good-faith attempt at mediation before trial (Utah Code § 81-4-403). That is not a formality: most Utah divorces settle at or shortly after mediation.

How to get value out of it

• Go prepared. A mediation with complete financial disclosures and a written proposal succeeds; one without them stalls.
• Know your numbers. Walk in with the guideline child support figure, an alimony analysis under § 81-4-502, and a property spreadsheet.
• Everything is confidential. Settlement discussions in mediation cannot be used against you later.
• Partial deals count. Resolving property but not custody still shrinks the trial.

Common questions

Do I need a lawyer at mediation? The mediator cannot give either side legal advice. An attorney at your side — or advising you between sessions — is how you know whether a proposal is a good one.

What if mediation fails? The case proceeds toward trial; the attempt satisfies § 81-4-403.