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Guide to Uncontested Divorce in Utah

December 23, 2025

Uncontested / Simple Divorce in Utah: A Plain-English Guide (OCAP vs. PDF Forms)

If you and your spouse are mostly on the same page about ending your marriage, Utah has a clear path to a faster, lower conflict divorce. In Utah’s court language, this kind of agreed case is often called a stipulated divorce, meaning you both sign the paperwork and ask the judge to approve it.

This guide explains how a stipulated (uncontested) divorce in Utah works: who qualifies, what the steps look like, how long it usually takes (including the 30-day statutory waiting period), what it costs, and where a DIY approach fits in, especially if you are looking for Utah divorce forms in PDF instead of relying on the state’s online system.

Important disclaimer: PlainDivorce.com is not a law firm and this guide is legal information only, not legal advice. Court rules, Utah divorce forms, and fees can change. Always confirm details with official Utah sources or a Utah lawyer if you are unsure.

Table of Contents

uncontested divorce in Utah

1. What Is an Uncontested or Simple Divorce in Utah?

In Utah, you will not always see an official case label called “simple divorce.” But when people say simple or uncontested divorce, they usually mean a case where both spouses agree the marriage should end and they can fully agree on the outcome.

In Utah court terms, an agreed case is commonly handled as a stipulated divorce. That means you present the court with a stipulation (your written agreement) and ask the judge to finalize the divorce based on your paperwork.

  • Both spouses agree the marriage should end.
  • Both can agree on the major issues (property and debts, and if applicable, custody, parent time, and support).
  • You submit the required documents, often including a Petition for Divorce, a signed Stipulation, and final order paperwork (commonly Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law followed by a Decree of Divorce).

By contrast, a contested divorce is where one or more issues are disputed (custody, parent time, child support, alimony, property, debt). Contested cases usually involve more deadlines, more hearings, and more cost.

2. Who Qualifies for a Stipulated Divorce in Utah?

To keep a Utah divorce truly uncontested (stipulated), focus on three areas: residency, grounds, and agreement.

Residency requirements

In most cases, Utah requires that:

  • You or your spouse has lived in a Utah county for at least 3 months immediately before filing.
  • If minor children are involved and Utah will decide custody or parent time, the child must usually have lived in Utah with a parent for about 6 months before filing (with exceptions in certain situations).

If you recently moved, are military, or the children have been moving between states, confirm the current rules on official Utah court resources or get legal help.

Grounds for divorce in Utah

Utah allows fault and no-fault grounds. For most stipulated divorce cases, people use the no-fault ground:

  • Irreconcilable differences, meaning the relationship has broken down and cannot be repaired.

Fault grounds exist, but they often make a case more complicated and are less consistent with a straightforward uncontested filing.

When your case is a good fit for a stipulated divorce

  • You both agree on the big issues (children, support, property, debt).
  • You can exchange financial information honestly.
  • Neither spouse is pressuring the other to sign unfair terms.
  • You are both safe enough to communicate and negotiate.

Situations where uncontested might not work

  • Domestic violence, threats, intimidation, or safety concerns.
  • Hidden assets, refusal to share financial information, or major power imbalance.
  • Complex finances (business ownership, significant retirement, unusual tax issues).
  • Major disputes about custody, relocation, or child safety.

In those situations, it is smart to pause and get legal advice, even if you still hope to settle later.

3. Step-by-Step Overview of the Utah Uncontested Divorce Process (OCAP vs. PDF)

Utah District Courts provide two common paths for DIY filers:

  • OCAP (Online Court Assistance Program), the state’s guided online interview that generates documents.
  • Standard PDF forms, fill in PDFs or packets you complete yourself and file with the court.

Many Utah residents start with OCAP, but some find it rigid or frustrating. If you are searching “Utah divorce forms PDF,” you are usually looking for the more flexible offline approach.

Step 1 – Confirm eligibility and choose your path (OCAP or PDF)

  • Confirm county residency and (if applicable) child residency.
  • Confirm you are filing on a no-fault basis in a truly agreed case.
  • Decide whether you will use OCAP or prepare PDF forms manually.

Step 2 – Reach a full agreement (the “Stipulation”)

In a stipulated divorce, the agreement is the engine of the case. Your stipulation typically covers:

  • Property and debt division
  • Alimony (if any)
  • If children: legal custody, physical custody, parent time schedule, child support, insurance, and expenses

If your agreement is unclear or incomplete, the court can delay finalizing the case until paperwork is corrected.

Step 3 – Prepare the filing packet (do not miss these “intake” documents)

Utah divorce paperwork often includes the core divorce documents (Petition, Stipulation, Findings, Decree), plus “intake” documents the clerk uses to open and process the case.

  • Utah District Court Cover Sheet (used to open and categorize the case).
  • Petition for Divorce (starts the case).
  • Stipulation (your signed agreement).
  • Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (the judge’s written findings supporting the outcome).
  • Decree of Divorce (the final order that ends the marriage).
  • Utah Department of Health “Certificate of Divorce, Dissolution of Marriage, or Annulment” (vital records reporting form).

Important: That Department of Health certificate form is separate from the Decree. Many courts require it as part of the finalization paperwork so the divorce can be properly reported to vital records. Use the current version from official sources.

If you are using OCAP, it generates many documents after you complete the interview. If you are using PDF forms, you prepare them manually, which is often preferred by people who want more control and fewer system constraints.

Step 4 – File in the correct Utah District Court

You file with the Utah District Court in the correct county. Filing methods vary by court, but may include filing in person or using the court’s accepted electronic processes. You pay the filing fee or submit a fee waiver request if you qualify.

After filing, Utah divorces commonly trigger an automatic Domestic Relations Injunction that restricts harassment, improper transfers of property, and certain changes involving children or insurance while the case is pending.

Step 5 – Service of process (or Acceptance of Service)

Utah requires legal notice to the other spouse. In uncontested cases, many couples use Acceptance of Service (the other spouse signs to acknowledge receipt), which can be cheaper and smoother than formal service.

Response deadlines are commonly described as:

  • 21 days if served inside Utah
  • 30 days if served outside Utah

Step 6 – The 30-day statutory waiting period

Utah has a 30-day statutory waiting period between filing and when the court can finalize the divorce. In limited situations, a court can waive it, but most uncontested cases should plan around the 30-day minimum.

Step 7 – Final review and entry of the Decree

To finish a stipulated divorce, you submit your final paperwork for the judge or commissioner to review. If everything is complete and reasonable, especially regarding children, the court signs the Findings and then the Decree of Divorce. The signed decree is your main proof the marriage is legally ended.

Practical tip: Missing “intake” forms (like the cover sheet) or missing reporting forms (like the Department of Health certificate form) are common reasons packets get rejected or delayed.

4. Special Issues When You Have Children (Mandatory Courses)

You can still have a stipulated (uncontested) divorce in Utah with children, as long as you agree and complete the extra requirements designed to protect children’s best interests.

Most Utah courts expect clear paperwork covering:

  • Legal custody and physical custody
  • A workable parent time schedule (including holidays)
  • Child support worksheets and required financial information
  • Health insurance and uncovered medical expenses

Hard stop for parents: Utah requires two separate courses in divorce cases involving minor children: (1) a mandatory parenting course and (2) a mandatory divorce orientation course. They are different courses with different completion certificates.

Utah courts list typical fees of $35 for the parenting course and $30 for the divorce orientation course (fees can vary by provider). If you wait until late in the case to complete them, final approval can slow down.

5. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Utah?

Key timing points for a Utah stipulated divorce:

  • Absolute minimum: usually 30 days from filing to finalization because of Utah’s statutory waiting period (unless waived in a rare situation).
  • Common real-world range: many uncontested cases land around 30–90 days, depending on how quickly you file complete documents and how busy your court is.
  • If the case becomes contested: timelines often stretch to 6–12+ months.

The biggest speed lever is paperwork completeness. Missing signatures, incomplete child requirements, or missing “intake” or vital records forms can add weeks.

6. What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Utah?

Even a DIY stipulated divorce has costs. Common categories include:

  • Court filing fee: commonly listed as $325 for a dissolution action (verify current fees and surcharges).
  • Service costs: if you do not use Acceptance of Service (process server fees can add up).
  • Mandatory courses (parents): typical fees listed as $35 (parenting course) and $30 (divorce orientation).
  • Copies: certified copies of the Decree of Divorce for a name change or other official needs.

OCAP note: OCAP may charge a separate document preparation fee in addition to the court filing fee. Confirm the current OCAP cost on official Utah court resources before you start.

If you have limited income, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver. Always use the current Utah court forms and instructions for fee waivers.

7. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You

A DIY Utah divorce can be realistic, but it is not right for every situation. Consider at least a brief consultation with a Utah family lawyer or legal clinic if:

  • There is domestic violence, coercion, stalking, or safety risk.
  • You suspect hidden income or assets or major financial dishonesty.
  • You have complex finances (business ownership, significant retirement, unusual debt).
  • You are unsure about immigration or major tax consequences.
  • You cannot agree on custody, parent time, or child support basics.

This guide can help you understand the process, but it cannot tell you what is fair or what you personally should agree to.

8. Where a Self-Help Divorce Kit Fits (A Flexible Offline Alternative to OCAP)

If OCAP feels buggy, rigid, or stressful, a structured PDF based offline approach can feel more manageable, especially for people who want to work through the paperwork in their own order, review wording carefully, and double-check everything before filing.

A well designed Utah self help kit can support a stipulated divorce by:

  • Explaining Utah terminology in plain English (Petition for Divorce, Stipulation, Findings, Decree).
  • Providing checklists so you do not miss common court required pieces that cause rejections or delays (like the cover sheet and the Department of Health certificate form).
  • Helping you stay organized whether you file through OCAP generated documents or standard PDF forms.
  • Keeping you focused on the agreed case path instead of drifting into contested territory.

Download Our Utah Uncontested Divorce Self-Help Kit

9. Frequently Asked Questions

What is an uncontested or simple divorce in Utah?

In Utah, “uncontested” usually means a stipulated divorce: you agree on the terms, sign the paperwork, and ask the court to approve it without fighting over issues like property, support, or custody.

Do I have to use OCAP to get divorced in Utah?

Not always. Many people use OCAP, but Utah also provides PDF packets and forms for people who prefer an offline process. The correct approach depends on your situation and what your court accepts.

What are the two required courses for parents in a Utah divorce?

Utah requires a mandatory parenting course and a mandatory divorce orientation course in divorce cases involving minor children. They are two separate courses with separate completion certificates.

What is the fastest a Utah uncontested divorce can be finalized?

Many cases are limited by Utah’s 30-day waiting period from filing to finalization, plus how quickly you complete and file correct paperwork and how busy your court is.

Is there a special form that reports my divorce to vital records?

Yes. Utah courts list a Utah Department of Health reporting form titled “Certificate of Divorce, Dissolution of Marriage, or Annulment.” Use the current version required by your court.

10. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

A Utah stipulated divorce can be one of the most efficient ways to end a marriage, especially when both spouses are organized, honest about finances, and focused on workable terms (particularly with children).

  • Confirm county residency (and child residency if applicable).
  • Reach a full agreement and reduce it to a clear stipulation.
  • Choose your workflow: OCAP or PDF forms.
  • Plan around Utah’s 30-day statutory waiting period.
  • If you have children, complete the mandatory parenting course and the mandatory divorce orientation early.

PlainDivorce.com is not a law firm and cannot give legal advice. This guide is meant to help you understand the Utah uncontested (stipulated) process so you can make informed decisions. For advice about your specific facts, talk to a qualified Utah family law attorney or legal clinic.

About Harry D

Expert contributor at PlainDivorce, helping Canadians and American navigate simple uncontested divorces with clarity and confidence.