Thursday, May 31, 2018

How Do I File For Divorce in Utah?

Divorcing your spouse is an emotional and oftentimes confusing process. If there are difficult issues that need to be addressed, or you are concerned about your legal rights, you should speak with an attorney. But if you and your spouse agree on most things and can interact in a civil manner, you may be able to represent yourself. If I were you, I’ll call a divorce lawyer.

How Do I File For Divorce in Utah

In Utah, each court has a clerk’s office and many courts have a court service center (or self-help center) with staff that can answer your questions and give you information about court procedures (but can’t give legal advice).

Preparing Your Forms

To start a divorce in Utah, you have to fill out two forms:

  1. Summons Family Actions, and
  2. Divorce Complaint/Cross Complaint.

The “Summons” is the document that tells your spouse about the divorce proceeding and when to come to court.

When you fill out the “Complaint,” you’ll need to provide more personal information about you, your spouse, and your children, if you have any. In the Complaint, you say why you’re seeking a divorce – either because the marriage has “broken down irretrievably,” or based on one of the fault grounds listed in the Utah statute.

In addition to asking for divorce, you can also ask the court to determine custody of children, award child support or alimony, divide marital property and debts, and restore a prior name.

Along with the Complaint, you’ll have to attach a “Motion for Temporary Orders and the “Affidavit of Respondent,” if you have children with your spouse.

The Temporary Orders informs your spouse about the orders that motion so that they can go into effect at the beginning of your divorce case in Utah. They prevent both of you from doing anything that would negatively impact marital property or children without the other’s consent, like selling the house or moving the children out of state.

The Affidavit Concerning Children asks for information about where and with whom your children have lived for the last five years and whether there have been prior custody or visitation cases about your children.

Filing Your Forms

Once you’ve filled out the paperwork, take it to the Superior Court Clerk’s office in the judicial district where you or your spouse lives. The clerk can assist you in determining a “Return Date.” Neither you nor your spouse has to come to court on the Return Date. It’s really just a date that determines when papers have to be served and filed.

The Return Date must be a Tuesday and should be at least four weeks after the day you file your original paperwork. You have to put the Return Date on the Summons, the Complaint, and any other divorce papers. The clerk will sign the Summons and return the forms to you. You then have to bring the paperwork to a State Marshal who will “serve,” or deliver, the paperwork to your spouse.

Serving Your Forms

In Utah, a constable, sheriff, or process server must serve your spouse with the divorce papers.

Each will charge a fee for serving the paperwork. It can be as little as $75 or more depending on the situation.

Once your spouse has been served, the marshal will prepare a document called a “Return of Service,” which is proof that the papers were served. You have to either mail or bring the Return of Service and all of your original paperwork to the clerk’s office along with the filing fee.

Case Management

You have to wait at least 90 days after the Return Date to get a judgment of divorce. This is usually called the “Case Management Date,” and is listed in the Notice of Automatic Orders.

During this waiting period, you and your spouse should try to reach an agreement about custody of your children and financial issues. If you reach an agreement, you should document what your agreement is and then come to meet with a lawyer to have it written up. Having a divorce attorney write the agreement is essential to make sure it is correct and legally binding.

During the waiting period, you should also fill out and send a “Case Management Agreement/Order (JD-FM-163),” and send it to the clerk’s office. If your spouse has filed an Appearance Form, he or she also needs to sign the Case Management Agreement form before you send it to the Clerk’s office. The Case Management Agreement form is important because it’s where you choose your actual divorce hearing date – you must appear in court on that date. If you and your spouse can’t agree on a divorce date and have not filed a Case Management Agreement, then you must come to court on your Case Management Date, and the judge will set a hearing date.

Financial Disclosures

You and your spouse each have to fill out and exchange “Financial Affidavits (JD-FM-6)” within 30 days of the Return Date. You have to include all of your income (from employment or any other source), your expenses, your debt, and your assets.

Parenting Education Course

If you have children with your spouse, you both have to take a court-approved parenting education program within 60 days of the Return Date. You can obtain a list of court-approved courses from the clerk’s office.

Finalizing the Divorce

On your final divorce hearing date, you’ll have to bring the following completed forms:

  • Financial Declarations of Both Parties
  • Request to Submit for Decision
  • Stipulation and Settlement Agreement
  • Child Support Guideline Worksheet, and
  • Affidavit of Jurisdiction and Grounds for Divorce.

There are two ways the divorce can be finalized: through agreement between you and your spouse, or after a trial in front of the judge. If you and your spouse have agreed on all of the issues in your divorce (child custody and support, alimony, division of property and debts), then come to court on your divorce hearing date with your court forms completely filled out. The judge will review and approve your Dissolution Agreement (unless it violates some provision of the law) and declare you divorced.

If you and your spouse don’t agree on all issues, the judge will schedule a trial date for you and your spouse to come back and present evidence. You’ll probably need to hire an attorney for a trial. Trial usually takes much longer and costs a lot more than reaching a settlement with your spouse, so you should try your best to work things out.

Free Consultation with a Lawyer in Utah

If you have a question about divorce, child support, custody, etc., please call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.

Michael R. Anderson, JD

Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C
West Jordan, Utah
84088 United States
Telephone: (801) 676-5506
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Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Utah Uncontested Divorce Process

Utah Uncontested Divorce Process

Even though an uncontested divorce in Utah is quicker than a contested divorce, it is still a long and sometimes complicated process with a lot of paperwork. Luckily, all of the necessary  forms  with step by step  instructions  are available online from the Utah State courts. If you and your spouse agree on everything, it’s still a good idea to have a divorce lawyer review the paperwork to make sure it is done correctly. If not, mistakes can happen, and it can be more expensive to fix it later.

Complete the necessary divorce paperwork

You will need to complete the all the right papers to obtain an uncontested divorce in Utah. The first step in obtaining your uncontested divorce in Utah is to prepare the Summons With Notice or Summons and Verified Complaint and make two copies. Then, bring it to the County Clerk’s Office where you have to purchase an “index number,” which is just a file number assigned to your divorce, and place it on the Summons With Notice or Summons and Verified Complaint before filing it with the Clerk.

Serve your spouse

Next, your spouse has to sign the Affidavit of Defendant. You can give this form to your spouse with the Summons With Notice or Summons and Verified Complaint and the Notice of Automatic Orders. You should also provide your spouse with a copy of the instructions on how to fill out the Affidavit of Defendant. Your spouse has to send the completed form back to you before your case can get placed on the court calendar. Once your spouse completes and returns the form to you, you can place your case on the court’s calendar immediately.

If your spouse doesn’t return the Affidavit of Defendant back to you, you will have to serve your spouse, meaning someone other than you must hand your spouse the papers. If you and your spouse have children under age 21 together, you also have to serve a copy of the Child Support Standards Chart. Whoever serves your spouse has to fill out an Affidavit of Service. If you had to serve your spouse, then you have to wait 40 days from the date your spouse was served to place your case on the court’s calendar.

Obtain a court date

“Placing your case on the court’s calendar” just means that you get a court date. However, in order to get this date, you have to complete the following steps.

You must complete the Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage (sometimes called the vital statistics form) and the Divorce and Child Support Summary Form, if applicable. Then, you take all of these completed forms, along with a copy of the Summons With Notice or the Summons and Verified Complaint, and file everything at the County Clerk’s Office and pay your filing fee.

All of the papers will be submitted to the judge. The judge will review them and, if approved, the judge will sign the Judgment of Divorce. After the judge signs the Judgment of Divorce, you have to file and enter it in the District Court Clerk’s Office. This process differs depending on the county in which you file, so ask the District Court Clerk in your county for specific instructions. You also have to serve a copy of the signed and entered Judgment of Divorce on your now ex-spouse along with a completed Notice of Entry (this is also called a Request to Submit for Decision).

Two Types of Divorce in Utah

There are generally two types of divorce available in most states: contested and uncontested. A “contested divorce” means that the spouses don’t agree on some or all aspects of the divorce so that a judge must hold a trial, hear witness testimony, and make decisions about who “wins” and who “loses.” In contrast, in an uncontested divorce, the spouses agree on all of the issues required to end their marriage, so there’s no need for the judge to hold a trial.

This article discusses uncontested divorce in Utah. If you have further questions regarding whether or how to obtain an uncontested divorce in Utah, you should consult with a Utah divorce lawyer.

Overview of an Uncontested Divorce in Utah

In Utah, an uncontested divorce is a divorce where you and your spouse agree to divorce and have settled all of the necessary issues to obtain a divorce, like division of property and child custody. In Utah, you and your spouse also have to agree on the “grounds,” or reason, for your divorce.

Before the law changed, Utah only had “fault-based” grounds for divorce, like adultery or cruelty. In 2010, the law was changed to allow for the “no-fault” ground of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months before filing for divorce. “Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage” means that you and your spouse no longer want to be married and it’s not likely that you and your spouse will get back together.

Irretrievable breakdown is the most common ground agreed upon to obtain an uncontested divorce in Utah. In Utah, a divorce is also considered uncontested when you file for divorce and your spouse fails to appear in the divorce proceeding.

Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce

The benefits to uncontested divorce in Utah are many. Because you and your spouse have already agreed on everything, there is no need for a trial. Since there’s no trial, there’s no need to “air your dirty laundry” in public, the process is much quicker and doesn’t cost nearly as much as a contested divorce.

You also don’t necessarily need a lawyer to get an uncontested divorce in Utah. However, lawyers can assist spouses in coming to agreement on the issues, making sure paperwork is completed correctly, and filing the paperwork in a timely manner.

Requirements for an Uncontested Divorce in Utah

In Utah, you can file for an uncontested divorce when you and your spouse agree about the following:

  • to divorce
  • the grounds of divorce
  • how to divide marital property and debt
  • who gets custody of the children and parenting time for the other parent
  • how much child support will be paid, and
  • whether spousal support will be paid and by whom.

To able to file for divorce in Utah, you also have to satisfy the “residency requirements” of the law. This means that either:

  • you or your spouse has been living in Utah for at least two continuous years immediately before filing for divorce, or
  • you or your spouse has been living in Utah for at least one continuous year immediately before filing for divorce and
    • you got married in Utah, or
    • you lived in Utah as a married couple, or
    • the grounds for your divorce happened in Utah.

 

Free Consultation with Divorce Lawyer in Utah

If you have a question about divorce law or if you need to start or defend against a divorce case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.

Michael R. Anderson, JD

Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C
West Jordan, Utah
84088 United States
Telephone: (801) 676-5506
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Tuesday, May 29, 2018

How a Trial Works

The trial process in cases can sometimes be a complicated process.  Adding stress to your already-stressful case.  By helping you understand each stage in your lawsuit, you can better prepare for the future and what to expect in your claim.  We understand that your case is important to you and it is important to us too – so we will help you in every way we can.

How a Trial Works

Preparation for Trial

When trial is set to begin, many things will happen.  Both parties will have the opportunity to speak to the judge or jury in your case.  Opening Statements are made and then witnesses are called.  You may be called first, during the middle, or at the ending depending on what your lawyer thinks is the best strategy for you.  In many cases of injuries or accidents or medical malpractice, physicians and expert doctors will come to testify about your case.

The standard of care is the duty that is owed to you by a doctor or physician.  If a doctor breaches that duty; then, there is malpractice.  Witnesses can also come into court to testify about how you have been damaged and how you have been functioning since the injury or accident.

The Trial

The jury will be selected for the case.  The defendant will attempt to have your case dismissed through their opening statement, but your trial will very likely move forward.  Your attorney will represent you in your case by showing what the doctor should have done; show that the doctor breached the duty of care to you and you have suffered injuries and damages as a direct and proximate cause of the breach.  A trial can take a day or can take weeks.  We’ve even seen one go for over a month.  Yours may depending on the situation.  After the closing arguments are made; then the judge or jury will go to decide your case.  After deliberations; then the court will read the verdict or the decision of your case.

Many Cases End in Settlement

Settlements are very frequent in litigation because the time and cost of going to a trial is very extensive.  Whether you want to have your case heard or not can also play a role as to whether you decide to settle or not.

What Should I Know About Child Custody in Utah?

In Utah,, judges know how stressful and difficult it can be to go through a custody dispute with your spouse or Ex.  Parents typically have an idea in their head about what works best for thier children,, and the courts in Utah use this as a great place to start in the midst of custody battles.  Parents need to work together to determine many aspects of a custody case under Utah law, which is where the experts come in.

Parenting Plans

Some parents are able to come to a mutual agreement on a parenting plan that works for them during and after the divorce.  Without a parenting plan, the court will assume that they must come up with a plan for the children themselves.  Many parents want to put that power into their own hands.  It is always a good idea to have help from a family law attorney.  When you have help from an experienced lawyer, you’ll remember to including certain items that will make your parenting plan complete and you won’t later say, I forgot about that.

If the parenting agreement is easily done, then the next step is a custody order which has to be done through court.  You can’t do a family law case without going through court – you might not have to physically go into court, but the court system must be used or you will regret it.

Free Consultation with a Lawyer in Utah

If you have a question about lawsuits or trials in Federal or State Court in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.

Michael R. Anderson, JD

Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C
West Jordan, Utah
84088 United States
Telephone: (801) 676-5506
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Monday, May 28, 2018

Asset Protection for Real Estate

There have always been detractors to Asset Protection Trusts for real estate.  Most have been less than fully informed or have had an alternate agenda or product to promote. However, there is thoughtful analysis out there and one of my esteemed colleagues, whom I highly respect, comments regularly on why he believes the Foreign Asset Protection Trust doesn’t work.

Asset Protection for Real Estate

In a recent installment, he cites the Arline Grant Case, which he points out has been touted by asset protection attorneys as a success story.  The facts are that Mr. Grant established 2 separate trusts, one for himself and another for his wife Arline, in 2 separate offshore asset protection jurisdictions. He then proceeded to do 2 things.

  1. Stiff the IRS for $36 Million bucks,
  2. And then Die.

Firstly, stiffing the IRS for $36 Million should already tell you that this is not the kind of case either side should be citing as precedent.  The IRS is no usual creditor and $36 Million is no usual amount.  (And I was not one of the people who trumpeted it as a ‘success’).   Much like the Anderson case, having the U.S federal government as the Plaintiff and having amounts in the tens of millions of dollars are simply bad facts that make bad law.

Nevertheless these are the facts and through the U.S. Court’s the IRS has aggressively pursued Arline to the point where Arline will be held in contempt if the Trustee does transfer any assets into the United States to anyone.  Score one for the IRS.

But this post is not really about the Arline Grant case.  While it is interesting, it is hardly a representative model for how I see real people with similar plans use them.  I have been creating asset protection plans since 1997 and therefore have thousands of reference points from my own clients to comment on how these plans are really used. There are 3 primary ways my clients use their planning:

Reduce Fear of Lawsuits: Way #1

The first, and by far most important, use of the planning has little to do with academic arguments of technical correctness or backward looking judgments.  It is more simple and more important. My clients use their planning to reduce stress caused by fear of the legal system.

While this may sound intangible, the benefits are very real.  Our clients consistently report to me that they feel more free to engage in their work, and their life because they do not feel like they are risking everything they have worked a lifetime for over a mistake or a bad outcome.  They have a lower level of overall stress, are happier to go to work, and produce more as a direct result.

It is a very similar feeling to the difference between driving your car without insurance, and knowing that you have insurance.  This simple knowledge directly affects how enjoyable that experience really is.

Deter Frivolous Lawsuits: Way #2

While analyzing a case like Arline Grant is interesting, the planning is far more likely to be “used” in a much different way.  I have had hundreds of calls from clients saying “Doug I need to use my plan”.  What this means most often is that the existence of the plan itself is used to:

  • Discourage or deter the attacker from further action, and/or
  • Remove the Assets from the reach of the attacker, and/or
  • Dramatically strengthen the negotiating position of my client, and/or
  • Reducing the massive stress which the uncertainty of a lawsuit brings, allowing my clients to function during the 2-5 years an average case goes on.

Notice I did not say: Thwart a court from pursing the assets, such as Mrs. Grant has attempted to do.  Why?  Because in my experience with many cases over the years, I have had a total of 0.0% (Zero) that have made it through our protection to force an extraction of assets from a client.

We’re not saying it is not possible and won’t happen, it happened to Arline (albeit in very extreme circumstances). What I am saying is that arguing over issues that have a less than 0.01% chance of occurring is missing the forest for the trees.  These cases that get all the press are the most extreme exceptions and typically represent people that are guilty of bad behavior.  Concluding that Asset Protection Planning “doesn’t work” is not just throwing the “baby” but the whole family out with the bath water!  Unfortunately all the successful cases don’t get all the press because the result is a lawsuit that is not filed or is settled quietly under favorable terms.

Get Your Financial Planning in Order: Way #3

The third way in which my clients use their planning may be the most important of all.  They use it as a catalyst to get their financial and legal house in order.  Most people DO NOT want to address their estate or death planning.  It makes us all face our mortality and this is easy to push away. We just don’t want to think about it.

However, with Asset Protection there is a more pressing motivation.  They DO want to keep what they have and continue to enjoy it.  I know this is true, because 80% of the clients who come to me have not yet done even a simple estate plan.  And yet they are calling me about Asset Protection.

Asset Protection Planning allows them to address the estate planning issues.  I often work with local estate planning counsel of my clients who are very thankful that their clients are finally “getting this done.”  And it doesn’t end there, the process has them looking at their insurance, investments, business structures, real estate.  Basically, everything they have gets reviewed.  All because the client is motivated to protect their assets!

Grow Your Personal Wealth: One More Way!

And if that is not enough there is a final way in which my clients tell me they have paid for their planning over and over again.  THEY SAVE MORE.  Because they feel protected, AND they have a dedicated place in which to save, they tend to focus more clearly, and put away more money.  It’s like putting a Piggy Bank in your kids room instead of a “change drawer” The Piggy Bank will always end up with more money in it.  And over 20 or 30 years of working life that is a lot of change!

These are the real world ways in which my clients use their asset protection every day of the week, every week of the year, and every year they have.

So what about Mrs. Arline Grant?  Has her offshore planning failed?  Ask yourself.  The IRS still doesn’t have their money.  The U.S. Courts haven’t been able to compel Arline to bring anything back, and Arline is still alive and free.

My prediction is that, just like in the Anderson case, somewhere down the line a “settlement” will be reached, both giving the IRS some money and leaving some for the family. I seriously doubt this would be the case if the planning had not been offshore.

Free Consultation with a Utah Asset Protection Lawyer

If you are here, you probably have a legal matter you need help with, call Ascent Law for your free estate law consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.

Michael R. Anderson, JD

Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C
West Jordan, Utah
84088 United States
Telephone: (801) 676-5506
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Sunday, May 27, 2018

Where to File for Divorce

You thought the hard decision, whether or not to get a divorce, was done. But there are still so many unanswered questions. One of the first of which is, where do I file my paperwork? We can help with that. Here is a brief guide to finding the right court in your area where you can file for divorce.

Where to File for Divorce

Court Jurisdiction for Divorce Cases

State courts have power (or “jurisdiction”) over divorce proceedings, so the spouse seeking a divorce files an initial document called a divorce “petition” or “complaint” with his or her state court — usually in the county or district branch of the state’s “superior” or “circuit” court. In some states, the superior or circuit court will have a specific family court division where the divorce petition is filed and the case is heard. In other states, no specific family court division is designated, so the divorce petition is filed in the main civil division of the superior or circuit court. In heavily populated areas, the county or district branch of the state court may itself have a number of facilities in different locations.

For example, in California the state’s Superior Court handles divorces, and the California Superior Court has facilities in each county in the state. California requires that one or both divorcing spouses have lived in California for the previous six months AND have lived in one of the state’s counties for the previous three months. So, a couple who has been living in Los Angeles county for the past four years would file a divorce petition in the Superior Court of California – County of Los Angeles. You can check a list of state family courts or contact the local county/district branch of your state’s court to learn more about where to file for divorce. Be aware that courts with jurisdiction for divorce cases may not be the same as courts with jurisdiction over child custody and visitation cases.

In Utah, you have to file in the District Court. Specifically, you have to file in the County District Court where you have resided for the last 3 months.

State and County/District Residency Requirements

Most states have their own residency requirements for people who wish to file for divorce in the state’s court system — rules as to the length of time a spouse must reside in a state before filing for divorce there. For example, as mentioned above, California requires that one or both divorcing spouses have lived in California for the previous six months. Other states require residence within the state for as little as six weeks to as long as one year before filing for divorce.

Before filing for divorce, you will most likely need to comply with not only your state’s residency requirements, but also Local County or district residency requirements. Again, using California as an example, in order to file for divorce in the state you and/or your spouse must have lived in the state for six months AND in one of the state’s counties for the previous three months. Check with the local county/district branch of your state’s court to learn more about residency requirements for filing for divorce.

Have Questions About Where to File for Divorce? Call a Divorce Lawyer

Even the most amicable divorce can be a profoundly stressful experience. Divorces have many procedural requirements, and it can be stressful trying to figure out which forms to file and where to file them. It’s best to contact a local divorce attorney who will have experience with divorce procedures and give you advice based on your specific situation.

Free Consultation with a Utah Divorce Lawyer

If you have a question about divorce law or if you need to start or defend against a divorce case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.

Michael R. Anderson, JD

Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C
West Jordan, Utah
84088 United States
Telephone: (801) 676-5506
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Saturday, May 26, 2018

Marriage Legal Help

Marriage Legal Help

For some couples embarking on marriage, it just makes more sense to consult with an attorney beforehand. There may be debts, property, or child custody issues at play. Family law attorneys can help you understand the marriage requirements in your state, draft a prenuptial agreement (or “prenup”), and provide legal assistance for other issues pertaining to marriage. That said, you may be able to get by with just a single attorney consultation, too. The following resources will help you better understand the process of hiring a family lawyer, learn about the most common reasons marrying couples hire attorneys, find legal counsel in your area, and more.

Getting Married: Do You Need a Lawyer?

The work of an attorney is not necessary for most marriages, but there are some instances where one or both of the parties should get legal help. If you need more information about marriage requirements or if one party is a foreign national, for example, an attorney can work with both partners together. But for other legal processes in which one or the other’s interests are at stake, such as a prenuptial agreement, each party needs to work with their own lawyer.

So while you don’t need a lawyer in most situations, it’s important to consult with one if you have any doubts or concerns about the legal ramifications of your marriage. For instance, those planning a destination wedding will need to know whether the marriage will be valid upon return to the United States and whether any special steps need to be taken.

Previous Marriages

If you were previously married, you will need to present the county clerk with either your divorce decree or former partner’s death certificate. So if you need copies of either, or if there are extenuating circumstances standing in the way, an attorney may be able to handle it for you. If you were in a common law marriage — in other words, your state recognizes a legal marriage in the absence of obtaining a marriage license — you may have to prove its validity (prior to the divorce or death).

How to Find and Work with an Attorney

If you and/or your spouse-to-be have specific legal questions or would like to draft a prenuptial agreement, you will want to speak with a family law attorney experienced in marriage. Most family law attorneys also handle divorce, child custody, spousal support, and child support matters. You also want to make sure the attorney you hire is a good fit; the lawyer who helped your friend may not necessarily be the right one for you and your needs.

When you research lawyers, you’ll want to know something about their background and experience. You should find out how long they’ve practiced law; what types of cases they typically handle; whether they have handled a case like yours before; and their success rate. It’s also helpful to know the attorney’s legal approach; how they communicate with clients; and generally whether they would be a good fit for you personally.

Once you’ve found the right attorney, you’ll want to ask about their billing process. Depending on your case, certain billing structures are more advantageous than others.

Free Consultation with Divorce Lawyer in Utah

If you have a question about divorce law or if you need to start or defend against a divorce case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.

Michael R. Anderson, JD

Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C
West Jordan, Utah
84088 United States
Telephone: (801) 676-5506
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Friday, May 25, 2018

Domestic Violence Lawyer

As a criminal lawyer, I’ve heard that a topic that used to be “kept in the family” or swept under the rug, domestic violence has been more prevalent in the news and media today than ever before. As a result, a lot of people are wondering how domestic violence is legally defined, where victims can find emotional and legal help, and what can be done to prevent it in the future.

Domestic Violence Lawyer

This section provides helpful information on a variety of domestic violence issues, starting with identifying early warning signs and symptoms of domestic violence. Additionally, there are articles on the legal action and practical steps necessary to protect yourself from physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse. You’ll also find information on related domestic violence topics – such as stalking and harassment — and links to state-specific domestic violence laws and resources.

Domestic Violence, Defined

While one of the top health concerns in our country today, many people lack a full understanding of the depth and scope of domestic violence or how it can even be identified. Victims may not realize that what is being inflicted upon them is, in fact, domestic violence, and therefore won’t know to take action against their abusers. At the same time, friends and loved ones of victims may not be able to help if they don’t understand what domestic violence looks like.

The Office on Violence Against Women defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that’s used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner. This behavior can include physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and even economic abuse. Stalking and threats may be classified as domestic violence as well. And although we normally think of battered wives in the context of domestic abuse, non-married partners, family members, children, and other cohabitants can also be victims of domestic violence.

Preventing and Punishing Domestic Violence

Every state has criminal statutes prohibiting domestic abuse. Whereas law enforcement typically turned a blind eye to domestic violence cases in the past, new laws requiring arrests and mandating harsher penalties have led to an increased rate of response and prosecution. In addition, tort law allows victims of domestic violence to sue their abusers in civil court, and possibly recover damages for their physical, economic, and emotional injuries. Victims can also file for orders of protection, more commonly known as restraining orders, to prevent further abuse.

These remedies, however, are normally only available after an incident of domestic violence has occurred. It’s up to us to stop domestic abuse before it starts. Domestic violence organizations can provide resources on how to identify the warning signs of abuse and how to exit a potentially dangerous relationship. There’s also information on how to know if a neighbor, co-worker, friend, or family member is in a possibly harmful domestic scenario and, if so, how you can help.

Legal Help for Domestic Violence

First and foremost, if you feel unsafe in your home or relationship, you can always call 911. In addition, an experienced family law or criminal law attorney can assist you with everything from talking to the police about a violent incident to filing for protective orders, separation or divorce, and a civil lawsuit.

Free Consultation with a Lawyer in Utah

When you need legal help related to domestic violence, call for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.

Michael R. Anderson, JD

Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C
West Jordan, Utah
84088 United States
Telephone: (801) 676-5506
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Thursday, May 24, 2018

Gift or Loan Prior to Bankruptcy

When you’re struggling with debt, it’s natural to turn to friends and family for help. They know you and they trust you, making it simpler and easier to seek financial aid from them than from a bank. If your financial difficulties continue and you decide to file for bankruptcy protection, what happens to the friends and family members from whom you borrowed?

Gift or Loan Prior to Bankruptcy

Did you sign a promissory note?

The first question when considering money borrowed from family members is whether or not the debtor signed a promissory note. If you signed a promissory note, the money you received will be formally treated as a loan. A promissory note must include information identifying the borrower and the lender. It should specify the amount, the repayment terms, and what will happen if you don’t pay.

If there’s no note, that money may be treated as a gift. While you may feel bound to honor your word to Mom and Dad, the court wants a legal promissory note to mark a loan. Without the formal paperwork, it’s just a gift.

Loans in Bankruptcy: How They Work

If you have signed a promissory note, you’ll need to list the lender as a creditor on your bankruptcy schedules. They’re legally entitled to repayment the same way every other creditor is. They’ll also be treated just like any other creditor.

Most consumers file bankruptcy under either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation of your debts. You’ll use state and federal exemptions to protect most, if not all, of your property and the remainder will be sold to pay creditors. All creditors get a proportionate payment, so if Mom and Dad represent 5% of your debts, they’ll get 5% of the proceeds.

Under Chapter 13, the court will take your disposable income for payment of creditors for 3 to 5 years. Your disposable income is determined by taking your actual income and subtracting state and national standards for living expenses. You’ll pay your disposable income to the court and they’ll distribute it proportionally among your creditors.

At the end of both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, the remainder of your unsecured debts will be discharged, or legally forgiven. You’ll no longer officially owe anything. You may, of course, choose to repay your friends and family on your own after the bankruptcy process.

Gifts in Bankruptcy: How They Work

If there’s no promissory note to mark your loan from friends or family, that money is considered a gift. You’ll have to disclose the gift on your bankruptcy schedules. If you’re the one who gave the gift, you’ll also have to disclose that on your bankruptcy schedules if it’s over a certain dollar amount, depending on the state in which you file.

Cash Gift in Chapter 7

What happens to a gift in bankruptcy depends on the timing. If you received the gift before you filed, the court will take it into account when determining what you can pay. If you received the gift after you filed for Chapter 7, the gift won’t be included in your bankruptcy proceeding.

Cash Gift in Chapter 13

If you received the gift during the Chapter 13 process, the answer is uncertain. If the gift happens before you file, you may be expected to pay more to your creditors. If you receive the gift between the date that you filed your case and the date that your repayment plan is confirmed by the court (that can take several months), the trustee in charge of your case may argue that you now have more disposable income and can pay more. If you receive the gift after confirmation of your payment plan, you’re more likely to be able to keep the gift without increasing your payments.

Note that if you’ve given any significant gifts before filing for bankruptcy, the trustee may be able to claw that money back. The court wants to avoid fraudulent transfers — ways of getting money out of the bankruptcy estate in order to keep it safe from creditors. That doesn’t have to be your intention in giving the gift; just giving cash to someone for a holiday or special occasion is enough to trigger a clawback. You may also trigger a clawback if you repay a loan from a friend or family member (with or without a promissory note) before you file for bankruptcy. That’s called a “preferential payment,” meaning that you chose to repay one creditor over another.

The court wants to ensure that all creditors are treated equally in the bankruptcy process, so that payment to Mom and Dad is going to get pulled.

Legal Documentation is Best Practice

Your family and friends are there to help you in times of need and you’re there to help them. Unfortunately, the legal system doesn’t care about familial or friendship bonds. The bankruptcy courts want to see formal legal documentation of your financial situation. So, whether you’re borrowing from or lending to someone close to you, consider creating a proper promissory note.

You can download templates online for free and it can save you a lot of trouble in the bankruptcy court. It’s also a good idea to have a formal note for the sake of your relationship with the other party. You can discuss the terms in advance and have a real plan in place for repayment. You won’t be left wondering if Cousin Eddie ever really meant to pay you back that $1,000 or if he’s just taking advantage of you.

If you’re struggling with debt and considering bankruptcy, speak to a local bankruptcy attorney. Bring all your financial documents and be sure to discuss any financial arrangements with friends or family members, whether or not they’re formally recorded in a promissory note. Your attorney can help you determine what will happen to those financial arrangements in the bankruptcy process and can work with you to decide on the best way to deal with your debts.

Free Consultation with a Utah Bankruptcy Lawyer

If you have a bankruptcy question, or need to file a bankruptcy case, call Ascent Law now at (801) 676-5506. Attorneys in our office have filed over a thousand cases. Come in or call in for your free initial consultation. We will help you.

Michael R. Anderson, JD

Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C
West Jordan, Utah
84088 United States
Telephone: (801) 676-5506
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Wednesday, May 23, 2018

How Bad is Bankruptcy For Your Credit?

What stops people from filing for bankruptcy? Ask a bankruptcy lawyer and you’ll get different answers. Is it fear, pride or a belief that declaring bankruptcy is in some way unethical? If you stopped and asked 10 people on the street for the number one reason not to file bankruptcy, most would mention damage to their credit.

How Bad is Bankruptcy For Your Credit

Bankruptcy in Utah

There is a common public perception that playing the “bankruptcy card” creates a ripple effect that reaches every aspect of your life in a negative way. After all, bankruptcy does show up on your credit report for 10 years and no one wants to start a job interview by discussing a past chapter 7 case. Filing for bankruptcy certainly won’t make it easier to rent an apartment or lock in a good rate on a mortgage. However, it won’t disqualify you from future credit either.

The Toothpaste is Already Out of the Tube

To be sure, filing bankruptcy is not something that is to be entered into lightly, however, there is more than a hint of irony in the reasons people commonly give for not filing bankruptcy. Perhaps the most commonly cited: that bankruptcy will ruin your credit (and by extension your life). Unfortunately, bad credit is a scenario that has already unfolded for a good number of people who find themselves in financial distress. For many people, the biggest reason not to file bankruptcy (damage to credit) has already happened by the time the thought of bankruptcy pops in their head. Maybe a series of financial missteps or the loss of a job have caused charge-offs, liens, foreclosures, missed payments and a whole host of other negative credit events to appear on your credit score, is a bankruptcy really going to make much of a difference?  Sure, bankruptcy will add another negative mark on your credit report, and you’d like to avoid it if possible, but in the long run it may actually give you greater access to credit. Taking your unsecured debts to zero and using the momentum to start over will help you build a stronger credit score. Waiting around with the phone off the hook won’t.

Bankruptcy vs. Other Negative Credit Events

Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years, whereas a foreclosure will usually stay on your credit report for 7 years. However, don’t assume that foreclosure is preferable to bankruptcy simply because it stays on your credit for a shorter period of time. Many credit counselors report foreclosure as having twice the negative impact on your credit score as a bankruptcy. According to Ray Hooper, Education and Housing Director for the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas:

“A foreclosure is very serious to mortgage lenders. They’re going look at a foreclosure more seriously than they will a bankruptcy that doesn’t include the house.”

According to FICO estimates, bankruptcy will cause a reduction in the filer’s FICO score of between 130-240 points, whereas a foreclosure, deed in lieu or short sale will cause a reduction in the 85-160 range.

Public Records and Bankruptcy

Tax liens, judgments and bankruptcies are all listed under the “Public Records” section of your credit report. Any reported Public Record will damage you credit, however it’s important to understand that bankruptcy filings don’t have their own section on a credit report. They are lumped in with other government initiated events. If you’ve already had a tax lien or judgment reported on your credit, the negative impact of a bankruptcy will be decreased and the benefits of filing may outweigh the additional credit damage.

Even missing payments on credit card accounts can drop a credit score by 75 points or more. The point is not to make light of the seriousness of a bankruptcy filing, but merely to point out that, viewed in light of a series of negative credit events, bankruptcy becomes more and more attractive when a consumer’s debts have spiraled out of control.

Free Consultation with Bankruptcy Lawyer

If you have a bankruptcy question, or need to file a bankruptcy case, call Ascent Law now at (801) 676-5506. Attorneys in our office have filed over a thousand cases. We can help you now. Come in or call in for your free initial consultation.

Michael R. Anderson, JD

Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C
West Jordan, Utah
84088 United States
Telephone: (801) 676-5506
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Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Step-Parent Adoption Information

Step-Parent Adoption Information

Being a parent is a rewarding, yet difficult job. When you’re a stepparent, the job can present additional challenges as you fill an important niche in a child’s life. Sometimes stepparents chose to further expand their role by adopting their stepchildren, although there are legal hurdles that must be crossed to formalize that relationship. This article will provide answers to some of the most common questions about stepparent adoption, including:

  • The legal requirements needed to complete the process;
  • The duties and rights of the birth parents; and
  • The eligibility of same-sex couple step parents.

I want to adopt my wife’s birth children. How difficult is it to adopt stepchildren?

It is not difficult as other types of child adoption, but there are still steps that must be taken. In most other child adoptions, the court requires home visits and adoption hearings, and there is a long waiting period. Because in a stepparent adoption the parties are related, the courts may remove these requirements in order to speed up the process. The main issue that most stepparents adopting a stepchild face is obtaining consent from the other birth parent.

Do I need consent from the birth parents to adopt my stepchild?

Yes. In all stepparent adoptions, the consent of the other birth parent is required. If that other birth parent’s parental rights have been terminated due to abandonment, neglect, unfitness, or failure to pay child support, however, then that birth parent’s consent is not required.

Getting consent from the other birth parent is often difficult because, in giving consent, that birth parent is giving up all of his or her parental rights. Of course, this means that that birth parent is giving up all parental responsibilities, such as paying child support, as well, so if the birth parent does not have a relationship with the child anyway, the stepparent may have an easier time getting consent. In some cases, the other birth parent may recognize that the stepparent adoption is in the child’s best interest. In those cases, consent is not hard to obtain.

If the other birth parent does not consent, can his or her rights be terminated, anyway?

There are ways to terminate the other birth parent’s parental rights, which would eliminate the requirement of his or her consent. Parental rights can be terminated if you can prove the other parent abandoned the child, is unfit, or is not the biological father (when the other parent is male).

  • How to prove the other birth parent abandoned the child: “Abandonment” means that the parent has not communicated with the child or provided financial support for the child. In most states, if the other birth parent has continuously failed to provide child support or has abandoned the child for a length of time (one year in most states), then his or her parental rights can be terminated.
  • How to show the other birth parent is unfit: If you have cause to show that the other birth parent is unfit, most state courts will conduct a fitness hearing. At this hearing, the court will deem the other birth parent unfit if she or he is abusive, neglectful, fails to visit, has a mental disturbance, is addicted to drugs or alcohol, or is incarcerated. Usually, when only one birth parent is deemed unfit, sole custody will be awarded to the other fit parent. In this case, stepparent adoption is easier, because the consent of the unfit parent is not required.
  • How to show the presumed birth father is not really the father: Showing that the other parent is not legally the father can also terminate that father’s parental rights. Each state has family laws stipulating who the presumed father is in certain situations, so be sure to check your own state’s laws. In ALL states, when a child is born to a married couple, the husband is the presumed father. If a man marries a woman after the birth of the child and the man is named as father on the birth certificate, that man is the presumed father. If you can show that the purported other parent is not the presumed father, you do not need to show unfitness or abandonment. You only need to show that he does not meet your state’s legal definition of “presumed father”. If you can do this, the court may terminate his rights. Thus, you wouldn’t need his consent for stepparent adoption. If the other parent DOES meet one of the requirements of your state’s “presumed father” definition, then either his consent will still be required, or you will need to prove abandonment or unfitness.

My partner and I are a same-sex couple. Can I adopt his child?

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergfell v. Hodges ruling overturned all state bans on same-sex marriage, making marriage equality the law of the land. In most cases, same-sex partners can adopt using the stepparent adoption procedures just like opposite-sex married couples can.

Free Consultation with Adoption Lawyer in Utah

If you have a question about a stepchild adoption or if you need a lawyer in Utah, please call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.

Michael R. Anderson, JD

Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C
West Jordan, Utah
84088 United States
Telephone: (801) 676-5506
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Monday, May 21, 2018

Decided to File Bankruptcy

If you’re in the middle of a short sale or just about to do one, you probably have a lot of questions. What is the difference between a short sale and a foreclosure? And what happens if you might file bankruptcy, as well?

The benefit of continuing with a short sale after you’ve decided to file for bankruptcy will hinge on the type of bankruptcy you plan on filing.

Decided to File Bankruptcy

Short Sale and Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

If you have decided to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and are currently trying to sell a home via short sale, there is usually no reason to continue with the short sale. The purpose of a short sale is to relieve the borrower’s obligation to pay the difference between the sale price of the home and the mortgage amount when the property is “underwater” or worth less than what is owed.

Bankruptcy gives the borrower the option of surrendering the property back to the bank with no continuing obligation under the mortgage and no corresponding tax liability for the forgiveness of debt (usually a taxable event). In essence, surrendering a home in bankruptcy allows the borrower to simply give back the keys and walk away, leaving the purpose behind the short sale moot.

Bottom line: If you are going to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, why deal with the stress of negotiating a short sale? However, if you still live in an area where homes are severely underwater and there is a backlog of foreclosures, it could make sense to go through with a short sale to get title out of your name. When a home is surrendered via bankruptcy, the bank still must foreclose to remove the owner’s obligation for HOA dues, etc.

Short Sale and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

The analysis of a short sale bankruptcy is slightly different in a Chapter 13 setting. Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows the debtor to surrender a home, as well; however, any remaining deficiency judgment after foreclosure will be paid out as unsecured debt through the Chapter 13 plan.

Let us explain. Even though the property is being surrendered, the bank is still obligated to foreclose to clear title. The foreclosure process will result in a sale of the property. If the sale price is less than what is owed on the mortgage, a deficiency judgment results. Subject to state law, outside of bankruptcy, the borrower would be personally liable for the entire amount of the judgment. Generally, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will eliminate all unsecured debt including deficiencies after a foreclosure.

By contrast, in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the deficiency between the foreclosure sale price and mortgage amount will be paid out as unsecured debt, at far less than 100%. Because the debtor will still be responsible to pay some of his or her unsecured debt through the plan, a short sale that slashes this debt before bankruptcy remains beneficial. Therefore, if a borrower can negotiate a short sale prior to filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, she will reduce her plan payment by reducing her unsecured debt.

Bottom line on Chapter 13 and short sales: Completing a short sale before this chapter of bankruptcy has the potential to lower your plan payments.

Before You File Bankruptcy Talk to a Bankruptcy Lawyer

It is always wise to consult with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer if you have questions, whether they be related to a short sale or foreclosure as it concerns your bankruptcy petition. Filing for bankruptcy can be complex, so you’ll want the assistance of a qualified attorney to guide you through the legal process and ensure you fill out all the paperwork correctly and disclose all your assets.

Free Consultation with a Bankruptcy Lawyer

If you have a bankruptcy question, or need to file a bankruptcy case, call Ascent Law now at (801) 676-5506. Attorneys in our office have filed over a thousand cases. We can help you. Come in or call in for your free initial consultation.

Michael R. Anderson, JD

Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C
West Jordan, Utah
84088 United States
Telephone: (801) 676-5506
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Sunday, May 20, 2018

How to Adopt

Once you have decided that you want to adopt a child, figuring out how to begin an adoption can be quite challenging. One of the first steps is to do decide which type of adoption is right for you. Prospective parents may choose to work with an adoption agency or proceed with an “independent” adoption without agency involvement. Also, birth parents and adoptive parents must decide how much contact they want with one another. Additionally, prospective parents must follow state regulations mandating the “home study” process, court approval, and other steps along the way. This sub-section includes articles and resources to help you get started and successfully complete the adoption process.

How to Adopt

Locating a Child to Adopt

Unless you are seeking to adopt a specific child the first question many would-be adoptive parents must face is how to locate a child in need of adoption. Common methods for identifying an adoptable child include the following;

Adoption agencies and government organizations may facilitate adoption and provide other helpful services that ensure that parents are matched with appropriate children in need of adoption. Acting as a foster parent may lead to a successful adoption, though not all foster relationships can result in an adoption.

Surrogacy, contracting to have someone bear a child on your behalf; can help ensure a genetic relationship between the adoptive parent and child, although surrogates are also used in circumstances where the child has no biological relationship with either of the adoptive parents.

Doctors, lawyers, and religious organizations may be aware of children in need of adoption as a result of their contact with the community. Your social network, the internet, and paid advertisement are other methods a parent seeking a child to adopt may publicize their availability and interest.

Home Study in Adoptions

All states require prospective parents to complete a “home study.” This process ensures that adoptive families are prepared and educated sufficiently for the adoption. Home study also provides information about the intending parents to establish that they are capable of providing a healthy environment for an adopted child. Specific requirements for home study vary greatly, but there are some common elements.

Many home studies require prospective parents attend training focused on the challenges raising an adopted child. Interviews are quite common and several of them may be required. Home visits ensure that state licensing standards are met. Health and income statements intend to ensure that a serious health or financial problem will not jeopardize the adopted child. Background checks, autobiographical statements, and references help establish that the person has no record of criminal activity or child abuse and help ensure that prospective parents will provide a home free of abuse or neglect.

Petitioning the Court for an Adoption

Although details may vary greatly, adoptions require a petition to the appropriate court. A petition, at minimum, will typically identify all parties, request the termination of parental rights of the birth parents, if any, and urge that the adoptive parents be granted custody of the child.

Proceedings and petitions may be quite complicated. Rules can vary greatly between jurisdictions and are nearly always fairly complicated. Retaining an agency, attorney, or both may be necessary to assist in representation.

Free Consultation with Adoption Lawyer in Utah

If you have a question about a stepchild adoption or if you need a lawyer in Utah, please call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.

Michael R. Anderson, JD

Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C
West Jordan, Utah
84088 United States
Telephone: (801) 676-5506
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