Divorce Lawyer Daybreak South Jordan, Utah: Are Divorce Records Public in Utah? 801-676-5507

Mike Anderson

Are Divorce Records Public in Utah?

Well, no … right?

I mean, your divorce case is ***PRIVATE*** right?

Or,

at least it should be.

But it isn’t always…

Let me explain in this video – watch this when you have a minute:

Now that you’ve watched the video, you understand how this can be nuanced.

Indeed, the Utah State Legislature has made divorce records PRIVATE. This means that if you, as JOE CITIZEN off the street, takes a stroll down into the Matheson Courthouse down at 450 South State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah and walk into the court clerks office and said: “Hi there, I want to look at all the divorce filings this week” the court clerk would say “no, I don’t think so” –> so in this regard, divorce records are private.

Now, if you’ve been divorced in Utah for several years, then yes, there is a database you can search (or the court clerk can do it for you) where you can search to see if someone has filed for divorce or if a divorce decree has been entered.

This is important because what if you were dating someone and they thought that they were divorced and in fact they were not divorced. You see how that could create issues in a relationship and a possible future marriage.

Additionally, if you are an attorney or a guardian ad litem, you can get access to court records by filing what is called an “Appearance of Counsel” or a “Notice of Appearance” –> this document tells the court that you, as counsel, represent one of the parties. And if you do, then you should be able to see what is on the court docket and all of the pleadings and other information filed with the court.

Also, if you are a party to a case. Meaning, if you are the Petitioner or the Respondent, a person that is seeking to get a divorce —> then you are also entitled to see the court file because it is your case.

Those are pretty much the only exceptions.

So, are divorce records public in Utah? No. They aren’t. But some information can be discovered by Joe public.

If you have other questions about divorce, family law, custody, or child support, give us a call. We’d be happy to assist you with your case.

Thanks for visiting.