Family Attorney American Fork

Your Guide to Family Law Solutions & Trusted Support in American Fork

When a family law issue affects your home, your children, or your financial stability, you need more than general advice. You need clear guidance tailored to how cases are actually handled in American Fork and throughout Utah County. The Schriever Law Firm helps clients navigate divorce, child custody, child support, and post-decree modifications with a steady plan and practical solutions.

From the first consultation, our team works to understand your goals and the unique dynamics of your case. We focus on building a path that protects your parental rights, your time with your children, and your long-term financial well-being. Whether your case is amicable or highly contested, we combine careful preparation with strong advocacy in negotiations, mediation, and court.

Schedule a confidential consultation today to map your next steps with a family attorney serving American Fork.

Why Choose The Schriever Law Firm For Family Law In American Fork

We approach each family matter with a simple directive: protect what matters most and make every step count. Our firm provides detailed case strategies, transparent communication, and a focus on achievable outcomes under Utah law. Clients trust us for responsive service, organized case management, and preparation that is ready for negotiation or litigation.

Local processes and expectations

Family cases in Utah County follow procedures that reward preparation and clarity. We help you complete required disclosures, meet deadlines, and prepare for mediation, which is often mandatory. Our attorneys present well-documented parenting plans, financial declarations, and settlement proposals that move cases forward and keep you in control of the outcome whenever possible.

Comprehensive Family Law Services In American Fork

Family law matters often intersect. We coordinate every piece so your custody, support, and property issues align with your long-term goals.

Divorce and legal separation

Divorce is both a legal and life transition. We help you set priorities early, including interim orders for custody, support, and exclusive use of the home or vehicles. Our attorneys manage discovery, negotiate property division, address retirement accounts and business interests, and position your case for a fair resolution. When settlement is not possible, we are prepared to present evidence effectively at trial.

Child custody and parent-time

A parenting plan should reflect your children’s needs and your realistic schedules. We develop detailed plans that address legal custody, physical custody, parent-time schedules, transportation, holidays, and decision-making protocols. When necessary, we work with evaluators, therapists, and teachers to ensure the court has a complete picture of your children’s best interests.

Child support

Utah’s guidelines consider income, number of overnights, and healthcare and childcare costs. We calculate child support accurately, address imputed income when a parent is underemployed, and ensure medical and childcare expenses are allocated clearly. We also revisit support when circumstances change.

Modifications and enforcement

Life changes. If job loss, relocation, health issues, or a child’s evolving needs require updates to your orders, we petition for modifications that reflect current realities. If the other party is not following the court’s orders, we seek enforcement through stipulations or motions that compel compliance and protect your rights.

The Divorce Process In Utah County, Step By Step

A clear roadmap reduces stress and prevents costly delays. Here is how we help clients move from filing to final orders.

Initial strategy and filings

We begin with a strategic assessment to identify your immediate needs, such as temporary custody or support. We draft and file the petition or response, ensuring your claims and defenses are fully preserved. Temporary orders can stabilize finances and parenting time while the case proceeds.

Disclosures and discovery

Utah law requires thorough financial disclosure. We organize your documentation, pursue the other side’s records, and, when needed, use discovery tools like interrogatories, requests for production, and subpoenas. Accurate information leads to informed settlement positions.

Mediation and settlement

Mediation is a powerful opportunity to resolve issues efficiently. We prepare you with realistic settlement ranges, identify must-haves, and craft proposals that anticipate court scrutiny. If settlement is reached, we draft clear stipulations that avoid ambiguities and future disputes.

Trial preparation and presentation

If trial is necessary, our team prepares exhibits, witness outlines, and demonstratives that make complex issues clear. We structure testimony to show the court how each request aligns with the children’s best interests and the equities of the marital estate.

Child Custody In American Fork: Building A Practical Parenting Plan

Custody orders should reduce conflict and support your child’s development. We build parenting plans that anticipate school schedules, extracurriculars, and transitions between homes.

Legal versus physical custody

Legal custody covers major decisions like education and healthcare. Physical custody addresses where the children live and how time is shared. We advocate for arrangements that are developmentally appropriate and workable for both homes.

Parent-time schedules and transportation

We tailor schedules to minimize friction, including detailed exchange locations and times. Clear transportation provisions and communication protocols help prevent future disputes.

Special considerations

If there are concerns about safety, substance use, or mental health, we can propose supervised parent-time, therapy-supported reunification, or other safeguards that prioritize child well-being while keeping the door open for progress.

Child Support And Financial Stability

Child support is meant to be predictable and fair. We ensure the calculations are right and the orders are enforceable.

Accurate income figures

Determining true income can be complex for self-employed parents, those with variable commissions, or recent job changes. We analyze bank statements, profit and loss reports, and tax returns to present a credible income picture.

Health insurance and childcare

We clarify who covers insurance, how uninsured medical expenses are shared, and how childcare costs are divided. Clear language prevents repeated disputes.

Modifying support

When income or custody schedules change materially, support should be updated. We guide you through modification standards, documentation, and timing.

Modifications: Making Your Orders Fit Today’s Life

Post-decree changes are common. Orders can be modified when there is a substantial and material change in circumstances.

Common reasons for modification

Relocation, changes in work schedules, a child’s evolving needs, or prolonged noncompliance may justify updates. We evaluate the facts, advise on likely outcomes, and pursue efficient solutions.

Negotiation or court

We often begin with negotiation or mediation to reach a practical agreement. If that fails, we file and litigate the modification, supported by evidence and clear proposals the court can adopt.

Strategic Approach To Property Division

Marital estates range from straightforward to highly complex. We identify all assets and debts, value them appropriately, and propose a division that is equitable under Utah law.

Business interests and retirement

We coordinate business valuations when needed and address options like buyouts or offsets. For retirement accounts, we prepare the necessary orders to divide benefits correctly and avoid tax surprises.

Marital home options

We analyze refinance feasibility, buyout structures, and timing for sale. Our goal is to protect home equity while making transitions manageable.

Mediation, Settlement, And Litigation Readiness

Most family law cases resolve through settlement, but the best settlements come from strong preparation.

Prepared to negotiate, ready to try

We develop settlement proposals grounded in evidence and law. Because we are ready for trial, our negotiations carry weight and often lead to better outcomes without unnecessary conflict.

Practical Guidance For Your First Meeting

Arrive prepared so we can immediately start building your case strategy.

What to bring

Financial records, pay stubs, tax returns, a list of assets and debts, a proposed parenting schedule, and any relevant communications or orders. A concise written timeline is helpful.

Case goals and boundaries

Think through your top priorities, deal breakers, and where you can compromise. Clear goals allow us to focus resources where they matter most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a family attorney in American Fork do?

A family attorney guides clients through divorce, custody, support, and modifications. The attorney provides strategy, prepares filings, negotiates settlements, and advocates in mediation and court to protect your rights and your children’s best interests.

How long does a divorce take in Utah County?

Timeframes vary based on complexity, cooperation, and court schedules. Some cases resolve in a few months through settlement, while contested matters with extensive discovery or evaluations can take longer. Early preparation and realistic proposals can shorten the process.

Do I have to go to mediation?

In many family cases, mediation is required before trial. Mediation can save time and money by allowing you to craft a solution that fits your family rather than leaving it to a judge. We prepare you thoroughly so you enter with clear goals and options.

How is child support calculated?

Utah’s guidelines factor in each parent’s income, number of overnights, and certain expenses like health insurance and childcare. We ensure accurate inputs and propose orders that make payment responsibilities clear and enforceable.

Can I modify custody or parent-time later?

Yes, if there is a substantial and material change in circumstances. Examples include relocation, changes in a child’s needs, or persistent noncompliance. We assess your situation and advise whether a modification is likely to succeed.

What if the other parent is not following the order?

Documentation is key. Keep records of missed exchanges or unpaid support. We can seek enforcement through motions or negotiated stipulations that secure compliance and, when appropriate, attorney fees.

Will I have to go to court?

Many cases settle without a trial, especially when both sides are prepared and reasonable. If a trial is necessary, we present your case clearly and advocate for orders that protect your children and financial stability.

Move Forward With A Clear Plan In American Fork

Your decisions today shape your future and your children’s daily lives. The Schriever Law Firm helps families in American Fork and across Utah County take decisive, well-informed steps toward lasting solutions. Let us help you build a plan you can live with.

Call The Schriever Law Firm now at (385) 448-5206  to discuss your options, or request a consultation online now.