Utah Divorce Guides
Domestic Violence Resources
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition line is 1-800-897-5465 and the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233, both 24 hours, by call or text. This guide covers protective orders, safety planning, and how abuse affects a Utah divorce.
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Emergency Resources — Get Help Now
Utah 211 (local shelter referrals) — call or text2-1-1 If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Local shelters provide emergency housing, legal advocates, and safety planning support at no cost. The lines above support both calling and texting.
Temporary Protective Order (TPO)
A Temporary Protective Order (TPO) is a court order that can immediately prohibit an abuser from contacting you, coming near your home or workplace, and possessing firearms.
☐How to get a TPO
Go to your local district court and fill out a Protective Order Petition. Judges can issue ex parte (same-day) orders without your abuser present if there is immediate danger.
☐What a TPO covers
No contact, stay-away provisions, child custody protections, and firearm surrender requirements.
☐Duration
A protective order lasts 150 days in Utah. After a hearing where both parties can appear, the court may issue a longer-term order.
☐How to extend it
File a motion to extend before the expiration date. Courts can issue permanent protective orders after a full hearing.
How Domestic Violence Affects Custody
Presumption against abusers in custody
Under Utah law, there is a rebuttable presumption that joint custody or sole custody should NOT be awarded to a parent who has committed domestic violence. The abuser must overcome this presumption in court.
Legal standardBest interest of the child
DV history consideredYes, strongly weighted
Supervised parent-timeCourt can order it
Safety Planning Before Leaving
Leaving an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous time. Plan carefully before making a move.
☐Document evidence
Photograph injuries, save threatening messages, and keep a written log of incidents with dates and details. Store copies outside the home.
☐Gather important documents
Passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, financial records, and any existing court orders. Keep copies in a safe location your abuser cannot access.
☐Safe communication
Use a trusted friend's phone or a public computer to contact attorneys or hotlines. Delete browser history if using a shared device.
☐Build a support network
Identify trusted people who know your situation and can help. Contact a local shelter for a safety plan advocate at no cost.
Filing Under a Protected Address
Utah courts allow victims of domestic violence to file court documents without disclosing their home address. This protects your location from appearing in public court records.
☐Request a confidential address
File a motion asking the court to keep your address confidential. You can use a P.O. box, shelter address, or attorney's address on all filings.
☐Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)
Utah's ACP provides a substitute address for use with all state and local agencies. Contact the Utah Attorney General's office to apply.
How DV Affects Property Division
While Utah is an equitable distribution state, courts have discretion to account for domestic violence when dividing property and assigning debts.
Property waste by abuserCan be considered by court
Economic abuse / financial controlRecognized by Utah courts
Alimony considerationDV history is a factor
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