There is a high percentage of divorces in Utah that proceed through the court system with at least one party unrepresented by an attorney. A study of divorce data in Utah provides some ideas on why Utah has such a high rate of pro se divorce litigants.
The State of Utah has just as many divorces as the rest of the United States of America. The rate of divorce in Utah is around 0.43% of the entire population, and is slightly more than the national rate of 0.41%. In Utah, the average for a first divorce is 31 for males and 29 for females.
The number of children involved in a Utah divorce is rising rapidly. In 2000, there were more than 10,000 youngsters involved in divorce and the number currently is much higher.
According to a study of statistics by Utah State University on the most recent information available, almost half of the divorces in Utah happen during the first five years of marriage. Almost 1/5 of divorces in Utah happen before the couple make it to their first wedding anniversary.
So why do many parties in Utah decide to go without representation? One possibility is that children and custody problems can add complexity and expense to a divorce case, making it unaffordable for some. Also, in Utah, many of the couples are young and haven't been married long enough to reach their most productive money earning years, and are not able to afford legal representation.
Attempts are being made this year (2009) by the Utah state courts to determine what proportion of divorces involve parties without legal representation. The courts estimate that approximately 7 out of 10 divorce cases have an unrepresented party. Local Utah attorneys are being encouraged by judges to make an effort to supply services for litigants who are attempting to navigate through the legal process without representation.
As a result of cut-backs in the Utah court system, Judges and Commissioners are working additional cases with less administrative help and they're losing their patience with pro se litigants (unrepresented parties), who don't have any idea of appropriate procedure or argument.
Several law firms have responded to this call by offering free consultations or allowing clients to hire the attorney for bits and pieces of the litigation when the assistance is strongly needed. Some firms are offering both, such as Long Okura, P.C. in Salt Lake City, Utah. Contemplate obtaining help before you walk into court without a lawyer. - 31397
The State of Utah has just as many divorces as the rest of the United States of America. The rate of divorce in Utah is around 0.43% of the entire population, and is slightly more than the national rate of 0.41%. In Utah, the average for a first divorce is 31 for males and 29 for females.
The number of children involved in a Utah divorce is rising rapidly. In 2000, there were more than 10,000 youngsters involved in divorce and the number currently is much higher.
According to a study of statistics by Utah State University on the most recent information available, almost half of the divorces in Utah happen during the first five years of marriage. Almost 1/5 of divorces in Utah happen before the couple make it to their first wedding anniversary.
So why do many parties in Utah decide to go without representation? One possibility is that children and custody problems can add complexity and expense to a divorce case, making it unaffordable for some. Also, in Utah, many of the couples are young and haven't been married long enough to reach their most productive money earning years, and are not able to afford legal representation.
Attempts are being made this year (2009) by the Utah state courts to determine what proportion of divorces involve parties without legal representation. The courts estimate that approximately 7 out of 10 divorce cases have an unrepresented party. Local Utah attorneys are being encouraged by judges to make an effort to supply services for litigants who are attempting to navigate through the legal process without representation.
As a result of cut-backs in the Utah court system, Judges and Commissioners are working additional cases with less administrative help and they're losing their patience with pro se litigants (unrepresented parties), who don't have any idea of appropriate procedure or argument.
Several law firms have responded to this call by offering free consultations or allowing clients to hire the attorney for bits and pieces of the litigation when the assistance is strongly needed. Some firms are offering both, such as Long Okura, P.C. in Salt Lake City, Utah. Contemplate obtaining help before you walk into court without a lawyer. - 31397
