Full text of Utah Utah Code § 81-4-105 — Mandatory orientation course for divorce or temporary separation actions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 81-4-105. Mandatory orientation course for divorce or temporary separation actions.
Effective 9/1/2024
81-4-105.
Mandatory orientation course for divorce or temporary separation actions.
| (1) |
| (a) | There is established a mandatory divorce orientation course for all parties with minor children who file a petition for temporary separation or for a divorce. |
| (b) | A couple with no minor children is not required, but may choose to attend the course. |
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| (2) | The divorce orientation course shall be neutral, unbiased, and at least one hour in duration. |
| (3) | The divorce orientation course shall educate the parties about the divorce process and reasonable alternatives, including instructing the parties on:
| (a) | options available as alternatives to divorce; |
| (b) | resources available from courts and administrative agencies for resolving custody and support issues without filing for divorce; |
| (c) | resources available to improve or strengthen the marriage; |
| (d) | a discussion of the positive and negative consequences of divorce; |
| (e) | a discussion of the process of divorce; |
| (f) | options available for proceeding with a divorce, including:
| (ii) | collaborative law; and |
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| (g) | a discussion of post-divorce resources. |
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| (4) | The divorce orientation course may be provided in conjunction with a mandatory parenting course required by Section 81-9-103. |
| (5) | The Administrative Office of the Courts shall administer the divorce orientation course, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code, through private or public contracts and organize the program in each of Utah's judicial districts. |
| (6) | The divorce orientation course may be through live instruction, video instruction, or through an online provider. |
| (7) |
| (a) | A party shall pay the cost of the divorce orientation course to the independent contractor providing the course at the time and place of the course. |
| (b) | A party may not be charged more than $30 to participate in the divorce orientation course. |
| (c) | A petitioner may not be charged more than $15 to participate in the divorce orientation course if the petitioner attends a live instruction course within 30 days after the day on which the petitioner filed the action. |
| (d) | A respondent may not be charged more than $15 to participate in the divorce orientation course if the respondent attends a live instruction course within 30 days after the day on which the respondent is served with the action. |
| (e) | A fee of $5 shall be collected, as part of the divorce orientation course fee paid by each participant, and deposited in the Children's Legal Defense Account described in Section 51-9-408. |
| (f) | Each party who is unable to pay the costs of the course may attend the divorce orientation course, without payment, upon a prima facie showing of indigency as evidenced by an affidavit of indigency filed in the district court in accordance with Section 78A-2-302. |
| (g) | The Administrative Office of the Courts shall use appropriations from the Children's Legal Defense Account to reimburse an independent contractor for the costs of a party who is unable to pay for the divorce orientation course under Subsection (7)(f). |
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| (8) | The Online Court Assistance Program shall include instructions with the forms for divorce that inform the petitioner of the requirement of this section. |
| (9) | A certificate of completion constitutes evidence to the court of completion of the divorce orientation course by the parties. |
| (10) | The Administrative Office of the Courts shall:
| (a) | adopt a program to evaluate the effectiveness of the divorce orientation course described in this section; and |
| (b) | provide progress reports to the Judiciary Interim Committee if requested. |
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Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
366, 2024 General Session
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 81-4-105
What does Utah Code § 81-4-105 cover?
Section 81-4-105 ("Mandatory orientation course for divorce or temporary separation actions.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 81-4-105?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 81-4-105" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 81-4-105 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
