Legal Question in Family Law in Utah
Wife left AZ and is now sewing for divorce from Utah
Last January 2005 my wife left Arizona and moved back to Utah close to her family. I have just found out that I could have stopped her from leaving with the kids (3)by some help with the courts here in AZ. Only now she is a resident of Utah. She has said that she will be going for abandonment and re rears(there is no court order). I have faithfully sent her weekly, over what the minimum obligation amount(+$300 additional a month more and paid all health insurance) of child support every week with the exception of 6 weeks in October/November when I was out of work.
She has only made the children available to me 3 weekends this past year and I have paid 100% of the expenses too be with my kids. Plans have frequently fallen thru at the 11th hour after vacation was scheduled and monies spent to make the visit. I have received a draft of the petition that was sent out as a uncontested divorce, or I will be responsible for all attorney fees, writen to a very one sided document and imposible to be taken as a uncontested decree. there are no specifics in the parenting plan except for her to have the final say on all.
What can i do to protect my rights as a father. Married 15yrs.
Note: She left AZ due to legal issues with the state.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Wife left AZ and is now sewing for divorce from Utah
You could contest Utah's jurisdiction over you or your children, and attempt to force this to be in Arizona case.
You can also of course appear and defend the Utah case.
I can explain the procedures better by phone or in person. As you can imagine, there is too much to cover via e'mail. We offer free 1/2 hour consultations, in which we can discuss the matter in more detail.
Please call me directly to discuss the specifics of your case, or contact my assistant Alicia to schedule a free 1/2 hour consultation.
/s/ Rich J. Peters, Attorney
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R. J. PETERS & ASSOC., P.C.
1422 N. 2nd Street, Suite 100
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
602x254x7251
602x254x1229 (facsimile)
see our web page at www.familylawaz.com
Re: Wife left AZ and is now sewing for divorce from Utah
You will need either to appear or hire an attorney in Utah to defend your rights. Just because she proposes an uncontested divorce does not mean you have to agree to everything she says. It sounds like she is trying to run your life and access to your children. You may call for a free consultation.
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