- Utah Business Magazine: Utah Legal Elite 2010-2016
- Expertise Best Divorce Lawyers in Salt Lake City 2016
- Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- Lead Counsel Rated in Personal Injury and Family Law
- American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 2016 Client Satisfaction Award
Best Divorce Lawyers in Utah
Devin W. Quackenbush
Divorce Lawyers
Devin Quackenbush was born and raised in Utah County, Utah. He became interested in the law at an early age. During his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University, Devin interned for the FBI in Quantico, Virginia. From his experience at the FBI, Devin’s interests in the law increased and he decided to pursue a career as a lawyer.
Devin went to law school at Creighton University where he was the Executive Editor of the Creighton Law Review. He was published for his article on mandatory immunizations and religious exemptions. During and after law school, Devin found opportunities in Alaska, beginning with working for the District Attorney’s Office in Palmer, Alaska. Devin passed the Alaska Bar Exam and was offered a position as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Eric Smith of the Alaska Superior Court. Working as a judicial law clerk for Judge Smith, Devin was exposed to a variety of cases from attorneys representing people seeking their day in court. As a judicial law clerk, Devin gained a unique perspective of why some techniques utilized by lawyers are more persuasive than others.
After his clerkship term ended, Devin accepted a position at a prominent law firm in Anchorage, Alaska, where he represented clients in cases involving professional liability, municipal litigation representing the City of Anchorage, appellate practice, employment and labor law, products liability, commercial litigation and professional licensing issues. Devin also assisted in cases for high-profile politicians, multiple insurance companies, as well as for heavy equipment, helicopter, firearm and a number of other product manufacturers.
Devin returned to Utah and became licensed to practice law in Utah. In 2014, Devin opened Quackenbush Legal, PLLC, and has been helping people in cases that include family law, child custody, child support, alimony, divorce, adoption and other family law related cases. The Quackenbush Legal, PLLC, office is located in Murray, allowing Devin to represent individuals all over Salt Lake, Utah, Davis and Weber Counties. Devin discovered that often good people find themselves in precarious situations with the law and need quality legal representation to pursue their rights and especially the best interests of their children. Devin endeavors to help these people and businesses by aggressively representing their interests. Devin’s track record of success in Utah has benefited people from all walks of life.
After founding Quackenbush Legal, PLLC, the practice has grown significantly, which has allowed Devin to expand his field of practice to wills, trusts and estates, probate, business formations, and contract drafting and litigation. Because of Devin’s work, Quackenbush Legal, PLLC, is able to provide the most up-to-date wills, trusts and wealth planning that is crucial to helping individuals protect their children and grandchildren as well as direct how their wealth is protected during their lives and passed on to those they care about afterward.
Christopher J. Salcido
Divorce Lawyers
Chris Salcido is a Utah licensed attorney and founding member of Salcido Law Firm. Voted as a Super Lawyer by his peers (other attorneys and judges in Utah), Chris has a reputation in the legal community for professionalism, integrity, and expertise in multiple areas of law. Known mostly as a zealous advocate in family law and criminal defense, he represents clients all of the state of Utah. Chris manages a team of attorneys representing individuals in divorce and family law, criminal defense and DUI, personal injury and medical malpractice, bankruptcy, and more.
Chris Salcido is rated a Superb Divorce Attorney on Avvo with the highest rating of a 10. A primary mission in his legal practice, Chris is dedicated to helping families get through divorce and other difficult family legal matters. Few things are as life changing as a divorce or custody battle. The rights we have to our children are paramount and enjoy special protections under the law. Chris is committed to protecting children through a divorce, paternity, protective order, or related proceeding. Client’s often remark on Chris’s unique ability to bring calm to a high conflict family law matter. Whether you are facing a protective order, complex divorce, hotly contested custody fight, or any other related issue, Chris is well suited to the task. Many clients come to Chris when they are facing the “trifecta” of family legal issues (domestic violence, protective order, and divorce). With unmatched experience in both criminal defense and family law, Chris is uniquely qualified to resolve all the related legal matters a client in this situation may be facing.
CHRISTOPHER M. AULT
Divorce Lawyers
Divorce is one of the most difficult challenges anyone can face. It not only signifies the end of a relationship, it can also tear apart families. But nobody should have to go through divorce alone without proper legal guidance. My name is Christopher M. Ault and I am a Salt Lake City divorce attorney. As a single father of three Children who has gone through the divorce process, I understand many of the obstacles my clients face. That is why I am committed to helping protect and look after the best interests of each of my clients in every facet of Utah family law.
Awards
Education
University of Miami School of Law, Miami Florida Juris Doctor, 2005
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah Bachelors of Science Major: Political Science, 1999 (Honors at Entrance)
Admissions
- Utah Justice and District Courts, 2006
- United States District Court, District of Utah, 2006
Darin S. Featherstone
Divorce Lawyers
Darin S. Featherstone received his Juris Doctor degree in 2010 from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law where he was honored with multiple academic awards. Since law school, Mr. Featherstone has focused his practice exclusively on family law issues (including child custody, divorce, modifications, paternity, etc.) and has obtained a wide range of experience in this very specific and often specialized area of law.
In his free time Darin enjoys spending time with his family and watching sports, especially football and Utah Jazz basketball.
Education
- The S.J. Quinney College of Law at The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
- J.D.
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
- H.B.A. (Honors Bachelor of Arts)
- Major: History & Middle Eastern Studies
Bar Admission
- Utah, 2010
- U.S. District Court District of Utah, 2010
Past Positions
- J.D. Miller & Associates, Attorney
- Salt Lake County Prosecutors Office, Law Clerk
- U.S. Attorneys Office, Law Clerk
Kelly L. Burris
Divorce Lawyers
Kelly L. Burris got into family law to help people instead of corporations.
“I wanted to be able to help people get through these tough situations in their lives and do it the right way,” she said.
Ms. Burris has settled and litigated complex custody cases and property cases involving multi-million dollar estates. She has also successfully litigated child custody relocation cases.
Ms. Burris said those experiences allow her to inform her clients of the best possible options and do what is right for them in each case.
“It is important to have an attorney that can understand and be supportive of you throughout the process while doing what is necessary to protect your interests and your children’s interests through litigation or settlement,” Ms. Burris said.
Clay Randle
Divorce Lawyers
Clay joined Brown Family Law in 2018 and leads our law office in Sandy, Utah to help our clients to protect their family and their money.
Clay was born in Southern California but spent a significant portion of his childhood in Orem, Utah. Clay attended Brigham Young University and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in history in 2010. Clay then attended the University of Kansas School of Law and graduated in 2014.
During law school, Clay clerked for various judges and firms with a focus on family law. Clay practiced in Kansas and Missouri for a few years before returning to Utah with his family. Clay resumed practicing family law as soon as he was admitted to the Utah Bar. Clay also has experience with tax planning, business planning, estate planning and criminal law.
Outside of work, Clay enjoys spending time with his wife and their children. He loves all things Star Wars and Marvel. He enjoys watching sports, particularly the NBA, NHL, and BYU athletics.
Areas of Practice
- Divorce and Separation
- Paternity
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Protective Orders
Bar Admissions
- Utah, 2017
- Kansas, 2014 (inactive)
- Missouri, 2015 (Inactive)
- U.S. District Court District of Kansas, 2014 (inactive)
- U.S. District Court District of Utah, 2017
Education
- University of Kansas School of Law, Lawrence, Kansas – J.D. – 2014
- CALI Awards in Business Tax, Nonprofit Law, and Estate Planning: Principles
- Tax Law Certificate
- UMB Bank Excellence in Estate Planning Award
- Brigham young University, Provo, Utah – 2010
- B.A. – History
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Utah State Bar Association
- Young Lawyers Division
- Kansas Bar Association
David Pedrazas
Divorce Lawyers
David Pedrazas, a family law attorney in Salt Lake City, has been practicing divorce and family law since 1998. He graduated from the University of Utah Law School in 1997. Since becoming a member of Utah Bar in 1998, David has handled over 1,000 divorce and family law cases. He has handled all types of divorce and family law cases with issues ranging from parental rights termination, child custody, child support, child abuse, adoption, grandparent rights, division of business assets, alimony, High Net-Worth divorces, contested and uncontested divorces. He has argued cases before the District Court of every District in the State of Utah, the Utah Court of Appeals and the United State Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Prior to becoming a lawyer, he was born and raised in Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. Thereafter, he moved to Salt Lake City to attend the University Of Utah School Of Law in August 1994. After falling in love with Utah and its mountains, he decided to remain in Salt Lake City. In his free time, he enjoys officiating high school football, snowboarding, hiking, biking or just about anything that gets him outside.
Since becoming an attorney, David went back to school in 2003 to earn his Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 2005 from Brigham Young University. The knowledge and expertise gained from earning his MBA has been an asset in resolving complex business issues and the division of assets in many of his divorce and family law cases as a family law attorney Salt Lake City.
James H. Woodall
Divorce Lawyers
Prior to becoming a family law attorney, Attorney James H. Woodall earned a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering and worked for several years in the offshore oil industry. Looking for a more competitive work environment, Mr. Woodall attended law school at the University of Utah. He graduated second in his class. Mr. Woodall was Managing Editor of the Utah Law Review. He was admitted to the Utah State Bar in 1988 and clerked on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He has practiced law in Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and Wyoming. Mr. Woodall limits his practice to family law from uncontested divorces to highly complicated matters involving issues such as child custody, alimony, and child support.
Mr. Woodall’s over 30 years of experience make him a formidable attorney in the courtroom and a knowledgeable advocate. He has substantial experience in complex divorce matters including high-asset and high-income cases. His attention to detail is paralleled by few. Mr. Woodall enjoys working – he works holidays and weekends. On Fridays, he is known to quip, “just two more workdays until Monday.”
Daniel W. McKay
Divorce Lawyers
Daniel W. McKay graduated with Distinguished Honors from Boise State University with degrees in History and Political Science. He then went on to attend Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark School of Law, where he graduated in 2000. Between the years of 2000-2005, he was admitted to the Utah, Idaho, and Nevada state and federal bar associations.
Dan was the chair of the litigation section for the Utah based law firm, Ascione Heideman & McKay, overseeing the trial court practice of the firm’s fifteen attorneys throughout its five offices, before undertaking private practice in 2013 with his present firm, Daniel W. McKay & Associates.
He currently serves on the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Board. Daniel has been practicing law for 20 years along the Wasatch front with offices in Spanish Fork and West Jordan. Dan is an adrenaline junkie – loves to win – but hates losing even more.
Having the best divorce lawyer in Utah can offer several benefits during the process of a divorce. While I can provide you with general information, it’s important to consult with a legal professional for advice tailored to your specific situation. Here are some potential benefits of having a skilled divorce lawyer:
Expertise: A top divorce lawyer in Utah will have a deep understanding of family law, local regulations, and court procedures. This expertise can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you’re aware of all legal options available to you.
Legal Guidance: Divorce involves complex legal processes, including property division, child custody, alimony, and more. A skilled lawyer can provide guidance on how to navigate these issues, ensuring that your interests are well-represented.
Negotiation Skills: Divorce often involves negotiations between the parties involved. A skilled lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcomes, whether through settlements or mediation.
Documentation and Paperwork: Divorce proceedings require extensive documentation and paperwork. A capable lawyer can help you gather the necessary documents, fill out paperwork correctly, and submit everything in a timely manner.
Emotional Support: Divorce can be emotionally challenging. A compassionate lawyer can provide emotional support while also helping you stay focused on the legal aspects of your case.
Objective Advice: Emotions can cloud judgment during a divorce. A lawyer can provide objective advice and help you make rational decisions that are in your best interests.
Court Representation: If your case goes to court, having a skilled lawyer can ensure that your side of the story is effectively presented, and your rights are protected in front of a judge.
Now, let’s address the difference between separation and divorce:
Separation: Legal separation involves a married couple living apart but still being legally married. In a legal separation, the couple’s financial and custodial responsibilities might be determined by a separation agreement, which outlines how assets, debts, child custody, and support will be managed during the separation period. A separation does not legally dissolve the marriage, but it can provide space and time for the couple to work through their issues without completely ending the marital relationship.
Divorce: Divorce, on the other hand, is the legal termination of a marriage. Once a divorce is finalized, the couple is no longer married, and both parties are free to remarry if they choose. The divorce process involves legal proceedings to address issues like property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. Divorce ends the legal relationship between the spouses and allows them to move forward separately.
It’s important to note that divorce and separation laws can vary based on jurisdiction, so it’s recommended to consult a legal professional in your area for accurate and up-to-date information.