Utah has a very large number of divorce cases where parties are not represented. Looking at the data provides some insights into this phenomenon.
Divorces in Utah are just as common as in the other states. In Utah, the divorce rate is approximately 4.3 for every 1000 residents. This rate is a bit higher than the average USA rate of 4.1 for every 1000. First marriages ending in divorce in Utah have a median age of 29 for women and 31 for men.
The number of children involved in a Utah divorce is rising rapidly. In 2000, there were more than 10,000 children involved in divorce and the number now is a lot higher.
According to the most recent data available from the year 2000, about half of the Utah marriages that end up in divorce last just five years. In Utah,'% of divorces in Utah occur in the first year of marriage and 70% by 10 years of marriage. (Statistics abstracted by David Schramm, Utah State University).
A possible explanation for Utah's high rate of self-representation might be that with the short length of marriage before divorcing and couples getting married at a young age, the parties haven't had much time or chance to earn high wages and are unable to afford an attorney. Another factor could be the high rate of divorce cases involving child custody issues that costs more and makes the case more expensive.
This year, 2009, the Utah court system has been trying to work out how many divorce cases have parties not represented by counsel. Estimates are that at least one party will not have a lawyer in 70% of the divorce cases in Utah. Judges are encouraging lawyers to do everything they can to provide help to litigants who are tempted to go forward without the advice of counsel.
The Utah state courts are running leaner now because of recent budget cutbacks. Judges and commissioners have less administrative assistance, and are working a higher volume of cases. The extra stress of having to put up with an unrepresented party is more acute now, as the the efficiency of their court is reduced even further when an attorney isn't present to provide the right procedures and arguments.
Many firms in Utah are responding by providing pay-as-you-go services for pro se litigants that can't afford a full retainer or by offering free consultations. Some local law firms, like Long Okura, are providing both options. Self-represented parties ought to consider getting help before appearing in court unrepresented.
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