Divorce is rarely easy, but when conflict runs high, dividing property can become especially stressful and complex. At Hanks & Peterson, clients facing contentious divorces benefit from working with a seasoned property division attorney in Utah who understands both the law and the emotional challenges involved. High-conflict cases require careful strategy, strong advocacy, and a clear focus on protecting long-term financial interests.
Understanding High-Conflict Property Division in Utah
Utah follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly, though not always equally. In high-conflict divorces, disagreements often arise over what counts as marital versus separate property, how assets should be valued, or whether all property has been disclosed. Emotions can cloud judgment, making it harder for spouses to reach agreements on their own.
A property division attorney in Utah helps bring clarity to this process. By applying Utah law to the specific facts of a case, the attorney works to ensure that property division decisions are grounded in fairness rather than frustration or pressure.
Creating Structure in Contentious Situations
High-conflict divorces often involve poor communication and deep mistrust between spouses. One key role of an attorney is to create structure where chaos might otherwise take over. At Hanks & Peterson, attorneys guide clients through each step of property division, explaining options clearly and setting realistic expectations.
This steady approach helps reduce unnecessary disputes and keeps the focus on financial outcomes instead of personal conflict. With experienced legal guidance, clients are better positioned to make informed decisions rather than reacting to emotions.
Identifying and Valuing All Marital Assets
In contentious divorces, disputes over assets are common. Some spouses may genuinely misunderstand their finances, while others may attempt to hide or undervalue property. These situations require close attention and detailed financial analysis.
Hanks & Peterson offers comprehensive representation by thoroughly identifying and accounting for marital and personal assets. With attorneys educated in business law and experienced in fraud litigation, the firm is well equipped to uncover hidden assets and ensure accurate valuations. This diligence is especially critical in high-conflict cases involving businesses, real estate, retirement accounts, or complex investments.
Knowing When to Negotiate and When to Litigate
While negotiated settlements are often preferable, high-conflict divorces do not always allow for cooperation. A skilled property division attorney in Utah knows when negotiation is productive and when litigation becomes necessary to protect a client’s rights.
At Hanks & Peterson, attorneys are not blindly aggressive. Instead, they carefully assess whether settlement discussions can lead to a fair outcome. When they cannot, the firm’s decades of trial experience allow attorneys to confidently represent clients in court. This balanced approach helps ensure that clients are neither pushed into unfair agreements nor drawn into unnecessary legal battles.
Protecting Financial Stability Beyond the Divorce
The outcome of property division can shape a person’s financial future for years. In high-conflict divorces, rushed decisions or overlooked assets can have lasting consequences. An experienced attorney helps clients look beyond the immediate dispute and consider how today’s choices affect tomorrow’s stability.
By developing tailored strategies, Hanks & Peterson works to safeguard clients’ financial interests while navigating even the most challenging divorce dynamics.
A Trusted Advocate When Conflict Runs High
High-conflict divorces demand more than basic legal knowledge. They require judgment, experience, and a steady hand. Working with a property division attorney in Utah from Hanks & Peterson gives clients the advantage of a respected Salt Lake City legal team committed to fairness, transparency, and strong advocacy.

