Family Law Attorney in Kaysville and Clearfield
When you first call about a divorce or custody problem, we know the law usually isn't your first question. You want to know whether you will still see your kids every week and whether you can stay in the house. We start with those questions.
Gibb Law Firm represents Davis County clients in divorce, child custody and parent-time, alimony and child support, divorce mediation, and protective orders. Lead attorney Dustin Gibb handles each case himself, from the first meeting on. Most cases settle through negotiation or mediation, but every case is prepared with the possibility of a hearing in mind.
Family law services
Divorce
Filing or responding, dividing the house, retirement, and debt, and making sure the decree covers what it needs to.
Custody and parent time
Do you need a first parenting plan, or does the one you have no longer work because someone moved or a schedule changed? Both are common.
Alimony and child support
We represent people who will pay and people who will receive support. We also handle enforcement when payments stop, and modification when income changes.
Divorce mediation
The mediator is neutral and won’t advise you. Dustin will. He prepares you beforehand and tells you whether an offer is worth taking.
Protective orders
Protective orders affect custody, the home, and contact, whether you need protection or have been served with an order. If you are in danger now, call 911.
How a family case usually moves in Utah
Many cases settle by agreement. Dustin negotiates the terms and prepares the paperwork, but even an agreed divorce can’t be finalized until 30 days after filing.
When issues are disputed, the parties generally attend mediation before trial. Mediation goes better when both sides’ finances are on the table, so disclosures usually come first.
Some cases need a judge, particularly when safety is involved, or one side won’t negotiate. While the case is pending, the court can issue temporary orders covering custody, support, and who stays in the home. Parents with minor children also complete two short state-required courses before the divorce is final.
What to expect in a Davis County family case
Divorce and custody cases for Davis County residents are typically filed at the Second District Court in Farmington. Early issues, such as temporary custody or support while the case is open, are often heard by a court commissioner before a judge.
Local details matter in parenting plans. Which school the children attend, how far apart the parents live, and whether a move takes a child out of the area can change what schedule is workable. For example, a move from Kaysville to Syracuse and a move out of state are very different conversations with the court.
Situations we handle regularly
- One parent wants to relocate with the children. Relocation raises custody and parent-time questions at the same time. Child custody →
- “I stayed home with the kids. How will I support myself?” Alimony looks at need, earning ability, and the length of the marriage. Alimony →
- A protective order was filed in the middle of a divorce. It can affect the parenting schedule and who stays in the home right away. Protective orders →
- Support payments stopped. Enforcement options exist, and delays make collection harder. Alimony & support →
- The old order doesn’t fit anymore. Changes in jobs, schedules, and moves often call for a modification. Child custody →
The child comes first
Dustin and his wife, Jade, are raising seven children in Davis County, including triplet girls, and he coaches their teams. When he reviews a parenting plan, he asks the same thing a parent would: does this schedule still work on a Tuesday with practice, homework, and a kid who’s home sick?
Parents usually agree on more than they think. When we start with what the kids actually need week to week, the other issues are often easier to settle.
Common mistakes before hiring a lawyer
- Moving out without a plan. Leaving the home, especially without the children, can set a pattern before a judge ever sees the case.
- Agreeing to custody informally. A “temporary” arrangement often becomes the starting point in court.
- Signing papers your spouse prepared. A signed agreement is hard to undo. Have it reviewed first.
- Talking to the kids about the case. Courts pay attention to whether a parent keeps children out of the conflict.
Utah family law terms, explained
- Parent-time: Utah’s term for the time a parent spends with a child. Other states call it visitation.
- Legal custody: who makes major decisions about school, health care, and religion.
- Physical custody: where the child lives and how overnights are divided.
- Temporary orders: rules that apply while the case is still open.
- Stipulation: a written agreement between the parties that is filed with the court.
- Decree of divorce: the final order that ends the marriage and sets its terms.
Questions people ask us
No lawyer can promise a custody outcome. Utah courts decide custody based on the children’s best interests, looking at who has cared for them, their stability, and whether each parent supports the child’s relationship with the other. Dustin will tell you which of those factors help you and which need work.
Not by us. People usually call after something hard has happened. Our job is to understand it and protect you from here on.
You generally can’t stop a divorce your spouse wants, but you have a real voice in the parenting schedule, property, and support.
Utah requires at least 30 days between filing and the final decree. Agreed cases often finish in a few months. Contested custody cases usually take longer.
Yes. Most consultations are in person in Kaysville, or in Clearfield by appointment, and virtual meetings are available.
What to bring to your consultation
Bring anything you think matters. If you’re unsure, bring it anyway. Useful items include:
- Recent pay stubs and last year’s tax return
- Account and debt statements
- Court papers you’ve filed or received
- Existing custody, support, or protective orders
- Texts or emails about the children, money, or safety
- Your children’s current weekly schedule
Who you'll work with
Dustin handles your case himself. His paralegal prepares and organizes documents, and his assistant handles scheduling and answers questions between steps. Before mediation or a hearing, you’ll sit down with Dustin to go over what you’re asking for, what the other side is likely to argue, and what could happen if it doesn’t settle.
Helpful Family Law Posts
Talk with Dustin about your family case
Kaysville · Clearfield (by appointment) · Virtual · (801) 725-6035