Attorney Bryant McConkie and Attorney Jared Hales with client at desk in Salt Lake City

Utah law firm offering professional legal services and advice.

In all aspects of family law and domestic relations matters

Attorney Jared Hales at desk at law firm in Salt Lake City Utah

McConkie Hales & Jones is experienced in assisting clients in all areas of law relating to the family, including: divorce, legal separations, modifications and enforcement of prior orders, adoptions, and protective orders.

Family and Domestic Matters

Attorney Bryant McConkie at desk at law firm in Salt Lake City Utah

We do everything we can to help clients settle their cases outside of court but sometimes our clients’ cases require the court to make important decisions. We help our clients navigate the complex litigation process in divorce and other family law matters.

Complex Divorce Litigation

Attorney Robb Jones at desk at law firm in Salt Lake City Utah

Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation

Our expertise extends to defending clients in state and federal criminal matters, including DUIs, domestic violence, drug offense, etc. We also excel in general civil litigation, handling everything from contract disputes to torts, ensuring your legal rights are protected in and out of court.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Due to the complex and very individual nature of family law, each family law case is unique and requires an individual assessment of your case.

In Utah, there is a 30-day waiting period from the time of filing the Petition for Divorce to the time that you can file the final Decree. After the Decree is filed it can take a few weeks for it to be entered by the Court. So, if the parties come to an agreement quickly, they can be divorced in little over a month. However, most cases require mediation to reach an agreement, which can take several months. If the parties have significant disagreement, and the case must be litigated in court, the process can take much longer.
Not necessarily. As long as the home is a marital asset, you will not lose your marital interest in it by simply moving out. However, it may be difficult to regain access during the process of litigation, and the final determination of who will keep the asset, or whether it will be sold, will depend on the agreement reached by the parties or in the case of trial, the ruling of the judge.
Every case is unique and the cost depends largely on the complexity of the circumstances, how cooperative people are, and how long litigation lasts. Cost is impossible to predict, but we do our best to be efficient and to get matters resolved quickly and cheaply.

No. While clients often feel worried about the messaging behind who is the first to file, there is no appreciable difference between being the Petitioner or the Respondent. Divorce files are also private so while someone could see who filed first, they can’t see what is in the file. If your spouse files first, you will have the opportunity to respond to their filing and file a Counter Petition if you so choose, adding any additional issues you would like the court to address.
Clients often call looking for a “bulldog.” We would not describe any of our attorneys this way. A “bulldog” may make a lot of noise, but in our experience being bullheaded and unwilling to work respectfully with other attorneys does not leave clients in any better position. We want to give you good advice about the strength of your legal claims so that you don’t waste valuable time, emotion, and money on costly court and attorney fees. We will advocate for you by working cooperatively with opposing counsel to come up with creative solutions to problems, and when needed we will be ready and willing to take cases to trial.
It depends. Some charges have mandatory jail sentences if you are convicted or have to enter a plea. However, many times, we have a great chance of avoiding the most serious types of penalties, such as jail, even if a client has to enter a plea or is convicted, if a client’s background is not too sever eand we approach the case in a careful manner.
Again, it depends. Many times, even with a conviction, a person will have a good opportunity to clear his/her record. However, some charges are much harder to clear than others, and it is important that a client understands and discusses that with an attorney prior to making key decisions in his/her case.

★★★★★

Client Testimonials

“I am an attorney and I hired Bryant McConkie to handle my complex divorce case and I would highly recommend him. Before I hired Bryant, I asked all of my attorney friends who the best attorney is and they all told me it was Bryant and I think they were right. He is highly respected by the judges and court personnel. He has fantastic paralegals and staff who are super organized. The results were extraordinary. Not only did the judge rule in my favor, but the judge made my spouse pay my attorney fees. I’ve had significant trial experience and I’ve never witnessed an attorney handle an opposing party on cross-examination as effectively as Bryant did during our trial. Take it from an attorney who knows the legal system: you would be fortunate if Bryant would agree to take your case.” - Brent G.
Client Testimonials

“Jared Hales is an amazing lawyer, he keeps you level headed and knows what he’s doing. I chose him after several consultations because he was the first lawyer to say “I’m sorry” (for what I’ve been through) and actually listened to my situation. Good family guy and very much a realist. I so appreciated the service I receive from this law firm.” - Kevin P.
Client Testimonials

“Jared Hales is an amazing lawyer. Helped me through the hardest of times. I'd recommend him to anyone looking for a good divorce attorney. Thank you so much Jared for all your hard work, and Sarah Wells for being so quick to respond to me all the time.” - Jenny D.
Client Testimonials

“I have been fortunate enough to work with Jared Hales through a complicated journey. I'm so appreciative of his patience, insight and knowledge of how to proceed effectively. He was always available to answer questions, quick to respond and listened to my questions to make sure I understood what was happening and why. I'm so grateful for him!” - Jayme B.
Client Testimonials

“The best. I had a difficult divorce. At a time I needed to modify the custody arrangement, I really felt like they cared about the wellbeing of the kids and what was best for them. The advice and counsel I received make me comfortable in vouching for them. They know the ins and outs and made the whole thing as painless as it could be. They took time to explain processes to me in a way I could understand, and laid out all the options for me. I would recommend McConkie, Hales and Jones to anyone who is considering anything to do with divorce, separation and modifications.” - Joe S.
Client Testimonials

“Bryant and his staff were excellent in their work during a very difficult time. I recommend them to anyone seeking representation with a family law issue.” - Steve A.
Client Testimonials

“Bryant McConkie has represented members of my family on multiple occasions. He is a powerful mediator and a gifted lawyer.” - Allison Y.
Client Testimonials

“Knowledgeable and professional law firm. Highly recommend.” - Amber S.