Top Child Custody Lawyers Near Me in Salt Lake City Area

Substantial practice in all aspects of family law, broad and long term real property and real estate practice, as well as extensive practice in a variety of other areas, including personal injury, probate, contract law, eminent domain (condemnation), and a vairet of other areas.    We provide a high quality service, and have an outstanding reputation in the community.   We will handle cases throughout the State of Utah.    Admitted to practice in both Utah and Massachusetts.

So, a little about me.  I know choosing an attorney is tough, and hopefully this information helps you. I founded LJ Law (formerly associated with Just Law) in 2010  because I saw a need for a different type of law firm.  One that wasn't focused on a make money at all costs mentality.  One that didn't leave scorched earth in the wake of a family law case.  We started a firm where we focus on the family and we try to be settlement-oriented, but still tough when we need to be.  Our flat fee approach ensures that the focus stays on achieving the best outcome using client's resources to their maximum potential.. I have been practicing in the area of divorce and family law for over 20 years.. Prior to starting LJ  Law (formely associated with Just Law), I worked for the Office of Guardian ad Litem representing abused and neglected children, I have continued this work by acting as a Private Guardian ad Litem in cases. My degree in Psychology and training and experience with complex assets, mediation, child development, alienation, abuse and neglect, trauma, domestic violence and personality disorders, makes me uniquely qualified to handle complex cases in a way that keeps client’s and children’s mental health at the forefront.. EDUCATION & TRAINING2004 Juris Doctorate, Brigham Young University School of Law2000 Bachelor of Science, Political Science, Summa Cum Laude, University of Utah2000 Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, University of Utah2007 Basic Mediation Training, Utah State Courts2009 Advanced Domestic Mediation Training, Center for Advanced Mediation Studies2012 Collaborative Law Training, International Association of Collaborative Professionals.. PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONSUtah State Bar Association, Member in Good StandingUtah State Bar Family Law Section, MemberUtah State Bar, Dispute Resolution SectionAssociation of Collaborative Professionals of UtahInternational Association of Collaborative ProfessionalsAssociation of Family and Conciliation CourtsUtah State Bar LGBT and Allied Lawyers. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION“10” Expertise Rating on AvvoExpertise, Best Family Lawyers in Salt Lake CityLead Counsel Rating in Family LawAmerican Institute of Family Law Attorneys 10 Best for Client SatisfactionThomson Reuters Super LawyerElite Lawyer AwardPro Bono Honor Roll, Utah State Bar Association. ELECTED POSITIONS. Associtaion of Family and Conciliation Courts, Utah Chapter: Vice- President 2023-2025. Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Utah Chapter: Secretary 2019-2023. Utah Association of Conciliation Courts, Secretary 2017. Association of Collaborative Professionals of Utah, President, 2019. Association of Collaborative Professionals of Utah, President-Elect, 2018. SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTSPresenter, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Annual Training and Conference. Private Guardian ad Litem Training & Family Law 101, November, 2021Presenter, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Annual Training and Conference. Advertising and Marketing Ethics for Attorneys and Mental Health Professionals, February, 2020Presenter, Utah Family Law Section Continuing Legal Educations Series, The Future of Collaborative Law in Utah, January 2015Presenter, Utah CASA Conference, Education Advocacy for Court Appointed Special Advocates, October 2012. PRO BONO ACTIVITIESUtah State Office of Guardian ad Litem, Pro bono attorneyFamily Law Clinics hosted by the Legal Aid Society of Utah and the U of U Pro Bono Initiative, Volunteer.Tuesday Night Bar Volunteer clinic hosted by the Utah State BarFounder and Board Member of non-profit Wasatch Kids Camps Summer CampsUtah Arbor Day Foundation Volunteer. PERSONALLaura was born and raised in South Jordan and still enjoys a close relationship with her parents and brothers and sisters who all live nearby. Laura was raised in the LDS religion. but is not currently practicing. Laura loves to travel and has spent time living in Portland, Boston, California, Honolulu, Budapest and Mexico. Laura has personal experience as a step-parent and with divorce. She is currently a single mom and lives in daybreak with her children, her Yorkie/Bichon Frise dog, Lexi, her two cats, Miso & Cedar and rabbit, Meadow.  She has recently gotten back into rock climbing, dancing and mountain biking.  Some of Laura’s favorite places in the world that she has traveled to or lived at include: Maui, Kauai, Rome, Venice, Budapest, Yachats, OR, Arcata, CA and St. George, UT. Laura enjoys canyoneering, coffee, rock climbing, swing dancing, mountain biking, pottery, skiing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, roller coasters, summer travel camps with large groups of kids, Thai food, road trips, Sunday pot roast dinners, Rook card games, big trees, her backyard creek and yoga.

Nicholas Gottwald is an Associate Attorney at Nelson, Taylor & Associates. He specializes in family law, divorce and custody disputes, contract issues, estate planning, criminal defense, and traffic violations.. Mr. Gottwald was born and raised in Salt Lake City and graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Brigham Young University. He worked at the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship Immigration Services, in Washington D.C., as an intern while earning his undergraduate degree, and was inspired to attend law school after observing the importance of law first hand. Mr. Gottwald returned to Utah in 2010 and began attending the University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law, and began working as a Law Clerk with Nelson, Taylor & Associates in 2011. He was admitted to practice law in the state of Utah, in October 2013.. Mr. Gottwald enjoys working with people and helping them through some of the most difficult times of their lives, which is reflected in his many positive online reviews and his Top Pro awards from for 2016, 2017, and 2018. He is adept at finding legal solutions by maximizing the protection afforded by Utah statutory and case law. He finds great satisfaction in vigorously representing his client’s interest, whether they be the custody and care of their children or the division of assets.

Jessica Couser practices in the areas of custody, divorce, parentage, enforcement, child support, private and contested adoptions, protective orders, guardianship, LGBTQ law, and more. Jess and Laura Hansen founded Just Law, LLC in 2010 with the goal of providing clients excellent, ethical and family-focused legal representation. Jess believes that family law matters require legal skill and strategy, but that they also require compassion, creativity, and fortitude. Family law attorneys should have specific knowledge of child development, trauma, communication and coping mechanisms; and should be prepared to advocate for and educate every client on the legal and practical matters they may be facing.

I have practiced law for over 20 years.  I have never lost a jury trial.  I zealously represent my clients in criminal cases, divorce matters and in commercial litigation cases.  I have a Martindale-Hubbell AV rating.  In 2008, my law partners and I obtained the first jury acquittal in Salt Lake County in twenty years.  The Discovery Channel featured the case in "Forensics, You Decide - Deadly Kiss".

Cory R. Wall has over 30 years experience and is a member in good standing of the State Bars of both Utah and California.  Cory is an aggressive and tenacious attorney committed to his clients.  He and his friendly staff work very hard to educate his clients about their legal situation and options.  After deciding on a plan, he and his staff are committed to keeping his clients up to date as to the legal proceedings.  This is done through email, mail, consultations and phone contact.  He works hard to partner and help teach his clients to be a team member to save money on legal fees.  For instance, he encourages his clients to draft a summary of their legal situation and experiences that have led them to him or to review pleadings, discovery and responses.  Cory works very hard with your case management to ensure that items are filed timely and efficiently.  He is a very experienced, savvy family law attorney that comprehensively understands Utah family law and easily drafts documents to protect your interests taking into account the personal dynamics of your case.   He utilizes and understands the latest technology to manage your case personally in his office with billing and case management software, calendaring, emailing, scanning of documents, etc. which subsequently saves you money.  You will be sent detailed bills accounting for your retainer which helps you understand where your money is going, what is happening and the progress of your case.. He is an experienced trial lawyer able to navigate the labyrinth of the legal maze to attain the best possible solution for his clients.  You will be impressed with Cory and his demeanor in court.  He is in control and succinct with his thoughts with powerful presentation of details needing to be brought to light to a judge or commissioner.  In his 28 years of experience, he is keenly aware of interpersonal dynamics and knows how to manage himself with judges, mediators, attorneys and child custody evaluators.  He has successfully handled many high conflict divorce and family law cases.  He and his staff understand how the family law process works first hand by having gone through a divorce himself.  He is now successfully remarried and has three step-children in a blended family with his three children from his first marriage. Cory has acquired a well respected reputation of aggressively representing his clients in divorce and other family law matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property and debt division.  Cory has personal high standards and this quality is reflected in how he works, dedicates himself and manages his cases.. He is also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court and the United States Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.  Cory graduated with a law degree from the Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu California.  He received his bachelor's degree in Finance at the University of Utah and is native of the State of Utah.   Cory speaks both English and Spanish.. In addition to family law, Cory has extensive experience in various legal areas.  He has successfully represented many clients in personal injury and wrongful death actions resulting in very favorable results for his clients.  He has also represented clients in criminal matters along with will and estate planning.  He is committed and dedicated to the best interests of his clientele in advocating and protecting their legal interests in all legal matters.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.