Justice for All: Alimony is Gender-Neutral

Carolyn represented a male client – let’s call him Matthew – to protect his rights during a difficult divorce. In Matthew’s case, his wife had been the primary financial provider for over ten years, while Matthew cared for their minor children at home. 

Carolyn successfully secured temporary alimony for Matthew through an order from the Court Commissioner while the couple worked towards a final divorce resolution. This meant Matthew received approximately $1000.00 per month in alimony, paid by wife, during the pendency of the divorce action.  

Alimony shouldn’t be based on gender, but unfortunately, sometimes there are misconceptions. Carolyn fights to reverse some of those misconceptions and ensure fairness for all of her clients. 

Protecting Custody Rights

Carolyn represented a woman with three young children — let’s call her Mariann. Mariann had been the primary caretaker of her children and was initially awarded sole physical custody during her divorce action.

Later, Mariann’s ex-husband filed a Petition to Modify Custody, seeking sole physical custody for himself. The case was long and complicated, lasting over three years.

Throughout the process, Carolyn stood by Mariann, advocating for her at trial before a respected district court judge. In the end, Mariann was successful in retaining a significant role in her children’s lives. The trial court modified the custody arrangement to joint physical custody, ensuring Mariann continued to be an important part of her children’s daily care.

Successful Divorce Modification Case

Carolyn represented a male client — let’s call him Ryan — who faced challenges after his divorce. Initially, Ryan’s ex-wife was awarded sole physical custody of their minor children.

After the divorce, Ryan’s ex-wife moved to Idaho and was living with the children in unsafe and inadequate conditions. Concerned for their well-being, Ryan, with Carolyn’s help, filed a Petition to Modify Custody to protect the minor children.

Following several months of investigation and locating the mother — who was living in a trailer in the woods with the children — Ryan was granted sole physical custody of his six minor children through a protective order and a final modification by the trial judge. This significantly improved the children’s living environment and safety, ensuring they were cared for in a stable and secure home.

Defending Against Unfair Alimony Cases

Carolyn represented a male client — let’s call him Adam — who earned a high income. Before the divorce separation, Adam transferred approximately $90,000 into his wife’s bank account in an effort to save the marriage. Unfortunately, shortly after receiving the money, his wife left him.

During the divorce proceedings, Adam’s wife, represented by a strong attorney, requested alimony at the temporary orders hearing. Carolyn advocated for Adam before the Court Commissioner, and the Court did not order Adam to pay alimony to his wife.

Carolyn works hard to protect her clients from unfair financial outcomes, especially when the facts show that the other party has already received significant financial support.

Fighting For What Matters – Even Dance

Carolyn represented a woman – let’s call her Amy – who was going through a divorce involving her ten-year old daughter. The child was deeply involved in competitive jazz dance, something she loved and had committed years to. However, during the divorce, Amy’s husband opposed continuing the child’s dance lessons. 

At a Temporary Orders hearing, in Utah’s Fourth Judicial District Court, the issue was whether Amy could use child support to help pay for the child’s dancing lessons. The father’s attorney argued at length that dance was unnecessary – even calling it “ridiculous.”

What the opposing attorney didn’t know? Carolyn is herself a competitive dancer and, in fact, placed 1st in the world in her age division in 2016. 

When it was Carolyn’s turn to argue in court, she asked the Commissioner if she could demonstrate her oral argument. He agreed. With a smile and a nod from the bench, Carolyn stepped up, pointed her toe, and performed three spins – landing gracefully at the podium!

Needless to say, the child was allowed to continue her dancing lessons!

Guardianship: Protecting the Best Interests of Children

Carolyn represented a couple — let’s call them the Jacksons — who were seeking guardianship of two young girls. The children’s father, arguing that he was devoted and would do anything for them, was pro se and filing pleading after pleading — many of them AI-generated! Carolyn skillfully navigated these unusual filings, showing that she can handle not only pro se skilled litigants, but also litigation against AI.

Carolyn argued that while the father may have had devoted feelings for the children, his failure to pay even a minimal court-ordered $40 per month in child support may constitute financial abandonment.

The case proceeded to trial, and Carolyn was successful in securing guardianship for the Jacksons, ensuring the children’s best interests came first.

Carolyn has presided over 10,000+ cases as a Justice Court Judge, written over 500 legal briefs and family law motions, and litigated numerous family law cases involving alimony, custody, and marital estate division. She maintains a professional courtroom presence, including attire and demeanor, that enhances her advocacy and demonstrates respect for the Court—an attorney’s credibility and honesty are vital to the case process.