Divorce is often surrounded by fear, stigma, and misinformation. For many individuals and families, these misconceptions create unnecessary anxiety and can even delay important decisions about personal well-being and family stability.
On a Family Law Friday segment of Good Things Utah, Jaclyn Robertson, managing attorney at JR Law Group and a trusted Utah family law attorney, addressed the four most common divorce myths she hears from clients every day. Her message was clear: while divorce is never easy, many of the fears people hold simply are not grounded in reality.
Below, we break down each myth and explain what Utah divorce law actually looks like today.
Myth #1: Divorce Will Harm the Children
One of the first concerns parents raise when considering divorce is the fear that it will irreparably harm their children. In fact, many couples remain in unhappy or broken marriages specifically to avoid hurting their kids.
According to Jaclyn, this fear is understandable — but often misplaced.
Children are incredibly intuitive. They are not easily fooled into believing they are living in a peaceful, loving home when there is ongoing tension, resentment, or emotional withdrawal between parents. While divorce can certainly be stressful, children are also remarkably resilient and adaptable.
What truly causes harm is not the divorce itself, but how parents handle it.
The most damaging factor for children is exposure to parental conflict. When children are pulled into disputes, used as leverage, or asked to take sides, the emotional impact can be significant. By contrast, when parents commit to keeping children out of the conflict — avoiding negative talk about the other parent and shielding them from legal or emotional battles — children are far more likely to adjust in healthy ways.
With proper support, clear boundaries, and a cooperative co-parenting approach, children can thrive in a new reality that includes two homes and two healthy parental relationships.
Myth #2: Divorce Equals Failure
Another deeply ingrained belief is that divorce represents personal failure. Many individuals stay in unhappy marriages for years because they feel that ending it would mean they “didn’t try hard enough” or somehow fell short.
Jaclyn challenges this narrative directly.
The length of a marriage is not a measure of its success. Marriage is one of the most personal and complex relationships a person will ever have, and there is no way to force something that has fundamentally stopped working. If the core foundations of a healthy marriage are absent, it is okay to acknowledge that reality.
Choosing divorce does not mean you failed. Often, it means you recognized the need for change and chose a healthier path forward. In many cases, individuals emerge from divorce stronger, more grounded, and ultimately better parents because they are no longer living in constant emotional distress.
Myth #3: “I Can’t Get Divorced Because I’ll Lose Everything”
Financial fear is one of the most common reasons people hesitate to pursue divorce. Clients frequently come in convinced that they will lose their home, their savings, or everything they have worked for — often based on stories they’ve heard from friends or secondhand accounts.
In reality, Utah divorce law is designed to reach fair and equitable outcomes.
Generally speaking, marital assets — anything acquired during the marriage — are considered jointly owned. Divorce is not about punishing one spouse or rewarding the other; it is about dividing assets and debts in a way that is fair based on the circumstances of the marriage.
Interestingly, Jaclyn also sees the opposite concern: clients who feel guilty about divorcing and want to give the other spouse everything. This is where having an experienced Salt Lake City divorce attorney becomes critical. A knowledgeable attorney helps clients think long-term, understand their rights, and avoid decisions driven by fear or guilt rather than fairness.
Divorce looks different for every family, which is why professional guidance is so important.
Myth #4: The Mother Always Gets Full Custody
One of the most persistent myths in family law is that mothers automatically receive full custody of the children. This misconception creates fear on both sides — mothers who assume they should have sole custody, and fathers who worry they will lose meaningful time with their kids.
Under modern Utah family law, custody decisions are not based on gender. The guiding principle is the best interests of the child.
Today, courts generally start with the presumption that children benefit from having strong, ongoing relationships with both parents. In many cases, this means joint legal custody and shared physical custody, often structured as a 50/50 parenting schedule. While some situations — such as cases involving very young children or special circumstances — may require a primary residence, there is no automatic rule favoring one parent over the other.
Each custody case is evaluated individually, with the goal of creating a stable, child-centered arrangement that supports healthy development.
Divorce Is Scary — But You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone
Jaclyn openly acknowledges that divorce is scary. The uncertainty, the emotional toll, and the legal complexity can feel overwhelming. But fear should not be the deciding factor in whether someone stays in an unhealthy situation.
When parents handle divorce thoughtfully and keep children insulated from conflict, kids adapt. When individuals choose growth over fear, they often become healthier and more present parents. And when clients work with experienced legal counsel, they gain clarity, structure, and confidence during an otherwise difficult transition.
Trusted Divorce and Family Law Representation in Salt Lake City, Utah
At JR Law Group, our mission is to guide clients through divorce with compassion, strategy, and clarity. Our experienced Utah family law attorneys assist with:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and parenting plans
- Property and asset division
- Child support and alimony
- Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
If you have questions about divorce, custody, or your legal rights, our team is here to help.
To schedule a consultation, call (801) 297-8545 or visit www.jrlawgroup.com. You can also follow @jrlawgroup on social media for ongoing family law insights and resources.
Divorce doesn’t define you — and it doesn’t have to define your family’s future. Let JR Law Group help you to guide your family FORWARD.
Disclaimer – This video is intended for informational purposes only. Nothing in this video is to be considered as either creating an attorney-client relationship between the viewer and JR Law Group or as rendering of legal advice for any specific matter. Viewers are responsible for obtaining such advice from their own legal counsel. No viewer should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information contained in the video or on JR Law Group’s Website without seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue.
Proud to be a Family Law divorce attorney in Ogden, Park City, Orem, Provo and Salt Lake City, Utah.