Petitioner or Respondent: Which Family Law Lead to Pursue

In a Utah family case the petitioner chose to file and the respondent was served, so their situations differ. A family law attorney can receive either, as long as that person has no attorney of record. In the cases we reviewed, the respondent was more often the one without counsel.

What do the roles mean?

The petitioner is the person who started the case. The respondent is the other party, who receives the papers and has a deadline to answer: 21 days if served in Utah, 30 days outside it, per Utah Courts.

Who is more likely to need a lawyer?

In the divorce case we opened, the petitioner had an attorney and the respondent had none, so the respondent side may be the larger pool of unrepresented leads. We opened only a few family cases, so check this against your own deliveries.

How should the message differ?

• To a respondent: acknowledge that they have been served and that a response is due; offer a consultation. Do not state their specific deadline.
• To a petitioner without counsel: acknowledge they started the case and offer to help with the next steps, such as mediation or the required classes.

What if both spouses have no attorney?

Both are leads, and you can only represent one. Decide your policy before you start; see direct mail for family law attorneys.

How do you choose in Revenue Spark?

The family categories deliver either party without an attorney. See how a Utah divorce case works, Utah family law leads, and pricing.