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Spencer K. Ricks
About Spencer
Biography
Mr. Ricks focuses primarily on all family law-related issues. He appears in Court several times a week on behalf of his clients on all types of family law matters. While he enjoys the courtroom, he knows that it may not always be the best way to resolve the case. Court can be costly, both financially and emotionally, and can irreparably damage the co-parenting relationship. It also places the decision-making for your family in someone else’s hands. Sometimes the most effective approach to helping a family through their case is in mediation, which is where the majority of family law cases are resolved.
Mr. Ricks places a particular emphasis in his practice on child advocacy. Having gone through extensive training, he is a court-certified and approved Guardian ad Litem, which is an attorney who represents children. In particularly challenging or high-conflict cases, he will often be appointed by the Court to represent the best interests of children.
Because of this perspective, Mr. Ricks is a strong advocate for fostering a positive co-parenting relationship and creating a healthy parent-child relationship to the greatest extent possible. When these two factors exist, the impact of the separation on your children is minimal, which should be everyone’s primary goal.
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Child Custody
20%
14 years
Child Support
20%
14 years
Divorce and Separation
20%
14 years
Alimony
10%
14 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Utah for 12 years
State: Utah
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
Carr Woodall
1309 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT, 84095
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Spencer K. Ricks's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
33 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (33)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 20 reviews | Advocacy
Posted by Jennifer | December 11, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Always There
Spencer Ricks has been there for me (and my family) many times since I originally hired him in 2017. He is extremely knowledgeable and both he and his paralegal, Liz, are a great team to have on your side. He cures the chaos and always finds a solution. He is the ultimate attorney to help you stand...
Posted by anonymous | September 10, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
He does his due diligence
Spencer and Liz (paralegal) are a fantastic team. I'm understating their importance to each other. I'm a firm believer they compliment each other very well. Spencer was hired as a guardian ad litem. The recommendation came from the attorney of my son's mother to use him to represent my son. ...
Posted by Geoffrey | March 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
No BS Lawyer.
Spencer came to us early in his career. Not only did he impress us with his straight-forward honesty as to the outcomes, he has a kind demeanor and you know he really cares about the law and what is right. I do know him outside the courtroom, but that is the reason I had him by our side when our ...
Posted by anonymous | February 15, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Bad, terrible
Terrible Attorney. He didn’t do anything for me in court. Did everything against me and was on the fathers side of things. Which is bull crap when he is being paid to help me. I lost the custody of my daughter and he didn’t do anything about it. Don’t go to him for custody battles. He won’t be in you...
Spencer Ricks
Replied last February 15, 2021I dispute the authenticity of this review. Contrary to all of my other reviews on this site, this particular review was posted under "anonymous" likely because the author is not who he or she purports to be. I can't think of a single case where I have represented a mother that lost custody of a daughter. This is likely a disgruntled opposing party or parent in a case where I served as a guardian ad litem for the children where I don't represent either parent, but represent the best interests of the children.
Posted by Bryce | November 01, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family
Excellent in all areas
Spencer is a professional, knowledgeable attorney who is also a pleasure to work with. He has an in-depth understanding of Utah family law and has been a savvy, yet honest advocate for me throughout my divorce. Spencer has integrity. I always know he has the best interest of my son at heart, rather t...
Spencer K. Ricks's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have had cases against Spencer and now work with him. My experience with Spencer as opposing counsel, and now colleague, have shown me that Spencer is intelligent and zealous advocate for his client,"
"I endorse this lawyer. Spencer is very professional and works hard to represent the best interest of his clients, while remaining reasonable and open to compromise."
"Spencer is a great attorney and a tough opponent. He knows the law and vigorously represents his clients, while at the same time being collegial. That goes a long way in this profession. I endorse Spencer and recommend him to those looking for great representation."
"Spencer has the ability to help his clients obtain a fair resolution for their case through his knowledgeable and assertive representation. I highly endorse Spencer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Ricks served as the attorney for the children (Guardian ad Litem) on a custody case where I represented one of the parents. He did an excellent job."
"I have had the pleasure to work with Spencer on several family law cases, a few of which were high-conflict for the parties involved. I appreciate Spencer's balance of strong advocacy and reasonableness to assist the parties and their children."
"Spencer is a dedicated attorney and has strong ethics. I have been impressed with his legal ability and his pleasant nature, and even when we disagreed on matters he remained strong in his position without being blinded by it. He is a great advocate for his clients and provides sound legal advice while fighting hard for them."
"Spencer Ricks is a top-notch lawyer. Very personable and cares about his clients."
"I worked with Spencer from the opposing side on a family law matter. Spencer was professional, courteous, and responsive in all of our communications. Spencer did a great job advocating for his client. He was firm but fair with me as we reached a conclusion that was satisfactory for each of our clients. Furthermore, Spencer has been a helpful resource for me when I asked his opinion on other legal matters. I would recommend Spencer to my friends and family as an effective attorney."
"I've worked on a case with Mr. Ricks and he did an excellent job. His court work was impeccable and his friendliness and cooperation with other counsel was on point."
"Spencer is a great attorney. I would highly recommend him for anyone looking for a divorce or family law attorney."
"I have both worked cases directly with Spencer, and have often workshopped ideas with him on cases he is not involved in. I have known Spencer his entire legal career and feel he is an accomplished reasonable attorney, that has the skill set and demeanor to handle any domestic or family law case."
"Spencer is a great attorney who is a strong advocate for his clients. He is very approachable and works hard on every case to achieve the best outcome he can for his clients. I highly recommend him!"
"Working with Spencer was truly a pleasure. He is knowledgeable, professional, and focused on reaching effective solutions for all parties involved. I would definitely recommend him if I'm ever conflicted out of a case."
"Spencer is a fantastic attorney. Whenever I meet with someone that I cannot help (for example if there is a conflict of interest), I send them to Spencer. If I ever needed an attorney, he is the one I would hire. I think all who know him would agree."
"I endorse this lawyer. Spencer is an excellent attorney who is exceptionally well versed and experienced in the area of family law and he ardently represents his clients."
"Spencer is great. I have known him since law school and we have worked on several matters together both personally and through my firm. I recommend him for both family and criminal matters."
"Spencer is a capable attorney who understands family law, especially on a practical level. He is zealous and works hard for his clients."
"Spencer is a very quick and capable attorney. He has a solid courtroom presence and is great with his clients. I have recommended him to others in the past and I will continue to do so."
"Mr. Ricks has an ideal combination of intelligence and compassion in an attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2021
Utah Legal Elite, Utah Business Magazine
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2019 - Present
Partner, Carr Woodall
2019 - Present
Senior Associate, Just Law
2013 - 2015
Associate, Tycksen and Shattuck
2013 - 2013
Judicial Law Clerk, Utah Third District Court
2012 - 2013
Intern, Salt Lake City Prosecutor's Office
Associations
2017 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
2016 - Present
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
2016 - Present
Collaborative Professionals of Utah
2015 - Present
Young Alumni Board, University of Utah Alumni AssociationBoard Member
2013 - Present
Utah State BarMember
American Bar Association
Member
Utah State Bar, Family Law Section
Member
Utah State Bar, Dispute Resolution Section
Member
Utah State Bar, Litigation Section
Member
2011 - 2013
Utah Journal of Law and Family StudiesMember, Staff Writer
Sample of Legal Cases
L*** v. L***
My client prevailed on all issues and Husband was found in contempt of Court
H**** v. H****
Judgment entered against Husband, finding of contempt against Husband, jail time ordered against Husband, complete victory on all issues for client
Education
2013
University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2008
University of Utah
Bachelor of Science
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a judge not sign a custody mediation agreement if they don’t find it to be fair?
19 Nov 2022
Q&A
Can I petition for stepparent’s income to be considered in child support calculations?
12 May 2019
Q&A
Will he have to pay alimony?
02 Sep 2014