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Laura J Hansen

Divorce and separation Attorney at Salt Lake City, UT

4.9   48 reviews
Licensed for 19 years Virtual consultation available
Licensed for 19 years Virtual consultation available

About Laura

Learn Laura’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    45%

    18 years, 800 cases

  2. Family
    25%

    18 years, 600 cases

  3. Child custody
    10%

    18 years, 500 cases

  4. Mediation
    10%

    14 years, 500 cases

  5. Uncontested divorce
    10%

    18 years, 400 cases

EXPERIENCED, CREATIVE FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY. RESULTS FOCUSED. FLAT FEES AVAILABLE. COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATIONS

So, a little about me.  I know choosing an attorney is tough, and hopefully this information helps you. I co-founded my law firm, 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.  My law partner and I 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 17 years.

Prior to starting Just Law, I worked for the Office of Guardian ad Litem representing abused and neglected children for over 4 years. My degree in Psychology and training and experience with 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 & TRAINING
2004 Juris Doctorate, Brigham Young University School of Law
2000 Bachelor of Science, Political Science, Summa Cum Laude, University of Utah
2000 Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, University of Utah
2007 Basic Mediation Training, Utah State Courts
2009 Advanced Domestic Mediation Training, Center for Advanced Mediation Studies
2012 Collaborative Law Training, International Association of Collaborative Professionals.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Utah State Bar Association, Member in Good Standing
Utah State Bar Family Law Section, Member
Utah State Bar, Dispute Resolution Section
Association of Collaborative Professionals of Utah
International Association of Collaborative Professionals
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
Utah State Bar LGBT and Allied Lawyers

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
“10” Expertise Rating on Avvo
Expertise, Best Family Lawyers in Salt Lake City
Lead Counsel Rating in Family Law
American Institute of Family Law Attorneys 10 Best for Client Satisfaction
Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer
Elite Lawyer Award
Pro Bono Honor Roll, Utah State Bar Association

ELECTED POSITIONS
Utah Association of Conciliation Courts, Secretary
Association of Collaborative Professionals of Utah, President, 2019
Association of Collaborative Professionals of Utah, President-Elect, 2018

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Presenter, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Annual Training and Conference. Private Guardian ad Litem Training & Family Law 101, November, 2021
Presenter, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Annual Training and Conference. Advertising and Marketing Ethics for Attorneys and Mental Health Professionals, February, 2020
Presenter, Utah Family Law Section Continuing Legal Educations Series, The Future of Collaborative Law in Utah, January 2015
Presenter, Utah CASA Conference, Education Advocacy for Court Appointed Special Advocates, October 2012

PRO BONO ACTIVITIES
Utah State Office of Guardian ad Litem, Pro bono attorney
Family 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 Bar
Founder and Board Member of non-profit Wasatch Kids Camps Summer Camps
Utah Arbor Day Foundation Volunteer

PERSONAL
Laura enjoys hanging out with her two teenage children and their Borkie Dog, Lexie. Laura 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 recently in Playa del Carmen for 5 months in 2017. Laura has personal experience as a step-parent and going through a divorce. She is currently a single mom and lives in a big house in Millcreek with her sister and 4 nieces along with her 2 kids, 2 dogs, a hamster named Chocolate Milk, a bunny named Patches and a 2 fish. 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.

Photos and videos

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Licensed for 19 years
State UT
Status Active
Acquired 2004
Updated 05/11/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Laura

Just Law Utah
2040 E. 3300 S. Ste.3
Salt Lake City, UT, 84109

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  48 customer reviews
5 Star
 
98%
4 Star
 
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Posted by Becca | April 29, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Laura helped me get custody!
Laura recently helped me with my uncontested divorce and custody case. I was referred to her through a friend who had a positive experience and I was very happy I found her. The office they work in is so cool and the staff in the office was great. They always answered all of my emails and phone calls quickly and professionally and they were always very polite and understanding. I told Laura the most important thing to me was getting full custody of my kids and she worked hard to make sure that happen. I always felt confident knowing she was on my side and I knew I could always depend on her to help my reach my desired outcome. She was very caring and understanding but still made sure I didn't agree to things unless they were the best thing for me and my kids. It was nice to know I could give her a call anytime to get an update on my case or to get an answer to my many questions without worrying about being charged more. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a great family law attorney.
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Posted by Chris | May 4, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent job representing me! Experienced, Professional and Compassionate
Laura is an excellent attorney! It was wonderful working with her. I could tell that she has a lot of experience and knowledge in family law because she was able to cover everything, making the whole divorce process very easy and resulting in the best possible outcome for me. She is highly professional and very engaged. I would highly recommend her!
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Posted by Jeff | June 29, 2022
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
The Best Attorney!
See Laura before you hire anyone. Simple as that. You'll see for yourself. Laura is ethical, experienced, and listens. She responds quickly to questions with honest and meaningful feedback. Laura will help you find what is best for you and your children in divorce. If your case can be resolved outside of court, that's great. If your spouse or their attorney is unreasonable, aggressive, or fighting dirty, Laura will put them in check. Your story will be made clear Judges and Commissioners. They know and respect her. You will not find a better attorney.
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Posted by Tom | February 10, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Custody Dispute
I used Laura for a custody dispute and it was resolved successfully. I felt like she fought hard for me. Thank you, Laura.
Posted by Lisa | February 9, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
Laura was always professional and listened to my needs while working out my parenting agreement. Laura and her staff were always communicating with me through the process and were always so available to help with my many questions. This was a frustrating situation in the beginning and by the end through her help and mediation I finally got some relief. I would highly recommend Laura and her staff at Just Law.
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Posted by Elaine | January 25, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best decision for my outcome was Laura Hansen and Just Law
With divorce comes fear, doubt, confusion, and anxiety. Yet, every step of the way during the process, Laura Hansen and her team of capable and supportive staff made my life-changing transition easier. Laura and her staff were concise in the details of the information I needed to obtain, instructions I needed to follow, and showed genuine support and advice for myself and those I care about the most for my future and outcome. As a result, I have thought more than once that choosing Just Law and Laura Hansen was the most intelligent decision I made for my own mental and emotional health and my family.
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Posted by Lee | July 1, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic Attorney
Laura Hansen is a wonderful attorney. She cares about her clients. She understands what is important and doesn’t waste time on the little things. My case went to mediation and she listened carefully to me needs and what was truly important to me. She fought for me and helped me be successful in obtaining those things that were most important. She is friendly and made a long emotional day of mediation lighter and super manageable. I am glad that I found Just Law and Laura Hansen and her team. They all made me come through the hardest part of my life and did so with professionalism and kindness. If anyone is looking for help in family law to call Laura and have her help you! I recommend her and her team and give them ten stars!!!
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Posted by Neil | April 6, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Definitely contact Laura and her team at Just Law.
I cannot speak highly enough for the professionalism, understanding, and attention given by Laura Hansen and her legal team. Specifically Melissa and Conor, thank you, but also Felicia, Anna, Jennifer, and the entire firm. Thank you, thank you . . . so much!! I could not have asked for a better group of Family Law Professionals at my back. I came to Just Law with custody concerns and questions to understand my legal rights as a father in Utah and basically feel out the legal process. This was something that was wholly new to me and quite honestly not a direction I have ever wanted to venture down, I was weary and unsure. However with the troubling parent-time situation I was living in it became essential for the health and well-being of my little girl to take action. I first went to several firms for consultations as well as several trips to the Legal Aid Society. And even though at the time I thought I could have handled the paper work and court necessities, my child is far too important to go in without the appropriate level of expertise. I’m so glad that I opted for legal representation. I wasn’t sure who to hire, but with the help of family and friends who have been through custody cases I made the decision to go all-in and hired Laura and Just Law. It was the best thing I could have done. It seemed pricey at first, but I cannot overstate the importance of finding a competent attorney up front who understands the legal process, who has experience in child custody, (specifically in regard to my type of case), and who really takes the time to not only work through the case, but is there if things go awry, and more than likely they can and will. Laura proved to be that right choice when it came time to help lead me through difficulties that I did not anticipate, (and I definitely would not have been able to handle these things so efficiently and effectively on my own). At one point, my daughter was taken from school without consent or parent-time planning. Laura and the team scrambled and within a 24-hour period they secured a court ordered restraining order and with the help of law enforcement I was able to bring my daughter safely home. This is something I never would have expected or wanted to have happened, but when it did I was able to take those steps thanks to the team. I am so thankful that I made the decision to not let the emotions of my situation weaken my resolve or continue to put my child in harm’s way. Ultimately attorneys, Utah courts, and the effort needed to work through a custody case is not cheap, but by choosing a damn good attorney first, in the long term I saved myself time, money, and the continued anguish of struggling to appease a situation that was only worsening. More importantly than that, I was able to help relieve my child from the turmoil that she endured. Do yourself and your dependents a favour, if you find yourself in a custody or family struggle that requires legal action, don’t wait. You’ve likely already put a tremendous amount of effort into your situation if you are considering it. Take care of yourself and those who need you by taking notes, journaling your situation, record dates and times, create a paper trail of visible issues and your attempts at resolving those issues. Make a list of questions with possible solutions to present to an attorney and continue to do so along the way if you choose a legal team. This helps you keep track of your situation enough to see and present yourself more effectively; to yourself, your lawyers, your opposition, and the courts. Be straight forward, because these matters are complex and complicated, you want to be the solution, not more of the problem. You can do this. And if it comes down to it, definitely contact Laura and her team at Just Law. I highly recommend it.
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Posted by Jennifer | January 13, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Collaborative Miracle Attorney
It is still incredible to me that Laura and her team were able to get my case resolved so peacefully. Prior to hiring Laura, I had been dealing with a 14yr high conflict legal nightmare. My heart is overflowing with gratitude.
Posted by Joni | January 7, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended
I needed a lawyer to take my ex husband back to court for more child support that I felt was only right and he should pay what’s expected. I randomly looked on the internet for help in choosing a lawyer that I thought wouldn’t take advantage of a woman like myself and also I think I decided to choose a woman lawyer hopefully thinking that a woman would understand me and my situation. And you know what? I’m pretty sure I did the right thing. I chose Laura not only because she was a woman but because of her back ground and her appearance. She looked honest and understanding. Her team worked well together. From mid August to mid November I was done with where I needed to be. Her office manager Melissa always returned my e-mails and phone calls in a timely manner and was always so full of energy it was like I new her in person but actually I never did meet her. I would highly recommend Laura as your attorney in any attorney needs that you may have. I would definitely return if ever in need of a attorney. Thanks for all you and your team have done for me!!! Joni
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Posted by Chandler | January 7, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Knowledgeable and Compassionate
Laura was very knowledgeable when it came to giving me legal advice on my situation. Every question that I had she had a clear, concise directive that she provided for me. The way she was so understanding and compassionate was so comforting at a time that I was under a lot of stress. I highly recommend her on any issues with family law. Thanks Laura!!!
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Posted by Takiesha | October 26, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Custody Disagreement
We hired Laura almost 4 years ago to handle a custody dispute after my ex husband petitioned for more custody. During all this time her office was incredibly professional and helpful. My questions were answered in a timely manner, without the legal jargon, so I knew what was happening in my case all the time. Her prices are extremely reasonable (thank goodness!) and I felt I was always treated fairly. We ended up keeping the custody we had previously, and she helped through every step of the process. I highly recommend her.
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Posted by Amber | October 26, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Phenomenal!
I can not possibly rave enough about Laura Hansen and her kind and efficient team at Just Law! They exceeded all my expectations at a most difficult life situation. Their prompt communication/responses and guidance were top notch every step of the way. Thank you Laura, Conor & Melissa!!
Posted by Sachith | October 23, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Beacon of hope
Laura J Hansen was a beacon of hope to me at a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed nigh on impossible (Illegal immigrant tried to gain U.S residensy via me). Not only was she able to defend me from an unjust accusation, and her calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional succor to myself and those I care about most. I am eternally grateful for her service and I hereby recommend Ms. Laura J Hansen without reservation.
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Posted by anonymous | September 26, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Absolutely Amazing Attorney!
I hired Laura and her work ethic, integrity, determination and commitment was above and beyond what I could of ever expected, The price is affordable and gave me, a single mother the ability to be represented in a world of the unknown court system. I have and will referred her to any one in Utah who is in need of a Great attorney or legal advice. She is one of the best, all the way around a good person. Thank you so much Laura!
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Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
The best of the Best
If you are looking for someone who cares about Doing everything for you. They are Very Helpful. Laura was Great to work with honest about everything helped me alot for what she could do for me. Definitely would hire them. But I'm not planning on getting divorced again. Thank you all...
Posted by Vahid | April 25, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best attorney ever
Trust me when I say Laura is the best, I sat next to her in trial while she represented me. I am a believer and I know for a fact she is the best. She knows what to do and what to say, super smart and very understanding. You want her to take your case and if you’re lucky enough she might take your case but just trust her and listen to her, it worked out for me and I’m a happy man.
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Posted by Melissa | December 31, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Laura is FANTASTIC!!
I was referred to Just Law when I wasn’t happy with the attorney I had originally hired. Laura and her team are absolutely amazing! I was almost certain my case would end up going to court due to the contentious nature. Laura is a miracle worker as we were able to settle in mediation. The entire Just Law team is very responsive, thorough and have the highest attention to detail. They take the time to explain what was happening, options, and next steps in the process. They have the highest morals and work ethic even when opposing counsel was less than truthful. Laura and her team were so easy to work with. They took what was an absolutely horrible experience and made it as smooth as possible. They are compassionate and listened when I voiced my concerns. I would recommend Laura and anyone at Just Law to represent them.
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Posted by anonymous | December 17, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Collaborative divorce
I found Laura and her office on the internet, and hired her to help me with my collaborative divorce. She was appropriately assertive, and provided me with the information that I needed to come up with a fair agreement with my former spouse. She listened, and got to know me on a personal level, to ensure that I wouldn't come out on the other end in a bad position.
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Posted by MIKE W | December 5, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Law Firm ever
I was/am going threw the most challenging and difficult time in my life. I hired JUST LAW after I had a free consultation. It may have been the best decision I have ever made. If you are going through a divorce you may understand not sleeping at night. Having that lost feeling, the pit in your stomach. I know they have the best team of professionals I have ever seen. They have a mastery of law and the experience to with it. They say men don’t get a fair shake in Utah, well brothers at JUST LAW they do.
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Cost

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Just Law LLC
  • 2011 - Present
  • Guardian ad Litem
  • Office of Guardian ad Litem
  • 2005 - 2010
  • Attorney
  • Utah Legal Services
  • 2004 - 2005
  • Associate Attorney
  • Dabney & Dabney
  • 2002 - 2004
  • Protective Order Extern
  • Hawaii State Courts
  • 2002 - 2002
  • Child Care Office Legislative Assistant
  • Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services
  • 2002 - 2002
View all work experience

Education

  • Brigham Young University - J. Reuben Clark Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2003
  • Central European University, Legal Studies Department
  • n/a
  • 2002
  • University of Utah
  • B.S.
  • 2000
  • University of Utah
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 2000
  • Humboldt State University
  • n/a
  • 2000
View all education

Legal Cases

  • Parra v. C
  • Victory- custody for my client
  • P******* vs. P*******
  • Won
  • Reller v. Reller
  • Won

Associations

  • Collaborative Professionals of Utah
  • Co-chair
  • 2014 - Present
  • International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Utah State Bar, Dispute Resolution Section
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Utah State Bar, Litigation Section
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Salt Lake County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
  • member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Wasatch Kids Camps
  • Board Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • BYU Education and Law Journal
  • Senior Editor
  • 2003 - 2004
  • Public Interest Law Foundation
  • President
  • 2002 - 2004
  • Amnesty International University of Utah
  • President
  • 1996 - 1998
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • 10 Best in Client Satisfaction
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2017
  • 10 Best in Client Satisfaction
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2016
  • Client Satisfaction Award
  • Avvo
  • 2016
  • Pro Bono Award
  • Utah State Bar
  • 2014
  • Presidential Scholarship
  • University of Utah
  • 2000
View all awards

Publications

  • Education and Law Journal
  • Education Policies
  • 2014

Speaking Engagements

  • Collaborative Law Update
  • Collaborative Family Law
  • 2015
  • Utah Bar Association
  • Private Guardian ad Litem
  • 2012

Attorney endorsements

Received (8)
Given (11)
Endorse Laura
Family Attorney | Jul 06
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I've worked with Laura off and on for several years and highly endorse her. She really advocates for her clients and does an amazing job. Her professionalism helps make the process run more smoothly and efficiently to get a good resolution of cases."
Family Attorney | Apr 20
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Laura is tenacious in the courtroom and advocates well for her clients. She is a great leader for women in the family law community."
Family Attorney | Apr 06
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Laura is a very zealous advocate. However, she also has very good mediation skills. I was able to resolve a difficult case with her due to her determination to get the mediation done."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Mar 23
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have known and worked against Laura for years now. She is prepared, well-spoken, and tenacious while being nice. She is a creative attorney who will always challenge in order to do best by her client."
Family Attorney | Mar 21
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I have known Laura and worked with her on numerous cases for over 6 years now and have always found her to be very thorough, competent, and passionate in her practice and advocacy of her clients."
Family Attorney | Mar 21
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Laura is an amazing attorney and a zealous advocate. She has an immense amount of experience in family law and that experience is evident in the court room and during mediation, negotiations, client counseling and legal writing."
Family Attorney | Sep 09
Relationship: Co-worker
"Laura cares about her clients. She moves cases forward quickly and never stalls or drags a case out. She looks for settlement opportunities whenever possible, but is also excellent in litigation."
Family Attorney | Apr 27
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Laura is an excellent family law/divorce attorney. As opposing counsel I can say that she fights for her clients, and it is obvious that she cares. Laura is well respected in the Utah legal community."
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Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Child custody
Divorce and separation