Theodore R Weckel Jr.

Theodore R Weckel Jr.

also known as Ted Weckel

4.9
Rating: 9.4

Licensed for 34 years

Family Lawyer at Salt Lake City, UT
Practice Areas: Family, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Separation, Tax

299 S Main St, Suite 1300, Salt Lake City, UT

About Theodore

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 30%

Felonies and Misdemeanors, State and Federal

33 years

30%
Divorce and Separation 30%

All Aspects of Divorce, Mediation

26 years

30%
Family 30%

Paternity, Child Custody, Guardianship, DCFS, Juvenile Delinquency, Protective Orders, Stalking Injunctions, Appeals< Modifications of Divorce Decrees, Relocation

26 years

30%
Tax 10%

Audits, Offers in Compromise, Tax Court

35 years

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Utah for 30 years

State: Utah

Acquired: 1995

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 34 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1991

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Ted Weckel, Attorney at Law

299 S Main St, Suite 1300, Salt Lake City, UT, 84111-2463

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Theodore R Weckel Jr.'s Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

14 Client Reviews

5 star (13) 4 star (1)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Jeff | March 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Peace of Mind

I started the divorce process without a lawyer, thinking I could handle everything myself. But when the other party hired an attorney and filed a countersuit, I quickly realized I was in over my head. After meeting with several lawyers, I decided to go with Mr. Weckel because of his impressive creden...tials and the outstanding reviews I found. Looking back, it was a fantastic choice. I braced myself for a long and costly legal fight. However, with Mr. Weckel’s strategic advice and thoughtful approach, I was able to settle much sooner than I expected. He was always mindful of my wallet, guiding me toward options that balanced achieving the best outcome with keeping costs down. His expertise and knack for simplifying complex issues turned what could have been a stressful ordeal into a much more manageable experience. What impressed me the most was his professionalism, vast experience, and incredible patience. I had many questions, concerns, and input. He took the time to address each one with clear explanations and reassurance. I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Weckel to anyone in need of legal representation. If I ever require an attorney again, he will be the first person I contact. I am truly thankful for his service, expertise, and steadfast support during such a difficult time.

Posted by Ryan Wasek | March 4, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Very Thorough and Professional

Mr. Weckel represented us in a complicated child custody case that lasted over one year. We are so grateful to have had his representation in this matter. Ted is very responsive, understanding of the deep personal issues, and has vast experience in cases like ours. We had to involve a PGAL for the... children who Ted was familiar with, and turned out for the best. We had to attend multiple hearings which Ted was always well prepared for. Our 5 year custody battle ended in our favor after finally hiring Ted to finish the job a prior attorney failed to do. Attorney fees are not cheap, and Ted has always been willing to work with us. I will recommend Ted to anyone I know that may be in similar situations, witch I would not wish on my worst enemy.

Posted by Jeff | February 25, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Attorney

Exceptional attorney. Mr. Weckel treated me as if I was his only client. We never met in person because I live in another state but he always made himself available to me. Anytime something happened with my case I was immediately updated and any questions I had by email were answered the same day eve...n on weekends. He is very knowledgeable about the law and ethical in his approach. Most importantly he cared about my family and kept my daughter's safety a top priority. An awesome attorney and an even better man. I couldn't have asked for more or better service.

Posted by Matt | April 13, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Matthew M. Milicich

If anyone goes to Mr. Weckel's website, pay special attention to the ENTIRE site. In the section he has named, "Your Best Legal Strategy in Utah", Mr. Weckel states exactly HOW he will advocate for you. Here is only one quote from that section: "respectful discussion of the issues is much more effect...ive". This was very impressive to me since I have very seldom seen any attorney with such a description of HOW they will advocate for their client. Mr. Weckel did not and can't guarantee the outcome of any case. What he does do is a thorough review of ALL angles of the case from ALL viewpoints. He is thoroughly prepared for his cases, even in a last minute hiring over the phone from the courthouse, which is what I did. When I say all viewpoints, I mean ALL. He is a Judge and has sat on the bench. This gives him a unique insight on HOW to present a case. Most attorney's do not have this experience. In addition, he is VERY FAIR with his rates. In closing, for anyone who reads this who thinks I have received or will receive anything kind of special favor for writing this would be correct in that thinking. Mr. Weckel treated my wife and I very well during our very stressful legal issues. In fact, he is the BEST attorney I have ever used and will call on his services in the future as long as he still practices law in Utah.

Posted by Wesley | April 5, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

First Class

My wife and I have used Ted more than we would have liked to have had to use him for many years now; meaning my old divorce is probably more contentious than most. I have the type of divorce in which my new wife and I pretty much maintain him on retainer and have a good amount of experience with him.... He is an excellent attorney. His writing/motions are clear and concise. When you meet with him he is conscious of your time and money and doesn't allow you to waste time talking about things that aren't legally significant to your case. He will tell you when you are wrong, which gives him more credibility when he tells you that you are right. He is second to none at examination/cross-examination of witnesses. He litigates and presents well in trial and other court hearings. He is a great appellant attorney. He does not fluster easily. He is always punctual and professional. My one piece of advise to anyone reading this would be to hire him before your ex-spouse does.

See All Client Reviews

Theodore R Weckel Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Theodore
Rebecca Long Okura headshot
Rebecca Okura

Family lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I love litigating against attorneys who are rigorous and active on their case but who keep in mind that clients have cost concerns and other concerns that limit the ability to go to trial. Ted will absolutely "go to the mat" for a client but he also assists his clients in doing reasonable risk and cost analysis. It's a pleasure to be on the other side of a case with an attorney who is professional and courteous. If only clients knew how much mutual respect helps settle the case and decreases the stress of litigation! The integrity of our legal community depends on lawyers who are zealous and yet friendly like Ted."

Emily Broadhead Smoak headshot
Emily Smoak

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have very much enjoyed getting to know Ted. He and I have a similar desire to reduce the level of contention between lawyers, especially in family law. He can be opposing counsel, and a strong advocate, but that doesn't mean he will be a poor colleague. He shares my desire to share knowledge, being a support, and assist if you need someone to bounce ideas, legal issues and ways to resolution. He is a Small Claims Judge, so, he's Judge to me - he just smiles at that. He's not arrogant and prideful, so there is nothing in the way of working together, no matter the situation. I am happy to have him as a good colleague. Emily"

Daniel J Tobler headshot
Daniel Tobler

Family lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Mr. Weckel and I have had some very interesting legal battles opposite one another. I found his expertise to be very impressive. When needed he has been very assertive with the judge and actually changed the judge's mind on a few occasions when it was seemingly already made up. Only an experienced attorney gets that kind of respect in the courtroom. I endorse this lawyer."

Madeleine Tolmach headshot
Madeleine Tolmach

General practice lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ted Weckel is a highly intelligent, diligent, and zealous advocate for his clients. He is capable, dedicated, and ethical. I would recommend him highly to future clients."

Adam Daniel Spencer headshot
Adam Spencer

Family lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Weckel is a very good attorney with a great deal of experience in trial and civil procedure. He is a passionate advocate who I would trust to handle my own sister's case, if she had one. I have had several cases with him, each of which was a very difficult custody case. Each time, I have been impressed with the quality of representation Mr. Weckel has provided for his clients."

Marco C. Brown headshot
Marco Brown

Family lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have known Ted for a few years now. He has always been prepared and ready to fight for his clients. He is also super pleasant to interact with on a professional level."

John P Kennedy headshot
John Kennedy

General practice lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Orson B West Jr headshot
Orson West

Family lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had the opportunity to work with Ted as an opposing attorney and also as a mediator. Ted works diligently for his clients. He is knowledgeable regarding family law and provides excellent representation for his clients. While I have only dealt with Ted in Family law matters, he has an excellent reputation in criminal law and tax matters."

Suzanne Marelius headshot
Suzanne Marelius

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer and can recommend him for any complex or routine family law matters. He has a depth of experience in not only family law, but also tax, criminal, children's justice, and appeals which is an impressive background for any litigator. Ted is always interested in skill building and is a trained Guardian Ad Litem representing children in critical situations. Ted is always courteous, responsive and available to colleagues and clients without hesitation. I endorse this attorney without hesitation for any family law matter."

View All Endorsements
Rebecca Long Okura headshot
Rebecca Okura

Family lawyer

John P Kennedy headshot
John Kennedy

Mediation lawyer

Emily Broadhead Smoak headshot
Emily Smoak

Family lawyer

Daniel J Tobler headshot
Daniel Tobler

Family lawyer

Jill O Jasperson headshot
Jill Jasperson

Business lawyer

Laura J. Hansen headshot
Laura Hansen

Family lawyer

Marco C. Brown headshot
Marco Brown

Family lawyer

Cory R Wall headshot
Cory Wall

Family lawyer

Steve S Christensen headshot
Steve Christensen

Divorce and separation lawyer

Douglas D Adair headshot
Douglas Adair

Family lawyer

Clark R Ward headshot
Clark Ward

Divorce and separation lawyer

Adam Daniel Spencer headshot
Adam Spencer

Family lawyer

Orson B West Jr headshot
Orson West

Family lawyer

Suzanne Marelius headshot
Suzanne Marelius

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.4 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

1986

Superior Performance Award, Internal Revenue Service

1981

Special Act Award, Internal Revenue Service

Work Experience

2012 - 2018

Judge Pro Tempore, Utah Courts, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County

1993 - 2017

Attorney, Solo Practititoner

1988 - 1988

Law Clerk, Judge Stephen Swift, United States Tax Court

1978 - 1992

Revenue Officer, Congressional Liaison, Attorney, Internal Revenue Service

Associations

2015 - Present

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

Member

2007 - 2016

National Association of Counsel for Children

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Menzies v. Utah

Habeas relief was denied on many ineffective assistance of counsel claims.

Gullickson v. Gullickson, 2013 UT App 83, 301 P.3d 1011

I had the District Court judge's ruling overturned in part.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1990

American University, Washington College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1976

Northwestern University

M.A.T.

1973

Grinnell College

A.B.

Speaking Engagements

2008

First Year Students, University of Utah Law School

Legal Research

2008

Criminal Justice Updates and Current Issues Maximizing Use of Expert Witnesses

2006

Mastering Jury Slection Skills for Criminal Attorneys Utah's Mandatory Disclosure and Use of Expert Witness and Insanity Defenses

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution