In relation to divorce, what is required for a court in Utah to have jurisdiction?

For a Utah court to have jurisdiction over a divorce case, at least one spouse must reside in Utah for six months prior to filing for divorce. This residency requirement is crucial because it establishes a legal connection to the state, thereby allowing the court to adjudicate the divorce proceedings involving the parties.

This requirement ensures that the court has authority to make decisions regarding the marriage, such as the division of property, custody of children, and support obligations. It also serves to prevent forum shopping, where someone might seek to file for divorce in a jurisdiction they believe will be more favorable to their case without having a genuine connection to that place.

The other options do not satisfy the jurisdictional requirements. For instance, both spouses being present is not necessary, nor is it essential that the marriage itself occurred in Utah. Furthermore, while mutual agreement can impact the proceedings, it does not affect the court's ability to have jurisdiction over the case. Thus, the key criterion is the residency of at least one spouse in Utah for six months prior to the divorce filing.