In a contested divorce, one party files a petition with the court and the other party is expected to respond. Unlike uncontested divorce, contested divorce tends to be adversarial in nature as spouses have been unable or unwilling to reach an agreement.
An uncontested divorce begins when one party files a divorce petition with the court. Uncontested divorces occur when there are no disagreements between parties regarding relevant issues such as child-custody, property division and spousal support.
Through years of experience, we’ve found that mediating the divorce process is often far more beneficial for our clients, their children and their budgets. In these cases, we serve as a neutral third party, helping both parties work toward a mutually acceptable outcome.
When seeking a divorce, business owners, doctors, landowners and other high-income or high-asset individuals face additional complexities. Although they still have to deal with property division, custody and support matters, these can be elevated to a much higher degree when more assets are involved.
A short-term marriage can be ended in a couple of ways depending on the circumstances. The marriage may be eligible for annulment or the parties may have to file for divorce. We can examine your situation to help determine your options and guide you through the legal process.
In today's economy, many couples struggle to make ends meet - they have extensive credit card debt, mortgages, student loans and car payments. Division of debt becomes one of the central issues in their divorce. It takes an experienced attorney to protect their interests so they’re not forced to pay more than their share.
In most cases, if you have a great deal of debt, it’s in your best interests to file bankruptcy - either individually or as a couple - before proceeding with a divorce. An experienced divorce lawyer can advise you of your best options.
Although we're plugged into our phones and social media constantly, many people don't think twice before posting pictures or status updates to their social media profiles. Under Colorado divorce law, social media posts - including Facebook status updates or pictures - may be used as evidence in court.
Couples who also own property together - and who are also going through divorce - have a number of problems they must face. They must decide who will be responsible for paying off the mortgage, determine how that debt will be paid, and decide what will be done with the property.
There is a body of family law that governs the allocation of parental responsibilities; that is, who is responsible for what, and how these issues may be peacefully resolved. These are the terms a family agrees to abide by, including child custody, visitation time, relocation, and more.
Spousal maintenance or alimony is not regulated by any base guidelines. Instead, the decision to award support is based on individual circumstances, and the amount and duration of support can vary. If the option for maintenance is waived, that decision is irrevocable. Considering the importance of support during a divorce, it is in your best interests to consult with an experienced family law attorney.
In legal separation, the decisions that you make regarding your family home, parenting time and other matters can have a significant impact on your future. Together, we can make the right choices to protect your interests and your future.
Colorado is one of 16 states that observe common law marriages and the divorces that may follow. However, the dissolution of these unions can be trickier than with traditional marriages.
In Colorado, the law states that the division of assets should be equitable. The word equitable does not, however, mean equal. You will need a lawyer who can help you navigate these terms and their meanings. If necessary, I can also discuss asset valuation and business valuation.
Seeing children regularly and being able to support them as they grow is a very high priority for parents. I can help with custody and visitation concerns as well as fathers' rights issues.
Every child deserves financial support from his or her parents. Child support is intended to provide for the child's necessities — most commonly food, clothing and shelter.
When life changes, you have to change with it. You may need to change the terms in your divorce decree if you or your former spouse has experienced a change or loss in income or the children are spending more time with one parent over the other.
Changes to child custody or parenting time must go through the court. This is especially true when one parent plans to move out of Colorado. Modification of the existing court order must generally be obtained prior to the move.
In Colorado, DNA testing may be used to establish paternity. Once paternity is established, child support may be ordered. The court may also establish parenting time for the father, depending on a series of factors.
I represent clients in matters related to stepparent adoption, kinship adoption and custodial adoption.
