How To Make Divorce Faster And Less Expensive in Colorado

Divorce has a reputation for being stressful, but there are things you can do to limit the loss of time and money and to limit the stress that divorce can bring. At my Brighton-area law firm — Tolison & Williams, Attorneys at Law, LLC — I often share with my clients a series of tips for making divorce faster and less expensive.

Sit Down And Talk About What Matters

If your spouse is amicable and you are reasonably able to discuss the issues you are facing, try to sit down and have a conversation about what's important. What would it look like if you were both content with your lives post-divorce? Knowing what you're aiming for makes it easier to make overall decisions about your divorce.

For example, if you and your partner can agree that you want to save as much money as possible, you might be willing to agree to an uncontested divorce in which you work out all issues on your own without an attorney's help. You can bring in an attorney to finalize your agreements in a legally binding document or to represent you at a hearing.

Agree To Uphold Your Parenting Ideals

If you have kids, talk about your beliefs regarding raising kids in two households. What goals do you have for your children in the divorce process? What things do you agree on as parents? When parents can agree not to take actions that hurt their children — like telling them about the other parent's shortcomings and bad behavior — they can both avoid those behaviors. The result is a divorce that's less stressful for the children.

Try Mediation

This approach can save money, too. Even if parents are not able to come to an agreement regarding child custody and parenting responsibility, they may be willing to mediate those issues. Mediation is generally considered to be less expensive than litigation. In mediation, you and your attorney will work with a certified mediator who can assist you and your spouse in coming to an agreement.

As a lawyer and a certified mediator, I have the capacity to assume both roles. Sometimes, I guide my clients through mediation as an attorney. Other times, I serve as a mediator for spouses represented by other lawyers.

Have Reasonable Expectations

The most important tip I can give is to have reasonable expectations about your divorce. Talk with your lawyer about your situation, get a clear picture of your assets and understand how the court may view your relationship with your children. The best way to achieve an inexpensive and quick divorce is to be realistic about the end of your marriage so that you can begin investing in your future.

Contact An Experienced Adams County Family Law Attorney

To set up a phone consultation, call my Adams County law firm at 303-500-7706 or fill out the contact form. I accept credit cards as a form of payment and offer mobile representation, working on your schedule in places that are convenient for you.