Colorado Springs Contested Divorce Lawyer

Colorado Springs Contested Divorce Lawyer

Trusted Legal Support for High-Conflict Divorces

Divorce is never easy, but when spouses cannot agree on critical issues, it becomes a contested divorce. At Johnson Law Group, LLC, we understand how stressful and emotionally draining these cases can be. Whether you’re facing disputes over property division, child custody, or spousal support, our Colorado Springs contested divorce lawyers are here to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.

If you’re involved in a high-conflict divorce, having an experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference. We fight for fair resolutions while ensuring your voice is heard.

Going through a contested divorce? Protect your rights and secure your future. Contact us today at (720) 744-3513 for a free consultation!

What Is a Contested Divorce?

A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues, requiring court intervention to settle disputes. This process is often more complex, time-consuming, and emotionally challenging than an uncontested divorce.

Common areas of dispute include:

  • Division of assets and debts – Determining how property, savings, and debts are split.
  • Child custody and visitation – Establishing parenting time and decision-making authority.
  • Child support – Deciding how much financial support a child should receive.
  • Spousal maintenance (alimony) – Determining if one spouse should receive financial support.
  • Business or high-value asset division – Handling cases involving businesses, real estate, or large financial portfolios.

When disagreements arise, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge will make the final decision based on the evidence presented.

Reasons for Contested Divorces

Not every divorce is contested. However, there are signs to look for to know that you should be prepared for that process. If any of the following occur, you may want to file for a contested divorce, which will force your spouse to respond through served papers.

  • Your spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers.
  • There is an inability to reach a child custody, visitation, or support agreement.
  • There is a lack of collaboration on asset division, including physical property such as a home.
  • One spouse refuses to disclose financial information.
  • A parenting plan cannot be filed because of a disagreement.
  • There is evidence that one spouse intentionally harms the other by disparaging them in front of the children.
  • There is a disagreement on who is entitled to which assets.
  • One spouse is refusing to be supportive financially through child support or spousal support.
  • One spouse hires an attorney who is overly aggressive and applies pressure to agree to terms.

Dynamics of Contested Divorce

Contested divorces have their own set of dynamics.

  • They are often contentious.
  • There will be a hearing overseen by a judge.
  • The success of such divorces will depend on any prior preparation made for the case.

The hearings will consist of many components and could require any of the following:

  • If the case has issues involving the mental stability of one of the spouses, experts such as psychiatrists may be asked to testify.
  • There may be a need for character witnesses such as relatives, friends, or others.
  • If there is suspicion that assets have not been disclosed, there may be a need to introduce financial records and other documents.
  • There could be an effort to discredit the other spouse by introducing examples of infidelity or marital misconduct.

Complexities of Contested Divorces

In addition to the above elements of a contested divorce trial, the following complexities should be expected as well.

  • Attend an initial status conference, at which a judge will define the litigation process. They will identify major issues to be discussed and evidence that needs to be admitted.
  • There are attorneys for both sides, which can be costly due to the amount of time that they need to invest in the process.
  • The process will take longer because there is a longer period in which both spouses will gain information from each other during the “discovery phase.”
  • Depending on the nature of the dispute, court and attorney fees could be thousands of dollars.

There are opportunities to use mediators to help resolve contested divorces more easily than by strictly going to court.

How a Divorce Attorney Can Help

You enter marriage with the intention of forming a partnership with your spouse. Your divorce should have a similar partnership with someone who has your best interests in mind. This is how a divorce attorney can help. In addition to being a support for you during the difficult and stressful process, a divorce attorney can help in many ways. From gathering evidentiary information through the discovery process to helping to keep the emotions out of the mediation process, a divorce attorney has one goal in mind: to help you get the outcome you are looking for.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Contested Divorce Cost in Colorado?

A: Every divorce is different and comes with different dynamics. Depending on the needs of your case, the average contested divorce in Colorado could cost between $10,000 and $12,000. This amount includes legal fees, court filing costs, and other expenses that may be related to the case. If you can mediate your case, you could significantly save money.

Q: How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Colorado?

A: As with the cost of your case, the dynamics of your case could cause different timelines. A contested divorce can take up to six months on average. This could change depending on the court’s requirements for evidence in litigation or any mediation that takes place. The more the spouses can discuss their own agreements, the shorter the process will take.

Q: How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Colorado Springs?

A: The average cost of a divorce attorney in Colorado is between $150 and $250 per hour. Depending on the attorney’s experience or the type of client they serve, it could cost upwards of $650 per hour. Generally, the higher the price of the attorney, the more complex your case may be. When you first speak with an attorney, you should inquire about fees.

Q: Can I Contest a Divorce in Colorado?

A: Anyone can file for a contested divorce in Colorado. The legal system would like spouses to settle their divorce independently of the court as it is quicker and more amicable. However, if there are disagreements that the two cannot agree on, either party can seek a contested divorce, in which the court can help make the necessary agreements.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Contested Divorce in Colorado Springs

Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Johnson Law Group, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.