Colorado Springs Divorce Attorney

The Divorce Process in Colorado

The divorce process follows a legal framework designed to protect both spouses. Here are the key steps:

1. Filing the Petition – One spouse files a petition for divorce, officially starting the legal process.
2. Serving the Other Spouse – The non-filing spouse must be legally notified and given time to respond.
3. Financial Disclosures – Both parties must provide financial documents, including income, assets, and debts.
4. Negotiation & Mediation – Many divorces go through mediation to reach agreements on key issues before trial.
5. Court Hearings (If Necessary) – If spouses cannot agree, the case may go before a judge for final decisions.
6. Final Divorce Decree – Once all issues are settled, the court finalizes the divorce, making all rulings legally binding.

Our attorneys guide you through each step, ensuring your rights are protected and advocating for the best possible outcome.

Contested - Uncontested Divorce

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all aspects of the divorce, including property division, custody, and support. This type of divorce is typically:

• Faster and less expensive since court involvement is minimal.
• Less stressful because both parties negotiate and agree on terms.
• More private as fewer legal disputes mean less public court documentation.

If you and your spouse can reach an agreement, an uncontested divorce can be a smoother and more cost-effective option.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce happens when spouses cannot agree on one or more major issues, requiring court intervention. This process:

• Takes longer due to hearings, discovery, and possible trials.
• Is more expensive due to legal fees and court costs.
• Can be emotionally challenging if conflicts are high between spouses.

If your divorce is contested, having an experienced attorney is crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring a fair resolution.

Divorce is stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Contact us now at (719) 624-8712 for a consultation with a trusted Colorado Springs divorce attorney!

Division of Assets & Debts in Divorce

Colorado follows equitable distribution laws, meaning assets and debts are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. This includes:

• Marital Property – Assets acquired during the marriage, such as homes, vehicles, bank accounts, and investments.
• Separate Property – Assets owned before the marriage or received as gifts or inheritances.
• Debt Division – Loans, credit card debt, and other liabilities must be divided fairly.

If disputes arise over asset division, our attorneys fight for your fair share of marital property.

Child Custody & Support in Divorce

If children are involved, determining custody and child support is one of the most important aspects of divorce. Colorado courts prioritize the child’s best interests when making custody decisions, considering:

• Each parent’s involvement in the child’s life.
• The child’s relationship with each parent.
• The ability of each parent to provide a stable home.
• Any history of abuse, neglect, or substance issues.

Child support is determined based on:

• Each parent’s income and financial situation.
• The child’s needs, including healthcare and education.
• The number of overnight stays each parent has with the child.

We advocate for fair custody and support arrangements that prioritize your child’s well-being.

Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) in Colorado

Spousal maintenance (also known as alimony) may be awarded if one spouse needs financial support after divorce. Courts consider:

• The length of the marriage.
• Each spouse’s income and earning ability.
• The lifestyle maintained during the marriage.
• Whether one spouse sacrificed career opportunities for the family.

Our attorneys fight for fair alimony agreements, ensuring financial stability for our clients. 

How Can a Divorce Attorney Help You?

Divorce attorneys provide invaluable assistance with many different aspects of the divorce process, including:

• Custody agreements: Parents must decide how to maintain healthy relationships with their children after divorce. Ideally, they reach a mutually agreeable solution, subject to court approval. If not, a judge will rule based on the children's best interests. An attorney can help negotiate an amicable agreement or pursue an equitable one in court.
• Property division: Property division in divorce determines asset ownership. Common considerations include equitable distribution of marital property and determining family home ownership. According to Colorado law, a lawyer can help compile a complete list of assets, safeguard separate property, and work toward a fair division of the marital estate. They may also engage experienced to provide asset valuations.
• Child support: This monthly payment from the non-custodial to the custodial parent helps cover children's expenses. Determinations follow a formula based on income and each parent's care responsibility. Full financial disclosure is essential. An attorney can analyze this information to see if it provides adequate children's support and resources.
• Spousal support: Also known as alimony or maintenance, this payment from one spouse to the other can occur during or after divorce. It aims to prevent a dramatic post-divorce reduction in living standards. Spouses can agree on the amount and duration, or a judge will decide. Colorado law has specific requirements for receiving spousal support; an attorney can advise you on applicability.