Fort Collins Contested Divorce Lawyer

Fort Collins Contested Divorce Lawyer

Fort Collins Contested Divorce Attorney

There are a multitude of reasons two people who once loved each other may find themselves deciding to separate and divorce. Financial burdens, infidelity, or simply not feeling the spark any longer can create a rift that may seem impossible to overcome. When children are involved, the decision to divorce can be even more difficult. If you are contemplating divorce or have already filed for one and expect it to be contested by your spouse, you need an experienced Fort Collins contested divorce lawyer on your side.

At Johnson Law Group, our attorneys have experience handling both contested and uncontested divorces. We understand your challenges and will work diligently to protect what is most important to you and your family. From day one, we will be by your side, ensuring you understand the process and know what to expect at every step.

Overboard: How to Avoid Sinking in Your Colorado Family Law Case

Written by Denver Family Law Attorney Myles S. Johnson

Divorce doesn’t have to be dramatic. For the litigants, losing your spouse is significant enough. But you can choose the way it affects your daily life. The only guarantee I can give is that the feeling that you have right now will not be the feeling you end with. This is a season in your life, and it must be approached that way.

This acclaimed book positions Johnson Law Group as a thought leader in Colorado family law, providing clients with the same proven strategies that have guided hundreds of families through successful outcomes.

Family Law Alternative Solutions to a Contested Divorce

Though divorcing couples may struggle over disagreement with commonly contested issues, they may agree on wanting to avoid going to court. When this is the case, a few alternative family law solutions to a contested divorce may work. These include:

  • Collaborative Law: Collaborative law is when both parties and their attorneys work together to agree on the divorce’s terms. If they are successful, they will draft a legal document filed with the court. This is often an attractive option for couples looking to maintain a civil relationship after the divorce.
  • Divorce Mediation: In divorce mediation, both parties meet with a neutral third-party mediator who will help them try to agree on the terms of their divorce. The mediator does not make any decisions but helps facilitate communication and understanding between the two parties. This is good for couples who want more control over their divorce’s outcome.
  • Arbitration: Arbitration is a process where both parties present their case to an arbitrator who will then decide on the terms of the divorce. This is often a good option for couples who want to avoid going to court but are unable to agree on their own.

Going to court is not an inevitable outcome when getting a divorce. There are several family law alternative solutions to a contested divorce that may be more beneficial for you and your spouse to consider.

What to Expect in a Contested Divorce

If you are in a contested divorce, it’s important to understand how you can best be prepared. Here are a few things you can expect:

  • It will take longer: A contested divorce can take months or even years to resolve, whereas an uncontested divorce can be completed in as little as a few weeks. Not being able to come to an agreement on the terms of your divorce dramatically impacts how quickly both parties can move on with their lives.
  • It will be more expensive: A contested divorce is also typically more expensive than an uncontested divorce. This is because contested divorces often require more time from legal stakeholders which can rack up additional legal fees. For some, the added cost may be worth it if they feel they need to fight for what’s fair. For others, this may influence some of their decisions about what to fight for in the divorce.
  • You may need to go to court: If you are unable to come to an agreement on the terms of your divorce, and you have not found success in any alternative dispute resolution methods, you may need to go to court. This means that a judge will make binding decisions about your divorce. Going to court can also be a lengthy and expensive process that can take its toll emotionally.
  • You will need to compromise: In a contested divorce, both parties will need to be willing to compromise to come to an agreement. This means that both parties will need to be willing to give up some of what they want in order to reach a resolution. For some, this can be a difficult pill to swallow. But for others, it may be worth it to finally have the divorce resolved.
  • You will need to communicate: In a contested divorce, both parties must be able to communicate effectively to reach an agreement. This means being able to listen to each other, as well as being able to express your own needs and wants. If you are not able to communicate effectively, having the support of a mediator or lawyer is beneficial.

frequently asked questions

contested divorce

What Is a Contested Divorce?

contested divorce occurs when both individuals trying to dissolve a marriage cannot agree on one or more of the terms of their legal separation, such as child custody, property division, or spousal support. It’s a scenario where their disagreement is so strong that their divorce proceedings halt and often require a judge’s intervention to decide on their behalf. Once the judge has made a ruling, the divorce can then move forward and is officially no longer contested.

Atención Personalizada

Cada familia es única, y también lo es cada asunto de derecho de familia. Siempre nos tomamos el tiempo necesario para comprender completamente su situación y adaptar nuestro asesoramiento y estrategia como corresponde.

Supportive Counsel

Highly Recommended

Individualized Attention

Supportive Counsel

We never lose sight of the fact that divorce and other household conflicts can feel overwhelming. Our family lawyers will answer all of your questions to ease your burden in this difficult time.

Highly Recommended

Our clients often take the time to write and thank us, not only for the results we have earned for them but also for the respect we’ve shown them.

Our Attorneys

Meet Your Legal Team

At Johnson Law Group, our team of skilled and understanding legal professionals proudly provides comprehensive and efficient legal services for all clients.

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.

Contact Johnson Law Group Today

If you are heading into or are in the middle of a contested divorce, it is important to seek legal assistance. The divorce lawyers at Johnson Law Group can help you navigate this difficult process and ensure that your rights are protected. 

Contact us today to schedule and be on your way to a fresh start.