Can You Get Attorney Fees in Your Colorado Divorce or Custody Case?

Yes, in some cases. Colorado law lets a court order one spouse to pay some or all of the other spouse’s attorney fees in a divorce, custody, or child support case, based on the financial resources of both parties, not on who wins or loses.

The purpose is to level the playing field when there is a real gap in income or assets, so the spouse with fewer resources is not forced to sit out the case or accept an unfair deal because they cannot afford a lawyer. This can be requested while the case is still going on, not just at the end. It is never automatic. The court looks closely at both parties’ actual financial circumstances before deciding, so whether this applies to you depends on the specifics of your situation.