Divorce Costs in Colorado – Why is it So Expensive? -

Child Custody, Family Law

Divorce Costs in Colorado: Why It’s Impossible to Provide an Exact Estimate

When facing a divorce, one of the most pressing concerns is how much it will cost. As an experienced divorce attorney in Colorado, I often hear this question, and the truth is that determining exact divorce costs in Colorado is extremely difficult. Divorce expenses vary greatly depending on numerous factors that can dramatically affect both the length and complexity of the case. Here, we’ll explore these factors and explain why the cost of divorce in Colorado is so variable.

What Influences Divorce Costs in Colorado?

1. Level of Litigation

The biggest driver of divorce costs in Colorado is how cooperative—or litigious—the other party is. If your spouse contests every point, files numerous motions, and pushes for court intervention, legal costs will rise significantly. On the other hand, if both parties are open to negotiation, divorce costs can be kept lower.

2. Court-Appointed Professionals (CFI and PRE)

In child custody cases, divorce costs in Colorado can increase with the appointment of a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) or a Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE). These experts provide important reports, but their fees are often substantial, especially in complex custody disputes.

3. Division of Assets and Debts

The division of shared assets and debts plays a major role in Colorado divorce costs. Couples with significant assets, shared debt, or complex property (like self-employed businesses) will face higher legal fees, particularly if business valuations or appraisals of personal assets such as art collections or rare collectibles are required.

4. Custody, Child Support, and Maintenance (Alimony)

Issues involving child custody, child support, and maintenance (alimony) can significantly impact divorce costs in Colorado. Even in uncontested divorces, determining the appropriate child support and maintenance requires careful financial review, and disputes in these areas can quickly escalate legal expenses. Many times, our attorneys at Colorado Lawyer Team see cases lingering and we must supplement financials several times throughout the life of a case due to a change in financial circumstances.

5. Outside Experts Needed for Testimony

In certain divorce cases, especially those involving child custody, domestic violence, or allegations of substance abuse, the need for outside experts can significantly increase divorce costs in Colorado. For example, if there are mental health concerns, psychologists or therapists may need to provide existing records, conduct new evaluations, and/or testify in court. Physicians may also need to be consulted regarding a parent’s or child’s physical or emotional well-being. Additionally, substance use evaluations may be required if there are accusations of drug or alcohol abuse. In cases where child safety is a concern, Child Protective Services (CPS) or school personnel might be called to testify about the child’s welfare or educational needs. Each of these professionals charges for their time, whether it’s preparing reports, attending depositions, or appearing in court, which can dramatically increase your overall costs. These evaluations and expert testimonies, while often necessary, contribute to making the process more complex and expensive.

Temporary Orders and Emergency Hearings Add to Costs

Many people underestimate how much temporary orders or emergency hearings can drive up divorce costs in Colorado. Temporary orders hearings or motions to restrict parenting time require court appearances, which can add thousands to your total bill. In emergency situations requiring restraining orders, the need for immediate legal action also increases legal costs significantly. Our team will drop other cases and focus solely on the emergency situation to ensure our clients’ safety and that of their families are a priority. This can lead to increased attorney workload, thereby increasing costs.

Reducing Costs Through Mediation

Despite the potential for high divorce costs in Colorado, mediation offers a more cost-effective alternative. By settling disputes outside of court, you can keep costs lower and finalize the divorce more quickly. Mediation is especially beneficial in uncontested or minimally contested divorces, where both parties are willing to compromise. But even if there are partial agreements on some aspects of the divorce, it can significantly reduce the time spent preparing for and ultimately litigating at Permanent Orders.

Cost Breakdown: What to Expect for Divorce in Colorado

Although every case is different, here is a general range of divorce costs in Colorado based on common scenarios. Keep in mind these are only estimates and are not meant to be quotes unique to your case. Attorneys in family law matters, typically charge hourly, so these are not caps on fees. You will also routinely be responsible for your own costs, which the firm may advance on your behalf and recoup later.

Uncontested Divorce (With Mediation): $5,000 – $10,000
Moderately Contested Divorce: $10,000 – $25,000
High-Conflict Divorce (With Business Valuations, Child Custody Disputes): $25,000 – $100,000+
Complex, High-Asset Divorce: $100,000+

These figures provide a rough idea, but Colorado divorce costs can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of your case. The longer a case goes on, the higher the fee will end up being. The more litigious the parties, the higher the fee. If there are allegations of domestic violence, child abuse, or other complex matters, the higher the fee.

Billing Structure for Divorce in Colorado

Our firm’s billing structure ensures that your divorce costs in Colorado are tied to the time spent on your case:

Attorney Time: $350/hour
Paralegal Time: $185/hour
Administrative Assistant Time: $75/hour

Understanding how our team is compensated allows you to see how Colorado divorce costs accumulate based on the complexity and duration of your case. We have done our best to mitigate the cost to divorce in Colorado, however, by offering a unique three-tiered system of representation. We offer DIY representation, unbundled or limited scope representation, as well as full scope representation. Each of these three tiers has a different trust account threshold that must be maintained throughout the case (see LawPay’s explainer on evergreen retainers for more info on replenishment). All trust accounts are replenished biweekly at Colorado Lawyer Team to help keep payments in smaller chunks whenever possible.

Conclusion: Why It’s Impossible to Estimate Divorce Costs in Colorado

Ultimately, no attorney can give you a precise estimate of divorce costs in Colorado. While some cases may be settled quickly and affordably, others—especially those involving contested custody, significant assets, or emergency hearings—can become lengthy and expensive. However, we are here to guide you through the process, ensuring transparency in billing and a clear understanding of what to expect. See more about our Family Law Services here: https://colawteam.com/family-law/.

Contact Us About Help with Your Divorce in Colorado Today

If you have more questions about divorce costs in Colorado or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our office today at 970-670-0738 or fill out our contact form here on the website. We’ll work with you to create a tailored plan based on your unique situation.