If you’re planning a divorce in Colorado, you’re probably overwhelmed by the process ahead. There are several divorce types to consider in this state, so take a look at this Colorado family law guide to learn about your divorce options.
Legal Separation
This option doesn’t legally end a couple’s marriage, but it allows them to divide property, establish child custody, split debt, and live separate lives the way a divorce would. However, with legal separation, the couple can reconcile, and they also have the insurance and tax benefits associated with marriage.
Annulment
An annulment ends a couple’s marriage but it differs from divorce in that annulment removes the marriage from public records. This option effectively erases the marriage from existence, but certain conditions need to be met in order to qualify for an annulment.
Uncontested Divorce
In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree that they want to end their marriage. In these cases, the couple needs to come to an agreement about the various elements of the divorce (child custody, property division, etc.) and file the appropriate paperwork to proceed. From there, the court respects the agreements that the divorcing couple has reached.
Collaborative Divorce
This option is similar to an uncontested divorce, but during a collaborative divorce, both parties are joined by their respective lawyer so that they can more adequately reach agreements on the legal elements of their divorce. While these cases involve more divorce law services being provided by attorneys, the cases are typically kept out of courtrooms entirely.
Mediated Divorce
Mediated divorces are an option for divorcing couples who are struggling to come to an agreement but would rather not pursue the case in court. With this option, both parties work with a mediator, which is an unbiased third party who may or may not be an attorney. This third party works with both spouses (and/or their attorneys) to help them find common ground and find solutions for various issues they’re facing during the divorce process.
Litigated Divorce
Litigated divorces are those that end up in courtrooms. When divorcing couples can’t reach any form of agreement regarding the elements of the case, a judge oversees the divorce proceedings and makes judgments that are deemed fair for both parties or are in keeping with the laws of the state of Colorado. Each party works with a Colorado family law attorney, who provides them with legal representation and advice throughout the case. After the court hearing, the judge orders the divorce according to the terms he or she has determined.
When you’re ready to proceed with your divorce in any of the above methods, contact the COLaw Team. Our Colorado divorce and family lawyers are knowledgeable, supportive, and can provide you with exceptional representation throughout your case.
