For some, their experience with family law is cause for celebration, like adopting a child or getting a fresh start after a mutual breakup. However, family law is often more of a challenge than a celebration, such as fighting in child custody disputes or domestic violence cases. If you are facing this type of legal matter, an experienced Denver family lawyer could assist you. The attorneys at Colorado Lawyer Team understand that these cases present many complex issues and cause all kinds of emotions. Such cases must be handled with compassion and legal experience. Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation.
Why Hire Us for Your Denver Family Law Matter?
Family law cases affect practically every area of your life: your children, your finances, and your future. At Colorado Lawyer Team, we handle a wide range of matters for individual clients and families across the Denver metropolitan area, including Cherry Creek, Washington Park, and more. When you hire one of our skilled and compassionate lawyers, you gain the following advantages:
- Holistic Representation: When you hire us, we look at your entire situation. When you’re going through a divorce, for example, we can help you address all aspects of the separation, including child custody arrangements, property division, child support, spousal maintenance, and more. You won’t need to hire multiple lawyers for your different needs.
- Compassionate Guidance: Family law issues are emotionally charged. We get it. That’s why our Denver family lawyers listen to you as well as provide legal advice and practical solutions. When it comes to situations affecting your financial security and rights as a parent, we explain things clearly and help you make decisions that protect what you value most.
- Responsive Communication: When you call or email, we respond promptly. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We return calls the same business day and set you up on a confidential portal where you can message the entire team for an even faster response. You’ll never wonder what’s happening or feel left in the dark about important decisions.
- Realistic Expectations: We give you honest assessments of your legal case from the beginning. If negotiation or mediation services make sense for your contested divorce, we’ll tell you. If you need to go to court, we’ll prepare you for what to expect. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome while avoiding false promises or unrealistic timelines.
- Service Across the State: We serve clients throughout Denver and the Metro area, as well as Northern Colorado, rural plains areas, and I-70 mountain communities. If your family law case involves parties in different parts of the state, don’t worry – we can represent you!
We’re an all-woman firm founded by Justie Nicol, a former Deputy District Attorney who’s been on both sides of the courtroom. We know what it means to work for a living and juggle multiple responsibilities: we are parents ourselves. That’s why our family law team keeps costs down by using technology like Zoom calls and offering flexible payment options for our legal services. We also offer free 30-minute phone consultations to discuss your case and help you decide how to proceed.
The Difference Between Contested and Uncontested Divorce in Denver
When pursuing a dissolution of marriage, you have two options: contested or uncontested divorce. In an uncontested divorce, the couple has resolved all marital issues between themselves and may put their decisions in a marital settlement agreement. These cases generally move more quickly through the Colorado family law court system and save the divorcing parties considerable time and money.
If the parties disagree on any family law issue, like custody or spousal support (known as Maintenance in Colorado), the divorce is considered “contested.” In a contested divorce, the court makes decisions about the case at a Permanent Orders Hearing, the final stage of the marriage dissolution process. This is the “trial” at the end of your case. At this hearing, a court may consider evidence relating to custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and the division of assets and debts as well as items of personal property or real estate. An order or divorce decree issued by a judge following this hearing is binding for both parties.
Whether by drafting a marital settlement agreement in an uncontested divorce or representing a party in court at a Permanent Orders Hearing, a skilled Denver divorce attorney could be an invaluable resource in a dissolution of marriage action.
A Knowledgeable Family Attorney Could Assist in Other Legal Matters
Our family lawyers in Denver routinely handle divorce cases. However, they can also assist with other issues and disputes between family members.
Determining Parental Responsibilities
Colorado doesn’t use the term “custody” anymore. Courts now refer to “parental responsibilities,” which include decision-making authority (education, health care, religion) and parenting time (physical care and contact schedule). The court determines the allocation of parental responsibilities in accordance with the best interests of the child.
Parents always have the option of coming to their own arrangements, and judges will generally approve these parenting plan agreements as long as they appear to be in the child’s best interests. But if there’s any suggestion of parental alienation or child endangerment, the court can deny them.
Calculating Child Support
Regardless of the custodial arrangement, both parents must financially support their child. Under Colorado Revised Statutes §14-10-115, a judge may consider multiple factors when determining child support, including the parents’ financial resources and the child’s standard of living. The formula for calculating the specific amount of support is complex and includes the parents’ respective incomes, how much time their child spends with each of them, and whether the child has any special needs. Accurately determining child support using the Colorado Child Support Guidelines can be challenging. A knowledgeable attorney understands these guidelines and could help a parent calculate the correct support amount.
Negotiating a Fair Asset Division
Colorado is an equitable distribution state, which means that if you and your spouse can’t agree on how to divide marital property, the court will make that decision. Colorado courts are required to divide marital property equitably, which simply means “fairly.” It is important to note that the term “equitable” doesn’t necessarily mean a 50-50 asset division like community property states aim for. The court could divide everything 60/40 or in some other manner, depending on the circumstances. Our Denver family lawyers will aim to help you secure a fair share of your marital estate.
Protection Orders from Domestic Violence
State laws surrounding domestic violence are intended to protect victims and punish offenders. For example, we can help an abused spouse or partner seek either a Mandatory Protection Order or get a civil restraining order (or both), and request that the abuser be prohibited from contacting them and, in some cases, their children. On the other hand, if you’re wrongfully accused of domestic violence, we can help you address the charges and its impact on your family law situation.
At Colorado Lawyer Team, our Denver family lawyers bring years of experience to your case. Whether you need help with an uncontested divorce or are struggling to collect child support from a delinquent spouse, we will give your matter the dedication, urgency, and respect it deserves.
FAQS
Can I Still Get a Divorce in Denver If My Spouse is Against It?
Yes. Colorado is a no-fault divorce state. The only legal ground for divorce is that the marriage is irretrievably broken, so if you make that assertion, your case can proceed. If your spouse refuses to cooperate, the worst that will happen is that the divorce becomes contested.
The main difference between an uncontested divorce and a contested one is time and expense. Uncontested cases usually reach resolution faster and with lower legal fees. Contested cases take longer and increase costs, although our Denver family lawyers make all reasonable attempts to resolve your divorce as soon as possible and mediation is ordered in nearly ever case to avoid unnecessary litigation.
Can a Child Decide Which Parent He or She Wants to Live With?
No. Colorado law doesn’t set a fixed age for a child to choose which parent they want to live with. That said, family court judges normally consider a child’s custody preferences if they’re mature enough to express a “reasoned and independent” opinion on the matter, but it’s not a sole determining factor. Instead, the court looks at many criteria, including the child’s relationship with each parent, the stability, mental and physical health of everyone involved, and past patterns of parental involvement.
If you have questions about how your child’s wishes might affect your custody case in Denver, contact Colorado Lawyer Team. We handle custody battles with a focus on dispute resolution, and can explain how Colorado courts will weigh your child’s preferences alongside other factors.
What if My Spouse Appears to Be Hiding Marital Assets?
Pursuant to the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure 16.2, all parties must openly acknowledge and list their assets as part of the divorce, but not everyone cooperates. Common tactics include:
- Intentionally paying more than they owe to the IRS or a creditor to get a refund later
- Taking funds out of joint accounts and putting them in individual accounts
- Requesting late payments from customers (if the spouse has a business)
- Concealing cryptocurrency accounts and other digital assets
- Making arrangements with friends and family members to loan them money or repay alleged loans with their agreement to return the money after the divorce
If you suspect that your spouse is hiding marital assets, let your Denver divorce lawyer know. They can subpoena any documents needed to reveal discrepancies and other evidence of a spouse’s hidden assets. Hiring a forensic accountant to identify and track concealed funds sometimes becomes necessary during a contentious divorce.
Speak to a Capable Denver Family Attorney Today
This area of Colorado law is complicated, and therefore, it is wise to have trusted legal representation from a Denver family lawyer as early in your case as possible. You may risk losing your rights by attempting to represent yourself in a family-related dispute. Contact the Colorado Lawyer team today at (970) 538-9210 and get help with your case.
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