The decision to have a child results in significant personal responsibility. Parents have to provide for the basic needs of their child, from shelter and clothing to food and healthcare, until that child turns 18. Usually, married parents share those responsibilities...
Family Law
Division of Marital Property
In Colorado, marital property is divided equitably based upon the value on the day of the divorce, unless the parties agree otherwise. “Equitably” does not mean equal. The court’s division of marital property need not be exactly equal - just fair. Nonetheless, the...
Temporary Orders Hearings
Temporary Orders Hearings are authorized pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes, C.R.S. 14-10-108. “Temporary Orders” are orders that last until your case has been fully resolved by either reaching an agreement (i.e., settlement, separation agreement, and/or parenting...
Common Law Marriage in CO
In Colorado, there is no specific statute that recognizes common law marriages, but Colorado courts recognize common law marriage. If a person claims common law marriage, the judge presiding over the case will apply certain factors to determine if a common law...
How Colorado supports primary caregivers for children after divorce
Suppose you’re getting divorced and are concerned about getting enough child support. In that case, you’ll be pleased to know that child support is an important issue for Denver courts. The judge overseeing your divorce will consider the cost of raising the children...
Should I trade alimony for more marital assets?
Colorado is an equitable distribution state, meaning that spouses divide marital assets fairly and equitably, which may not mean half-half. The law splits assets by considering the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial needs, earning capacity, age, health,...
Why child support and parenting time aren’t interdependent
Whether you share custody of your child with your co-parent or you have primary custody, and they still have visitation rights, you may depend on your ex to pay their court-ordered child support in full and on time. Unfortunately, they can be unreliable in making...
Is it time to update the parenting plan?
Divorce involves making important decisions that will affect the family for years. Few of these decisions are more important than a parenting plan that determines custody, visitation, schedules, and other vital details that address the needs of the children. Over...
Long separations can be a big mistake
Some couples find themselves caught in a long-term separation rather than a divorce. The reasons may involve money, religious grounds, family pressures or a spouse's refusal to divorce. Some separate, clinging to the hope that they will reconcile; however, one study...
How to split debt during a divorce
Nearly everyone going into a divorce knows they will divide up assets, but they may not realize that couples also need to divide up their marital debts. From credit cards to mortgages, both parties share the responsibility of repayment. It can be challenging to spread...