Lakewood Family Law Attorney

Lakewood Family Lawyer

Family law is a complex field that handles legal matters that involve family members. Whether you are seeking a divorce or separation, trying to establish paternity or collect child support, or want to adopt a child into your home, you can benefit from the experience and knowledge of a Lakewood family law attorney.

Hire a Family Law Attorney

At Pearson & Paris, P.C., we develop creative solutions to challenging family law problems. We protect the rights of parents regarding their children. Our firm helps families care for incapacitated loved ones and facilitates adoptions. In these and other areas of our practice, we are committed to achieving positive results for people in the Lakewood or Denver metro area. When you hire a family law attorney, you need someone compassionate and understanding.

Call 303-996-8610 with any questions you have related to family law matters in Colorado.

Families in Lakewood

According to the Centers for Disease Control and the National Center for Health Statistics, the divorce rate in Colorado as of 2023 is 2.8 per 1,000 population. Lakewood has a population of 156,865 as of the 2024 census. There are a total of 72,181 households, with 9% male-headed and 12% female headed. Less than half (43%) of the population were married, with 10% of male residents and 18% of female residents divorced.

Family law cases for Lakewood families are handled by the 1st Judicial District. Cases are heard at the Jefferson Combined Court located in Golden.

Types of Family Law Cases

It is never too early to contact a family law attorney. If you are thinking about getting a divorce, have been served by the court, are looking to adopt, or want to complete any type of family law case, you can contact a family law attorney before you get started or throughout the process if you need additional guidance or become overwhelmed. Family law attorneys practice in areas such as:

• Divorce or dissolution of marriage, whether you want to initiate the process or have been served by your spouse.
• Legal separation can divide property and create a spousal support or child support order without legally ending the marriage.
• Establishing paternity can be initiated by either the mother or the father to determine the child’s father.
• Allocation of Parental Responsibility involves establishing physical and legal custody of minor children and creating a parenting plan for visitation by the non-custodial parent.
• Child support orders establish payments from the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent to help with the necessities of raising a child.
• Adoption can be a long and costly process, but an attorney can help streamline the process and prevent you from wasting time or money on false services.
• Protection orders in the event of domestic violence or child abuse.

What Family Law Issue Do You Need To Address?

At Pearson & Paris, P.C., our attorneys provide compassionate counsel and strong representation in all types of family law matters, including:

• Divorce. If you are facing divorce, the decisions you make now could profoundly affect your future. Our attorneys can provide trusted guidance throughout the divorce process.
• Child custody. Custody arrangements are supposed to be based on the child’s best interests. We can help you resolve custody and parenting time issues effectively.
• Adoptions. Adoptions are a joyous event for a family but must be handled carefully. We can take care of all necessary legal aspects of the adoption.
• Post-decree modifications. Circumstances sometimes result in a need to change the terms of a divorce decree.

We can also provide effective representation for:

• Prenuptial and post-marital agreements. Our attorneys can guide you in protecting assets through the creation of a prenup or a post-marital agreement.
• Domestic violence issues. Incidents of family violence are always sensitive. We can make sure your rights and interests are protected.

How We Work on Your Behalf in Divorce Cases

Much of our work involves guiding people through the divorce process and resolving related matters involving children, property, support and maintenance. We develop a customized plan of action for every client. In your case, our attorneys can listen closely as you discuss your goals, your concerns and your hopes for the future.

Then we will respond with a strategy and plan designed to help you make a successful transition to life after divorce. You should have confidence, knowing that our experienced law firm is working diligently on your behalf.

Benefits of Hiring a Family Law Attorney in Lakewood, CO

When you are facing legal challenges, you may think the added expense of a family law attorney isn’t worth it, but there are many benefits to having a family law attorney to protect your rights and represent your interests. Some of the benefits include:

• Local knowledge. When you hire a Lakewood family law lawyer, you benefit from their knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and the experience they have working within local courts.
• Make informed decisions. Family law cases are often emotional. With a trusted family law attorney, they can offer you advice and explain the process so you can make informed decisions from a place of understanding instead of emotion.
• Protect your assets. Family law cases may not seem as serious as criminal cases, but they can have long-term financial consequences if handled haphazardly. Your attorney can help you make smart decisions about your long-term goals.
• Negotiation skills. Family law attorneys understand the importance of negotiations and can assist you in negotiating whether you are dividing assets in a divorce, developing a parenting plan, or handling any complex family situation.
• Represent you in court. If your case has to go before a judge, they can speak on your behalf and tell your story in a clear way so the judge understands your needs.
• Legal protection. Family law cases can get highly emotional very quickly. It can be difficult to decipher empty threats from actionable ones. A family law attorney can be especially helpful in situations where domestic violence or abuse has occurred.

FAQs About Lakewood, CO Family Laws

How Much Does a Family Law Attorney Cost in Colorado?

The cost to hire a family law attorney in Colorado is based on several factors. Depending on the type of family law case, you could be charged a flat fee for services or an hourly rate. When an hourly rate is used, the cost is influenced by the experience of the attorney and the complexity of the case. You may also be required to pay a retainer fee upfront before work can officially begin on your case.

What Rights Do Fathers Have in Colorado?

The rights that fathers have in Colorado are determined based on whether the father was married when the children were born. Married fathers have the same rights as mothers during a divorce. Unmarried fathers have to establish paternity before they can exercise their rights to custody or visitation with their children. When establishing child custody, Colorado does not automatically favor 50/50 custody, but many parents do receive 50/50 custody.

How Are Assets Divided in a Divorce?

During a divorce, marital assets are divided based on individual circumstances, as Colorado is an equitable distribution state. Judges often divide assets nearly equally, but fairness is prioritized over an equal 50/50 division. Only marital assets are divided. Separate property is retained by the original owner. Items such as individual gifts and inheritances remain separate property even if they are obtained during the marriage.

What Is the Biggest Mistake You Can Make During a Child Custody Case?

During a child custody case, the biggest mistake you can make is losing sight of what is in the best interests of the child. Judges make decisions about custody and parenting time based on what is in the best interest of the child, taking actions that could harm the child or cause parental alienation demonstrates to the judge that a parent may not be fit to be the custodial parent.

Do I Have to Have a Family Law Attorney?

No, there is no legal obligation to have a family law attorney when dealing with family law cases, but there are some disadvantages to representing yourself. In court, you are held to the same standard as an attorney when it comes to court procedures and deadlines. Family law matters can be serious, with long-term consequences if the result is unfavorable. Unless your case is simple and straightforward, you could benefit from legal representation.

Contact Our Lakewood Family Law Attorneys at Pearson & Paris, P.C. Today

Pearson & Paris, P.C. is your trusted law firm here to help you solve whatever legal challenge you are facing. Contact Pearson & Paris, P.C., today to schedule an initial consultation with our lawyers about your family law matter. Call today for an appointment or complete the brief online form. We serve all of Colorado.