Highlands Ranch Divorce Lawyer

Divorce Attorney in Highlands Ranch, CO

Going through a divorce can be an overwhelming process. A Highlands Ranch divorce lawyer can protect your legal rights during this difficult time in your life. It is necessary to ensure that you are aware of all the options available to you as you deal with issues such as property division, child custody, and parental rights.

The family law attorneys at Fuller & Ahern, P.C. have devoted their professional lives to helping clients overcome the stress of divorce. We value transparency and exceptional client communication. Our founding attorney, Susan Fuller, has been resolving family law matters for 30 years and is highly respected. Our staff is devoted to the Highlands Ranch community and helping individuals and families overcome legal challenges.

Divorce Laws in Colorado

The legal requirements regarding divorce in Colorado are comparable to those in many other states. Colorado permits no-fault divorce, which only mandates that the marriage be irretrievably broken. You do not need to assign fault to file for divorce. One of the spouses must have resided in the state for 91 days prior to the divorce, and courts require a 91-day waiting period after the parties file a divorce petition.

The parties must also produce financial disclosures. The primary reason for this is so the court can engage in the equitable distribution of marital property, which includes assets and income both parties acquired during the course of the marriage. These will be divided fairly, but not necessarily a 50/50 split.

Other crucial issues are regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities and determining parenting time and decision-making. Judges will decide these issues based on the best interest of the child standard. To determine what is in the child’s best interest, the court will assess the parties based on their relationship with the child, the child’s physical and emotional needs, the child’s adjustment to school and their community, the parents’ ability to cooperate, and any history of abuse.

If spouses do not agree on these vital issues, it will be a contested divorce and may proceed to litigation at the Douglas County Courthouse in Castle Rock, where a judge may make decisions at a permanent orders hearing. Contested divorces are often more complex and time-consuming than uncontested divorce cases.

Common Issues During Divorce Cases

Divorce cases often involve a variety of legal issues that can affect you, your former partner, and any children related to the case. The following are some of the areas where the most common legal disputes occur, related to divorce cases in Colorado: 

• Marital property division
• Debt
• Spousal maintenance
• Child support
• Allocation of parental responsibility disputes

All of these issues may be relevant to a divorce case and contribute to the time it takes to finalize the divorce.

The divorce rate in Colorado in 2023 was 2.8 per 1,000 people. You are not alone in going through this emotional process, and the compassionate and dedicated family law attorneys at Fuller & Ahern, P.C., can be by your side to support you every step of the way.

The Reasons You Should Hire a Divorce Lawyer

Hiring a divorce lawyer can be one of the most important things to do if you are considering a divorce from your spouse or have been served divorce papers and need to protect your rights.

Family law litigation can be contentious. Having a seasoned divorce attorney who provides legal advice, support, and representation can alleviate some of the stress you may feel as you begin going through divorce proceedings. Your attorney can safeguard your parental rights, advocate for fair property division, and guide you through any complications that emerge.

FAQs

What Is the Average Cost of a Divorce in Colorado?

It is difficult to determine an average cost for a divorce in Colorado. However, uncontested divorces are generally less expensive than contested divorces. Some of the factors that can increase the cost of a divorce are having complex assets or debts, the need to hire financial experts, the lack of cooperation of a spouse, or the need to proceed to litigation.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Divorce?

An uncontested divorce is the least expensive way to divorce. An uncontested divorce permits both individuals to make mutual decisions regarding financial support, property division, and the allocation of parental responsibilities. A joint petition is signed by both parties, and the filing fee must be paid. Parties who use this method generally pay less than those who have legal disputes regarding the terms of their divorce.

Who Pays for the Divorce in Colorado?

The parties who pay for a divorce in Colorado are both spouses. However, the court may obligate a spouse who earns a significantly higher income than the other to pay the costs of divorce. Both parties are required to pay unless a large income disparity exists that would make it unfair to require both parties to pay court costs.

What Is the First Step in Filing for Divorce in Colorado?

The first step in filing for divorce in Colorado is to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, a case information sheet, and, if not filing jointly, a summons with the court. Parties who agree on the divorce documents may both sign the petition. It is wise to seek help from a seasoned divorce attorney early in the process to make it as smooth as possible.

Reach Out to a Highlands Ranch Divorce Attorney Today – Fuller & Ahern, P.C.

Divorce is a life-altering experience, and many individuals feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and intimidated. You do not have to face the challenges of a divorce all on your own. Seeking out a skilled family law attorney can help you obtain the support you need to protect your assets, your parental rights, and your mental stability.

Our team of family law attorneys at Fuller & Ahern, P.C. treats clients with compassion and dignity. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation so we can help you understand your legal options.